Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
Safety
What things should you check during a trip?
What things should you check during a trip?
Instruments, air pressure gauge, temperature gauges, pressure gauges, ammeter/voltmeter, mirrors, tires, cargo, lights, etc.
What are the key steering system parts?
What are the key steering system parts?
Steering wheel, tie rod, steering shaft, steering arm, power steering cylinder
Name some suspension system defects.
Name some suspension system defects.
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What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
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What is the minimum tread depth for front tires? For other tires?
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires? For other tires?
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Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walkaround inspection.
Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walkaround inspection.
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What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
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How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
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How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
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Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?
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Why should you back toward the driver's side?
Why should you back toward the driver's side?
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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?
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What is the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?
What is the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?
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What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?
What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?
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When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
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Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.
Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.
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What are the two ways to know when to shift?
What are the two ways to know when to shift?
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How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
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What are two main things to look for ahead?
What are two main things to look for ahead?
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What is your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
What is your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
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What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?
What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?
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Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
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Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a non-divided highway?
Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a non-divided highway?
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What three things add up to total stopping distance?
What three things add up to total stopping distance?
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If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
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Empty trucks have the best braking.
Empty trucks have the best braking.
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What is hydroplaning?
What is hydroplaning?
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What is 'black ice'?
What is 'black ice'?
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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?
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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.
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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.
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What is a hazard?
What is a hazard?
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Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
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What are some tips to follow so you will not become a distracted driver?
What are some tips to follow so you will not become a distracted driver?
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How do you use in-vehicle equipment cautiously?
How do you use in-vehicle equipment cautiously?
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How do you recognize a distracted driver?
How do you recognize a distracted driver?
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What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?
What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?
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What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?
What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?
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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?
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You should use low beams whenever you can.
You should use low beams whenever you can.
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What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?
What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?
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What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?
What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?
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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.
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You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine is not overheated.
You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine is not overheated.
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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?
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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?
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Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.
Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.
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Who must have a CDL?
Who must have a CDL?
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How long do you have to notify your employer of a conviction of a traffic violation?
How long do you have to notify your employer of a conviction of a traffic violation?
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What are considered serious traffic violations?
What are considered serious traffic violations?
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Can radial and bias-ply tires be used together?
Can radial and bias-ply tires be used together?
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What are signs of suspension system defects?
What are signs of suspension system defects?
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What is your responsibility if cargo contains hazardous materials?
What is your responsibility if cargo contains hazardous materials?
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What are the seven steps in a pre-trip inspection?
What are the seven steps in a pre-trip inspection?
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How do you check hydraulic brakes?
How do you check hydraulic brakes?
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How often does an in-trip check need to occur?
How often does an in-trip check need to occur?
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When should you downshift?
When should you downshift?
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What is a multi-speed rear axle and auxiliary transmission?
What is a multi-speed rear axle and auxiliary transmission?
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What should you do if driving slowly?
What should you do if driving slowly?
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How long do you have to put out emergency warning devices if stopped on the road?
How long do you have to put out emergency warning devices if stopped on the road?
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Where do you place warnings if stopped beyond any hill, curve, or obstruction that prevents seeing within 500'?
Where do you place warnings if stopped beyond any hill, curve, or obstruction that prevents seeing within 500'?
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How often should you check the tires in hot weather?
How often should you check the tires in hot weather?
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What guidelines are important if you have to go off the road?
What guidelines are important if you have to go off the road?
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Study Notes
Vehicle Inspection and Safety
- Vehicle inspection is crucial for ensuring safety for both the driver and other road users.
- Instruments to check during a trip include air pressure gauges, temperature gauges, mirrors, tires, and cargo securement.
- Key parts of the steering system: steering wheel, tie rod, steering shaft, steering arm, power steering cylinder.
- Common suspension system defects include cracked spring hangers, missing leaf springs, broken shock absorbers, and damaged axle positioning parts.
Emergency Equipment Requirements
- Essential emergency equipment includes fire extinguishers, spare electrical fuses, and reflective warning devices such as triangles.
Tire Specifications
- Minimum tread depth is 4/32 inch for front tires and 2/32 inch for other tires.
- Front vehicle checks during a walkaround include inspecting the condition of the front axle, windshield, lights, and reflectors.
Driving Techniques and Safety Protocols
- Regularly check wheel bearing seals for leaks to ensure proper function.
- Carry three red reflective triangles for emergency signaling.
- Test hydraulic brakes by pumping the pedal and holding it to check for leaks.
- Always keep the starter switch key in your pocket during inspections for personal safety.
Vehicle Maneuvering Strategies
- Backing should be done toward the driver’s side for better visibility.
- When starting on a hill, partially engage the clutch to avoid rolling back.
- It’s important to communicate hand signals, with "stop" being the most crucial.
Transmission and Braking
- Downshift before descending hills and entering curves to maintain control.
- Automatic transmissions should also be downshifted on steep declines.
- Retarders help slow the vehicle; they do not prevent skidding on slippery roads.
Situational Awareness and Hazard Recognition
- Maintain a forward-looking distance of 12-15 seconds to anticipate traffic and road conditions.
- Use mirrors as the primary means to monitor the sides and rear of the vehicle.
- Communicating intentions on the road is vital for safety.
Proper Emergency Procedures
- Place warning devices strategically when stopped on divided and non-divided highways to alert oncoming traffic.
- Total stopping distance comprises perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance, which increases significantly at higher speeds.
Handling Adverse Conditions
- Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with wet roads, and black ice refers to translucent ice that creates a slick surface.
- For following distance assessments, count the seconds to a stationary object; maintaining distance is essential, even when tailgated.
Aggressive Driving and Stress Management
- Understand the distinction between aggressive driving (selfish behavior) and road rage (intent to harm).
- To mitigate stress while driving, listen to calming music and avoid distractions like mobile devices.
Maintenance and Vehicle Operation
- Wet brakes can lead to uneven braking; avoid driving through water and apply brakes lightly when necessary.
- Do not remove radiator caps from overheated engines and avoid releasing air from hot tires.
- Safe speed on steep downgrades depends on vehicle weight, grade length and steepness, and weather conditions.
Legal and Regulatory Responsibilities
- A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required for operating heavy vehicles and those transporting hazardous materials.
- Serious traffic violations and timely reporting of traffic convictions to employers are critical elements of safe driving practices.
Emergency Preparedness
- In case of emergency, activate flashers when driving slowly and set out warning devices within 10 minutes if stopped on the road.
- If forced off the road, reduce speed, avoid abrupt braking, and remain on the shoulder until stopping completely.
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Description
Test your knowledge on essential vehicle inspection and safety protocols. This quiz covers critical components such as tire specifications, emergency equipment, and driving techniques to ensure optimal performance and safety on the road. Make sure you are aware of the necessary checks to maintain vehicle safety.