Questions and Answers
What is the average perception time for a driver?
1¾ seconds
What does reaction distance refer to?
The distance you will continue to travel before hitting the brakes.
What is the average reaction time of a driver?
¾ second to one (1) second
What is braking distance?
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What is the safest speed when driving in heavy traffic?
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What is black ice?
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What is hydroplaning?
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When can hydroplaning occur?
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If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
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Empty trucks have the best braking.
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Speeding traffic is the number one cause of injury and death in roadway work zones.
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How much space should you keep in front of you?
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Why is it important to use a helper when backing?
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Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.
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When checking your mirrors, what should you be looking for?
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How much should you slow down in certain road conditions?
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What do move over laws require?
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What is a hazard?
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Why should you look for hazards?
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How much time should be between you and the vehicle ahead of you?
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What was the result of The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS)?
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Crashes involving drowsiness are most likely to occur when?
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What do you need a CDL to operate?
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What is the maximum BAC allowed to operate a CMV?
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You will lose your CDL for life if you use a CMV to commit a felony for controlled substances.
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You will be put out of service for 24 hours if you have any detectable amount of alcohol under 0.04%.
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What are some examples of serious traffic violations?
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What is the penalty for committing two serious traffic violations within 3 years?
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What is the penalty for violating out of service orders?
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What is the minimum penalty for a railroad highway grade crossing violation?
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What should you do when your license is revoked, suspended or canceled?
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How long back should you provide information on previous driving jobs?
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What is the fine for driving a CMV without a CDL?
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You must be properly restrained by a safety belt while operating a CMV.
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How much more likely are you to be fatally injured if not using a safety belt?
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What is required for loading hazardous materials?
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The distance your vehicle travels from the time you see a hazard until your brain recognizes it is called ______.
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What should you check during a trip?
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What are the three key components of total stopping distance?
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Drivers transporting cargo must inspect the securement of the cargo within the first 50 miles of a trip.
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What is a common rule for using turn signals?
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Study Notes
CDL Operation Requirements
- A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is needed for vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more.
- Combination vehicles require a CDL if the gross combination weight rating is 26,001 lbs or more and the trailer has a GVWR of 10,001 lbs or more.
- Vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers, including the driver, necessitate a CDL.
- Any vehicle requiring hazardous materials transport requires a CDL.
Alcohol and Violation Laws
- A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.04% while operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is illegal.
- CDL loss penalties:
- 1-year minimum for a first offense involving alcohol or controlled substances.
- Lifetime loss for a second offense in connection with alcohol or controlled substances.
Serious Traffic Violations
- Serious traffic violations can include excessive speeding (15+ mph over), reckless driving, improper lane changes, following too closely, and fatal crash offenses.
- 60-day CDL suspension for two serious violations within three years, escalating to 120 days for three or more.
Out-of-Service Orders
- Minimum 90-day loss of CDL for the first violation.
- One-year loss for two violations in 10 years; three years for three violations.
Railroad Highway Grade Crossing Violations
- CDL suspension:
- 60 days for the first violation.
- 120 days for the second violation within three years.
- One year for the third violation.
Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA)
- Disqualifies CDL holders for certain moving violations in personal vehicles.
Notification Requirements
- Notify your employer within two business days of license revocation or suspension.
- Report traffic violation convictions within 30 days regardless of vehicle type.
Employment History Disclosure
- Provide information on all driving jobs held in the past 10 years when applying for a commercial driving position.
Mobile Phone Use
- Holding a mobile phone for voice communication while driving is prohibited.
Seatbelt Laws
- Safety belts must be worn at all times in commercial motor vehicles.
Inspection Protocols
- Safety is the primary reason for vehicle inspections, which are federally mandated.
- Conduct pre-trip inspections to identify potential issues that could cause crashes or breakdowns.
- During trips, check gauges and perform visual checks for potential problems.
Tire Inspection Standards
- Maintain at least 4/32-inch tread depth on front tires and 2/32-inch on other tires.
- Inspect for proper air pressure, wear, and visible damage.
Braking System Checks
- Inspect for cracked drums, worn shoes, and contamination from fluids.
Emergency Equipment Requirements
- CMVs should be equipped with fire extinguishers, spare fuses, and warning devices.
Backing and Maneuvering Safety
- Use proper positioning, mirrors, and proceed slowly while backing up.
- Prefer backing towards the driver's side for better visibility.
Stopping Distance Awareness
- Total stopping distance equals perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance.
- Average perception time is about 1¾ seconds; average reaction time is ¾ to 1 second.
Weather and Road Conditions
- Black ice and hydroplaning can occur unexpectedly, requiring vigilance.
- Keep appropriate following distances to avoid collisions, especially in work zones.
Speed Regulation
- Driving at the speed of surrounding traffic greatly reduces collision risks.
- Remember, empty trucks have longer stopping distances than loaded ones.
Retarders
- Retarders aid in vehicle deceleration, minimizing brake wear.
Shift Timing
- Learn to shift based on engine speed and road speed, using auditory cues for effective timing.
Safety Proper Practices
- Always maintain a clear view ahead, check mirrors during maneuvers, and use turn signals correctly.### Vehicle Following Distance
- Maintain one second of following distance for each 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph; add an additional second for higher speeds for safety.
Importance of Using a Helper When Backing
- Blind spots exist that the driver cannot see, making it crucial to have a helper for safe backing maneuvers.
Retarders and Skidding
- Retarders do not prevent skidding on slippery roads; this statement is false.
Checking Mirrors
- Regularly check mirrors for vehicles on either side and behind to ensure safe lane changes.
- Be aware of blind spots; mirrors may not capture all vehicles, making vigilance essential.
Reducing Speed on Different Road Conditions
- Slow down by one-third on wet roads and by half or more on packed snow.
- On icy surfaces, reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as safely possible.
Move Over Laws
- Drivers must slow down and change lanes when approaching roadside incidents or emergency vehicles.
- If it’s unsafe to change lanes, proceed with caution while slowing to a speed appropriate for traffic conditions.
Definition of a Hazard
- A hazard is any condition or road user (driver, bicyclist, pedestrian) that poses a potential danger on the road.
Importance of Hazard Awareness
- Identifying hazards is critical, as they can escalate into emergencies. Awareness allows for planning and executing a way out of potential emergencies.
Recommended Time Between Vehicles
- Follow the rule of maintaining one second of distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length and add an extra second for higher speeds.
Results of the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS)
- 8% of large truck crashes occurred due to external distractions affecting Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers.
- 2% of crashes were linked to internal distractions of the driver.
Timing of Drowsiness-Related Crashes
- Crashes due to drowsiness are most likely to happen in the mid-afternoon and at night.
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Test your knowledge for the Minnesota CDL requirements with these flashcards. Cover key definitions and regulations related to commercial driver's licenses, including vehicle classifications and weight ratings. Prepare effectively for your CDL examination with this focused quiz.
