Podcast
Questions and Answers
When the roads are slippery, you should:
When the roads are slippery, you should:
Which of these statements about brakes is true?
Which of these statements about brakes is true?
Truck escape ramps:
Truck escape ramps:
You are starting your vehicle in motion from a stop. As you apply power to the drive wheels, they began to spin. You should:
You are starting your vehicle in motion from a stop. As you apply power to the drive wheels, they began to spin. You should:
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The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is about ____ mile at highway speed:
The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is about ____ mile at highway speed:
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The Driver's Manual suggests several things to do when you pass a vehicle. Which of these is not one of them?
The Driver's Manual suggests several things to do when you pass a vehicle. Which of these is not one of them?
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Which of these statements about downshifting is true?
Which of these statements about downshifting is true?
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Which of these can cause a vehicle to skid?
Which of these can cause a vehicle to skid?
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Which of these pieces of emergency equipment should always be carried in your vehicle?
Which of these pieces of emergency equipment should always be carried in your vehicle?
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Which of these statements about drugs is true?
Which of these statements about drugs is true?
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Which of these would tell you that a shipment contains hazardous materials?
Which of these would tell you that a shipment contains hazardous materials?
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To avoid a crash, you had to drive onto the right shoulder. You are now driving at 40 mph on the shoulder. How should you move back onto the pavement?
To avoid a crash, you had to drive onto the right shoulder. You are now driving at 40 mph on the shoulder. How should you move back onto the pavement?
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Which fire can you use water to put out?
Which fire can you use water to put out?
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You should use your mirrors to check:
You should use your mirrors to check:
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Which of these statements about speed management is true?
Which of these statements about speed management is true?
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Your vehicle is in a traffic emergency and may collide with another vehicle if you do not take action. Which of these is a good rule to remember at such a time?
Your vehicle is in a traffic emergency and may collide with another vehicle if you do not take action. Which of these is a good rule to remember at such a time?
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Which of these statements about tires and hot weather driving is true?
Which of these statements about tires and hot weather driving is true?
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Which of these is the most important thing to remember about emergency braking?
Which of these is the most important thing to remember about emergency braking?
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To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, you should?
To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, you should?
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Which of these is a sign of tire failure?
Which of these is a sign of tire failure?
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What is the proper way to hold a steering wheel?
What is the proper way to hold a steering wheel?
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You are driving a 40ft vehicle at 35mph. 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?
You are driving a 40ft vehicle at 35mph. 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?
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Which of these is a good thing to do when driving at night?
Which of these is a good thing to do when driving at night?
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Which of these statements about driving in areas with strong winds is true?
Which of these statements about driving in areas with strong winds is true?
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To help you stay alert while driving, you should:
To help you stay alert while driving, you should:
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You do not have a Hazardous Material Endorsement on your Commercial Driver's License. You can drive a vehicle hauling hazardous material when:
You do not have a Hazardous Material Endorsement on your Commercial Driver's License. You can drive a vehicle hauling hazardous material when:
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The road you are driving on becomes very slippery due to glare ice. Which of these is a good thing to do in such a situation?
The road you are driving on becomes very slippery due to glare ice. Which of these is a good thing to do in such a situation?
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Retarders:
Retarders:
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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?
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?
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When the roads are slippery, you should:
When the roads are slippery, you should:
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Which of these statements about brakes is true?
Which of these statements about brakes is true?
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Truck escape ramps:
Truck escape ramps:
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You are starting your vehicle in motion from a stop. As you apply power to the drive wheels, they started to spin. You should:
You are starting your vehicle in motion from a stop. As you apply power to the drive wheels, they started to spin. You should:
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The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is about_____ mile at highway speed:
The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is about_____ mile at highway speed:
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The Driver's Manual suggests several things to do when you pass a vehicle. Which of these is not one of them?
The Driver's Manual suggests several things to do when you pass a vehicle. Which of these is not one of them?
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Which of these statements about downshifting is true?
Which of these statements about downshifting is true?
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Which of these can cause a vehicle to skid?
Which of these can cause a vehicle to skid?
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Which of these pieces of emergency equipment should always be carried in your vehicle?
Which of these pieces of emergency equipment should always be carried in your vehicle?
