TRAA Driver Certification Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

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:

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?

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:

Do what you were taught, and if a question arises call your supervisor Signup and view all the answers

When backing up a truck into a shop bay what should you watch for?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the recovery formula?

TL = R +/- G + D Signup and view all the answers

L-arms are used on:

Wheel lifts Signup and view all the answers

_______ numbers for vehicles, and rating plates indicating equipment restrictions.

Manufacturers Signup and view all the answers

Which is the more effective way of pulling a car out of sand and mud?

Dig it out Signup and view all the answers

When is it proper to tie down the front end of your tow truck?

Never Signup and view all the answers

Safety chains should be hooked up when towing:

All tows Signup and view all the answers

The single most commonly used rope is:

Hemp core 3/8" 6 x 19 Signup and view all the answers

The main reason for cable breaking is:

Overloading Signup and view all the answers

The safe working load of a 3/8" 6 x 19 hemp core wire rope is:

3,500 pounds Signup and view all the answers

How many safety chains do you use to secure a car on the bed of a rollback?

Zero Signup and view all the answers

Tow truck flashing amber lights must be seen for a distance of:

500 feet Signup and view all the answers

Never work under a tilted carrier bed:

Under any circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What are snatch blocks?

Pulleys used to decrease tension and change direction Signup and view all the answers

What are scotch blocks?

Plates with chains and riders to anchor a tow truck Signup and view all the answers

Snatch blocks have safe working load ratings of:

3 or 4 to 1 Signup and view all the answers

The is established by the manufacturer as the weight or load that new equipment can bear without causing damage to itself:

The breaking strength rating Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of chain is not recommended for towing?

Proof coil chain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of chain is the only OSHA-approved chain for overhead lifting?

Alloy chain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is not true with regard to safe use of chains?

When towing, start pulling off quickly. Signup and view all the answers

A 'new' classification of cable for the towing industry is:

6 x 25 wire rope Signup and view all the answers

_________ hooks are attachment devices used on most cars manufactured after 1980.

T hooks Signup and view all the answers

A cable terminator is:

A swage end Signup and view all the answers

While towing an undamaged vehicle on its front wheels, proper tracking can be ensured:

By securing the steering wheel with an approved clamping device with wheels straight ahead Signup and view all the answers

If you are unsure as to how to hook up a disabled vehicle you should:

Consult a towing manual Signup and view all the answers

How many tie down chains or straps do you use to secure a car on the bed of a rollback/car carrier?

Four Signup and view all the answers

Which is the strongest chain for the same size of link?

Alloy, A-8 Signup and view all the answers

Beginning signs that there is too much strain on a cable are:

The cable starts to vibrate, pop and crack Signup and view all the answers

Wire rope is strongest when it is:

New and unused Signup and view all the answers

Why do you double line cables?

Decrease line tension and safer pull Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of this exam is to:

Both 'b' and 'c' Signup and view all the answers

In most cases, the first and most direct contact the customer has with a towing company is:

The driver Signup and view all the answers

The most important communication skill you can develop is:

Listening Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding vehicle condition forms?

A signature does not release you from negligent actions. Signup and view all the answers

When dealing with an angry customer you should not:

Argue with your customer. Signup and view all the answers

A company invoice does not include which of the following?

Distance from local police station Signup and view all the answers

To avoid a misunderstanding you should:

Write legibly. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the listed tasks are performed by the tow truck driver?

All of the Above Signup and view all the answers

If you should damage a vehicle during a tow, the most appropriate course of action would be:

Show the customer the damage and notify supervisor to make an appointment for repair. Signup and view all the answers

The best way to listen to a customer is to:

'A' and 'B' only. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a clerical duty required of the driver?

Typing invoices Signup and view all the answers

Traction is:

Friction between the tires and the road Signup and view all the answers

When you cannot avoid a head-on collision, you should:

Step on the accelerator. Signup and view all the answers

In responding to a disabled vehicle which requires towing, you should park:

In front of the disabled vehicle Signup and view all the answers

If you park behind a vehicle you should leave about truck lengths between you and the vehicle:

1 1/2 Signup and view all the answers

A good source of information in the workplace regarding hazardous and flammable material is:

The Material Safety Data Sheets Signup and view all the answers

When rescuing victims through ice you could:

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which body parts are safe to place under an unsecured load?

