California CDL Class A Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum total length for a combination of truck/semitrailer?

65 feet

What is the maximum length for a tractor trailer and semitrailer combo?

75 feet (neither trailer can exceed 28 1/2 feet)

What is the maximum load length?

75 feet

What is the maximum load length for poles, timbers, pipes, missiles, tanks, etc.?

80 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum width for a vehicle or load?

102 inches (8 1/2 feet) or 108 inches including air-filled tires Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum measurement for lights, mirrors, etc. on the sides?

10 inches Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum width with a special Caltrans permit?

12 feet for trusses or similar one-piece construction components Signup and view all the answers

What is the height limit for vehicles?

14 feet Signup and view all the answers

A CDL is required for a single vehicle with a gross weight of what?

26,000 pounds or more Signup and view all the answers

How many passengers require a CDL?

10 or more Signup and view all the answers

What are the endorsement abbreviations for a CDL?

H, N, P, S, T, F Signup and view all the answers

How many points do you get for an accident?

1 for any accident; 2 points for reckless driving, driving intoxicated, and hit and runs Signup and view all the answers

How many points on your license will cause you to lose your CDL?

4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, 8 points in 36 months Signup and view all the answers

A CDL is required for any vehicle that tows what weight?

10,000 pounds or more Signup and view all the answers

What is the gross weight carried by any one axle?

20,000 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the gross weight placed on the highway by wheels of one axle?

18,000 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the gross weight placed on the highway by front or steering axle wheels?

12,500 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the gross weight on two consecutive sets of tandem axles?

34,000 each and 68,000 pounds total Signup and view all the answers

What are CHP uniform weight standards?

Technically won't allow you to proceed if you exceed limits by 100 pounds, in practice they allow for a 200 pound variation or 1,000-2,000 for livestock Signup and view all the answers

What is the speed limit for any truck/tractor with 3 or more axles?

55 mph Signup and view all the answers

What is the right lane rule?

Must drive in the right-hand lane or as close as possible to the right curb. Signup and view all the answers

What is the slow vehicle rule?

Must pull over at the nearest turnout if there are 5 or more vehicles waiting behind you Signup and view all the answers

What should you check as you approach your vehicle?

Oil, coolant, grease or fuel leaks, people, other vehicles, objects, branches or wires around the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What should you check for in the engine compartment?

Leaks/hoses, fluid levels, belts Signup and view all the answers

What should you check during the cab check/engine start?

Hood Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vehicle Specifications

Maximum combined length for truck/semitrailer: 65 feet.
Tractor trailer and semitrailer combo maximum length: 75 feet (each trailer max 28 1/2 feet).
Standard load length: 75 feet.
Load length limit for poles, timbers, and similar items: 80 feet.
Maximum vehicle/load width: 102 inches (8 1/2 feet), or 108 inches with air-filled tires.
Width allowance for lights/mirrors on sides: 10 inches.
Special Caltrans permit allows maximum width of: 12 feet for trusses/one-piece components.
Height limit for vehicles: 14 feet.

CDL Requirements

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is mandatory for single vehicles with a gross weight of 26,000 pounds or more.
CDL is needed for vehicles carrying 10 or more passengers.
Endorsements available: Hazmat (H), Tanks (N), Passenger (P), School Bus (S), Doubles/Triples (T), Firefighter (F).

License Points and Violations

Points for accidents: 1 point; Reckless driving/intoxicated/hit-and-run: 2 points.
Points leading to CDL loss: 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, 8 points in 36 months.

Weight Limits

Minimum towing requirement for CDL: 10,000 pounds.
Maximum gross weight per axle: 20,000 pounds.
Maximum weight on highway by one axle: 18,000 pounds.
Maximum gross weight on front/steering axle: 12,500 pounds.
Gross weight on two consecutive axles: 34,000 pounds each, total 68,000 pounds.
CHP allows a practical variation of 200 pounds over limits, or 1,000-2,000 for livestock.

Speed Limits and Lane Rules

Speed limit for trucks/tractors with 3 or more axles: 55 mph.
Must drive in the right-hand lane or as close to the curb as possible; the second lane on divided highways.
Slow vehicles must pull over if 5 or more vehicles are waiting behind.

Duty Status and Driving Time

Driver must maintain a record of duty status for inspection, ensuring compliance with hours of service.
Federal driving time limit: up to 11 hours after 10 hours off duty; California allows 12 hours.
On Duty Federal max: 14 hours; California max: 16 hours.
Ineligible to drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days if operating MCV daily.
Restart period for Federal/California drivers: 34 hours off duty after a consecutive work period.

Additional Regulations

Must take at least 10 consecutive hours off after driving 11 hours or being on duty for 14 hours.
May extend driving time by 2 hours only due to unforeseen weather conditions.
Report accidents to DMV and CHP resulting in death, injury, or damage exceeding $750.
Pre-vehicle check includes oil, coolant, leaks, and surrounding obstacles.
Engine compartment checks for leaks, fluid levels, and belts.
Cab checks include inspections for various systems before starting the engine.

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Description

Test your knowledge of California CDL Class A regulations with these flashcards. Each card presents essential information about trailer lengths and load specifications, crucial for aspiring truck drivers. Perfect for preparing for the commercial driver's license exam.