Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the function of convex (curved) mirrors?
What is the function of convex (curved) mirrors?
Show a wider area than flat mirrors show
What should you do when parked at the side of the road at night?
What should you do when parked at the side of the road at night?
Turn on your 4-way emergency flashers to warn others
What should you do when exiting a highway using an off ramp that curves downhill in a heavy vehicle?
What should you do when exiting a highway using an off ramp that curves downhill in a heavy vehicle?
Slow down to a safe speed before the curve
Rust around wheel fasteners indicates that they are tight.
Rust around wheel fasteners indicates that they are tight.
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What may cause skidding if the drive wheels have poor traction?
What may cause skidding if the drive wheels have poor traction?
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Larger vehicles require smaller gaps in traffic than smaller ones.
Larger vehicles require smaller gaps in traffic than smaller ones.
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Medicines used to treat the common cold may make you sleepy.
Medicines used to treat the common cold may make you sleepy.
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What can cause brake 'fade'?
What can cause brake 'fade'?
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A burning tire should be cooled with water.
A burning tire should be cooled with water.
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Which of the following does not provide extra gears on some trucks?
Which of the following does not provide extra gears on some trucks?
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You should downshift after entering a curve.
You should downshift after entering a curve.
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Loss of steering control is a danger when an automatic transmission is forced into a lower gear at high speed.
Loss of steering control is a danger when an automatic transmission is forced into a lower gear at high speed.
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What should you do when backing a heavy vehicle?
What should you do when backing a heavy vehicle?
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The distance you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is about ___ at low speeds.
The distance you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is about ___ at low speeds.
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When should you use your vehicle's horn?
When should you use your vehicle's horn?
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Using mirrors correctly means you are aware of blind spots.
Using mirrors correctly means you are aware of blind spots.
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You should leave your high beams on if your headlights are not working properly.
You should leave your high beams on if your headlights are not working properly.
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You should remove ice from radiator shutters.
You should remove ice from radiator shutters.
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What should you do when you see a hazard on the roadway?
What should you do when you see a hazard on the roadway?
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In a traffic emergency, what is a good rule to remember?
In a traffic emergency, what is a good rule to remember?
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What might pump the brake generate?
What might pump the brake generate?
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What condition causes hydroplaning?
What condition causes hydroplaning?
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What do bridge formulas permit?
What do bridge formulas permit?
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How can you recognize hazardous materials?
How can you recognize hazardous materials?
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You must stop on a hill or curve on a 2-lane, 2-way road. How far back should you place your reflective triangles?
You must stop on a hill or curve on a 2-lane, 2-way road. How far back should you place your reflective triangles?
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What can help you stay alert while driving?
What can help you stay alert while driving?
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What should you balance with hours of service?
What should you balance with hours of service?
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What is a good practice for preventing fatigue on long trips?
What is a good practice for preventing fatigue on long trips?
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When is the best time to take a short break while driving?
When is the best time to take a short break while driving?
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What happens as the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) goes up?
What happens as the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) goes up?
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What is the consequence of having a detectable amount of BAC?
What is the consequence of having a detectable amount of BAC?
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You should remove the radiator cap on a pressurized system until it has cooled.
You should remove the radiator cap on a pressurized system until it has cooled.
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What should you do when the road becomes very slippery due to ice?
What should you do when the road becomes very slippery due to ice?
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Which left turn lane should you use when making a left turn from Elm Street onto Oak Street?
Which left turn lane should you use when making a left turn from Elm Street onto Oak Street?
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Windshield washer antifreeze should not be used in cold weather driving.
Windshield washer antifreeze should not be used in cold weather driving.
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Short-term or daily rental truck drivers may pose a hazard due to limited vision.
Short-term or daily rental truck drivers may pose a hazard due to limited vision.
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What should you keep in mind when leaving the road to avoid a hazard?
What should you keep in mind when leaving the road to avoid a hazard?
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If the wheels are skidding, you cannot control the vehicle during emergency braking.
If the wheels are skidding, you cannot control the vehicle during emergency braking.
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Where is cargo blocking used?
Where is cargo blocking used?
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What is the most important reason to inspect your truck or bus?
What is the most important reason to inspect your truck or bus?
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To prevent brake fade, what should you do?
To prevent brake fade, what should you do?
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If you have been drinking alcohol, what should you do before driving?
If you have been drinking alcohol, what should you do before driving?