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Which of these statements about drugs is true?
Which of these statements about drugs is true?
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Which of these would tell you that a shipment contains hazardous materials?
Which of these would tell you that a shipment contains hazardous materials?
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To avoid a crash, you had to drive onto the right shoulder. You are now driving at 40 mph on the shoulder. How should you move back onto the pavement?
To avoid a crash, you had to drive onto the right shoulder. You are now driving at 40 mph on the shoulder. How should you move back onto the pavement?
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Which fire can you use water to put out?
Which fire can you use water to put out?
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You should use your mirrors to check?
You should use your mirrors to check?
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Which of these statements about speed management is true?
Which of these statements about speed management is true?
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Your vehicle is in a traffic emergency and may collide with another vehicle if you do not take action. Which of these is a good rule to remember at such a time?
Your vehicle is in a traffic emergency and may collide with another vehicle if you do not take action. Which of these is a good rule to remember at such a time?
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Which of these statements about tires and hot weather driving is true?
Which of these statements about tires and hot weather driving is true?
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Which of these is the most important thing to remember about emergency braking?
Which of these is the most important thing to remember about emergency braking?
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To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, you should?
To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, you should?
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Which of these is a sign of tire failure?
Which of these is a sign of tire failure?
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What is the proper way to hold a steering wheel?
What is the proper way to hold a steering wheel?
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You are driving a 40 ft 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?
You are driving a 40 ft 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?
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Which of these is a good thing to do when driving at night?
Which of these is a good thing to do when driving at night?
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Which of these statements about driving in areas with strong winds is true?
Which of these statements about driving in areas with strong winds is true?
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To help you stay alert while driving, you should:
To help you stay alert while driving, you should:
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You do not have a Hazardous Material Endorsement on your Commercial Driver's License. You can drive a vehicle hauling hazardous material when:
You do not have a Hazardous Material Endorsement on your Commercial Driver's License. You can drive a vehicle hauling hazardous material when:
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The road you are driving on becomes very slippery due to glare ice. Which of these is a good thing to do in such a situation?
The road you are driving on becomes very slippery due to glare ice. Which of these is a good thing to do in such a situation?
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Retarders:
Retarders:
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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?
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?
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Which of these is not part of the pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment?
Which of these is not part of the pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment?
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You can see a marking on a vehicle ahead of you. The marking is a red triangle with an orange center. What does the marking mean?
You can see a marking on a vehicle ahead of you. The marking is a red triangle with an orange center. What does the marking mean?
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High beams should be:
High beams should be:
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An enroute inspection should include checking for:
An enroute inspection should include checking for:
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Which of these statements about backing a heavy vehicle is true?
Which of these statements about backing a heavy vehicle is true?
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Which of these is a good thing to remember about drinking alcohol?
Which of these is a good thing to remember about drinking alcohol?
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You are checking your tires for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?
You are checking your tires for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?
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Which of these can cause a fire?
Which of these can cause a fire?
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What is countersteering?
What is countersteering?
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You are driving a vehicle that could safely be driven at 55 mph on an open road. But traffic is now heavy, moving at 35 mph though the speed limit is 55. The safest speed for your vehicle is most likely:
You are driving a vehicle that could safely be driven at 55 mph on an open road. But traffic is now heavy, moving at 35 mph though the speed limit is 55. The safest speed for your vehicle is most likely:
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On which fires can you use the 'A:B:C' fire extinguisher?
On which fires can you use the 'A:B:C' fire extinguisher?
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Which of these statements about cargo loading is true?
Which of these statements about cargo loading is true?
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Which of these statements about using turning signals is true?
Which of these statements about using turning signals is true?
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Which of these statements about double clutching and shifting is true?
Which of these statements about double clutching and shifting is true?
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Which of these best describes how you should use the brake pedal on a steep downhill grade?
Which of these best describes how you should use the brake pedal on a steep downhill grade?
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Which of these statements about speed management is true?
Which of these statements about speed management is true?
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The center of gravity of a load:
The center of gravity of a load:
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Which of these statements about marking a stopped vehicle is true?
Which of these statements about marking a stopped vehicle is true?
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You are checking your brakes and suspension system for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?
