Michigan DMV CDL Test Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does axle weight mean?

The weight transmitted between the ground by one axle or one set of axles.

What statements are true about backing? (Select all that apply)

You should back and turn to the driver's side whenever possible (correct)

Backing is always dangerous (correct)

When should you inspect your cargo after driving?

25 miles or 50 miles, depending on the law in the state you are in, then after 3 hours or 150 miles.

What is true about tires and hot weather driving?

You should inspect your tires every two hours or every 100 miles. Signup and view all the answers

When should turn signals be used?

At least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. Signup and view all the answers

How can you warn drivers of a stopped vehicle?

Move the rear reflective triangle back if the driver's vision is obscured to within 500 feet. Signup and view all the answers

How can you avoid the effects of wet brakes? (Select all that apply)

Increase engine RPM Signup and view all the answers

You do not have a hazardous materials endorsement on your CDL. When can you drive a vehicle hauling hazardous material?

When the vehicle does not require placards. Signup and view all the answers

In your pre-trip inspection, which steering problem should be fixed before driving?

Steering play in excess of 10 degrees (2 inches on a 20 inch wheel). Signup and view all the answers

While driving, what should you use your mirrors to check? (Select all that apply)

The condition of tires and cargo Signup and view all the answers

What is reaction distance?

The distance traveled from the time the brain tells the foot to push the brake pedal to the time the foot actually pushes the brake pedal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum length for mud flaps?

Within 8 inches of the surface of the road. Signup and view all the answers

What are you responsible for regarding your load?

Recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight, knowing that your cargo is securely tied down and covered. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when driving through roadway work zones?

Watch for sharp pavement drop-offs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT caused by rough acceleration?

Tire damage. Signup and view all the answers

What is an escape ramp?

Ramps located a few miles from the top of a downgrade to help you stop. Signup and view all the answers

What must tie-downs be strong enough to lift?

One and a half times the weight of the cargo tied down. Signup and view all the answers

How far ahead should you be looking while driving in town?

1 block. Signup and view all the answers

How should you use the brake pedal on a steep downhill grade?

Release the brake pressure when you are 5 mph below your safe speed and let your speed come back to the safe speed, then repeat. Signup and view all the answers

Name some important steering system parts.

Tie rod, spindle, and pitman arm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum tread depth for tires other than front tires?

2/32 inch. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if your brakes get wet while driving on a rainy day?

Trailer jackknifing. Signup and view all the answers

Optional safety equipment may include emergency phone numbers, tire chains, and what?

Tire changing equipment Signup and view all the answers

The best drivers are those who watch and prepare for hazards. This is called being?

Defensive. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about causes of vehicle fires is true?

Poor trailer ventilation can cause flammable cargo to catch fire. Signup and view all the answers

At night, when a vehicle is carrying a load that extends four feet or more beyond the rear of the body, there must be _________ at the extreme end of the load.

2 red lights. Signup and view all the answers

What do retarders do?

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

If you do not have a CB radio, what is the first thing you should do at an accident scene?

Protect the accident scene. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about other drivers is true?

Short term or daily rental truck drivers are often not used to the limited vision and pose a hazard. Signup and view all the answers

What three things related to cargo are the driver's responsibility?

Inspecting the cargo, recognizing overloads, and properly securing the cargo. Signup and view all the answers

To avoid a crash, you had to drive onto the right shoulder. How should you move back onto the pavement?

If possible, come to a complete stop before steering back onto the pavement. Signup and view all the answers

What are containerized loads typically used for?

Freight carried partway by rail or ship. Signup and view all the answers

When should you use a helper to back your vehicle?

When possible. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is NOT part of the pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment?

Valve clearance. Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a single railroad track?

It takes 14 seconds to clear a single track and more than 15 seconds to clear a double track. Signup and view all the answers

When approaching a traffic light that has been green for a long time, what should you do?

Start to slow down so you will be ready to stop. Signup and view all the answers

What does stab braking involve?

Releasing the brakes only after the wheels lock up. Signup and view all the answers

When driving in cold weather conditions, your tires should?

Provide enough traction to steer and push the vehicle through the snow. Signup and view all the answers

At what measurement is the safety valve usually set to open?

150 psi. Signup and view all the answers

How do brakes work on a long, steep downgrade?

As a supplement to engine braking. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a supply pressure gauge?

To tell you how much air is in the tank. Signup and view all the answers

When should you drain your air tanks?

At the end of each day. Signup and view all the answers

Why must air tanks be drained?

Your brakes may fail due to the water freezing. Signup and view all the answers

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

Counter steer. Signup and view all the answers

In a traffic emergency, what is a good rule to remember?