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How can sleep debt be paid off?
How can sleep debt be paid off?
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What is the best action if you feel sleepy after driving for several hours?
What is the best action if you feel sleepy after driving for several hours?
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Air pressure in tires decreases with temperature.
Air pressure in tires decreases with temperature.
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A helper should be used to help back your vehicle only if it is necessary.
A helper should be used to help back your vehicle only if it is necessary.
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Crossing railroad tracks on dirt roads poses minimal risks.
Crossing railroad tracks on dirt roads poses minimal risks.
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Drivers needing a HazMat endorsement must possess basic chemistry knowledge.
Drivers needing a HazMat endorsement must possess basic chemistry knowledge.
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Use of drugs while driving can lead to collisions and/or arrest.
Use of drugs while driving can lead to collisions and/or arrest.
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When driving at night, when should you use your low beams?
When driving at night, when should you use your low beams?
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When should you use the parking brake?
When should you use the parking brake?
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How can you tell if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)?
How can you tell if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)?
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How do brakes work on a long steep downgrade?
How do brakes work on a long steep downgrade?
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Which of the following is true about dual air brake systems?
Which of the following is true about dual air brake systems?
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Which of the following is not part of the drum brake?
Which of the following is not part of the drum brake?
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Which of the following can cause brakes to fail or fade?
Which of the following can cause brakes to fail or fade?
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What does the tractor protection valve do?
What does the tractor protection valve do?
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If you pull hard on a slack adjuster, it should not move more than ___.
If you pull hard on a slack adjuster, it should not move more than ___.
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With the engine off and the brakes on, the air loss rate in a tractor semi-trailer combination should not be more than ___ per minute.
With the engine off and the brakes on, the air loss rate in a tractor semi-trailer combination should not be more than ___ per minute.
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What does the safety valve protect the brake system from?
What does the safety valve protect the brake system from?
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What should you do if a low air pressure warning comes on for only one system in your dual air brake system?
What should you do if a low air pressure warning comes on for only one system in your dual air brake system?
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Before operating a vehicle with a dual air system, you should allow time for the air compressor to build up a minimum of ___ psi.
Before operating a vehicle with a dual air system, you should allow time for the air compressor to build up a minimum of ___ psi.
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What should you check and fill daily during cold weather if your vehicle has an alcohol evaporator?
What should you check and fill daily during cold weather if your vehicle has an alcohol evaporator?
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Why should you drain air storage tanks?
Why should you drain air storage tanks?
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The safety valve is usually set to open at ___ pressure.
The safety valve is usually set to open at ___ pressure.
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You should drive more quickly if your anti-lock braking system (ABS) is malfunctioning.
You should drive more quickly if your anti-lock braking system (ABS) is malfunctioning.
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If your air compressor develops a leak, what keeps the air in the tank?
If your air compressor develops a leak, what keeps the air in the tank?
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What happens if your ABS fails?
What happens if your ABS fails?
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The maximum leakage rates per minute after the initial pressure drop are:
The maximum leakage rates per minute after the initial pressure drop are:
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When uncoupling a loaded trailer, how should you lower the landing gear?
When uncoupling a loaded trailer, how should you lower the landing gear?
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What should you do after connecting the air lines but before backing under the trailer?
What should you do after connecting the air lines but before backing under the trailer?
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What are two things that can prevent rollovers?
What are two things that can prevent rollovers?
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Which of these vehicles off-track the most?
Which of these vehicles off-track the most?
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Where should the front trailer supports be positioned before driving away after coupling with a semi trailer?
Where should the front trailer supports be positioned before driving away after coupling with a semi trailer?
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If the fifth wheel locking lever is not locked after the jaws close around the kingpin, the coupling is correct.
If the fifth wheel locking lever is not locked after the jaws close around the kingpin, the coupling is correct.
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How much space should be between the upper and lower fifth wheel after coupling?
How much space should be between the upper and lower fifth wheel after coupling?
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Compared to a straight truck or bus, how many things are there to inspect on a combination vehicle?
Compared to a straight truck or bus, how many things are there to inspect on a combination vehicle?
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What gear should you use to raise the landing gear after coupling the trailer?
What gear should you use to raise the landing gear after coupling the trailer?
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What should you always use when backing a tractor under a trailer?
What should you always use when backing a tractor under a trailer?
