Podcast
Questions and Answers
A conventional cab truck is:
A conventional cab truck is:
- A truck with engine in front of the driver compartment (correct)
- Standard size tractor
- Standard size trailer
- Standard front tow
In the event of an accident, loose objects in the driver's cab:
In the event of an accident, loose objects in the driver's cab:
- Make it easier to clean out the cab
- Become flying projectiles (correct)
- Make it hard to find insurance and registration papers
- Fall onto the floor
Which statement about VIN is true?
Which statement about VIN is true?
- It is the vehicle identification number
- It uses both numerals and letters or a combination
- It is the number assigned to the vehicle by the manufacturer for registration and identification
- All of the above (correct)
When performing a towing and recovery operation you should:
When performing a towing and recovery operation you should:
When backing up a truck into a shop bay what should you watch for?
When backing up a truck into a shop bay what should you watch for?
What is the recovery formula?
What is the recovery formula?
L-arms are used on:
L-arms are used on:
_______ numbers for vehicles, and rating plates indicating equipment restrictions.
_______ numbers for vehicles, and rating plates indicating equipment restrictions.
Which is the more effective way of pulling a car out of sand and mud?
Which is the more effective way of pulling a car out of sand and mud?
When is it proper to tie down the front end of your tow truck?
When is it proper to tie down the front end of your tow truck?
Safety chains should be hooked up when towing:
Safety chains should be hooked up when towing:
The single most commonly used rope is:
The single most commonly used rope is:
The main reason for cable breaking is:
The main reason for cable breaking is:
The safe working load of a 3/8" 6 x 19 hemp core wire rope is:
The safe working load of a 3/8" 6 x 19 hemp core wire rope is:
How many safety chains do you use to secure a car on the bed of a rollback?
How many safety chains do you use to secure a car on the bed of a rollback?
Tow truck flashing amber lights must be seen for a distance of:
Tow truck flashing amber lights must be seen for a distance of:
Never work under a tilted carrier bed:
Never work under a tilted carrier bed:
What are snatch blocks?
What are snatch blocks?
What are scotch blocks?
What are scotch blocks?
Snatch blocks have safe working load ratings of:
Snatch blocks have safe working load ratings of:
The is established by the manufacturer as the weight or load that new equipment can bear without causing damage to itself:
The is established by the manufacturer as the weight or load that new equipment can bear without causing damage to itself:
Which of the following types of chain is not recommended for towing?
Which of the following types of chain is not recommended for towing?
Which of the following types of chain is the only OSHA-approved chain for overhead lifting?
Which of the following types of chain is the only OSHA-approved chain for overhead lifting?
Which of the following statements is not true with regard to safe use of chains?
Which of the following statements is not true with regard to safe use of chains?
A 'new' classification of cable for the towing industry is:
A 'new' classification of cable for the towing industry is:
_________ hooks are attachment devices used on most cars manufactured after 1980.
_________ hooks are attachment devices used on most cars manufactured after 1980.
A cable terminator is:
A cable terminator is:
While towing an undamaged vehicle on its front wheels, proper tracking can be ensured:
While towing an undamaged vehicle on its front wheels, proper tracking can be ensured:
If you are unsure as to how to hook up a disabled vehicle you should:
If you are unsure as to how to hook up a disabled vehicle you should:
How many tie down chains or straps do you use to secure a car on the bed of a rollback/car carrier?
How many tie down chains or straps do you use to secure a car on the bed of a rollback/car carrier?
Which is the strongest chain for the same size of link?
Which is the strongest chain for the same size of link?
Beginning signs that there is too much strain on a cable are:
Beginning signs that there is too much strain on a cable are:
Wire rope is strongest when it is:
Wire rope is strongest when it is:
Why do you double line cables?
Why do you double line cables?
The purpose of this exam is to:
The purpose of this exam is to:
In most cases, the first and most direct contact the customer has with a towing company is:
In most cases, the first and most direct contact the customer has with a towing company is:
The most important communication skill you can develop is:
The most important communication skill you can develop is:
Which of the following statements is true regarding vehicle condition forms?
Which of the following statements is true regarding vehicle condition forms?
When dealing with an angry customer you should not:
When dealing with an angry customer you should not:
A company invoice does not include which of the following?
A company invoice does not include which of the following?