No body parts should be placed under a load Signup and view all the answers

Hypothermia is:

Low body temperature Signup and view all the answers

The body's best defense against heat is:

Evaporation of sweat Signup and view all the answers

Latex gloves should be worn under regular work gloves at the accident scene because:

They protect against exposure to body fluids Signup and view all the answers

Steel toed boots with rubber soles are recommended during towing and recovery work because:

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

When performing a jump start you should not:

Apply red cable ends to negative post Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fire extinguisher is designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids?

B:C Signup and view all the answers

Water should not be used on what types of fires?

Both 'A' and 'C' Signup and view all the answers

When talking with a customer on the shoulder of the road, you should always:

Be on the passenger side of the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

All radio communications are controlled by:

Federal government Signup and view all the answers

Safety at the scene requires that you:

Wear reflective vest Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is acceptable to take while on duty?

None of the above Signup and view all the answers

A way to give yourself space for your tow truck is:

Manage the space around your tow truck Signup and view all the answers

You cannot steer or brake a vehicle unless you have:

Traction Signup and view all the answers

When reporting an accident to a dispatcher, what is the most important information to provide?

Injuries, location, traffic accidents, hazards Signup and view all the answers

When towing another vehicle you should:

Increase your following distance Signup and view all the answers

The '4 second' rule applies to:

How speed affects stopping distance Signup and view all the answers

According to the FMCSR, drinking alcohol prior to duty is acceptable if it has not occurred:

Four hours prior to duty Signup and view all the answers

When you are towing a vehicle and you feel your truck hydroplane you should:

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

Incident management applies only to:

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

Incident Management is:

A coordinated interaction of public agencies and private sector partners Signup and view all the answers

Blocking one lane of a three lane highway can cut the traffic flow by:

50% Signup and view all the answers

According to the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances (NCUTLO) a 'responder' refers to:

Any law enforcement, fire department, emergency management, hazardous material, DOT or towing and recovery organization responding to an incident Signup and view all the answers

A queue is:

The end of a line of backed up traffic Signup and view all the answers

According to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) a major traffic incident has an expected duration of:

More than 2 hours Signup and view all the answers

According to FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency) problems that arise in response to incidents and disasters are primarily due to:

Poor task allocation, confused authority relationships and inadequate information Signup and view all the answers

The three 'c's' refer to:

Communication, coordination and cooperation Signup and view all the answers

________ lights are the preferred choice of most TIM programs:

Amber Signup and view all the answers

The TRAA V-ID card:

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not one of the four main parts of a tow truck?

PTO Signup and view all the answers

How do you avoid damage to the transmission of towed vehicles?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tow truck power system does not use a PTO?

Electrical Signup and view all the answers

When loading a vehicle onto a rollback, which direction should a vehicle be facing to maintain the best steering capacity of the rollback?

Engine toward cab Signup and view all the answers

Tow trucks cannot tow loads as great as the tow truck equipment ratings because of:

Chassis limitations Signup and view all the answers

Please pick the right definition of the abbreviation: F.A.W.?

Front Axle Weight Signup and view all the answers

How does the PTO work?

Takes power off the cluster gear of the transmission to operate accessories Signup and view all the answers

Most conventional tow slings will lift:

3500 pounds Signup and view all the answers

Motorcycle _____ tows are usually the toughest because neither the keys nor the owner are with the cycle:

Impound tows Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum speed when towing with dollies?

Dolly tire manufacturer's recommended speed Signup and view all the answers

D.O.T. stands for:

Department of Transportation Signup and view all the answers

Anytime you recover a vehicle, what is the last thing you should do when the vehicle is hooked up?

Walk around and make sure that everything is secure and in place. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you secure the steering wheel on anything you tow from the rear?

To keep tires straight, never trust a steering wheel lock. Signup and view all the answers

Auxiliary towing lights are:

Stop, tail and turn lights to the trailing end of the towed vehicle Signup and view all the answers

The pulley on the tow truck boom in which the cable runs is known as:

Sheave wheel Signup and view all the answers

The pivot pin on your wheel lift should be greased:

Monthly (weekly if used ten times a day) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is not true about light duty tow trucks?

They are capable of lifting up to 20,000 pounds. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is not true of car carriers?

Carrier beds are generally powered electrically. Signup and view all the answers

When hooking up a wheel lift on a car carrier, the car carrier should be positioned about _____ feet from the vehicle to be towed?

2.5 feet Signup and view all the answers

When unloading a rollback, what gear should the vehicle to be unloaded be in?

Neutral Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.