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If you try to couple when the trailer is too high, it might couple correctly.
If you try to couple when the trailer is too high, it might couple correctly.
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You should apply your hand brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer.
You should apply your hand brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer.
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It is true that an anti-lock braking system (ABS) increases your normal braking ability.
It is true that an anti-lock braking system (ABS) increases your normal braking ability.
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The letters 'ABS' on the left side of the steering wheel indicate that a trailer is equipped with an anti-lock braking system.
The letters 'ABS' on the left side of the steering wheel indicate that a trailer is equipped with an anti-lock braking system.
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What should you do after unlocking the fifth wheel while uncoupling?
What should you do after unlocking the fifth wheel while uncoupling?
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When driving a 100-ft. twin trailer combination at 50 mph, you should keep at least ___ seconds of space ahead of you.
When driving a 100-ft. twin trailer combination at 50 mph, you should keep at least ___ seconds of space ahead of you.
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Doubles and triples must be driven very smoothly to avoid rollover or jackknife.
Doubles and triples must be driven very smoothly to avoid rollover or jackknife.
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Which braking system should be used to secure a second trailer to your combination vehicle?
Which braking system should be used to secure a second trailer to your combination vehicle?
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What should you check when inspecting coupled doubles and triples?
What should you check when inspecting coupled doubles and triples?
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What are the correct positions for shut-off valves in doubles and triples?
What are the correct positions for shut-off valves in doubles and triples?
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Why is a safe speed on a curve for a normal tractor trailer?
Why is a safe speed on a curve for a normal tractor trailer?
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What is likely to occur if a set of trailer wheels goes into a skid while driving doubles?
What is likely to occur if a set of trailer wheels goes into a skid while driving doubles?
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How much space should be between the upper and lower fifth wheel when checking the coupling of a converter dolly?
How much space should be between the upper and lower fifth wheel when checking the coupling of a converter dolly?
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Using the braking effect of the engine to control speed while going downhill is an effective method.
Using the braking effect of the engine to control speed while going downhill is an effective method.
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Doubles or triples turn over more easily than other combination vehicles.
Doubles or triples turn over more easily than other combination vehicles.
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Study Notes
General Knowledge
- Convex mirrors provide a wider field of view compared to flat mirrors.
- Activate 4-way emergency flashers when parked on the roadside at night to alert others.
- For exiting highways on a downhill curve, slow down before entering the curve.
- Rust around wheel fasteners indicates they may be loose.
- Poor traction on drive wheels can lead to skidding when retarders are used.
- Large vehicles require larger gaps in traffic for crossing compared to smaller vehicles.
- Cold medicines can cause drowsiness and should not be used before driving.
- Brake fade occurs when brakes overheat due to excessive use.
- To cool a burning tire, use water.
- Automatic transmissions do not offer extra gears on some trucks.
- Always downshift before entering a curve for better control.
- Forcing an automatic transmission into a lower gear at high speed does not lead to loss of steering control.
- Avoid backing up with heavy vehicles whenever possible.
- Look approximately one block ahead at low speeds while driving.
- Use your horn to prevent potential crashes.
- Be aware that mirrors cannot show all blind spots.
- Do not leave high beams on if headlights are malfunctioning.
- Remove ice from radiator shutters for proper functioning.
- Use 4-way flashers or brake lights to warn others of road hazards.
- In traffic emergencies, it’s typically easier to steer around obstacles than to stop quickly.
- If hydraulic brake pedals go to the floor, pumping the brakes may restore pressure.
- Hydroplaning occurs in conditions of excessive water on the roadway.
- Bridge formula regulations require less axle weight for closely spaced axles.
- Hazardous materials are identifiable by their labels.
- Reflective triangles must be placed within 500 feet behind a vehicle stopped on a hill or curve.
- Taking short breaks during driving helps maintain alertness.
- Balanced hours of service with adequate sleep is essential for driver alertness.
- Regular breaks for rest and exercise can help prevent fatigue on long trips.
- Take breaks before feeling sleepy to remain focused while driving.
- Rising Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) negatively impacts judgment and self-control.
- A detectable BAC below 0.04% will result in being placed out-of-service for 24 hours.
- Never remove the radiator cap from a hot system to avoid injury.
- On icy roads, stop driving as soon as safely possible.
- When making a left turn with a long vehicle, use the leftmost lane (lane B) whenever possible in a multiple-lane setting.
