CDL General Knowledge Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How can you know you have the engine speed and road speed to shift gears?

By using the sound of the engine to know when to shift

What is true about downshifting before you reach a long downhill grade?

It helps prevent the brakes from overheating and losing braking power

When should you downshift for a curve?

Before entering the curve

What is the purpose of brake retarders?

To help slow down the vehicle and to reduce brake wear Signup and view all the answers

Should you turn the retarder off when the road is wet or snow-covered?

True Signup and view all the answers

How far ahead should you look while driving?

12 to 15 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is a good reason for knowing what the traffic is doing on all sides?

You need to have room to change lanes or stop Signup and view all the answers

Should you always be looking into the distance ahead?

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a problem that you can have when using your mirrors?

There are blind spots that your mirrors cannot show you Signup and view all the answers

Where do you place the three reflector triangles on a two-lane road?

Within 10 feet of the rear and 100 feet to the rear and 100 feet from the front Signup and view all the answers

Where do you place the three reflector triangles on a divided highway?

Place them to the rear within 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet Signup and view all the answers

What are three factors of total stopping distance with hydraulic brakes?

Perception distance, application distance, and braking distance Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your vehicle hydroplanes?

Release the accelerator and push in the clutch Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take to stop a heavy vehicle going 55 mph on dry level road?

About the length of a football field, roughly six seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is probably your best driving speed when traffic is moving 35 mph in a 55 mph zone?

35 miles Signup and view all the answers

How does tire pressure affect hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is more likely to occur when tire pressure is low Signup and view all the answers

How many times more distance does it take to stop when speed is doubled?

Four times as much distance Signup and view all the answers

What is a good rule as to the speed you should go when driving at night?

Be able to stop within the range of your headlights Signup and view all the answers

When driving over 40 mph, how much space should you try to keep in front of you?

At least one second for every 10 feet of your vehicle length plus one second Signup and view all the answers

What are some things to do if you are being tailgated?

Avoid quick changes of speed or direction Signup and view all the answers

Why can you never assume you will clear the heights posted at overpasses?

Some roads can cause your vehicle to tilt Signup and view all the answers

You wish to turn right and you must swing wide. What should you do?

Turn wide as you complete the turn Signup and view all the answers

If you are turning left, which lane should you use of two left turn lanes?

Use the right-hand lane Signup and view all the answers

At night where can you look to avoid the glare of oncoming traffic?

Try to look at the right side of the road and watch the sidelines Signup and view all the answers

What are some items to check especially before driving in winter weather?

Coolant level, windshield washer, and antifreeze Signup and view all the answers

How often should you check your tires when driving in very hot weather?

Every 2 hours or every 100 miles Signup and view all the answers

How do you lessen chances of having to make sudden moves to avoid hazards?

Watch far enough so that hazards can be anticipated Signup and view all the answers

What is a good policy for using your brakes when pulling off the road?

Try to avoid using your brakes until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph Signup and view all the answers

In making a quick turn, what is a point to remember?

Do not apply the brake when you are turning Signup and view all the answers

What is controlled braking?

Applying the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cargo blocking and bracing?

To keep cargo from sliding, falling, and getting out of balance Signup and view all the answers

Must you show your logbook to officers?

True Signup and view all the answers

How do you test hydraulic brakes for a leak with the vehicle stopped?

Pump brake pedal three times and apply firm pressure hold for five seconds Signup and view all the answers

How do you test hydraulic brakes for their stopping action?

Go about five miles per hour then push the brake pedal firmly Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum amount of tread depth that your tires should look for?

4/32 front and 2/32 back Signup and view all the answers

When checking tires, what are some problems that you should look for?

Bad wear, cuts or other damage, tread separation, cracked valve stems Signup and view all the answers

What are some steering system defects to look for?

Missing nuts or bolts or cotter keys or other parts Signup and view all the answers

What are some defects to look for in the suspension system?

Spring hangers that are cracked or broken Signup and view all the answers

In holding a steering wheel, what is the proper way to place your hands?

Firmly with your hands on opposite sides of the wheel Signup and view all the answers

What are some things to do when you are backing your vehicle?

Look at your path, back slowly, back straight Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are causes of vehicle fires? (Select all that apply)

Short circuits Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing you do if your vehicle catches fire while driving?

Pull off the road and park in an open area Signup and view all the answers

Water can be used to extinguish this type of fire?

Tire Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to put out a fire?

Stand upwind and spray the base of the fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the best thing to do if you are tired?

Get enough sleep Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about alcohol?