To avoid a misunderstanding you should:
To avoid a misunderstanding you should:
Which of the listed tasks are performed by the tow truck driver?
Which of the listed tasks are performed by the tow truck driver?
If you should damage a vehicle during a tow, the most appropriate course of action would be:
If you should damage a vehicle during a tow, the most appropriate course of action would be:
The best way to listen to a customer is to:
The best way to listen to a customer is to:
Which of the following is not a clerical duty required of the driver?
Which of the following is not a clerical duty required of the driver?
Traction is:
Traction is:
When you cannot avoid a head-on collision, you should:
When you cannot avoid a head-on collision, you should:
In responding to a disabled vehicle which requires towing, you should park:
In responding to a disabled vehicle which requires towing, you should park:
If you park behind a vehicle you should leave about truck lengths between you and the vehicle:
If you park behind a vehicle you should leave about truck lengths between you and the vehicle:
A good source of information in the workplace regarding hazardous and flammable material is:
A good source of information in the workplace regarding hazardous and flammable material is:
When rescuing victims through ice you could:
When rescuing victims through ice you could:
Which body parts are safe to place under an unsecured load?
Which body parts are safe to place under an unsecured load?
Hypothermia is:
Hypothermia is:
The body's best defense against heat is:
The body's best defense against heat is:
Latex gloves should be worn under regular work gloves at the accident scene because:
Latex gloves should be worn under regular work gloves at the accident scene because:
Steel toed boots with rubber soles are recommended during towing and recovery work because:
Steel toed boots with rubber soles are recommended during towing and recovery work because:
When performing a jump start you should not:
When performing a jump start you should not:
Which type of fire extinguisher is designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids?
Which type of fire extinguisher is designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids?
Water should not be used on what types of fires?
Water should not be used on what types of fires?
When talking with a customer on the shoulder of the road, you should always:
When talking with a customer on the shoulder of the road, you should always:
All radio communications are controlled by:
All radio communications are controlled by:
Safety at the scene requires that you:
Safety at the scene requires that you:
Which of the following drugs is acceptable to take while on duty?
Which of the following drugs is acceptable to take while on duty?
A way to give yourself space for your tow truck is:
A way to give yourself space for your tow truck is:
You cannot steer or brake a vehicle unless you have:
You cannot steer or brake a vehicle unless you have:
When reporting an accident to a dispatcher, what is the most important information to provide?
When reporting an accident to a dispatcher, what is the most important information to provide?
When towing another vehicle you should:
When towing another vehicle you should:
The '4 second' rule applies to:
The '4 second' rule applies to:
According to the FMCSR, drinking alcohol prior to duty is acceptable if it has not occurred:
According to the FMCSR, drinking alcohol prior to duty is acceptable if it has not occurred:
When you are towing a vehicle and you feel your truck hydroplane you should:
When you are towing a vehicle and you feel your truck hydroplane you should:
Incident management applies only to:
Incident management applies only to:
Incident Management is:
Incident Management is:
Blocking one lane of a three lane highway can cut the traffic flow by:
Blocking one lane of a three lane highway can cut the traffic flow by:
According to the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances (NCUTLO) a 'responder' refers to:
According to the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances (NCUTLO) a 'responder' refers to:
A queue is:
A queue is:
According to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) a major traffic incident has an expected duration of:
According to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) a major traffic incident has an expected duration of:
According to FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency) problems that arise in response to incidents and disasters are primarily due to:
According to FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency) problems that arise in response to incidents and disasters are primarily due to:
The three 'c's' refer to:
The three 'c's' refer to:
________ lights are the preferred choice of most TIM programs:
________ lights are the preferred choice of most TIM programs:
The TRAA V-ID card:
The TRAA V-ID card:
Which of the following is not one of the four main parts of a tow truck?
Which of the following is not one of the four main parts of a tow truck?
How do you avoid damage to the transmission of towed vehicles?
How do you avoid damage to the transmission of towed vehicles?
Which type of tow truck power system does not use a PTO?
Which type of tow truck power system does not use a PTO?
When loading a vehicle onto a rollback, which direction should a vehicle be facing to maintain the best steering capacity of the rollback?
When loading a vehicle onto a rollback, which direction should a vehicle be facing to maintain the best steering capacity of the rollback?