You are checking your brakes and suspension system for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?
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When driving through work zones you should:
When driving through work zones you should:
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You are driving a vehicle at 55 mph on dry pavement. About how much total stopping distance will you need to bring it to stop?
You are driving a vehicle at 55 mph on dry pavement. About how much total stopping distance will you need to bring it to stop?
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Where should you place the three reflective triangles on a highway?
Where should you place the three reflective triangles on a highway?
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According to the driver's manual, why should you limit the use of your horn?
According to the driver's manual, why should you limit the use of your horn?
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Which of these statements about accelerating is true?
Which of these statements about accelerating is true?
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If a straight vehicle goes into a front-wheel skid, it will:
If a straight vehicle goes into a front-wheel skid, it will:
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Which of these statements about certain types of cargo is true?
Which of these statements about certain types of cargo is true?
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You are driving a heavy vehicle. You must exit a highway using an offramp that curves downhill. You should:
You are driving a heavy vehicle. You must exit a highway using an offramp that curves downhill. You should:
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Which of these is a proper use of vehicle lights?
Which of these is a proper use of vehicle lights?
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A key principle to remember about loading cargo is to keep the load:
A key principle to remember about loading cargo is to keep the load:
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You are driving on a straight, level highway at 50 mph. Suddenly a tire blows out on your vehicle. What should you do first?
You are driving on a straight, level highway at 50 mph. Suddenly a tire blows out on your vehicle. What should you do first?
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Which of these is a good thing to remember when crossing or entering traffic with heavy traffic?
Which of these is a good thing to remember when crossing or entering traffic with heavy traffic?
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Which of these statements about staying alert to drive is true?
Which of these statements about staying alert to drive is true?
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Which of these is a good thing to remember about using mirrors?
Which of these is a good thing to remember about using mirrors?
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You are checking your steering and exhaust system in a pre-trip inspection. Which of these problems, if found, should be fixed before the vehicle is driven?
You are checking your steering and exhaust system in a pre-trip inspection. Which of these problems, if found, should be fixed before the vehicle is driven?
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Your vehicle has hydraulic brakes. While traveling on a level road, you press the brake pedal and find that it goes to the floor. Which of these statements is true?
Your vehicle has hydraulic brakes. While traveling on a level road, you press the brake pedal and find that it goes to the floor. Which of these statements is true?
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Brake 'fade':
Brake 'fade':
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You are driving on a two-lane road. An oncoming driver drifts into your lane and is headed straight for you. Which of these is most often the best action to take?
You are driving on a two-lane road. An oncoming driver drifts into your lane and is headed straight for you. Which of these is most often the best action to take?
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Which of these statements about engine overheating is true?
Which of these statements about engine overheating is true?
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You are driving a heavy vehicle with a manual transmission. You have to stop the vehicle on the shoulder while driving on an uphill grade. Which of these is a good rule to follow when putting it back in motion up the grade?
You are driving a heavy vehicle with a manual transmission. You have to stop the vehicle on the shoulder while driving on an uphill grade. Which of these is a good rule to follow when putting it back in motion up the grade?
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Which of these is a good thing to do when steering to avoid a crash?
Which of these is a good thing to do when steering to avoid a crash?
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You are checking your wheel and rims for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?
You are checking your wheel and rims for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?
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You do not have a Hazardous Materials Endorsement on your Commercial Driver's License. You are asked to deliver hazardous materials in a placarded vehicle. You should:
You do not have a Hazardous Materials Endorsement on your Commercial Driver's License. You are asked to deliver hazardous materials in a placarded vehicle. You should:
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As the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) goes up, what happens?
As the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) goes up, what happens?
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If you need to leave the road in a traffic emergency, you should:
If you need to leave the road in a traffic emergency, you should:
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You should stop driving:
You should stop driving:
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You should avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing water. But if you must, which of these steps can help keep your brakes working?
You should avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing water. But if you must, which of these steps can help keep your brakes working?
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Escape ramps are:
Escape ramps are:
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Which of these statements about downshifting is true?
Which of these statements about downshifting is true?
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What will keep an engine cool in hot weather?
What will keep an engine cool in hot weather?