True Signup and view all the answers

If you do not have a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL, under what condition may you legally haul hazardous materials?

If the load does not require placards Signup and view all the answers

If you are asked to haul a placarded load you do not have HAZMAT endorsements, you should?

Refuse to take the load Signup and view all the answers

You should check your cargo how often?

Within 50 miles after beginning the trip, after you have driven 3 hours, after you take a break Signup and view all the answers

Overloading your trailer can result in the following EXCEPT:

True Signup and view all the answers

What are two factors in knowing when to shift?

Using engine speed and road speed Signup and view all the answers

A pre-trip inspection should be performed?

Before each trip Signup and view all the answers

What is a vehicle condition report?

A list of problems found by you Signup and view all the answers

What may rust around the wheel nuts mean?

The wheel nuts may be loose Signup and view all the answers

Wheels or rims that have been repaired by welding are:

False Signup and view all the answers

Exhaust system parts should not?

Rub against fuel system parts, tires, or other moving parts of the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

If the cargo contains any hazardous materials you must check to see if?

Placards are required Signup and view all the answers

To keep your vehicle from rolling back when you start up, you should?

Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake Signup and view all the answers

As soon as you see your trailer getting off the proper backing path, you should?

Turn the top of the steering wheel in the direction of the shift Signup and view all the answers

When traction is poor as in rain or snow, you should speed up?

Very gradually Signup and view all the answers

When backing a trailer you turn the steering wheel?

Opposite the direction you want to go Signup and view all the answers

When backing a trailer you may make corrections to reposition your vehicle by?

Pull-ups Signup and view all the answers

Whether backing a straight truck or a combination vehicle you back and turn?

Toward the driver's side Signup and view all the answers

If you are using a helper when you are backing, the helper should?

Agree with you as to a signal for STOP and stand where he can be seen by you Signup and view all the answers

Some newer vehicles have progressive shifting which means?

The RPM at which you shift becomes higher as you move up in the gears Signup and view all the answers

Downshifting requires knowing when to shift. To do this correctly you should?

Use either the tachometer or speedometer Signup and view all the answers

Before starting downhill, you want to be sure that you are in the proper gear. You should?

Downshift before you start down the hill Signup and view all the answers

When going downhill in a vehicle with an automatic transmission you?

Select a low range to get greater engine braking Signup and view all the answers

When turned on, brake retarders apply their power whenever?

You let up all the way on the accelerator pedal Signup and view all the answers

Besides looking for vehicles coming into your lane, looking for traffic means?

Watching for brake lights of slowing vehicles ahead Signup and view all the answers

Besides watching traffic behind, you can use your rear mirrors to?

Possible tire fires Signup and view all the answers

In turning you should look in your mirrors to make sure that?

The rear of your trailer will not hit anything Signup and view all the answers

When merging with other traffic you should use your mirrors to make sure?

The gap in traffic is large enough for you to enter Signup and view all the answers

To be sure that you know what is happening on the highway ahead of you?

Don't focus on the mirrors for too long Signup and view all the answers

Convex mirrors show a wider area than flat mirrors but they also?

Make everything seem farther away than it really is Signup and view all the answers

Two of the three good rules for using turn signals are?

Signal 100 feet before you start your turn and cancel the signal as you turn Signup and view all the answers

A third good rule for using turn signals is?

If you don’t have self-canceling signals, don’t forget to turn off the signals Signup and view all the answers

When you need to slow down, you may want to warn drivers behind you by?

Tapping lightly on the brake pedal to flash the brake lights Signup and view all the answers

Because of the size of your vehicle you may wish to flash your lights to?

Remind drivers behind you of hazards you see ahead Signup and view all the answers

To make a tight turn with a large vehicle you may have to?

Go slower than many car drivers would expect Signup and view all the answers

Should you have to stop your vehicle in the road to load cargo or passengers, you?

Flash your brake lights to warn drivers behind you Signup and view all the answers

When should you help out other drivers by signaling when it is safe for them to pass?

False Signup and view all the answers

Whenever you are about to pass a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist you should?

Assume that they have not seen you Signup and view all the answers

At dawn, dusk, or in rain or snow when it is hard for others to see you you might?

Turn on your low beams Signup and view all the answers

If you have to set out warning reflective triangles by the highway you hold them?

Between yourself and the oncoming traffic Signup and view all the answers

Slight melting will make ice wet. Which is more slippery?

True Signup and view all the answers

Why do empty trucks usually require greater stopping distances?

Empty trucks can bounce and lock up their wheels Signup and view all the answers

Empty buses may not require more stopping distance than loaded buses because?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is black ice?

