Questions and Answers
When must a medical certificate be renewed?
Every two years
For a first-time offense of driving a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will lose your driver's license for how many years?
At least one year
What does implied consent mean?
You have given your consent to be tested for alcohol in your blood
An unsafe vehicle can be put out of service when?
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You must sign the previous driver's inspection report only when?
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Why is a broken exhaust system dangerous?
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You are stopped. You want to start driving uphill. What should you do?
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What does rough acceleration cause?
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You're starting your vehicle in motion from a stop. As you apply power to the drive wheels and they start to spin, what should you do?
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What is the proper way to hold the steering wheel?
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Which of these statements are true about backing a heavy vehicle?
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Backing a commercial vehicle is always dangerous.
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When parking your vehicle, you should?
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Which of these statements is true about double clutching and shifting?
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If you have a heavy load that is slowing you down on an upgrade, you should?
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You are driving a new truck with a manual transmission. What gear will you probably have to use to take a long steep downhill grade?
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Retarders can cause the drive wheels to skid when they have poor traction.
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Which of the following are types of retarders?
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What is the purpose of a retarder?
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How far should a driver look ahead of the vehicle while driving?
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The distance you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is?
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Good drivers shift their attention back and forth near and far.
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When should you check your mirrors?
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Many buses have curved mirrors (convex). What do these mirrors do?
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What is true about mirror adjustments?
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Convex or curved mirrors show what?
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What is the proper way to signal for a lane change?
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What should you do when you pass a vehicle?
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When you are passing another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, you should assume?
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You should signal continuously during turning because?
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When parked on the side of the road, when you place reflective triangles, you should?
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When you are parked at the side of the road at night, you must?
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Study Notes
Medical and Legal Regulations
- Medical certificates for commercial driving must be renewed every two years.
- First-time offenses for driving under the influence result in a license suspension for at least one year.
- Implied consent laws mandate that drivers consent to blood alcohol testing when driving.
Vehicle Safety and Maintenance
- Unsafe vehicles are placed out of service until repairs are completed.
- Defects noted in previous drivers’ inspection reports must be repaired before signing.
- A broken exhaust system can allow toxic fumes to enter the cab or sleeper berth, posing a health risk.
Driving Techniques and Maneuvers
- When starting uphill, engage the clutch partially and release the parking brake.
- Rough acceleration can damage coupling equipment and lead to passenger injuries but not tire damage.
- If drive wheels spin upon acceleration from a stop, release the accelerator to regain traction.
- The proper hand positioning on the steering wheel is with both hands on opposite sides for control.
- Backing a heavy vehicle requires slow movement, attentiveness to the viewing path, and turning towards the driver’s side.
Parking and Gear Management
- Always park in a manner that allows for pulling forward upon departure.
- Use the tachometer or road speed to determine the right moment to shift gears while driving.
- When experiencing slowdowns due to a heavy load on an upgrade, shift into a lower gear for better control.
- Lower gears are essential for descending steep grades with various vehicle weights safely managed.
Retarders and Driving Safety
- Retarders help reduce brake wear and assist in slowing down the vehicle, but can cause skids if traction is poor.
- Types of retarders include exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric; robotic systems are not classified as retarders.
Visual Awareness and Hazard Management
- Drivers should look 12 to 15 seconds ahead or about 1/4 mile at highway speeds.
- Effective drivers frequently shift their attention between near and distant views to enhance situational awareness.
- Regular mirror checks are necessary to identify potential hazards.
- Curved (convex) mirrors on buses provide a wider view but may distort size and distance perception.
Lane Change Procedures
- Signal early and change lanes smoothly for safety when intending to maneuver.
- When passing other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, be prepared for them to enter your lane unexpectedly.
- Use the horn lightly or change headlights from low to high beam when passing to alert other drivers.
Reflective Safety Measures
- When parked on the roadside, set up reflective triangles with the reflective side facing oncoming traffic to increase visibility.
- Activate four-way emergency flashers when parked on the roadside at night to warn other drivers.
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Description
Test your knowledge on essential California commercial driving regulations with these flashcards. Covering topics like medical certificate renewal and DUI penalties, this quiz is perfect for aspiring commercial drivers. Prepare effectively for your driving test and ensure you understand the laws in California.
