Questions and Answers
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
Safety for yourself and for other road users.
What things should you check during a trip?
Watch gauges for signs of trouble, tires, wheels and rims, brakes, lights and reflectors, brake and electrical connections to trailer, trailer coupling devices, cargo securement devices.
Name some key steering system parts.
Steering wheel, steering wheel shaft, steering gear box, pitman arm, drag link, steering ring knuckle spindle, steering arms.
Name some suspension system defects.
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What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
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What is the minimum tread depth for front tires? For other tires?
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Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walk-around inspection.
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What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
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How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
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How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
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Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?
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How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
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What are two main things to look for ahead?
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What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
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What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?
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Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
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What three things add up to total stopping distance?
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If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
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Empty trucks have the best braking.
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What is hydroplaning?
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What is 'black ice'?
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How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
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If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?
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You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely.
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If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.
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What is a hazard?
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Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
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What are some tips to follow so you won't become a distracted driver?
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How do you use in-vehicle communications equipment cautiously?
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How do you recognize a distracted driver?
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What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?
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What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?
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What are some things you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?
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You should use low beams whenever you can.
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What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?
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What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?
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You should let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal.
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You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated.
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What factors determine your selection of a 'safe' speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?
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Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
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Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.
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What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?
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How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?
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Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency.
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What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
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What is an 'escape ramp'?
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If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.
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How do you know if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes?
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What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with anti-lock brakes?
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How do anti-lock brakes help you?
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What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?
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Name two causes of tire fires.
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What kinds of fires is A: B: C extinguisher not good for?
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When using your extinguisher, should you get as close as possible to the fire?
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Name some causes of vehicle fires.
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Common medicines for colds can make you sleepy.
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Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up.
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What is a hazardous materials placard?
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Why are placards used?
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What four things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?
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How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?
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How is Gross Combination Weight Rating different from Gross Combination Weight?
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Name two situations where legal maximum weights may not be safe.
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What can happen if you don't have enough weight on the front axle?
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What is the minimum number of tie-downs for any flatbed load?
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What is the minimum number of tie-downs for a 20-foot load?
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Name the two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed.
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What must you check before transporting a sealed load?
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Name some things to check in the interior of a bus during a pre-trip inspection.
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What are some hazardous materials you can transport by bus?
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What are some hazardous materials you can't transport by bus?
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What is a standee line?
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Does it matter where you make a disruptive passenger get off the bus?
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How far from a railroad crossing should you stop?
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When must you stop before crossing a drawbridge?
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Describe from memory the 'prohibited practices' listed in the manual.
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The rear door of a transit bus has to be open to put on the parking brake.
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Why must air tanks be drained?
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What is a supply pressure gauge used for?
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All vehicles with air brakes must have a low air pressure warning signal.
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What are spring brakes?
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Front wheel brakes are good under all conditions.
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How do you know if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes?
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Define the danger zone. How far does the danger zone extend around the bus?
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What should you be able to see if the outside flat mirrors are adjusted properly?
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You are loading students along the route. When should you activate your alternating flashing amber warning lights?
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You are unloading students along your route. Where should students walk to after exiting the bus?
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After unloading at school, why should you walk through the bus?
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What position should students be in front of the bus before they cross the roadway?
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Under what conditions must you evacuate the bus?
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How far from the nearest rail should you stop at a highway-rail crossing?
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What is a passive highway-rail crossing? Why should you be extra cautious at this type of crossing?
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What are Active Crossings?
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What are Advance Warning Signs?
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What do Pavement Markings mean?
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What do Cross-buck Signs indicate?
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How should you use your brakes if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS)?
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What is sleep 'debt'?
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What are the danger signals of drowsy driving?
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What are two causes of tire fires?
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Study Notes
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance
- Pre-trip inspections ensure safety for the driver and others on the road.
- Key components to check during trips include tires, brakes, lights, and cargo securement devices.
- Insufficient tire tread depth can impair grip; minimum is 4/32 inch for front tires, 2/32 inch for others.
Steering and Suspension Systems
- Essential parts of the steering system: steering wheel, gears, drag link, and steering arms.
- Common suspension defects include cracked spring hangers and leaking shock absorbers.
Emergency Equipment and Procedures
- Required emergency equipment includes safety gear, emergency contact numbers, and an accident reporting kit.
- Always carry three red reflective triangles for roadside visibility and safety.
Safe Driving Practices
- Maintain a safe following distance, typically four seconds for a 30-foot vehicle.
- Look ahead 12-15 seconds to anticipate lane changes and stops, using mirrors to monitor surroundings.
Handling Hazards and Distractions
- Recognize hazards and prepare emergency plans to extend reaction time.
- Avoid distractions by preprogramming devices, clearing the vehicle of unnecessary items, and maintaining focus.
Dealing with Aggression and Stress
- Distinguish between aggressive driving (rude behavior) and road rage (intent to harm).
- Use calming strategies to manage stress, such as listening to easy music and allowing extra travel time.
Vehicle Braking Techniques
- Test hydraulic brake systems for leaks by holding the pedal after pumping.
- Proper braking on steep downgrades involves gradual pressure and releasing when speed is safe.
Railroad and Hazard Awareness
- Stop between 15-50 feet from railroad crossings; be extra cautious at passive crossings with no signals.
- Recognize warning signs and pavement markings that indicate proximity to railroad crossings.
Cargo Safety and Load Management
- Check cargo regularly every three hours or 150 miles to ensure proper weight distribution.
- Minimum of two tie-downs is required for flatbed loads, ensuring safety during transport.
Student Safety on Buses
- Activate flashing amber lights 200 feet before loading or unloading students.
- Always walk through the bus after unloading to check for any students left behind.
Tires and Fire Safety
- Tire fires can arise from under-inflation or dual tires touching; be vigilant to prevent such hazards.
- Fire extinguishers should be used safely from a distance, and many common causes of vehicle fires should be recognized to prevent accidents.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
- Identify vehicles equipped with ABS by checking the instrument panel for an ABS indicator.
- When using ABS, brake normally; the system prevents wheel lock-up during emergency stops.
Drowsy Driving Awareness
- Sleep debt indicates a deficiency in adequate rest, affecting driving performance.
- Signs of drowsy driving include difficulty focusing, yawning, and erratic vehicle control.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the essential knowledge required for a CDL Class B certification. It covers vehicle inspection, safety checks during trips, and critical steering considerations. Perfect for aspiring commercial drivers to reinforce their understanding of safety and operational protocols.