Tow trucks cannot tow loads as great as the tow truck equipment ratings because of:
Tow trucks cannot tow loads as great as the tow truck equipment ratings because of:
Please pick the right definition of the abbreviation: F.A.W.?
Please pick the right definition of the abbreviation: F.A.W.?
How does the PTO work?
How does the PTO work?
Most conventional tow slings will lift:
Most conventional tow slings will lift:
Motorcycle _____ tows are usually the toughest because neither the keys nor the owner are with the cycle:
Motorcycle _____ tows are usually the toughest because neither the keys nor the owner are with the cycle:
What is the maximum speed when towing with dollies?
What is the maximum speed when towing with dollies?
D.O.T. stands for:
D.O.T. stands for:
Anytime you recover a vehicle, what is the last thing you should do when the vehicle is hooked up?
Anytime you recover a vehicle, what is the last thing you should do when the vehicle is hooked up?
Why should you secure the steering wheel on anything you tow from the rear?
Why should you secure the steering wheel on anything you tow from the rear?
Auxiliary towing lights are:
Auxiliary towing lights are:
The pulley on the tow truck boom in which the cable runs is known as:
The pulley on the tow truck boom in which the cable runs is known as:
The pivot pin on your wheel lift should be greased:
The pivot pin on your wheel lift should be greased:
Which of the following statements is not true about light duty tow trucks?
Which of the following statements is not true about light duty tow trucks?
Which of the following statements is not true of car carriers?
Which of the following statements is not true of car carriers?
When hooking up a wheel lift on a car carrier, the car carrier should be positioned about _____ feet from the vehicle to be towed?
When hooking up a wheel lift on a car carrier, the car carrier should be positioned about _____ feet from the vehicle to be towed?
When unloading a rollback, what gear should the vehicle to be unloaded be in?
When unloading a rollback, what gear should the vehicle to be unloaded be in?
Study Notes
Customer Service
- First direct contact with customers is usually the driver.
- Most crucial communication skill is listening.
- A signature on vehicle condition forms does not release from negligent actions.
- Avoid arguing with angry customers; instead, explain capabilities and refer to supervisors when necessary.
- Invoices should include vehicle description, customer info, and towing destination but not the distance from the police station.
- Write legibly to prevent misunderstandings; careless writing can lead to costly mistakes.
- Tow truck drivers perform tasks including creating a friendly atmosphere, clerical duties, and customer service.
- If damage occurs during a tow, show the customer and notify a supervisor for repairs.
- Effective customer listening involves hearing fully, summarizing, and verifying but not interrupting.
- Typing invoices is not a typical clerical duty for drivers.
Safety, Attitude & Appearance
- Traction refers to the friction between tires and the road.
- In unavoidable head-on collisions, stepping on the accelerator is advised.
- When responding to disabled vehicles, park in front to ensure safety and visibility.
- Maintain 1.5 truck lengths distance when parking behind another vehicle.
- Material Safety Data Sheets are vital for information on hazardous materials at work.
- Rescue procedures on ice include throwing rope, forming chains of rescuers, and cautiously approaching edges.
- No body parts should go under an unsecured load.
- Hypothermia is identified as a low body temperature condition.
- Body’s best defense against heat is the evaporation of sweat.
- Use latex gloves under work gloves for protection against body fluids.
- Steel-toed boots with rubber soles are recommended for safety during towing.
- While jumping a battery, avoid connecting red cables to negative posts.
- A fire extinguisher rated B:C is effective for electrical and burning liquids.
- Water should not be used on gas or electrical fires.
- When talking to customers roadside, stay on the passenger side of their vehicle.
- Radio communications are federally regulated.
- Always wear a reflective vest at incident scenes for increased visibility.
- All types of drugs are prohibited while on duty.
- Manage space around your tow truck for safety and maneuverability.
- Traction is essential for steering or braking a vehicle.
- Key details for dispatcher reports include injuries, location, and hazards.
- Increase following distance while towing for safety.
Incident Management
- Incident management applies to both light and medium-heavy duty towing and recovery.
- It involves coordinated interactions among various public agencies and private sector partners.
- Blocking one lane of a three-lane highway can reduce traffic flow by 50%.
- A "responder" refers to any personnel involved in responding to incidents.
- A queue signifies backed-up traffic.