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When driving at night, you should:
When driving at night, you should:
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Which of these items is checked in a pre-trip inspection?
Which of these items is checked in a pre-trip inspection?
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Which of these statements about backing a heavy vehicle is true?
Which of these statements about backing a heavy vehicle is true?
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Which of these statements about cold-weather driving is true?
Which of these statements about cold-weather driving is true?
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Controlled braking:
Controlled braking:
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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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Which of these is not a good rule to follow when caring for a person injured at an accident scene?
Which of these is not a good rule to follow when caring for a person injured at an accident scene?
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For your safety, when setting out reflective triangles you should:
For your safety, when setting out reflective triangles you should:
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The purpose of retarders is to:
The purpose of retarders is to:
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How far should a driver look ahead of the vehicle when driving?
How far should a driver look ahead of the vehicle when driving?
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Hydroplaning:
Hydroplaning:
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If you are being tailgated, you should:
If you are being tailgated, you should:
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Which of these statements about overhead clearance is true?
Which of these statements about overhead clearance is true?
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You must drive on a slippery road. Which of these is a good thing to do in such a situation?
You must drive on a slippery road. Which of these is a good thing to do in such a situation?
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Which of these statements about vehicle fires is true?
Which of these statements about vehicle fires is true?
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Cargo that is not loaded or secured properly can cause:
Cargo that is not loaded or secured properly can cause:
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Your brakes can get wet when you drive through heavy rain. What can this cause when the brakes are applied?
Your brakes can get wet when you drive through heavy rain. What can this cause when the brakes are applied?
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Cargo covers:
Cargo covers:
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You are driving a 40-foot vehicle at 50 mph. Driving conditions are ideal. What is the least amount of space that you should keep in front of your vehicle to be safe?
You are driving a 40-foot vehicle at 50 mph. Driving conditions are ideal. What is the least amount of space that you should keep in front of your vehicle to be safe?
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Immediately after a long, hot drive you check your air pressure in a tire and it is 5lb high. You should:
Immediately after a long, hot drive you check your air pressure in a tire and it is 5lb high. You should:
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Study Notes
General Knowledge for Massachusetts CDL Class B
- On slippery roads, make turns as gentle as possible to maintain control.
- Heavier vehicles or those moving faster generate more heat in the brakes; this is crucial for stopping safely.
- Truck escape ramps are designed to help avoid damage to vehicles during brake failure scenarios.
- If drive wheels start spinning while accelerating from a stop, immediately take your foot off the accelerator.
- Look ahead about 1/4 mile when driving at highway speeds to ensure adequate reaction time.
Safe Driving Practices
- Do not use high beams at night; instead, they should be turned on only when safe and legal.
- Proper downshifting occurs before entering a curve to maintain vehicle control.
- Skidding can be caused by sharp turns, insufficient weight on the front axle, or over-acceleration.
- Always carry fire extinguishers, spare electrical fuses, and warning devices for parked vehicles as essential emergency equipment.
Effects of Drugs and Hazardous Material Awareness
- Drug use can lead to accidents and arrests; never rely on prescription drugs while driving.
- Hazardous materials are indicated by labels on containers, placards on vehicles, and hazard class names on shipping papers.
Handling Emergencies and Traffic Rules
- In case of an emergency, stay on the shoulder until the vehicle stops, then move back onto the pavement safely.
- Use water only for tire fires; other types of fires may require specialized extinguishing methods.
Peripheral Driving Safety
- Use mirrors to monitor tire conditions, the vehicle's rear during turns, and traffic gaps when merging.
- Adjust speed on wet or snow-covered roads—reducing speed by one-third on wet roads and at least one-half on packed snow is advisable.
Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections
- During pre-trip inspections, check that brake shoes, pads, and suspension systems are free from oil, grease, and damage.
- Tires should be the same size; mismatched tires can lead to safety issues on the road.
Cargo Management and Vehicle Stability
- The center of gravity of cargo should be low to reduce the risk of tipping during turns.
- Understanding legal weight limits is critical—state laws dictate these limits for safety.
Signaling and Communication
- Always signal well in advance when turning to maintain safety around other vehicles.
- Use reflective triangles properly when stopped on a highway; placement is essential for visibility.
