Podcast
Questions and Answers
What should you do first if a tire blew out on your vehicle at 50 mph?
What should you do first if a tire blew out on your vehicle at 50 mph?
Stay off the brake until the vehicle has slowed down.
What gear should you use to take a long, steep downhill grade?
What gear should you use to take a long, steep downhill grade?
A lower gear than you would use to climb the hill.
What might rust around wheel nuts indicate during a pre-trip inspection?
What might rust around wheel nuts indicate during a pre-trip inspection?
They are loose.
What should be avoided when checking for pre-trip tire inspection regarding mismatched sizes?
What should be avoided when checking for pre-trip tire inspection regarding mismatched sizes?
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What will a straight vehicle do if it goes into a front-wheel skid?
What will a straight vehicle do if it goes into a front-wheel skid?
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What should you do if you need to leave the road in a traffic emergency?
What should you do if you need to leave the road in a traffic emergency?
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What is true about unstable loads like hanging meat or livestock?
What is true about unstable loads like hanging meat or livestock?
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Why should you limit the use of your horn according to the driver's manual?
Why should you limit the use of your horn according to the driver's manual?
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What should you do if you do not have a hazardous materials endorsement and are asked to deliver such materials?
What should you do if you do not have a hazardous materials endorsement and are asked to deliver such materials?
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What is true about staying alert while driving?
What is true about staying alert while driving?
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Pumping the brake may bring the pressure up so you can stop the vehicle when the brakes go to the floor.
Pumping the brake may bring the pressure up so you can stop the vehicle when the brakes go to the floor.
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At 55 mph, what is the total stopping distance you need to bring your vehicle to a stop?
At 55 mph, what is the total stopping distance you need to bring your vehicle to a stop?
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What should you do when driving at night?
What should you do when driving at night?
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Unstable loads do not require extra caution on curves.
Unstable loads do not require extra caution on curves.
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What is a key principle to remember about loading cargo?
What is a key principle to remember about loading cargo?
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How far should a driver look ahead while driving?
How far should a driver look ahead while driving?
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How do you correct a rear-wheel acceleration skid?
How do you correct a rear-wheel acceleration skid?
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What is the purpose of retarders?
What is the purpose of retarders?
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What is controlled braking used for?
What is controlled braking used for?
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What should you do if you are being tailgated?
What should you do if you are being tailgated?
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What should you do while driving a heavy vehicle on an uphill grade before attempting to put it back in motion?
What should you do while driving a heavy vehicle on an uphill grade before attempting to put it back in motion?
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What should you keep in mind about driving in areas with strong wind?
What should you keep in mind about driving in areas with strong wind?
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What should you do to avoid a crash if an oncoming driver drifts into your lane?
What should you do to avoid a crash if an oncoming driver drifts into your lane?
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You should inspect your tires every two hours or every 100 miles when driving in very hot weather.
You should inspect your tires every two hours or every 100 miles when driving in very hot weather.
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What should you do when engaging your vehicle in a traffic emergency?
What should you do when engaging your vehicle in a traffic emergency?
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What should you avoid doing while driving through deep puddles or flowing water?
What should you avoid doing while driving through deep puddles or flowing water?
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What is true about double clutching and shifting?
What is true about double clutching and shifting?
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What is counter steering?
What is counter steering?
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How should you move back into the pavement after driving on the right shoulder?
How should you move back into the pavement after driving on the right shoulder?
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What is a good thing to do when driving at night?
What is a good thing to do when driving at night?
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Which of these is NOT a good rule to follow when caring for an injured person at an accident scene?
Which of these is NOT a good rule to follow when caring for an injured person at an accident scene?
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How far behind should you place reflective triangles if you must stop on a hill or curve on a two-lane two-way road?
How far behind should you place reflective triangles if you must stop on a hill or curve on a two-lane two-way road?
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Study Notes
General CDL Knowledge
- In case of a tire blowout, stay off the brake to slow the vehicle naturally.
