141 Questions
Which of the following is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
To ensure the vehicle is safe to operate
During a trip, what should you check?
The gauges, mirrors, and the road ahead for potential hazards
Which of the following is a key steering system part?
Steering wheel
Which of the following is NOT a suspension system defect?
Worn brake pads
Which of the following is NOT one of the three kinds of emergency equipment you must have?
First aid kit
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?
4/32 of an inch
During the walk-around inspection, what should you check on the front of your vehicle?
The headlights, turn signals, and the condition of the front bumper and grill
What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
Signs of leaks or damage
How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
Three
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Pump the brake pedal three times, then apply firm pressure for five seconds
Which of the following factors determine the selection of a 'safe' speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?
The weight of the vehicle, road conditions, weather, and the steepness of the grade
Why is it important to be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
To control the speed of the vehicle and prevent brake failure from shifting gears while descending
What is the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade?
Use the engine brake or retarder whenever possible, and apply the brakes intermittently, not continuously, if additional braking is needed
Which type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?
Low-slung units, such as lowboy trailers or container chassis
Stopping is always the safest thing to do in an emergency. True or False?
False
How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?
15 seconds
What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
You have better visibility on the right side, and it is less likely to put you in the path of oncoming traffic
What is an 'escape ramp'?
A specially designed area on steep mountain roads where vehicles can safely stop if they are experiencing brake failure or other emergencies while descending
If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly. True or False?
False
How do you know if your vehicle has antilock brakes?
If your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes, it will have an ABS (Antilock Braking System) malfunction lamp on the instrument panel
What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with antilock brakes?
Apply continuous, firm pressure to the brake pedal during hard braking
How do antilock brakes help you?
They prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control and stability while coming to a stop
Which of the following is NOT a danger signal of drowsy driving?
Feeling energized
What is the minimum recommended distance to look ahead on the road?
12-15 seconds
What is the most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
Side mirrors
What is the main purpose of 'communicating' in safe driving?
To let others know your intentions
Where should reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
100 feet behind the vehicle
What are the three things that add up to total stopping distance?
Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance
If you go twice as fast, how much will your stopping distance increase?
Four times
True or False: Empty trucks have the best braking.
False
What is hydroplaning?
Tires losing contact with the road due to water buildup
What is 'black ice'?
A thin layer of ice that is difficult to see
Which of the following is the main reason for backing toward the driver's side?
It provides better visibility
Which of the following is the correct technique to start moving without rolling back on a hill?
Use the handbrake to hold the vehicle while releasing the foot brake and engaging the clutch
Why is it important to use a helper when backing?
They can provide guidance and help see blind spots
What is the most important hand signal for the driver and helper to agree on?
The 'stop' signal with the hand and arm raised and palm facing outward
What are the two special conditions where downshifting is recommended?
Going downhill and before entering curves
When should you downshift an automatic transmission?
When driving downhill to control speed and reduce brake wear
True or False: Retarders prevent skidding on slippery roads.
False
What are the two ways to know when to shift?
Using engine speed and road speed indicators or listening to the engine and watching the tachometer
Which of the following is the main reason for backing toward the driver's side?
It provides better visibility
Which of the following is the correct technique to start moving without rolling back on a hill?
Use the handbrake to hold the vehicle while releasing the foot brake and engaging the clutch
Which of the following is a recommended way to avoid becoming a distracted driver?
Keep your focus on the road
What is the recommended action to take when confronted with an aggressive driver?
Stay calm and avoid engaging with the driver
Which of the following is a sign that a driver may be distracted?
Weaving within their lane
What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?
Aggressive driving involves traffic offenses, while road rage involves violent actions
What can help prevent distractions while driving?
Keeping your focus on the road
What should you do to reduce stress before and while you drive?
Plan your route in advance and give yourself enough time
What is the recommended action to take if you observe a distracted driver on the road?
Maintain a safe distance and avoid them
What is the recommended action to take if a tire blows out while driving?
Gently apply the brakes and steer to a safe location
What is the minimum tread depth recommended for front tires?
1/8 inch
What can help prevent distractions while driving?
Using hands-free devices if necessary
How many seconds of following distance space should you allow if you are driving a 40-foot vehicle at 60 mph?
5 seconds
What should you do if you swing wide to the left before turning right and another driver tries to pass you on the right?
Slow down and allow the other driver to pass
What is the purpose of making emergency plans when you see a hazard?
