Questions and Answers
What is the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act?
The Act became law in 1986 and requires each state to meet uniform minimum standards for licensing commercial drivers.
How many Commercial Driver License (CDL) classifications are there?
Three
What types of vehicles require a Class A license?
A tractor trailer or a truck and trailer with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GCWR of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds.
What vehicles require a Class B license?
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What does Class C cover?
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Safety is the most important reason for vehicle inspection.
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Match the type of vehicular inspection with its description:
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What is the purpose of a pre-trip inspection?
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What should a driver watch for during a trip?
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What should be done after a trip?
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What are common tire problems to look for?
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What might rust around wheel nuts indicate?
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Study Notes
Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act
- Established in 1986, mandating states to adopt uniform standards for commercial driver licensing.
Commercial Driver License Classifications
- Three classifications exist: Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Class A CDL Requirements
- Required to operate:
- A tractor trailer.
- A truck and trailer with a total gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds.
- Holding a Class A license permits operation of vehicles in Class B and Class C.
Class B CDL Requirements
- Required to operate:
- Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- A vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds towing a trailer not exceeding 10,000 pounds.
- A bus with GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more for transporting 16 or more passengers.
- Holding a Class B license allows operation of Class C vehicles with proper endorsements.
Class C CDL Requirements
- Required to operate:
- Any vehicle with a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds used to transport hazardous materials.
- Buses designed for 16 or more passengers (including the driver) with a GVWR under 26,001 pounds.
- Smaller buses, limousines, or vans designed for 8 to 15 passengers used for hire.
Vehicle Inspections Purpose
- Inspections are crucial for ensuring safety of the driver and other road users.
Types of Vehicle Inspections
- Pre-trip
- During trip
- After-trip Inspection and Report
Pre-trip Inspection Importance
- Identifies potential issues that could lead to accidents or mechanical failures before starting a trip.
During a Trip Safety Checks
- Monitor gauges for abnormalities.
- Utilize senses for problems (look, listen, smell, feel).
- Inspect critical components at stops:
- Tires, wheels, and rims
- Brakes
- Lights and reflectors
- Connections to the trailer
- Coupling devices
- Cargo securement systems
After-trip Inspection and Reporting
- Conduct an inspection at trip's end, documenting any issues in a vehicle condition report.
- Helps in informing management about necessary repairs.
Tire Issues to Monitor
- Look for inadequate or excessive air pressure, bad wear, and tread depth (minimum 4/32 inch for front tires, 2/32 inch for others).
- Check for visible fabric, cuts, damage, tread separation, and contact between dual tires.
- Ensure compatibility of tire sizes and types; prohibited materials on front bus tires.
Wheel and Rim Inspection Concerns
- Check for damaged rims and rust on wheel nuts (indication of looseness).
- Recheck nut tightness after tire changes.
- Inspect for missing components—clamps, spacers, and studs—indicating safety risks.
- Avoid using mismatched, bent, or welded wheels, which present hazards.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act and CDL classifications in New Jersey with these flashcards. Perfect for anyone preparing for their commercial driver's license exam.
