Massachusetts CDL Class B Knowledge

Questions and Answers

When the roads are slippery, you should:

Stop and test the traction while going up hills

Drive alongside other vehicles

Make turns as gentle as possible (correct)

Decrease the distance that you look ahead of your vehicle

Which of these statements about brakes is true?

The heavier a vehicle or the faster it is moving, the more heat the brakes have to absorb to stop it (correct)

Brakes have more stopping power when they get very hot

Brake drums cool very quickly when the vehicle is moving very fast

All of the above are true

Truck escape ramps:

Help avoid damage to vehicles (correct)

Should not be used if brakes fail on a downgrade

Cannot be used by certain types of heavy vehicles

All of the above

You are starting your vehicle in motion from a stop. As you apply power to the drive wheels, they began to spin. You should:

Take your foot off the accelerator Signup and view all the answers

The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is about ____ mile at highway speed:

1/4 Signup and view all the answers

The Driver's Manual 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 before you start to pass and leave them on until you have completely passed the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about downshifting is true?

When you downshift for a curve, you should do so before you enter the curve Signup and view all the answers

Which of these can cause a vehicle to skid?

All of the above are true Signup and view all the answers

Which of these pieces of emergency equipment should always be carried in your vehicle?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about drugs is true?

Use of drugs can lead to accidents and/or arrest Signup and view all the answers

Which of these would tell you that a shipment contains hazardous materials?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

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?

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

Which fire can you use water to put out?

Tire fire Signup and view all the answers

You should use your mirrors to check:

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about speed management is true?

All of the above are true Signup and view all the answers

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?

You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about tires and hot weather driving is true?

You should inspect your tires every two hours or every 100 miles when driving in very hot weather Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is the most important thing to remember about emergency braking?

If the wheels are skidding, you cannot control the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, you should?

Stop braking, turn quickly and countersteer Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a sign of tire failure?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper way to hold a steering wheel?

With both hands on opposite sides of the wheel Signup and view all the answers

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?

4 Seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a good thing to do when driving at night?

Keep your speed low enough that you can stop within the range of your headlights Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about driving in areas with strong winds is true?

Winds are especially a problem when coming out of tunnels Signup and view all the answers

To help you stay alert while driving, you should:

Take short breaks before you are drowsy Signup and view all the answers

You do not have a Hazardous Material Endorsement on your Commercial Driver's License. You can drive a vehicle hauling hazardous material when:

The vehicle does not require placards Signup and view all the answers

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?

Stop driving as soon as you can safely do so Signup and view all the answers

Retarders:

Can cause the drive wheels to skid when they have poor traction 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 Signup and view all the answers

When the roads are slippery, you should:

Make turns as gentle as possible Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about brakes is true?

The heavier a vehicle or the faster it is moving, the more heat the brakes have to absorb to stop it Signup and view all the answers

Truck escape ramps:

Help avoid damage to vehicles Signup and view all the answers

You are starting your vehicle in motion from a stop. As you apply power to the drive wheels, they started to spin. You should:

Take your foot off the accelerator Signup and view all the answers

The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is about_____ mile at highway speed:

1/4 Signup and view all the answers

The Driver's Manual 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 before you start to pass and leave them on until you have completely passed the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about downshifting is true?

When you downshift for a curve, you should do so before you enter the curve Signup and view all the answers

Which of these can cause a vehicle to skid?

All of the above are true Signup and view all the answers

Which of these pieces of emergency equipment should always be carried in your vehicle?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about drugs is true?

Use of drugs can lead to accidents and/or arrest Signup and view all the answers

Which of these would tell you that a shipment contains hazardous materials?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

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?

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

Which fire can you use water to put out?

Tire fire Signup and view all the answers

You should use your mirrors to check?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about speed management is true?

All of the above are true Signup and view all the answers

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?

You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about tires and hot weather driving is true?

You should inspect your tires every two hours or every 100 miles when driving in very hot weather Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is the most important thing to remember about emergency braking?

If the wheels are skidding, you cannot control the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, you should?

Stop braking, turn quickly and countersteer Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a sign of tire failure?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper way to hold a steering wheel?

With both hands on opposite sides of the wheel Signup and view all the answers

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?

4 Seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a good thing to do when driving at night?

Keep your speed low enough that you can stop within the range of your headlights Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about driving in areas with strong winds is true?

Winds are especially a problem when coming out of tunnels Signup and view all the answers

To help you stay alert while driving, you should:

Take short breaks before you are drowsy Signup and view all the answers

You do not have a Hazardous Material Endorsement on your Commercial Driver's License. You can drive a vehicle hauling hazardous material when:

The vehicle does not require placards Signup and view all the answers

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?

Stop driving as soon as you can safely do so Signup and view all the answers

Retarders:

Can cause the drive wheels to skid when they have poor traction 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 Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is not part of the pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment?

Valve clearance Signup and view all the answers

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?

It may be a slow-moving vehicle Signup and view all the answers

High beams should be:

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

An enroute inspection should include checking for:

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about backing a heavy vehicle is true?