- Major traffic incidents are expected to last over 2 hours, according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
- FEMA identifies the primary problems during incidents as poor task allocation and confusion.
- The three "c's" of incident management are communication, coordination, and cooperation.
- Amber lights are preferred in Traffic Incident Management (TIM) programs.
- The TRAA V-ID card enhances communication between law enforcement and towing organizations.
Truck
- Main components of a tow truck include the cab/chassis, recovery apparatus, and body structure; PTO is not considered a main part.
- Avoid transmission damage by towing vehicles on a flatbed, removing the drive line, or using dollies.
- Electrical power systems for tow trucks do not use PTO.
- Vehicles should face the engine toward the cab on rollback for best control.
- Chassis limitations prevent tow trucks from achieving their maximum load ratings.
- Front Axle Weight (F.A.W.) pertains to the weight distributed on the front axle of a truck.
- The PTO operates by taking power from the transmission to run accessories.
- Conventional tow slings typically lift up to 3,500 pounds.
- Impound tows can be challenging due to unavailability of vehicle keys and owners.
- Follow the dolly manufacturer’s recommended speed when towing with dollies.
- D.O.T. stands for Department of Transportation, involving regulations for tow trucks.
- Ensure all connections are secure and in place when recovering a vehicle.
- Secure the steering wheel on towed vehicles to prevent drifting or excessive tire wear.
- Auxiliary towing lights provide stop, tail, and turn signals for towed vehicles.
- The sheave wheel is the pulley on the tow truck boom for cable movement.
- Monthly maintenance includes greasing pivot pins on wheel lifts.
- Light duty tow trucks have a GVWR of 9,000 to 15,000 pounds and are designed for smaller vehicles.
- Car carriers are typically not powered electrically, but their structures are tailored for vehicle towing.
- Maintain a distance of 2.5 feet when hooking up a wheel lift on a car carrier.
- Vehicles should be in neutral gear when unloading from a rollback.
- A conventional cab truck has the engine located in front of the passenger compartment.
- Loose items in the driver's cab can become dangerous projectiles during an accident.
- VIN is the unique identification number assigned to each vehicle.### Equipment Safety and Towing Techniques
- Properly tie down the front end of a tow truck: Never.
- Safety chains must be hooked up during: All tows.
- Commonly used rope type: Hemp core 3/8" 6 x 19.
- Main reason for cable breaking: Overloading.
- Safe working load of a 3/8" 6 x 19 hemp core wire rope: 3,500 pounds.
- Safety chains required to secure a car on a rollback: Zero.
- Tow truck flashing amber lights visibility requirement: 500 feet.
- Never work under a tilted carrier bed: Under any circumstances.
Towing Equipment and Accessories
- Snatch blocks are defined as: Pulleys used to decrease tension and change direction.
- Scotch blocks serve as: Plates with chains and riders to anchor a tow truck.
- Snatch blocks have safe working load ratings of: 3 or 4 to 1.
- Weight or load that equipment can bear established by the manufacturer: The breaking strength rating.
- Proof coil chain is not recommended for towing.
- Alloy chain is the only OSHA approved chain for overhead lifting.
- Towing safety tips: Never exceed the working load limit, inspect chains regularly, and use wood blocks to protect chains.
Towing Protocols and Equipment Classifications
- New classification of cable in the towing industry: 6 x 25 wire rope.
- T hooks are the standard attachment devices on cars manufactured post-1980.
- A cable terminator is defined as: A swage end.
- Secure tracking of a vehicle being towed on its front wheels by: Using an approved clamping device with wheels straight ahead.
- If uncertain about hooking up a disabled vehicle: Consult a towing manual.
- Secure a car on a rollback/car carrier with: Four tie down chains or straps.
Chain and Cable Strength
- The strongest chain for the same size of link: Alloy, A-8.
- Signs of excessive strain on a cable include: Vibration, popping, and cracking of the cable.
- Wire rope is strongest when: New and unused.
- Double lining cables is done to: Decrease line tension and ensure a safer pull.
Purpose of Towing Exams
- The objective of the towing exam is: To educate the tower and assess their knowledge.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Prepare for the TRAA National Driver Certification with these flashcards. Each card focuses on essential customer service skills relevant to towing and recovery professionals. Test your knowledge on key concepts such as communication and customer interactions.
