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.?
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What is the maximum width for a vehicle or load?
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What is the maximum measurement for lights, mirrors, etc. on the sides?
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What is the maximum width with a special Caltrans permit?
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What is the height limit for vehicles?
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A CDL is required for a single vehicle with a gross weight of what?
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How many passengers require a CDL?
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What are the endorsement abbreviations for a CDL?
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How many points do you get for an accident?
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How many points on your license will cause you to lose your CDL?
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A CDL is required for any vehicle that tows what weight?
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What is the gross weight carried by any one axle?
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What is the gross weight placed on the highway by wheels of one axle?
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What is the gross weight placed on the highway by front or steering axle wheels?
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What is the gross weight on two consecutive sets of tandem axles?
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What are CHP uniform weight standards?
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What is the speed limit for any truck/tractor with 3 or more axles?
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What is the right lane rule?
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What is the slow vehicle rule?
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What should you check as you approach your vehicle?
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What should you check for in the engine compartment?
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What should you check during the cab check/engine start?
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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.
Studying That Suits You
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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.