Podcast
Questions and Answers
How can you test the low pressure warning signal?
How can you test the low pressure warning signal?
Shut the engine off when you have enough air pressure. Turn the electrical power on and step on and off the brake pedal to reduce air tank pressure. The low air pressure warning signal must come on before the pressure drops to less than 60 psi.
How can you check that the spring brakes come on automatically?
How can you check that the spring brakes come on automatically?
Continue to fan off the air pressure by stepping on and off the brake pedal. The tractor protection valve and parking brake valve should close when the air pressure falls to the manufacturer's specification.
What are the maximum leakage rates?
What are the maximum leakage rates?
2 psi in a minute for single vehicles and 3 psi in a minute for combination vehicles.
Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
What factors can cause brakes to fade or fail?
What factors can cause brakes to fade or fail?
The use of brakes on a long, steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.
The use of brakes on a long, steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.
If you are away from your vehicle only a short time, you do not need to use the parking brake.
If you are away from your vehicle only a short time, you do not need to use the parking brake.
How often should you drain air tanks?
How often should you drain air tanks?
How do you brake when you drive a tractor-trailer combination with ABS?
How do you brake when you drive a tractor-trailer combination with ABS?
You still have normal brake functions if your ABS is not working.
You still have normal brake functions if your ABS is not working.
How do you check for leaks in hoses?
How do you check for leaks in hoses?
How do you check oil level?
How do you check oil level?
How do you check hydraulic brakes?
How do you check hydraulic brakes?
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
What things should you check during a trip?
What things should you check during a trip?
Name some key steering system parts.
Name some key steering system parts.
Name some suspension system defects.
Name some suspension system defects.
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?
For other tires?
For other tires?
Why should you back toward the driver's side?
Why should you back toward the driver's side?
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
What's the most important hand signal that you and your helper should agree on?
What's the most important hand signal that you and your helper should agree on?
What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?
What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?
When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.
Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.
What are the two ways to know when to shift?
What are the two ways to know when to shift?
How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
What are two main things to look ahead for?
What are two main things to look ahead for?
What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?
What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?
Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
What three things add up to total stopping distance?
What three things add up to total stopping distance?
If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by twice or four times?
If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by twice or four times?
Empty trucks have the best braking.
Empty trucks have the best braking.
What is hydroplaning?
What is hydroplaning?
What is 'black ice'?
What is 'black ice'?
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 MPH, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?
If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 MPH, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?
You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely.
You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely.
If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.
If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.
What is a hazard?
What is a hazard?
Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
What are some tips to follow so you won't become a distracted driver?
What are some tips to follow so you won't become a distracted driver?
How do you use in-vehicle communications equipment cautiously?
How do you use in-vehicle communications equipment cautiously?
How do you recognize a distracted driver?
How do you recognize a distracted driver?
What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?
What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?
What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?
What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?
What are some things you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?
What are some things you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?
You should use low beams whenever you can.
You should use low beams whenever you can.
What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?
What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?
What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?
What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?
You should let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal.
You should let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal.
You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated.
You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated.
What factors determine your selection of a 'safe' speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?
What factors determine your selection of a 'safe' speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?
Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.
Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.
What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?
What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?
How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?
How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?
Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency.
Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency.
What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
What is an 'escape ramp'?
What is an 'escape ramp'?
If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.
If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.
How do you know if your vehicle has antilock brakes?
How do you know if your vehicle has antilock brakes?
What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with antilock brakes?
What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with antilock brakes?
How do antilock brakes help you?
How do antilock brakes help you?
What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?
What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?
Name two causes of tire fires.
Name two causes of tire fires.
What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher NOT good for?
What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher NOT good for?
When using your extinguisher, should you get as close as possible to the fire?
When using your extinguisher, should you get as close as possible to the fire?
Name some causes of vehicle fires.
Name some causes of vehicle fires.
Common medicines for colds can make you sleepy.
Common medicines for colds can make you sleepy.
What should you do if you do become sleepy while driving?
What should you do if you do become sleepy while driving?
Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up.
Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up.
What is a hazardous materials placard?
What is a hazardous materials placard?
Why are placards used?
Why are placards used?
What is 'sleep debt'?
What is 'sleep debt'?
What are the danger signals of drowsy driving?
What are the danger signals of drowsy driving?
What four things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?
What four things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?
How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?
How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?
How is Gross Combination Weight Rating different from Gross Combination Weight?
How is Gross Combination Weight Rating different from Gross Combination Weight?
Name two situations where legal maximum weights are not safe.
Name two situations where legal maximum weights are not safe.
What can happen if you do not have enough weight on the front axle?
What can happen if you do not have enough weight on the front axle?
