NJ CDL Written Test - General Knowledge

General Knowledge for NJ CDL Written Test

• It is illegal to hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for more than one state according to federal law.
• During pre-trip inspections, mismatched tire sizes should not be used on the same vehicle.
• Excessive steering wheel play (over 10 degrees or 2 inches) makes vehicle steering harder.
• Brake components must be free from oil, grease, or fluid; even one missing leaf spring can pose danger.
• Rust around wheel nuts indicates potential looseness.
• Essential emergency equipment includes a fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses, and reflective triangles.
• Valve clearance checks are not required during pre-trip inspections.
• Checking for loose lugs can be effectively done using a lug wrench.
• Test hydraulic brakes for leaks by pumping the pedal three times and holding pressure; observe for pedal movement.
• When backing a heavy vehicle, always use a helper when possible for safety.
• A helper is critical when backing a loaded truck because mirrors may not show the area behind the trailer.
• Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands on opposite sides for control.
• Turning to the left (driver's side) offers better visibility when backing into an alley.
• To correct trailer drift while backing straight, turn the wheel in the same direction as the drift.
• 'Double clutching' involves engaging and disengaging the clutch twice to shift gears smoothly.
• Utilizing the tachometer (RPM) can indicate optimal shift timing.
• Downshifting for a curve should be done before entering for better control.
• Engine retarders may cause skidding in poor traction conditions.
• Auxiliary brakes or speed retarders are designed to slow down vehicles.
• While driving, maintain focus by looking back and forth ahead for awareness.
• There are blind spots that mirrors do not reveal, necessitating careful checks.
• In urban driving, look 12-15 seconds (about one block) ahead for hazard anticipation.
• At high speeds, aim to look 1/4 mile ahead for effective distance management.
• At night, do not turn on high beams before passing another vehicle; this is unsafe.
• Use mirrors to monitor tire condition, vehicle movement during turns, and gaps for merging.
• Signal well before turning and remember to cancel signals after completing the turn.
• Convex mirrors make objects appear farther away than they actually are.
• When needing to slow down unexpectedly due to road blocks, alert following drivers by tapping the brake pedal.
• A slight tap on the horn best communicates your location to others.
• Rear reflective triangles should be placed 500 ft behind a stopped vehicle if visibility is obstructed.
• For safe parking on roadway, place reflective triangles 100 ft in front, 10 ft back, and another 100 ft back of the vehicle.
• In deep puddles, gently press the brake pedal to help maintain brake effectiveness.
• Ice is most slippery when temperatures are well below freezing and just after it starts raining.
• If hydroplaning, the correct action is to release the accelerator.
• On wet roads, reduce speed by one-third; on packed snow, cut speed by at least half.
• It is wise to stop driving as soon as safely possible on slippery glare ice.
• Always choose a driving speed that allows stopping within your visible range.
• When traffic is moving slower than the posted speed, adjust to the safest speed applicable (e.g., 35 mph in a 55 mph zone).
• Entering a curve too quickly can result in skidding; maintain adequate speed.
• Slow to a safe speed before taking an off-ramp that curves downhill.
• Maintain a safe following distance of at least 5 seconds in ideal conditions.
• To avoid being tailgated, gently decrease speed to increase the gap ahead.
• Vehicle clearance can vary based on the load being carried; it's typically lower when loaded.
• Strong winds are particularly troublesome when exiting tunnels.
• Total stopping distance comprises perception, reaction, and braking distances.
• Position the trailer to block passing vehicles when making a right turn with a tractor trailer.
• Larger traffic gaps are essential for heavy vehicles when crossing or entering traffic.
• Initiate a left turn from the center of the intersection for proper alignment.
• Keep your speed within headlight range while driving at night to allow sufficient stopping distance.
• Fatigue can only be effectively countered with sleep.
• Use high beams in situations where it is safe and legal to enhance visibility.
• Make turns smoothly and gradually when road conditions are slippery.