You should avoid backing whenever you can Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a good thing to remember about drinking alcohol?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

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

Tires of mismatched size should not be used on the same vehicles Signup and view all the answers

Which of these can cause a fire?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is countersteering?

Turning the wheel back in the other direction after steering to avoid a traffic emergency Signup and view all the answers

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:

35 mph Signup and view all the answers

On which fires can you use the 'A:B:C' fire extinguisher?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about cargo loading is true?

State laws indicate legal weight limit Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about using turning signals is true?

When turning you should signal early Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about double clutching and shifting is true?

You can use the tachometer to tell you when to shift Signup and view all the answers

Which of these best describes how you should use the brake pedal on a steep downhill grade?

Light, steady pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about speed management is true?

You should choose a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see ahead Signup and view all the answers

The center of gravity of a load:

Can make a vehicle more likely to tip over on a curve if it is too high Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about marking a stopped vehicle is true?

If a hill or curve keeps drivers behind you from seeing the vehicle within 500 ft, the rear reflective triangle should be moved back down the road to give adequate warning. Signup and view all the answers

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

All of the above are true Signup and view all the answers

When driving through work zones you should:

Do all of the above Signup and view all the answers

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?

The length of a football field Signup and view all the answers

Where should you place the three reflective triangles on a highway?

One within 10ft of the rear of the vehicle, one about 100 ft to the rear, and one about 200ft to the rear Signup and view all the answers

According to the driver's manual, why should you limit the use of your horn?

It can startle other drivers Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about accelerating is true?

Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage Signup and view all the answers

If a straight vehicle goes into a front-wheel skid, it will:

Go straight ahead even if the steering wheel is turned Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about certain types of cargo is true?

Unstable loads such as hanging meat or livestock can require extra caution on curves Signup and view all the answers

You are driving a heavy vehicle. You must exit a highway using an offramp that curves downhill. You should:

Slow down to a safe speed before the curve Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a proper use of vehicle lights?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

A key principle to remember about loading cargo is to keep the load:

Balanced in the cargo area Signup and view all the answers

You are driving on a straight, level highway at 50 mph. Suddenly a tire blows out on your vehicle. What should you do first?

Stay off the brake until the vehicle has slowed down Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a good thing to remember when crossing or entering traffic with heavy traffic?

Heavy vehicles need larger gaps in traffic than cars Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about staying alert to drive is true?

Sleep is the only thing that can overcome fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a good thing to remember about using mirrors?

There are blind spots that your mirror cannot show you Signup and view all the answers

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?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

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?

Pumping the brake pedal may bring the pressure up so you can stop the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

Brake 'fade':

Can be caused by the brakes getting very hot Signup and view all the answers

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?

Steer to the right Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about engine overheating is true?

You should never remove the radiator cap on a pressurized system until the system has cooled Signup and view all the answers

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?

Using the parking brake to hold the vehicle until the clutch engages Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a good thing to do when steering to avoid a crash?

Don't turn any more than needed to clear what is in your way Signup and view all the answers

You are checking your wheel and rims for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?

Rust around the wheels nuts may mean that they are loose Signup and view all the answers

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:

Refuse to haul the load Signup and view all the answers

As the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) goes up, what happens?

Judgment and self-control are affected 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 20 mph Signup and view all the answers

You should stop driving:

Whenever you become sleepy Signup and view all the answers

You should avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing water. But if you must, which of these steps can help keep your brakes working?

Gently putting on the brakes while driving through the water Signup and view all the answers

Escape ramps are:

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about downshifting is true?

All of the above are true Signup and view all the answers

What will keep an engine cool in hot weather?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

When driving at night, you should:

Adjust your speed to keep your stopping distance within your sight distance Signup and view all the answers

Which of these items is checked in a pre-trip inspection?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about backing a heavy vehicle is true?

All of the above are true Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about cold-weather driving is true?

Windshield washer antifreeze should be used Signup and view all the answers

Controlled braking:

Involves locking the wheels for short periods of time Signup and view all the answers

How do you correct a rear-wheel acceleration skid?

Stop accelerating Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is not a good rule to follow when caring for a person injured at an accident scene?

Keep injured persons cool Signup and view all the answers

For your safety, when setting out reflective triangles you should:

Hold the triangles between yourself and oncoming traffic Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of retarders is to:

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

How far should a driver look ahead of the vehicle when driving?

12-15 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Hydroplaning:

Is more likely if tire pressure is low Signup and view all the answers

If you are being tailgated, you should:

Increase your following distance Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about overhead clearance is true?

The weight of a vehicle changes its height Signup and view all the answers

You must drive on a slippery road. Which of these is a good thing to do in such a situation?

Slow down gradually Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about vehicle fires is true?

A burning tire should be cooled with water Signup and view all the answers

Cargo that is not loaded or secured properly can cause:

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Your brakes can get wet when you drive through heavy rain. What can this cause when the brakes are applied?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Cargo covers:

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

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?

5 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Immediately after a long, hot drive you check your air pressure in a tire and it is 5lb high. You should:

Recheck the pressure after the tire cools off Signup and view all the answers

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.