NJ CDL Written Test - General Knowledge

Questions and Answers

According to Federal Law, it is illegal to have a Commercial Driver's License for more than one state.

True

Tires of mismatched sizes can be used on the same vehicle.

False

Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees or 2 inches makes it easier to steer.

False

Brake shoes and pads should not have oil, grease, or brake fluid on them.

True Signup and view all the answers

Rust around wheel nuts may indicate that they are loose.

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

Valve clearance is part of a pre-trip inspection.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to check for loose lugs?

Use a lug wrench Signup and view all the answers

How do you test hydraulic brakes for a leak?

When stopped, pump the pedal three times, apply pressure and hold for five seconds and see if it moves down or loses pressure. Signup and view all the answers

You should back up a heavy vehicle whenever you can.

False Signup and view all the answers

When backing a loaded truck, you need a helper because mirrors can show directly behind the trailer.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper way to hold a steering wheel?

Firmly, with both hands on opposite sides. Signup and view all the answers

When backing into an alley, which direction should you turn for better visibility?

To your left, or driver's side. Signup and view all the answers

To correct a trailer drift when backing straight, which way should you turn the wheel?

In the same direction the trailer is shifting. Signup and view all the answers

'Double clutching' is a term describing what?

Engaging and disengaging the clutch twice in order to switch between gears. Signup and view all the answers

You can use the tachometer (RPM) to tell you when to shift.

True Signup and view all the answers

When downshifting for a curve, do so after entering the curve.

False Signup and view all the answers

Engine retarders can cause the drive wheels to skid when they have poor traction.

True Signup and view all the answers

Auxiliary brakes or speed retarders are designed to:

Slow the vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

When looking ahead of your vehicle while driving, you should:

Look back and forth. Signup and view all the answers

How far ahead of your vehicle should you look while driving in the city?

12-15 seconds (one block). Signup and view all the answers

The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving at high speeds amounts to about what fraction of a mile?

1/4 of a mile. Signup and view all the answers

At night, turn your high beams on before passing and turn them off after passing.

False Signup and view all the answers

You should use your mirrors to check:

The condition of your tires, where the rear of your vehicle is while making turns, and traffic gaps when merging. Signup and view all the answers

When turning, you should signal early and cancel the signal after turning.

True Signup and view all the answers

The image in a convex mirror will appear closer than it really is.

False Signup and view all the answers

How should you warn drivers behind you if you must slow down unexpectedly?

Tap on the brake pedal. Signup and view all the answers

To alert others to your location, what is the best method?

Use a slight tap on the horn. Signup and view all the answers

If a hill or curve keeps drivers behind you from seeing your stopped vehicle, the rear reflective triangle should be placed 500 ft behind the vehicle.

True Signup and view all the answers

When parking on the side of a level, straight, two-lane road, where should you place the three reflective triangles?

One 100 ft in front of the vehicle, one about 10 ft in back of the vehicle, and one about 100 ft in back of the vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to help keep your brakes working if you must drive through deep puddles or flowing water?

Gently pressing the brake pedal while driving through the water. Signup and view all the answers

Ice is most slippery when the temperature is well below freezing.

True Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your vehicle hydroplanes?

Release the accelerator. Signup and view all the answers

On wet roads, you should reduce your speed by 1/3.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which is a good decision when driving on a road that has become very slippery due to glare ice?

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

The road is most slippery just after it starts to rain.

true Signup and view all the answers

Choose a driving speed that lets you stop in the space that you see ahead.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the safest speed for your vehicle when driving with traffic at 35 mph in a 55 mph zone?

35 mph. Signup and view all the answers

Entering a curve too fast can cause a vehicle to skid.

True Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you must exit the highway using an off ramp that curves downhill?

Slow down to a safe speed before you turn, usually 5 mph less than posted. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum space you should keep in front of your vehicle when driving a 40 ft vehicle at 45 mph?

5 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are being tailgated?

Slow down gently to increase the distance in front of your vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

A vehicle's clearance can change with the load carried.

True Signup and view all the answers

Winds are especially a problem when coming out of tunnels.

True Signup and view all the answers

What three things add up to total stopping distance?

Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. Signup and view all the answers

To keep drivers from passing on the right when turning right with a tractor trailer, what should you do?

Position the trailer to block them. Signup and view all the answers

Heavy vehicles need larger gaps in traffic than cars.