Emergency Maneuvers and Speed Management
- In a traffic emergency, turning may be a quicker way to avoid an obstacle than stopping.
- On steep downhill grades, apply light, steady pressure to brakes rather than hard braking.
Navigating Night and Adverse Conditions
- Maintain speeds that allow stopping within the range of your headlights when driving at night.
- Strong winds especially affect vehicles exiting tunnels; adjust driving behavior accordingly.
Legal Responsibilities
- Divulging the proper load limits and ensuring cargo is secured can help prevent accidents and violations.
- Drivers are responsible even when cargo is loaded by shippers; overloading is illegal.
Additional Best Practices
- Avoid rough acceleration to prevent mechanical damage.
- Skidding in a straight vehicle can occur; understand that it will not spin out but may slide sideways if not corrected.### Safe Driving Practices
- Unstable Loads: Hanging items such as meat or livestock require extra caution, especially on curves, due to their potential to shift.
- Oversize Loads: Can be transported without special permits during non-peak traffic times.
- Liquid Bulk Loads: Heavy but can cause handling issues; ensuring tanks are full is crucial for stability.
Speed Regulations
- Offramp Exiting: Always slow down to a safe speed before entering curves in heavy vehicles to maintain control.
- Speed Limit Awareness: Follow posted speed limits relevant to specific road types.
Proper Use of Vehicle Lights
- Visibility Enhancement: Headlights should be used during reduced visibility conditions, including rain or snow.
- Brake Light Signals: Flashing brake lights helps alert vehicles behind to hazards or stops.
Cargo Handling Principles
- Load Balance: It’s vital to keep cargo balanced within the vehicle to prevent accidents.
Emergency Response
- Tire Blowout: When experiencing a blowout, maintain control by staying off the brake until the vehicle slows down.
- Traffic Gaps: Heavy vehicles need larger clearance gaps in traffic than passenger cars due to increased stop distances.
Fatigue Management
- Alertness: Sleep is essential to combat fatigue; short breaks or coffee are not substitutes.
Mirror Utilization
- Blind Spots: Recognize that some areas are not visible in mirrors; frequent checking is necessary for safety.
Pre-trip Inspection Essentials
- Steering and Exhaust: Any excessive play in the steering wheel or leaks must be fixed prior to operation.
Brake System Awareness
- Hydraulic Brake Failure: If the brake pedal goes to the floor, try pumping the brake to regain pressure.
Driving Techniques
- Brake Fade: Occurs from overheating and can affect overall vehicle braking ability.
- Skid Management: To correct a rear-wheel skid, stop accelerating rather than braking harshly.
Uphill and Downhill Considerations
- Starting on an Incline: Use the parking brake to assist in starting from a stop on a hill.
- Engine Overheating: Never remove radiator caps from pressurized systems before they cool to prevent injuries.
Night Driving Safety
- Adjust Speed: Keep stopping distance within sight distance when driving at night.
Weather Conditions
- Hydroplaning: Increased risk with low tire pressure; maintain proper pressure to reduce the chance of hydroplaning.
Tailgating Protocol
- Increased Following Distance: In case of tailgating, maintaining a larger space in front can help prevent accidents.
Cargo Security
- Improperly Secured Loads: Can lead to vehicle damage, accidents, or injury during sudden stops or crashes.
Emergency Vehicle Management
- Reflective Triangles: Must be set out while keeping safety in mind, holding them between yourself and oncoming traffic.
Engine Cooling Control
- Hot Weather Driving: Maintain proper oil levels and check V-belt tightness to keep the engine cool.
Communications for Safety
- Backing Vehicles: Always utilize a helper and communicate effectively using hand signals to prevent accidents.
Winter Driving Procedures
- Use Antifreeze: For windshield washer systems to prevent freezing and ensure visibility.
Driver Alertness
- Hazard Awareness: Staying alert allows time to plan safe escape routes during emergencies.
Collision Avoidance
- Best Action When Approaching an Obstacle: Steer to the right when faced with an unexpected blockage on the road.
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Description
Test your understanding of general knowledge for the Massachusetts CDL Class B license. This quiz covers important topics such as vehicle handling, braking, and safety practices. Use these flashcards to prepare effectively for your test.