What is the minimum number of tiedowns for any flatbed load?
What is the minimum number of tiedowns for any flatbed load?
What is the minimum number of tiedowns for a 20-foot load?
What is the minimum number of tiedowns for a 20-foot load?
Name two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed.
Name two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed.
What must you check before transporting a sealed load?
What must you check before transporting a sealed load?
Why must air tanks be drained?
Why must air tanks be drained?
What is a supply pressure gauge used for?
What is a supply pressure gauge used for?
All vehicles with air brakes must have a low air pressure warning signal.
All vehicles with air brakes must have a low air pressure warning signal.
What are spring brakes?
What are spring brakes?
Front wheel brakes are good for under all conditions.
Front wheel brakes are good for under all conditions.
How do you know if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes?
How do you know if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes?
What is a dual air brake system?
What is a dual air brake system?
What are the slack adjusters?
What are the slack adjusters?
How can you check slack adjusters?
How can you check slack adjusters?
Study Notes
Vehicle Inspection and Safety
- The primary reason for vehicle inspection is safety.
- During a trip, check instruments, air pressure gauge, temperature gauge, mirrors, tires, cargo, lights, and pressure gauges.
Steering and Suspension Systems
- Key steering system parts include the steering wheel, tie rod, hydraulic fluid reservoir, and steering knuckle.
- Suspension defects may consist of cracked or broken spring hangers and damaged shock absorbers.
Emergency Equipment
- Must carry a fire extinguisher, three reflective triangles, and spare fuses.
Tire Maintenance
- Minimum tread depth for front tires is 4/32 inch; for other tires, it's 2/32 inch.
Backing and Driving Techniques
- Back towards the driver's side for better visibility.
- If stopped on a hill, engage the clutch to prevent rolling back.
- Using a helper while backing is crucial due to blind spots.
Signals and Shifting
- Agree on a hand signal for "STOP" with your helper.
- Downshift before descending hills and entering curves.
Braking and Hydroplaning
- Retarders should be turned off on slippery roads to prevent skidding.
- Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road due to water.
Following Distance and Hazards
- Maintain one second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length under 40 mph; add an additional second for speeds above 40 mph.
- A hazard is any possible danger from road conditions or other road users.
Distracted Driving and Road Rage
- Avoid distractions by familiarizing yourself with in-vehicle electronics before driving.
- Aggressive driving is pushy behavior without concern for others, while road rage includes harmful intent.
Tire and Brake Safety
- Do not let air out of hot tires; allow them to cool before handling.
- Spring brakes engage automatically in emergencies if there's air tank leakage.
- Proper braking techniques involve releasing brakes to maintain safe speeds on downgrades.
Cargo Management
- Inspect cargo for proper balance, secure it adequately, and check weight limits before transport.
- Minimum tiedowns required: two for any flatbed load, two for a 20-foot load.
Brake System Knowledge
- Antilock brakes prevent wheel lockup and maintain vehicle control.
- Test the low-pressure warning system and slack adjusters during vehicle checks.
Emergency Response
- At an accident scene, protect the area, notify authorities, and help the injured as necessary.
- Sleepiness can impair driving; if feeling drowsy, take a break to rest.
Weight and Balance
- Understand the difference between Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Combination Weight (GCW).
- Safe speeds depend on vehicle weight, road steepness, and conditions.
Legal Responsibility and Safe Practices
- Drivers are responsible for loading safety and should know maximum weight limits for different situations.
- Proper gear choice before downhill travel assists with control and stop distance.### Draining Air Tanks
- Air tanks should be drained after each working day to prevent moisture buildup and maintain system efficiency.
Braking with ABS
- When driving a tractor-trailer combination with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), use only the braking force necessary to stop safely and maintain control of the vehicle.
ABS Functionality
- Normal brake functions remain operational even if the ABS is not functioning, confirming the resilience of traditional braking systems.
Checking for Hoses Leaks
- Inspect hoses for leaks by looking for puddles on the ground or dripping fluids underneath the engine/transmission.
- Assess the condition of hoses visually for signs of wear or damage that may indicate leaks.
Checking Oil Level
- Ensure the oil level is within the safe operating range, specifically above the refill mark, to maintain proper engine function.
Hydraulic Brake Inspection
- To check hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three times and hold it down for five seconds; the pedal should remain stationary during this time.
- Verify that any warning buzzers or lights are off. In vehicles equipped with a hydraulic brake reserve system, depress the brake pedal with the key off and listen for the reserve system's electric motor.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge for the Texas CDL Class B license with these essential quiz questions. Topics include vehicle inspection, trip checks, and steering system components. Perfect for those preparing for their commercial driver's license.