To miss an obstacle, you can almost turn more quickly than you can stop. Signup and view all the answers

How would you check your truck's slack adjusters?

Use gloves and pull hard on each slack adjuster you can reach. Signup and view all the answers

The distance your vehicle travels from the time your eyes see a hazard to the time your brain recognizes it is called _______ distance.

Perception. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

CDL Test Key Concepts

Axle Weight: Refers to the weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or a set of axles.
Backing Safety: Always dangerous; it's best to back and turn to the driver's side when possible.
Cargo Inspection: Cargo must be inspected 25 or 50 miles depending on state law, and again after 3 hours or 150 miles.
Tire Inspection in Heat: Inspect tires every 2 hours or 100 miles during hot weather.
Turn Signal Use: Should be activated at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes.
Warning Stopped Vehicles: Move a rear reflective triangle back to within 500 feet if visibility is obscured.
Wet Brakes Management: Gently apply brakes, increase engine RPM, or slow down while engaging low gear to avoid wet brake effects.
Hazardous Materials Rule: You can transport hazardous materials without a specific endorsement if no placards are required.
Steering and Exhaust Issues: Fix steering play exceeding 10 degrees (2 inches on a 20-inch wheel) before driving.
Mirror Usage: Important for checking tire and cargo condition and the vehicle's position during turns.

Operational Safety

Reaction Distance: Distance traveled from the moment the brain signals to the foot pressing the brake pedal.
Mud Flap Minimum: Must be within 8 inches of the road surface.
Cargo Responsibility: Drivers must recognize overloads and ensure cargo is secured and covered.
Work Zones Precautions: Watch for sharp pavement drop-offs while driving through work zones.
Acceleration Effects: Rough accelerations do not typically cause tire damage.
Escape Ramps: Designed to help slow vehicles on downgrades, located a few miles from the peak.
Tie-Down Strength: Cargo tie-downs must have a combined strength to lift 1.5 times the weight of the cargo.

Driving Techniques and Guidelines

Town Driving: Look 1 block ahead.
Steep Grade Braking: Release brake pressure when 5 mph below safe speed and allow speed to return to safe before repeating.
Steering System Parts: Key components include tie rods, spindles, and pitman arms.
Tread Depth: Minimum tread depth for tires, excluding front ones, is 2/32 inch.
Wet Brake Risks: Wet brakes can cause trailer jackknifing if applied suddenly after rain.
Safety Equipment: Consider carrying emergency phone numbers, tire chains, and tire changing equipment.

Hazard Awareness

Defensive Driving: The best drivers anticipate hazards and are prepared.
Vehicle Fire Causes: Poor trailer ventilation can lead to flammable cargo catching fire.
Night Driving Requirements: For loads extending beyond the rear, two red lights must be visible at the end.
Retarders Function: Helps slow the vehicle and reduces brake wear, but can also cause skidding on poor traction.

Emergency Procedures

Accident Scene Protocol: Protect the scene immediately if no CB radio is available.
Rental Driver Caution: Short-term rental truck drivers may be inexperienced and present hazards.
Cargo Responsibilities: Includes inspecting, recognizing overloads, and securing cargo.
Right Shoulder Recovery: If on the shoulder, stop completely if possible before returning to the road.
Containerized Loads: Typically used when freight is partially transported by rail or ship.

Maintenance and Mechanical Knowledge

Pre-trip Inspection: Exclude valve clearance from routine checks in the engine compartment.
Railroad Track Clearance: Takes 14 seconds for a single track and over 15 seconds for a double track.
Traffic Light Caution: Slow down when approaching a long-green light to prepare for possible stops.
Stab Braking: Involves only releasing brakes after wheels lock up.
Cold Weather Tactics: Tires must provide enough traction for safe driving through snow.

Equipment Understanding

Safety Valve Setting: Usually opens at 150 psi.
Braking on Downgrade: Brakes act as a supplement to engine braking.
Supply Pressure Gauge: Indicates the amount of air in the air tank.
Air Tank Maintenance: Drain at the end of each day to prevent freezing-related brake failures.

Driving Maneuvers and Strategies

Drive-Wheel Skids: Correct by countersteering.
Traffic Emergencies: In emergencies, you can maneuver around obstacles more quickly than stoping.
Slack Adjuster Check: Use gloves to test each slack adjuster by pulling forcefully.
Perception Distance: The distance traveled from seeing a hazard to recognizing it mentally.

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Description

Prepare for the Michigan DMV CDL test with these flashcards. This quiz covers important terms and definitions related to commercial driving, such as axle weight and safe backing practices. Test your knowledge and ensure you're ready for the road.