Texas CDL General Knowledge

Questions and Answers

Merging onto a road is safest if you?

Wait for a large enough gap in traffic (correct)

Wait for a small gap in traffic

Speed up to match traffic

Signal and merge immediately

What three things add up to total stopping distance for your truck or bus?

Perception distance, reaction distance, effective braking distance.

You are checking your steering and exhaust system during a pre-trip inspection. Which of these problems, if found, should be fixed before the vehicle is driven?

Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees (2 inches on a 20-inch wheel) (correct)

Dirty mirrors

Exhaust leaks

Low tire pressure

How does vehicle weight affect stopping?

Empty trucks take longer to stop than loaded ones, but this is not always the case for buses. Signup and view all the answers

When the roads are slippery, you should?

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

Which of these is NOT a good rule when caring for injuries at an accident scene?

Keep injured persons cool Signup and view all the answers

You are driving on a straight level highway at 50 mph. Suddenly, a tire blows out on your vehicle. What should you do?

Stay off the brakes until the vehicle has slowed down. Signup and view all the answers

After starting the engine, what should happen to the coolant temperature gauge?

The coolant temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to normal. Signup and view all the answers

What is a good rule to follow when putting a vehicle back in motion on an uphill grade?

Use the parking brake to hold the vehicle until the clutch engages. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about speed management?

When the road is slippery, it will take longer to stop and it will be harder to turn without skidding. Signup and view all the answers

Where must you keep shipping papers when transporting hazardous materials?

In the pouch on the driver's door or in the seat. Signup and view all the answers

You should use your mirrors to check?

Where the rear of the vehicle is while you are making turns. Signup and view all the answers

Why is extra care needed to keep your vehicle centered in your lane?

Because commercial vehicles are often wider than other vehicles. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these would probably not help if your windshield were covered in ice?

Brush Signup and view all the answers

Which statements about causes of vehicle fires are true?

Poor trailer ventilation can cause cargo to catch fire. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of retarders?

Help slow the vehicle while driving to reduce brake wear. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is usually true about driving in hot weather?

You should check tire mounting and pressure before driving. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is usually true about driving in tunnels?

There may be crosswinds when exiting. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when driving through work zones?

Watch for sharp pavement drop-offs. Signup and view all the answers

When passing another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, you should assume that?

They may move into your traffic lane. Signup and view all the answers

If you are not sure what to use to put out a hazardous material fire, you should?

Wait for qualified firefighters. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when your vehicle hydroplanes?

Release the accelerator. Signup and view all the answers

Which statements about brakes are true?

The heavier a vehicle or faster it is moving, the more heat the brakes have to absorb to stop. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the use of drugs while driving?

Prescription drugs are allowed if the drug will not affect safe driving ability. Signup and view all the answers

When driving a new truck with a manual transmission, what gear will you probably have to use to take a long steep downgrade hill?

A lower gear than you would use to climb the hill. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about certain types of cargo is true?

Unstable loads such as having meat or livestock. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about marking a stopped vehicle is true?

If a hill or curve keeps drivers behind you from seeing the vehicle within 500 feet, the reflective triangles should be moved back to give adequate warning. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about rear-wheel braking skids?

On vehicles with trailers, the trailers can push the towing vehicle sideways. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Merging and Safe Entry

Safely merge onto a road by waiting for a sufficient gap in traffic to enter.

Stopping Distance

Total stopping distance consists of perception distance, reaction distance, and effective braking distance.

Pre-Trip Inspection

Steering wheel play exceeding 10 degrees (2 inches on a 20-inch wheel) requires immediate attention before driving.

Vehicle Weight and Stopping

Empty trucks may have longer stopping distances compared to loaded trucks; however, this does not consistently apply to buses.

Driving on Slippery Roads

When roads are slippery, make turns cautiously to maintain control and avoid skidding.

Accident Scene Care

A poor rule of thumb during injury care at accident scenes is to keep injured individuals cool, which is not advisable.

Tire Blowouts

In the event of a tire blowout at 50 mph on a straight highway, refrain from using brakes until the vehicle has decelerated.

Engine Coolant Temperature

The coolant temperature gauge should gradually rise to normal after starting the engine, indicating proper operation.

Uphill Grade Maneuvering

When restarting a heavy vehicle on an uphill grade, engage the parking brake until the clutch catches to prevent rolling back.

Speed Management in Slippery Conditions

Slippery roads increase both stopping distance and difficulty in turning without skidding.

Transporting Hazardous Materials

Shipping papers for hazardous materials must be stored in the driver's door pouch or in the seat for accessibility.

Using Mirrors While Driving

Regularly check mirrors to ensure awareness of the vehicle's rear position while making turns.

Lane Positioning in Commercial Vehicles

Extra caution is necessary for maintaining lane position since commercial vehicles are usually wider than passenger cars.

Ice on Windshield

Using a brush is typically ineffective for clearing ice from a windshield.

Causes of Vehicle Fires

Poor ventilation in trailers can lead to fires due to heat accumulation in cargo.

Retarders Function

Retarders are designed to assist in slowing down vehicles during operation, thereby reducing wear on brakes.

Driving in Hot Weather

Always check tire mounting and pressure prior to driving in hot weather conditions.

Driving Through Tunnels

Watch for potential crosswinds when exiting tunnels, which can affect vehicle control.

Work Zones Awareness

Exercise caution for sharp drop-offs in pavement when navigating through work zones.

Passing Other Road Users

Assume that vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists may enter your lane while passing to ensure safe maneuvering.

Hazardous Material Fire Response

If unsure how to extinguish a hazardous material fire, await professional firefighters to address the situation.

Hydroplaning Response

On hydroplaning, the first action is to ease off the accelerator to regain control of the vehicle.

Brake Heating Dynamics

The heavier the vehicle or the faster it travels, the greater the heat absorption required by brakes to stop safely.

Drug Use While Driving

Prescription medications are permissible as long as they do not impair safe driving abilities.

Gear Selection on Downgrades

When navigating a long, steep downgrade, utilize a lower gear compared to what would be used for climbing.

Unstable Cargo Awareness

Be cautious with unstable loads, particularly those involving perishable goods like meat or livestock.

Marking Stopped Vehicles

If a stopped vehicle is not visible within 500 feet due to hills or curves, reflective triangles need to be adjusted for better visibility.

Rear Wheel Braking Skids

In vehicles with trailers, be aware that the trailer can cause the towing vehicle to skid sideways during braking.

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Description

Test your knowledge for the Texas Commercial Driver's License with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential topics like safe merging, total stopping distance, and vehicle inspection checks critical for truck and bus drivers.