True Signup and view all the answers

To make a left turn, where should you start the turn?

At the center of the intersection. Signup and view all the answers

What is a good rule to follow when driving at night?

Keep your speed slow enough to stop within the range of your headlights. Signup and view all the answers

The only thing that can cure fatigue is sleep.

True Signup and view all the answers

High beams should be used when it is safe and legal to do so.

True Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when the roads are slippery?

Make turns as gently as possible. Signup and view all the answers

In very hot weather, spots where tar bleeds can make the surface slippery.

True Signup and view all the answers

You should inspect your tires more often in hot weather.

True Signup and view all the answers

What gear would you use on a long downhill grade in a new truck with a manual transmission?

A lower gear than you would use to go uphill. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to use the brake pedal on steep downhill grades?

Light steady pressure (in combination with a lower gear). Signup and view all the answers

Truck escape ramps help to:

Avoid damage to the vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

What should you look for if your brakes begin to fade?

Look for an escape ramp/route. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you see a small object in your lane while driving?

Steer around it if it is safe to do so. Signup and view all the answers

The marking on a vehicle ahead of you with a red triangle and orange center means it is a slow-moving vehicle.

True Signup and view all the answers

In a traffic emergency, if you may collide with another vehicle, what should you do?

Turn the wheel to avoid the other vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

To merge back into traffic after turning onto the right shoulder, what should you do?

Come to a complete stop and then steer back into traffic when it is safe. Signup and view all the answers

If you leave the road, what is a good thing to remember?

Avoid braking until your speed has dropped below 20 mph. Signup and view all the answers

If the wheels are skidding, you can control the vehicle.

False Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if forced to leave the road while traveling at high speed?

Steer sharply back and quickly counter steer. Signup and view all the answers

A loud bang from any tire is a sign of tire failure.

True Signup and view all the answers

How do you correct a rear-wheel acceleration skid?

Stop accelerating and push in the clutch. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a tire blows out while driving on a straight, level highway?

Stay off the brake until the vehicle slows down on its own. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your drive wheels start to spin from too much power?

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

Driving too fast for road conditions is the most common cause of serious vehicle skids.

True 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.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is counter-steering?

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

To correct a rear-wheel braking skid, you should:

Release the brakes and steer/counter-steer. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these can cause a fire?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

When requesting emergency assistance at an accident scene, what is the most important information to give?

Location of the accident. Signup and view all the answers

In an accident, what is the first thing you should do?

Keep another accident from happening. Signup and view all the answers

You can put out tire fires with water.

False Signup and view all the answers

An on-road inspection should include checking for:

Tire overheating, gasoline fires, and cargo securement. Signup and view all the answers

If there is a fire in the cargo area, the doors should be kept closed.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a good rule to follow when using a fire extinguisher?

Aim at the base of the fire. Signup and view all the answers

The best way to prevent fatigue is to schedule trips during:

Hours that you are normally awake. Signup and view all the answers

A few beers have the same effect as a few shots of whiskey.

True Signup and view all the answers

As the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) goes up, the person becomes less dangerous if allowed to drive.

False Signup and view all the answers

Driving under the influence of any drug which makes you drive unsafely is against the law.

True Signup and view all the answers

You can use certain medications if a doctor has informed you that it doesn't affect your driving ability.

True Signup and view all the answers

Alcohol affects judgment and self-control necessary for safe driving.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the intent of the Hazardous Materials regulation?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

When transporting hazardous material, where must the shipping papers be?

On the passenger's seat or in the driver's door pouch. Signup and view all the answers

You can legally haul hazardous materials without a hazardous material endorsement if the load does not require placards.

True Signup and view all the answers

State regulations dictate legal limits of cargo loading.

True Signup and view all the answers

If a vehicle is loaded with most of the weight on the steering axle, it can cause difficulty steering.

True Signup and view all the answers

The center of gravity of a load can make a vehicle more likely to tip over on curves.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the key principle in balancing cargo weight?

Keep the load centered. Signup and view all the answers

Cargo that can shift needs at least how many tie downs?

<ol start="2"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Shifting gears is not permitted when crossing railroad tracks.

True Signup and view all the answers

If the wheels are skidding, you can control the vehicle.

False Signup and view all the answers

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

True Signup and view all the answers

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

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What does a 'Shipper's Certification' printed on shipping paper indicate?

The shipment contains hazardous material. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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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!