- For long, steep downhill grades in a manual truck, downshift to a lower gear.
- Rust around wheel nuts indicates potential looseness; monitor closely during pre-trip inspections.
- Avoid using mismatched tire sizes on the same vehicle to ensure safety and performance.
- During a front-wheel skid, a straight vehicle will continue forward despite steering attempts.
- When leaving the road during a traffic emergency, brake after reducing speed to about 20 mph.
Cargo and Driving Techniques
- Unstable loads, such as livestock, require cautious driving on curves.
- Limit horn use, as it can startle other drivers.
- Without a hazardous materials endorsement, refuse to transport such loads.
- Fatigue can only be fully overcome by sleep, highlighting the importance of rest for drivers.
- If hydraulic brakes fail, pumping the brake may restore enough pressure to stop the vehicle.
- Total stopping distance at 55 mph on dry pavement can be roughly the length of a football field.
Environmental Considerations
- Use windshield washer antifreeze in cold weather to maintain visibility.
- Adjust speed at night to ensure stopping within visible distances.
- Downshift before curves to maintain control and speed.
- When setting up reflective triangles for safety, stay between the triangles and oncoming traffic.
Health and Safety Regulations
- As blood alcohol concentration (BAC) increases, judgment and self-control deteriorate.
- Mirrors have blind spots; check thoroughly before changing lanes or turning.
- Low tire pressure increases the risk of hydroplaning.
- Increase following distance if being tailgated to ensure safety.
- Properly balance cargo to avoid issues with drive wheel traction.
Driving Practices and Emergency Procedures
- Maintain a forward lookout of about 12-15 seconds while driving.
- To correct a rear-wheel skid, stop accelerating immediately.
- Retarders help slow down vehicles, reducing brake wear.
- Controlled braking maintains vehicle stability and control.
Collision Avoidance and Vehicle Control
- Avoid unnecessary steering changes when attempting to clear obstacles.
- Stop driving if you feel sleepy to prevent accidents.
- Cool an injured person after an accident; keep them warm otherwise.
- Gently apply brakes when driving through water to keep them functional.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance
- Heavy vehicles require larger traffic gaps for safe maneuvering.
- On uphill grades, use the parking brake to hold the vehicle during stops.
- Reduce speed before curving off-ramps that slope downwards.
- Display reflective triangles within specified distances when parked on highways.
Fire and Weather Safety
- Water can effectively cool burning tires in vehicle fires.
- Stay alert to winds, which can disrupt vehicle stability, particularly near tunnels.
- Drive cautiously on slippery roads, maintaining slow speed to mitigate hazards.
Speed Management and Awareness
- Maintain a safe following distance of at least four seconds in good conditions.
- Hold the steering wheel with both hands on opposite sides for optimal control.
- Use high beams responsibly and turn them off when oncoming vehicles approach within 500 feet.
Emergency Protocols and Vehicle Operation
- Avoid placing the ignition key in the ignition during pre-trip inspections; keep it in your pocket.
- A heavy vehicle must swing wide for turns to safely navigate intersections.
- Recognize that double clutching can utilize the tachometer for effective shifting.
Brake and Load Management
- Vehicle stopping distances increase exponentially with speed; doubling speed roughly quadruples stopping distance.
- Secure loads with one tie-down for every 10 feet to prevent shifting during transit.
- Apply light pressure on the brake pedal on steep downhill grades to control speed effectively.
Conclusion
- Always prioritize safety when driving heavy vehicles, from proper pre-trip inspections to managing hazardous weather and driving conditions. Staying alert, following regulations, and applying correct techniques are keys to successful commercial driving.
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Description
Test your understanding of essential CDL knowledge and safe driving techniques. This quiz covers critical information about vehicle operation, maintenance checks, and best practices for handling various driving conditions. Perfect for aspiring truck drivers seeking to enhance their skills.
