Maine CDL General Knowledge

General Hand Signals and Safety

• Agree on hand signals with a helper, especially the signal for "stop."
• Always keep the starter switch key in your pocket during pre-trip inspection to prevent unauthorized movement of the truck.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection

• Under-inflated tires are a common cause of tire fires; regularly check tire pressure.
• Inspect wheel bearing seals for leaks and ensure no oil, grease, or brake fluid contaminates brake pads.
• Check hose conditions during pre-trip tests and watch for puddles indicating leaks.

Driving Techniques and Safety

• To prevent rolling backward when starting, engage the clutch and use the hand valve while applying the parking brake if necessary.
• Maintain a following distance of at least 4 seconds when traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle.
• Adjust your speed based on road conditions, especially in adverse weather, reducing speed by one-third on wet roads.

Regulations and Legal Responsibilities

• CDL privileges for a second DUI offense may be revoked for life.
• Ensure you don’t exceed axle weight limits or gross weight restrictions when transporting cargo.
• Use three red reflective triangles for road safety and ensure you place warning devices appropriately if stopping on a one-way road.

Emergency Situations and Hazard Awareness

• Set out warning devices quickly at an accident scene to prevent further incidents.
• If confronted by an aggressive driver, prioritize safety over confrontation and seek police assistance.
• If you experience a tire failure, avoid hard braking; instead, safely slow down.

Cargo Safety and Transport Regulations

• Securely cover cargo to protect it and comply with regulations, enhancing safety for other road users.
• You are responsible for inspecting cargo, recognizing overloads, and securing the cargo adequately.
• During trips, continuously check cargo stability and ensure no shifting occurs.

Weather Conditions and Driving Precautions

• Be cautious in freezing temperatures; shaded areas, bridges, and seemingly wet roads are often slippery.
• Use low beams and fog lights while driving in fog; do not use high beams in such conditions.

Skidding and Traction Management

• Reduce speed before making turns in slippery conditions.
• In case of a drive-wheel braking skid, counter-steer to regain control.
• Adjust to driving conditions to prevent skidding and maintain traction.

Night Driving and Visibility

• Use high beams under good conditions, dimming them to low beams when oncoming vehicles are within 500 feet.
• When driving in dark areas with few streetlights, switch on high beams for better visibility.

Alcohol and Drug Awareness

• A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04 or higher is considered intoxicated for commercial drivers.
• Any detectable amount of alcohol may result in a 24-hour out-of-service order.

Vehicle Components and Safe Driving Practices

• Be aware of the importance of the steering gear box as a key steering component.
• Maintain healthy brake and suspension systems to ensure reliable stopping power.
• Regularly inspect tire conditions, especially during hot weather, checking air pressure and mounting.

Effective Communication and Vigilance

• Use mirrors to monitor vehicle conditions, cargo, and blind spots; there are areas not visible in mirrors.
• Maintain an awareness of potential hazards, and always have emergency plans in case of unexpected situations.

Test your knowledge on essential topics for the Maine CDL process! This set of flashcards covers crucial information such as hand signals, tire fire causes, and the use of retarders in driving. Perfect for aspiring commercial drivers looking to reinforce their understanding.