• Hot weather can cause tar to rise on pavement, potentially creating slippery conditions.
• Increased checks of tire conditions are advised during hot weather.
• On a long downhill grade, select a lower gear than used for uphill travel.
• Apply steady, light pressure on the brake pedal along with using a lower gear on steep grades.
• Truck escape ramps are constructed to minimize vehicle damage during emergency stops.
• In brake fade situations, look for escape routes down steep hills.
• If a small object is in your lane, steer around it only if it is safe to do so.
• A vehicle marked with a red triangle and an orange center indicates it is a slow-moving vehicle.
• In a traffic emergency that threatens a collision, focus on steering rather than braking.
• When re-entering traffic after leaving the road, come to a complete stop and ensure it’s safe before merging.
• Avoid hard braking off paved surfaces until your speed is below 20 mph to prevent turbulence.
• The key point in emergency braking is that skidding wheels lead to loss of vehicle control.
• If needing to return to the road at high speed, execute rapid counter-steering effectively.
• Signs of tire failure can include loud bangs and irregular tire performance.
• To correct a rear-wheel acceleration skid, cease acceleration and press the clutch in.
• In the event of a tire blowout, refrain from braking abruptly until deceleration occurs naturally.
• If drive wheels start spinning from acceleration, withdraw your foot from the accelerator.
• The predominant cause of serious skids is driving too fast for the prevailing road conditions.
• A straight vehicle will proceed straight during a front wheel skid, regardless of steering input.
• Counter-steering involves turning the wheel in the opposite direction post evasive maneuver.
• To recover from a rear-wheel braking skid, release brakes and execute counter-steering.
• Causes of fire risks include under-inflated tires, loose fuel connections, and electrical shorts.
• When seeking help at an accident scene, prioritize providing the accident location.
• Prevent further crashes post-accident by securing the area first.
• Water can extinguish tire fires effectively, making it safe for controlled use.
• On-road inspections should include checks for tire overheating, gasoline fires, and secure cargo.
• Keep cargo doors closed if a fire originates in the cargo area to limit oxygen exposure.
• When utilizing a fire extinguisher, aim at the fire's base for optimal effect.
• To mitigate fatigue while driving, schedule trips within your regular awake hours.
• Alcohol consumption alters judgment and self-control critical for safe driving, increasing crash risk.
• As Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) increases, driving danger escalates significantly.
• Driving under the influence of drugs that impair driving ability is illegal.
• Certain medications can be acceptable for driving use if cleared by a doctor as non-affecting.
• Remember that alcohol can impede judgment and the self-control necessary for safe driving.
• Hazardous Material regulations aim to ensure safety, communicate risk, and properly contain materials.
• Shipping papers for hazardous materials must be located either in the passenger seat or driver’s door pocket.
• Without a hazardous materials endorsement, it's legal to haul hazardous materials that do not require placards.
• State regulations define legal limits for cargo loading practices.
• Improper weight distribution loaded primarily on the steering axle may lead to steering difficulties.
• High center of gravity in loads increases the likelihood of tipping during turns.
• For balanced cargo loading, maintain a centered weight distribution.
• Cargo that has the potential to shift requires at least two tie-downs for stability.
• Changing gears is prohibitive when crossing railroad tracks for safety.
• The critical point surrounding emergency braking is the inability to control a vehicle if wheels are skidding.
• Heavier or faster-moving vehicles must dissipate more heat through their brakes to achieve stops.
• Indicators such as hazard class names on shipping papers and hazard placards signify the presence of hazardous materials in a shipment.
• A "Shipper's Certification" label on shipping documentation suggests that the shipment contains hazardous materials.

Prepare for the New Jersey CDL written test with these flashcards covering essential general knowledge. Each card presents important information regarding federal laws and vehicle inspections that every commercial driver should know. Test your understanding and ensure you're ready for the exam!