Texas CDL Class B Quiz

Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

It will slow down the engine speed and help in maintaining normal stopping distances. Signup and view all the answers

What factors can cause brakes to fade or fail?

Too much heat from excessive use of brakes or misadjustment. Signup and view all the answers

The use of brakes on a long, steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.

True Signup and view all the answers

If you are away from your vehicle only a short time, you do not need to use the parking brake.

False Signup and view all the answers

How often should you drain air tanks?

After each working day. Signup and view all the answers

How do you brake when you drive a tractor-trailer combination with ABS?

Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely and stay in control. Signup and view all the answers

You still have normal brake functions if your ABS is not working.

True Signup and view all the answers

How do you check for leaks in hoses?

Look for puddles on the ground or inspect hoses for condition and leaks. Signup and view all the answers

How do you check oil level?

See that oil level is within safe operating range, above the refill mark. Signup and view all the answers

How do you check hydraulic brakes?

Pump the brake pedal 3 times, hold it down for 5 seconds, and ensure it does not move during that time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?

Safety Signup and view all the answers

What things should you check during a trip?

Instruments, air pressure gauge, temp gauge, pressure gauge, ammeter/voltmeter, mirrors, tires, cargo/cargo covers, lights. Signup and view all the answers

Name some key steering system parts.

Steering wheel, tie rod, steering shaft, hydraulic fluid reservoir, gear box, pitman arm, drag link, steering knuckle, spindle, steering arm, power steering cylinder. Signup and view all the answers

Name some suspension system defects.

Spring hangers that allow movement of axle from proper position, cracked or broken spring hangers, missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring, leaking shock absorbers, air suspension systems that are damaged or leaking, any parts of the suspension or frame that is cracked or broken. Signup and view all the answers

What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?

Fire extinguisher, 3 reflective triangles, spare fuses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?

4/32 inch Signup and view all the answers

For other tires?

2/32 inch Signup and view all the answers

Why should you back toward the driver's side?

Better visibility Signup and view all the answers

If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?

Partly engage the clutch before you take your foot off the brake, put on the parking brake whenever necessary to keep from rolling back. Signup and view all the answers

When backing, why is it important to use a helper?

There are blind spots you won't be able to see. Signup and view all the answers

What's the most important hand signal that you and your helper should agree on?

STOP Signup and view all the answers

What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?

Before starting down a hill, before entering a curve. Signup and view all the answers

When should you downshift automatic transmissions?

When going down grades. Signup and view all the answers

Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the two ways to know when to shift?

RPMs or speed. Signup and view all the answers

How far ahead does the manual say you should look?

12 to 15 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

What are two main things to look ahead for?

Look for vehicles coming onto the highway, into your lane, or turning. Watch for brake lights from slowing vehicles. Signup and view all the answers

What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?

Mirrors. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?

Signaling your intentions. Signup and view all the answers

Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?

10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic. Signup and view all the answers

What three things add up to total stopping distance?

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

If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by twice or four times?

Four times. Signup and view all the answers

Empty trucks have the best braking.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is hydroplaning?

Tires 'water-skiing' across the road. Tires lose their contact with the road and have little or no traction. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'black ice'?

A thin layer of ice that you can see the road through. Signup and view all the answers

How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?

1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length under 40 mph, over 40 mph add a second per 10 feet. Signup and view all the answers

If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 MPH, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?

Five. Signup and view all the answers

You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely.

True Signup and view all the answers

If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a hazard?

Any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger. Signup and view all the answers

Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?

To be prepared if you have to take action in an emergency. Signup and view all the answers

What are some tips to follow so you won't become a distracted driver?

Review and be totally familiar with all safety and usage features on any in-vehicle electronics, including your wireless cell phone, before you drive, pre-program radio stations, pre-load your favorite CDs or cassette tapes, clear the vehicle of any unnecessary objects, review maps and plan your route before you begin driving, adjust all mirrors for best all-around visibility before you start your trip, don't attempt to read or write while you are driving, avoid smoking, eating and drinking while you drive, and don't engage in complex or emotionally intense conversations with other occupants. Signup and view all the answers

How do you use in-vehicle communications equipment cautiously?

When possible, pull off the road in a safe, legal place when making/receiving a call on communication equipment, if possible turn off the cell phone until you reach your destination, position the cell phone in easy reach, pre-program numbers into your cell phone, if you have to place a call pull off the road to a safe road (do not place a call while you are driving), keep conversations short, do not use the equipment when approaching locations with heavy traffic, or severe weather conditions, do not attempt to type or read messages on your satellite system while driving. Signup and view all the answers

How do you recognize a distracted driver?

Watch for vehicles that may drift over the lane divider lines or within their own lane, vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds, drivers who are preoccupied with maps, food, cigarettes, cell phones, or other objects, drivers who appear to be involved in conversations with their passengers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?

Aggressive driving is driving the vehicle in a pushy, bold, or selfish manner without regard for the rights of safety of others. Road rage is operating the vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?

First make every attempt to get out of their way, put your pride in the back seat, avoid eye contact, ignore gestures and refuse to react to them, report aggressive driving to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description of license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel. Signup and view all the answers

What are some things you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?

Listen to easy listening music, give your drive your full attention, be realistic about your travel time, deal with being late if you will be, give other drivers the benefit of the doubt, slow down and keep your following distance reasonable, avoid gestures, and be a cautious and courteous driver. Signup and view all the answers

You should use low beams whenever you can.

False Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?