A thin layer of ice so clear that you can see the road underneath it Signup and view all the answers

Which is a danger when traveling alongside other vehicles?

You may not be able to accelerate when you need to Signup and view all the answers

The amount of space you need to cross or to enter traffic is affected by?

The weight of your load Signup and view all the answers

If a vehicle that is coming toward you has on high beams, you should?

Keep your lights on low beam and look off to the right Signup and view all the answers

You should use your high beam headlights?

Whenever you can and the law allows it Signup and view all the answers

Before putting tire chains on your vehicle, you check to be sure that?

The chains have not broken hooks or cross links or bent or broken side chains Signup and view all the answers

Roads usually become slippery when?

The temperature has risen to the point where the ice begins to melt Signup and view all the answers

Antifreeze is effective?

True Signup and view all the answers

With a pressurized cooking system you should not?

Remove the radiator cap until the system has cooled Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before you drive if you are feeling drowsy?

Get some sleep Signup and view all the answers

Since air pressure increases with temperature increase, you should?

Leave the tires alone since the pressure will decrease when the tires cool off Signup and view all the answers

Speed limits that are posted at freeway off-ramps may not be?

Safe speeds for larger vehicles or heavily loaded vehicles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Engine and Gear Shifting

Engine sounds indicate the right moment to shift gears, ensuring optimal performance.
Downshifting before descending a long hill prevents brake overheating, maintaining braking efficiency.
Always downshift before entering a curve for better control.

Braking Techniques

Brake retarders assist in vehicle deceleration and reduce wear on braking systems.
Turn off the retarder on wet or snowy roads to avoid loss of control.
Controlled braking involves applying brakes firmly without locking the wheels.

Driving Awareness

Maintain visual focus 12 to 15 seconds ahead while driving to anticipate hazards.
Constantly assess traffic on all sides for lane changes or safe stops.
Mirrors create blind spots; always check surroundings to ensure safety.

Vehicle Positioning and Cargo Safety

On two-lane roads, place reflective triangles within 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet at the rear.
Ensure cargo is secured with blocking and bracing to avoid shifting during transit.

Tire and Vehicle Checks

Tire tread depth should be a minimum of 4/32 inches in the front and 2/32 inches in the back for safety.
Inspect tires every 2 hours in hot weather to prevent blowouts.
Check coolant, windshield washer fluid, and antifreeze before winter driving.

Safety in Various Conditions

Hydroplaning risk increases with low tire pressure; maintain proper inflation.
At night, adjust speed to stop within the range of your headlights.
In bad weather, accelerate gradually to maintain traction.

Emergency Situations and Vehicle Fires

If your vehicle catches fire, pull off the road to a safe area immediately.
Water can extinguish tire fires, but should not be used for other types of fires.

Alcohol and Fatigue Management

Understand that alcohol affects drivers similarly, regardless of the type consumed.
Rest adequately to combat fatigue; lack of sleep impairs driving ability.

HAZMAT Requirements

Only transport hazardous materials without a HAZMAT endorsement if placards are unnecessary.
Always check cargo stability after 50 miles, every 3 hours, and after breaks.

Maneuvering and Signaling

Use turn signals 100 feet prior to a turn and cancel signals immediately after.
When merging, ensure there is sufficient space in traffic before entering.

Advanced Driving Techniques

Shift using either tachometer or speedometer for smooth transitions.
Use opposite steering techniques when backing up a trailer.
Wet or melting ice is particularly slippery; drive with caution during these conditions.

General Vehicle Maintenance

Regularly check for wheel nut rust, indicating possible looseness.
Ensure steering and suspension systems are defect-free for optimal control.

Awareness of Surroundings

While passing other vehicles, assume they have not seen you; always be prepared to stop.
Use mirrors effectively to maintain awareness and ensure safe lane changes.

Understanding Road Conditions

Recognize that road conditions can change; always drive with adaptability in mind.
High beam headlights should be used responsibly, only when safe.

Overall Driving Strategy

When approaching obstacles or turns, avoid applying the brakes sharply to maintain stability.
Stay alert to the dynamics of the load; an overloaded trailer may perform poorly.

Conclusion

Safety and awareness should always be the primary focus while driving, particularly for larger vehicles.
Regular checks, proper techniques, and an understanding of vehicle dynamics are crucial for safe driving.

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Description

Test your knowledge for the Commercial Driver's License with these flashcards. Each card covers essential concepts like gear shifting and downshifting techniques essential for safe driving. Perfect for future truck drivers looking to master their skills.