Indiana BMV CDL Class A & B Exam Prep

Questions and Answers

Common medicines for colds can make you sleepy.

False

True (correct)

Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up.

False

What is a hazardous materials placard?

Placards are signs put on the outside of a vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo.

Why are placards used?

Placards are used to warn others of hazardous materials. Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire extinguisher is designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids?

B:C type fire extinguisher Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire extinguisher is designed to work on burning wood, paper, and cloth?

A:B:C type fire extinguisher Signup and view all the answers

What four things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?

Inspecting your cargo, recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight, knowing your cargo is properly secured, and that it does not restrict access to emergency equipment. Signup and view all the answers

How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?

Every 50 miles, 3 hours, or after every 150 miles and after every break. Signup and view all the answers

How is Gross Combination Weight Rating different from Gross Combination Weight?

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the value specified by the manufacturer, considering the weight of the vehicle with a trailer. Signup and view all the answers

Name two situations where legal maximum weights may not be safe.

During bad weather or in mountains. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if you don't have enough weight on the front axle?

The steering axle weight may be too light to steer safely, and too little weight on driving axles can cause poor traction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of tie-downs for any flatbed load?

2 tie-downs (1 tie-down per 10 feet). Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of tie-downs for a 20-foot load?

2 tie-downs. Signup and view all the answers

Name the two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed.

To protect people from spilled cargo and to protect the cargo from weather. Signup and view all the answers

What must you check before transporting a sealed load?

Ensure that you don't exceed gross weight and axle weight limits. Signup and view all the answers

Name some things to check in the interior of a bus during a vehicle inspection.

Each handhold and railing, floor covering, signaling devices, emergency exit handles, and the safety of seats. Signup and view all the answers

What are some hazardous materials you can transport by bus?

Small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies, and drugs. Signup and view all the answers

What are some hazardous materials you can't transport by bus?

Poison gas, explosives, radioactive materials, car batteries, or gasoline. Signup and view all the answers

What is a standee line?

A standee line is a two-inch line on the floor that shows riders where they cannot stand. Signup and view all the answers

Does it matter where you make a disruptive passenger get off the bus?

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the slack adjusters?

Adjusting nut on the backside of the brake drum Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?

Safety Signup and view all the answers

What things should you check during a trip?

Gauges, tires, wheels and rims, brakes, lights, reflectors, trailer connections, coupling devices, cargo securement. Signup and view all the answers

Name some key steering system parts.

Tie Rod, Steering Wheel, Steering Shaft, Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir, Gear Box, Pitman Arm, Drag Link, Steering Knuckle, Spindle, Power Steering Cylinder, Steering Arm. Signup and view all the answers

Name some suspension system defects.

Cracked spring hangers, missing or broken leaves in leaf springs. Signup and view all the answers

What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?

Fire extinguisher(s), spare electrical fuses, warning devices (three reflective triangles or flares). Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?

4/32s Signup and view all the answers

What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?

Seals not leaking. Signup and view all the answers

How many red reflective triangles should you carry?

Three red reflective triangles. Signup and view all the answers

How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?

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

Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the vehicle inspection?

Safety, to prevent accidental engine starts. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you back toward the driver's side?

So that you can see better. Signup and view all the answers

If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?

Partly engage the clutch and use the parking brake. Signup and view all the answers

Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the two ways to know when to shift?

Engine speed (rpm) and road speed (mph). Signup and view all the answers

How far ahead does the manual say you should look?

12 to 15 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

What are two main things to look for ahead?

Vehicle traffic and brake lights. Signup and view all the answers

What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?

Mirrors. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?

Signaling to other drivers your intentions before doing it. Signup and view all the answers

Where should you place reflectors when stopped on a divided highway?

10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet from the truck rear. Signup and view all the answers

What three things add up to total stopping distance?

Perception distance, reaction distance, braking distance. Signup and view all the answers

If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?

False Signup and view all the answers

Empty trucks have the best braking.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is hydroplaning?

Tires lose traction due to water on the road. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'black ice'?

Ice you can see through to the road. Signup and view all the answers

How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?

1 second per 10 feet of vehicle, add 1 second over 40 mph for safety. Signup and view all the answers

If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?

4 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely.

False Signup and view all the answers

If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a hazard?

Any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger. Signup and view all the answers

Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?

It lets you be prepared to act. Signup and view all the answers

What are some tips to follow so you won't become a distracted driver?

Turn off all communication devices. Signup and view all the answers

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

Get adequate sleep - 8 to 9 hours. Signup and view all the answers

What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?

Protect the area, notify authorities, care for the injured. Signup and view all the answers

What types of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?

Low slung units like lowboys and car carriers. Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?

15 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?

Going right may avoid forcing other drivers into oncoming traffic. Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'escape ramp'?

A ramp designed to stop runaway vehicles safely. Signup and view all the answers

If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.

