DMV Class B License General Knowledge Test

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Questions and Answers

CDL medical certificates must be renewed every:

Two Years (correct)

Year

Four years

What should you do when you are driving at night?

Make sure you are driving slow enough so you can stop within the range of your headlights in an emergency (correct)

If you are sleepy, drink coffee or other caffeine products

Roll down your windows so that the fresh air will help keep you awake

What are three things that add up to the total stopping distance for your truck or bus?

Perception distance, Reaction distance, Braking distance (correct)

Attention distance, Reaction distance, Slowing distance

Observation distance, Response distance, Braking distance

You are checking your steering and exhaust systems in a pre-trip inspection. Which of these problems, if found, should be fixed before the vehicle is driven?

Steering wheel play of more than 10 percent (2'' on a 20'' steering wheel) (A) Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of retarders is to:

Help slow the vehicle while driving and reduce brake wear (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is especially true about your tires in hot weather?

You should check tire mounting and air pressure before driving (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is usually true about driving in tunnels?

There may be strong winds when exiting (B) Signup and view all the answers

When driving through work zones, you should:

Watch for sharp pavement drop-off (A) Signup and view all the answers

A pre-trip inspection should be completed:

Before operating the vehicle (C) Signup and view all the answers

Water can be safely used on which of these fires?

Neither of the above (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when your vehicle hydroplanes?

Release the accelerator (C) Signup and view all the answers

If you are stopped on a one-way or divided highway, you should place reflective triangles at:

10 feet, 100 feet, 200 feet toward approaching traffic (B) Signup and view all the answers

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?

A lower gear than you would use to climb the hill (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct term for a long commercial vehicle's tendency to swing wide on turns?

Offtracking (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is true about your overhead clearance?

The weight of cargo can change the height of your vehicle (B) Signup and view all the answers

When you are parked at the side of the road at night, you must:

Warn others by turning on your 4-way emergency flashers (C) Signup and view all the answers

If you need to leave the road in a traffic emergency, you should:

Avoid braking until your speed has dropped to about 20 MPH (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these lights cannot be checked at the same time?

Turn signals, brake lights, and four-way flashers (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is correct about emergency or evasive action?

In order to turn quickly, you must have a firm grip on the steering wheel (C) Signup and view all the answers

Containerized loads:

Generally are used when freight is carried part way by rail or ship (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is true about bad weather and driving conditions?

When the temperature drops, bridges will freeze before roads will (B) Signup and view all the answers

To determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a person, it is necessary to know:

How much the person weighs (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these happens when a tire blows out at highway speeds?

A vibrating feeling (B) Signup and view all the answers

You are driving a 40' vehicle at 35 MPH. The road is dry and visibility is good. What is the least amount of space that you should keep in front of your vehicle to be safe?

4 seconds (B) Signup and view all the answers

Truck escape ramps:

Help avoid damage to vehicles (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT checked in a pre-trip inspection?

Amount of fuel in vehicle (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these should receive extra attention during a winter weather inspection?

Exhaust (B) Signup and view all the answers

The total weight of a powered unit, the trailer, and the cargo is called:

Gross combination weight (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true?

Many heavy vehicle accidents occur between midnight and 6 AM (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is true about cargo types?

Unstable loads (i.e. hanging meat, livestock) require extra caution on curves (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is true about rear drive wheel braking skids?

Trailers can push the towing vehicle sideways (A) Signup and view all the answers

When hydraulic brakes fail, the system won't build up pressure and the brake pedal will feel spongy or go to the floor. What action should you take?

Pump the brake pedal to generate pressure (B) Signup and view all the answers

You are exiting a highway using an offramp that curves downhill and you are driving a heavy vehicle. You should:

Slow to a safe speed before the curve (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is true about brakes?

Brakes absorb more heat to stop heavier or faster moving vehicles (A) Signup and view all the answers

You are driving in heavy traffic at 35 MPH. The speed limit is 55 MPH. The safest speed for your vehicle is:

35 MPH (B) Signup and view all the answers

If you have a heavy load that is slowing you down on an upgrade, you should:

Shift into a lower gear (B) Signup and view all the answers

The best drivers are those who watch and prepare for hazards. This is called being:

Defensive (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following may be a sign of tire failure?

Wheels fishtailing (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of retarder?

Robotic (C) Signup and view all the answers

To avoid a crash, you had to drive onto the right shoulder. You are driving at 40 MPH on the shoulder. How should you move back onto the pavement?

If the shoulder is clear, stay on it until your vehicle comes to a stop. Then move back onto the pavement when it is safe (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a proper use of vehicle lights?

Flashing your brake lights to stop someone tailgating (A) Signup and view all the answers

You are checking your brakes and suspension system during a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?

Brake shoes should not have oil, grease, or brake fluid on it (B) Signup and view all the answers

The braking effect of the engine is greatest when the engine is _ the governed RPMs and the transmission is in the _ gears.

Near, lower (C) Signup and view all the answers

Whenever you double your speed, it will take about ___ times as much distance to stop.

Four (A) Signup and view all the answers

You should try to park your vehicle so:

You can pull forward when you leave (A) Signup and view all the answers

You are checking your tires during a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?