Sleep. Signup and view all the answers

What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?

Wet brakes will be less effective. Avoid by not driving through deep puddles, if possible. If not, you should: slow down, place transmission in low gear, gently put on brakes, increase engine RPM and cross the water while keeping light pressure on brakes. When out of water: maintain light pressure on brakes for a short distance to heat them and dry them. Signup and view all the answers

You should let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal.

False Signup and view all the answers

You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated.

False Signup and view all the answers

What factors determine your selection of a 'safe' speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?

Total weight of vehicle/cargo, length of grade, steepness of grade, road conditions, weather. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?

Because you will not be able to downshift after your speed has already built up. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.

Apply brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown. When your speed has been reduced approximately 5 MPH below your 'safe' speed, release the brakes. When your speed has increased to your 'safe' speed, repeat the first two steps. Signup and view all the answers

What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?

Low slung units (lowboy, car carrier, moving van, possum-belly livestock trailer). Single-axle tractor pulling a long trailer with its landing gear set to accommodate a tandem-axle tractor. Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?

More than 15 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?

There is usually no one in the shoulder of the road, as there could be someone passing on your left, or oncoming traffic to the left. Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'escape ramp'?

A traffic device that enables vehicles that are having braking problems to safely stop. It is typically a long, sand or gravel-filled lane adjacent to a road with a steep grade, and is designed to accommodate large trucks. The deep gravel allows the truck's momentum to be dissipated in a controlled and relatively harmless way, allowing the operator to stop it safely. Signup and view all the answers

If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.

False Signup and view all the answers

How do you know if your vehicle has antilock brakes?

They will have yellow malfunction lamps on the instrument panels and yellow malfunction lamps on the trailers. Dollies after 1998 are required to have a lamp on the left side. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with antilock brakes?

Use only the force necessary to stop safely and stay in control. Signup and view all the answers

How do antilock brakes help you?

Help you avoid wheel lock-up and maintain control. Signup and view all the answers

What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?

Protect the area, notify authorities, and care for the injured. Signup and view all the answers

Name two causes of tire fires.

Under-inflated tires and duals that touch. Signup and view all the answers

What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher NOT good for?

Fires in combustible metals, wood, paper, ordinary combustibles. Signup and view all the answers

When using your extinguisher, should you get as close as possible to the fire?

False Signup and view all the answers

Name some causes of vehicle fires.

Spilled fuel, improper use of flares, under-inflated tires and duals that touch, short circuits due to damaged insulation, loose connections, driver smoking, improper fueling, loose fuel connections, flammable cargo, improperly sealed or loaded cargo, poor ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

Common medicines for colds can make you sleepy.

True Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you do become sleepy while driving?

Stop at a safe place and sleep. Signup and view all the answers

Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a hazardous materials placard?

Placards are signs put on the outside of a vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo. Signup and view all the answers

Why are placards used?

They are used to warn others of hazardous materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'sleep debt'?

A building up of lack of sleep. Signup and view all the answers

What are the danger signals of drowsy driving?

Your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves. You have trouble keeping your head up. You can't stop yawning. You have wandering, disconnected thoughts. You don't remember driving the last few miles. You drift between lanes, tailgate, or miss traffic signs. You keep jerking the truck back into the lane. You have drifted off the road and narrowly missed crashing. Signup and view all the answers

What four things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?

1: Inspecting your cargo. 2: Recognizing overloads & poorly balanced weight. 3: Knowing cargo is properly secured & does not obscure your view ahead or to the sides. 4: Knowing your cargo does not restrict your access to emergency equipment. Signup and view all the answers

How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?

Within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip. Signup and view all the answers

How is Gross Combination Weight Rating different from Gross Combination Weight?

The GCWR is the maximum GCW specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load, whereas the GCW is the total weight of a powered unit, plus trailer(s), plus the cargo. Signup and view all the answers

Name two situations where legal maximum weights are not safe.

Bridges and going up or down steep grades. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if you do not have enough weight on the front axle?

It can make the steering axle too light to steer safely. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of tiedowns for any flatbed load?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of tiedowns for a 20-foot load?

Two (one for every 10 feet of load) Signup and view all the answers

Name two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed.

To protect people from spilled cargo and the cargo from weather. Signup and view all the answers

What must you check before transporting a sealed load?

Check that you do not exceed gross weight and axle weight limits. Signup and view all the answers

Why must air tanks be drained?

The air tanks can have water and compressor oil in them that will freeze when in cold weather and cause brake failure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a supply pressure gauge used for?

It shows how much air pressure you have in your tank. Signup and view all the answers

All vehicles with air brakes must have a low air pressure warning signal.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are spring brakes?

Spring brakes are a backup braking system for the air brakes. If there is a leak in the tank the spring will automatically come on. Signup and view all the answers

Front wheel brakes are good for under all conditions.

True Signup and view all the answers

How do you know if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a dual air brake system?

It has two separate air brake systems, which use a single set of brake controls. Each system has its own air tanks, hoses, lines, etc. One system typically operates the regular brakes on the rear axle or axles. The other system operates the regular brakes on the front axle (and possibly one rear axle). Both systems supply air to the trailer (if there is one). The first system is called the 'primary' system. The other is called the 'secondary' system. Signup and view all the answers

What are the slack adjusters?

They are what determine how hard you have to press on the brakes to have them engage. Signup and view all the answers

How can you check slack adjusters?

Proper procedure includes visually inspecting for looseness and ensuring they are functioning correctly. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.