- Use windshield washer antifreeze in cold weather to maintain visibility.
- Be cautious of short-term rental truck drivers as they may lack experience with vehicle dimensions.
- Shoulders on roads may not support the weight of large vehicles, so be mindful when leaving the roadway.
- During emergency braking, skidding wheels result in loss of vehicle control.
- Proper cargo blocking should be utilized in all areas of the cargo.
- Regular vehicle inspections are crucial for ensuring safety.
Brake Systems
- To prevent brake fade on steep downgrades, select an appropriate gear for safe vehicle speed.
- After consuming alcohol, allow adequate time for it to leave your system before driving.
- Sleep debt can only be paid off with sleep.
- If feeling sleepy after hours of driving, park safely and take a nap.
- Tire air pressure increases as temperature rises.
- Always use a helper when backing up a vehicle to ensure safety.
- Dirt roads can pose dangers when crossing railroad tracks, including potential get-hung situations.
- Knowledge of HazMat regulations doesn't require expertise in basic chemistry.
- Drug use increases the likelihood of collisions and legal issues.
- At night, dim headlights when oncoming vehicles are within 500 feet.
Air Brakes
- Engage the parking brake every time you leave your vehicle unless exceptions apply.
- Vehicles manufactured after 1998 come equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
- Brakes in steep downgrades work alongside engine braking for better control.
- Dual air brake systems have a primary and secondary system, often operating different axles.
- Draining air storage tanks is necessary to prevent oil and water buildup that can lead to brake failure.
- Safety valves protect the air brake system from over-pressurization, usually set to open at around 150 psi.
- A slack adjuster should not move more than one inch when pulled hard.
- If air pressure drops below regulations in a dual system, stop the vehicle immediately.
- Daily checks in cold weather should include alcohol evaporator levels if applicable.
- Brake fade can occur due to excessive reliance on service brakes or improper adjustment.
- One-way check valves in the air compressor prevent air from escaping the tank.
Combination Vehicles
- When uncoupling a loaded trailer, ensure landing gear contacts the ground firmly.
- After connecting air lines, supply air to the trailer system before backing up.
- Keeping cargo low and driving slowly around turns helps prevent rollovers.
- The type of vehicle most prone to off-tracking is a 5-axle tractor towing a 53-foot trailer.
- Elevator supports must be fully raised and secure before driving away after coupling.
- An unlocked fifth wheel after aligning indicates a faulty coupling that must be corrected.
- Ensure no space exists between the upper and lower fifth wheels upon coupling.
- Combination vehicles have more inspection points compared to straight trucks.
- Raise landing gear using high gear after coupling to ensure proper securing.
- Always use low reverse gear when backing a tractor under a trailer to minimize risks.
- Attempting to couple with a trailer that is too high may result in improper coupling.
- Applying the hand brake is not advised to correct a jackknifing trailer.
- ABS does not enhance normal braking ability; it helps prevent loss of control.
- Identification of trailers with ABS typically does not include labeling on the steering wheel.
- After unlocking the fifth wheel during uncoupling, pull the tractor forward to clear the trailer.
Driving Doubles and Triples
- Maintain an 11-second following distance while driving a 100-ft twin trailer at 50 mph on dry roads.
- Doubles and triples require smooth driving to prevent rollover or jackknife situations.
- Secure a second trailer using its emergency air brakes when coupling.
- Ensure the pintle hook is latched during inspections of coupled doubles and triples.
- Follow correct shut-off valve positions to ensure safe air distribution in coupled trailers.
- A normal tractor trailer's safe speed on curves may exceed safe levels for doubles or triples.
- A trailer may jackknife if trailer wheels skid while driving a set of doubles.
- Check that upper and lower fifth wheels are properly aligned when inspecting a converter dolly.
- Utilize engine braking on downhill drives to maintain optimal brake temperature and functionality.
- Be aware that quick steering movements can lead to rollovers in doubles or triples.
- The converter dolly air tank petcocks should be closed for safe functioning during travel.
- Compared to tractor semi-trailers, double and triple trailers have a higher likelihood of turning over.
- Slow down when dimming headlights at night to manage speed effectively.
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Description
Prepare for the DMV CDL Test with these flashcards that cover essential knowledge for safe driving. Learn about convex mirrors, emergency procedures, and highway exit strategies. Master the key concepts to ensure you're ready for the CDL exam.