False Signup and view all the answers

How do you know if your vehicle has antilock brakes?

Look for yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the instrument panel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with antilock brakes?

Brake as you always have and use necessary braking force. Signup and view all the answers

What are some causes of vehicle fires?

Under-inflated tires and duals touching. Signup and view all the answers

What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher not good for?

Wood, paper, clothes. Signup and view all the answers

When using your extinguisher, should you get as close as possible to the fire?

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vehicle Inspection and Safety

Safety inspection of vehicles is required to prevent breakdowns and crashes.
Federal and state laws mandate vehicle inspections, assessing safety before road use.
Essential components to check include gauges, tires, brakes, lights, electrical connections, and cargo securement.

Steering and Suspension Systems

Key steering parts include tie rods, steering wheels, hydraulic fluid reservoirs, and power steering cylinders.
Suspension defects to look for are cracked spring hangers and missing leaves in leaf springs; severe defects lead to “out of service” status.

Emergency Equipment and Brakes

Required emergency equipment includes fire extinguishers, spare electrical fuses, and warning devices like reflective triangles or flares.
Minimum tread depth for front tires is 4/32 inches; for other tires, it's 2/32 inches.

Backing and Maneuvering

Back toward the driver's side for better visibility; avoid right-side backing due to limited sightlines.
Use a helper for backing to mitigate blind spots and establish hand signals for communicating movements.

Driving Techniques and Situational Awareness

Always look 12 to 15 seconds ahead while driving; remain aware of vehicle traffic and brake lights.
Total stopping distance consists of perception, reaction, and braking distances; speeds increase stopping distance quadratically (four times when speed doubles).

Handling Hazards and Emergencies

Recognize hazards as any possible danger on the road; prepare emergency plans when encountered.
In emergencies, sometimes steering away from obstacles can be safer than stopping.

Drowsiness and Distraction Prevention

Combat drowsiness by getting sufficient sleep (8 to 9 hours) before driving.
Avoid distractions like mobile devices and pre-adjust all vehicle settings before driving.

Handling Skids and Braking Systems

Understand that vehicles with ABS prevent wheel lock-up; brake safely, applying necessary force without jerking.
Brake gently if tires lose traction to maintain control, especially on slippery surfaces.

Accident Scene Procedures

At accident scenes, protect the area, notify authorities, and provide care for injured parties to prevent further incidents.
Tire fires often result from under-inflation or dual tires touching; be proactive in tire maintenance.

Load and Cargo Management

Drivers must inspect cargo regularly, ensuring it is balanced, secured, and does not obstruct the driver's visibility or access to emergency equipment.
It's essential to stop periodically (every 50 miles or after breaks) to verify cargo safety.

Fire Extinguisher Usage

A B:C fire extinguisher is designed for electrical and liquid fires, while an A:B:C extinguisher works for ordinary combustibles too.
Position yourself upwind when using an extinguisher to enhance safety and efficiency.

Hazardous Materials Awareness

Hazardous materials are indicated on vehicles by placards that list the class of the cargo; multiple placards are mandatory for visibility.

Weight Ratings and Regulations

GCWR is the manufacturer-specified weight rating that includes both the vehicle's and trailer's weight, crucial for safe towing.### Weight on Axles
Insufficient weight on the steering axle leads to unsafe steering capabilities.
Low weight on driving axles causes poor traction and may result in easy spinning of drive wheels.

Tie-Down Requirements

The minimum number of tie-downs for any flatbed load is 2, based on 1 tie-down for every 10 feet.
For a 20-foot load, 2 tie-downs are also the minimum required.

Cargo Coverage Reasons

Cargo must be covered to prevent spillage endangering people nearby.
Coverage also protects the cargo from adverse weather conditions.

Sealed Load Checks

Inspection of sealed loads is not possible, but checking gross weight and axle weight limits is essential before transport.

Bus Interior Inspection

Key items to inspect in a bus's interior include handholds and railings, floor covering, signaling devices like restroom emergency buzzers, emergency exit handles, and the safety of seats.
All seats must be securely fastened to the bus for rider safety.

Hazardous Materials Transport by Bus

Transportable hazardous materials via bus include small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies, and drugs.

Hazardous Materials Prohibited on Bus

Prohibited materials for transport include poison gas, explosives, radioactive materials, car batteries, and gasoline.

Standee Line

Buses that allow standing must have a two-inch line, known as the standee line, showing where riders cannot stand.
No rider is allowed to stand forward of the rear of the driver's seat.

Disruptive Passengers

Discharging a disruptive passenger must be done with safety in mind for both the rider and others.
It is critical not to let such passengers off in an unsafe location.

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Description

Prepare for your Indiana BMV CDL Class A & B exams with this comprehensive practice test. Sections 2, 3, and 5 cover essential topics, including vehicle inspections and brake components. Test your knowledge with these flashcards designed to enhance your learning experience.