Tires of mismatched sizes should not be used on the same vehicle (C) Signup and view all the answers

Optional safety equipment may include emergency phone numbers, tire chains, and:

Tire changing equipment (A) Signup and view all the answers

You can see this sign on a vehicle ahead of you. What does this sign mean?

Slow moving vehicle (A) Signup and view all the answers

The Commercial Driver Handbook suggests several things to do when you pass a vehicle. Which of these is NOT one of them?

At night, turn on your high beams while you pass the vehicle (B) Signup and view all the answers

If you must drive into the oncoming lane to turn, you should:

Allow enough space to get completely across the intersection (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is true about shipping hazardous materials?

A four-inch, diamond-shaped hazardous materials label must be on the container (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing you should do if your brakes fail while driving downhill?

Get off the road as soon as possible (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the statements is the proper way to signal for a lane change?

Signal early, and change lanes slowly and smoothly (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

CDL Medical Certificates

Renew every two years.

Night Driving

Drive slowly enough to stop within headlight range if necessary.

Total Stopping Distance Components

Includes perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance.

Pre-Trip Inspection Issues

Steering wheel play over 10 percent (2 inches on a 20-inch wheel) must be fixed.

Purpose of Retarders

Used to slow the vehicle and reduce brake wear.

Tire Care in Hot Weather

Check tire mounting and air pressure before driving.

Driving in Tunnels

Be aware of potential strong winds upon exiting.

Work Zone Safety

Watch for sharp pavement drop-offs.

Pre-Trip Inspections

Should be performed before operating the vehicle.

Fire Safety

Water should not be used on electrical or gasoline fires.

Hydroplaning Response

Release the accelerator to regain control.

Reflective Triangles on Highways

Place at 10, 100, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic.

Downhill Grades

Use a lower gear for descending long, steep grades.

Wide Turns of Long Vehicles

Termed offtracking, where the rear of the vehicle swings wide.

Overhead Clearance

Cargo weight can alter vehicle height; paving may affect clearance.

Nighttime Roadside Parking

Activate 4-way emergency flashers for warning.

Emergency Road Departure

Avoid braking until speed drops to approximately 20 MPH.

Light Checks

Turn signals, brake lights, and four-way flashers cannot be checked simultaneously.

Emergency/Evasive Action

A firm grip on the steering wheel is essential for quick turns.

Containerized Loads

Typically used for freight transported via rail or ship.

Bridges freeze before roads in cold conditions.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

A person's weight is critical for BAC determination.

Tire Blowouts

Usually cause a vibrating feeling at highway speeds.

Following Distance

Maintain a minimum of 4 seconds behind a vehicle.

Escape Ramps

Designed to help prevent vehicle damage in emergencies.

Pre-Trip Inspection Components

Check vehicle lights and cargo securement; fuel amount is not included.

Winter Weather Inspections

Give extra attention to the exhaust system.

Total Vehicle Weight

Gross combination weight refers to the total weight of truck, trailer, and cargo.

Driving Alerts During Night

Heavy vehicle accidents are more common between midnight and 6 AM.

Cargo Handling

Unstable loads require additional caution on curves.

Rear Drive Wheel Braking Skids

Trailers can push towing vehicles sideways during skids.

Brake Failure Response

Pump brake pedal to generate pressure when brakes fail.

Handling Off-Ramps

Slow down to a safe speed before approaching curves on ramps.

Braking Efficiency

Brakes absorb more heat for heavier or faster vehicles.

Safe Driving in Heavy Traffic

Match speed (35 MPH) to the flow of traffic for safety.

Load Management

Shift to a lower gear if burdened with a heavy load on an incline.

Defensive Driving

The best drivers anticipate and prepare for hazards effectively.

Tire Failure Signs

Wheels fishtailing may indicate a tire issue.

Retarder Types

Not all vehicles use robotic retarders; correct types include electric and hydraulic.

Returning to Pavement

If safe, remain on the shoulder until positioned to re-enter the road.

Proper Use of Vehicle Lights

Flashing brake lights to stop tailgating is inappropriate.

Brake and Suspension System Check

Brake shoes must remain free of oil, grease, or brake fluid.

Engine Braking

Most effective when engine is near governed RPMs in lower gears.

Stopping Distance Increase

Doubling speed roughly quadruples stopping distance.

Parking Strategy

Aim to park allowing a forward exit when departing.

Tire Compatibility

Mismatched tire sizes should not be used on the same vehicle.

Optional Safety Equipment

Consider including tire changing equipment among other useful items.

Slow Moving Vehicle Signs

Recognizable signs indicate vehicles moving at reduced speeds.

Passing Protocol

Avoid using high beams when passing at night; signal appropriately beforehand.

Intersection Clearance

Ensure enough space to cross completely during turns into oncoming traffic.

Hazardous Material Shipping

A four-inch diamond-shaped label must accompany hazardous material containers.

Brake Failure Emergency

Priority is to divert off the road as quickly as feasible if brakes fail.

Lane Change Signaling

Always signal early and change lanes gradually and smoothly.

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Description

Prepare for the DMV Class B License with this general knowledge test flashcard quiz. Test your understanding of important regulations and safe driving practices, including medical certificate renewal and night driving safety tips. Perfect for anyone seeking to pass their DMV test.