To anticipate potential risks and react quickly if the hazard becomes an immediate danger
True or False: Decreasing your following distance is recommended if someone is following you too closely.
False
What is the definition of a hazard?
Any road condition, object, or other road users that present a potential danger to you while driving
True or False: Stopping is always the safest thing to do in an emergency.
False
What are some tips to follow to avoid becoming a distracted driver?
Keep your eyes on the road and avoid multitasking
True or False: Empty trucks have the best braking.
False
What is the minimum recommended following distance for a 30-foot vehicle traveling at 55 mph?
4 seconds
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of drivers related to cargo?
Checking the cargo every 150 miles or every three hours
How is Gross Combination Weight (GCW) different from Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)?
GCW is the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and its trailer, while GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the loaded vehicle and its trailer
In which of the following situations may legal maximum weights not be safe?
On steep downgrades
What can happen if there is not enough weight on the front axle?
Poor traction and steering control
What is the minimum number of tie downs required for any flat bed load?
One tie down for every 10 feet of cargo
How many tie downs are required for a 20-foot load?
Two tie downs
What are the two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed?
To protect the cargo from damage and theft
When must drivers stop to recheck their cargo?
Within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip
What is the maximum allowable weight of the loaded vehicle and its trailer called?
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
What is the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and its trailer called?
Gross Combination Weight (GCW)
Before transporting a sealed load, what must you check?
That the load is not leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from the vehicle
Why must air tanks be drained regularly?
To remove accumulated water and oil
What is the purpose of a supply pressure gauge?
To indicate the pressure available in the air tanks for the braking system
True or False: All vehicles with air brakes must have a low air pressure warning signal.
True
What are spring brakes?
Brakes that are activated by air pressure
True or False: Front wheel brakes are good under all conditions.
False
How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes?
By looking for an ABS (Antilock Brake System) malfunction lamp on the instrument panel
What are the two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed?
To protect the cargo from weather and to prevent it from falling off the vehicle
True or False: Empty trucks have the best braking.
False
What is the purpose of draining air tanks regularly?
To remove accumulated water and oil
Which of the following can cause brakes to fade or fail?
All of the above
When should you drain air tanks?
At the end of each day of driving
What is the primary method for controlling speed on a long, steep downgrade?
Using the engine's braking effect
Is it necessary to use the parking brake when away from your vehicle for a short time?
Yes, it is necessary
What is the recommended braking technique when driving a tractor-trailer combination with ABS?
Apply the brakes firmly and maintain continuous pressure
If the ABS is not working, what happens to your brake functions?
Brake functions remain normal
What is the purpose of draining air tanks?
To remove accumulated water and oil
What is the correct technique to start moving without rolling back on a hill?
Depress the accelerator pedal slowly
What should you do if your brakes are fading or failing?
Downshift to a lower gear
What is the purpose of the parking brake?
To prevent the vehicle from rolling
Which of the following accurately describes a dual air brake system?
A dual air brake system has two separate air brake systems: one operates the regular brakes on the rear axle or axles, and the other operates the brakes on the front axle.
What are slack adjusters used for in an air brake system?
Slack adjusters are used to maintain the proper clearance between the brake shoes and the brake drum to ensure efficient braking.
How can you check if slack adjusters are functioning properly?
You can check slack adjusters by pulling on them to make sure they are not loose and that there is no more than one inch of play at the pushrod end.
How can you test the low pressure warning signal in an air brake system?
To test the low pressure warning signal, turn the ignition on without starting the engine. The warning light should come on, and the warning buzzer should sound if the pressure is below the safe level.
How can you check if the spring brakes come on automatically in an air brake system?
With the engine running, apply and hold the foot brake, then release the parking brake control. The spring brakes should automatically come on.
What are the maximum leakage rates for air brakes?
The maximum leakage rates for air brakes are 3 psi in one minute for single vehicles and 4 psi in one minute for combination vehicles.
Why is it important to be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
Being in the proper gear before starting down a hill allows the engine's compression and the braking effect of the engine to help control the speed and prevent the brakes from overheating.
What factors can cause brakes to fade or fail?
Factors that can cause brakes to fade or fail include excessive heat, overuse, and worn brake linings.
What is the maximum allowable weight of the loaded vehicle and its trailer called?
The maximum allowable weight of the loaded vehicle and its trailer is called the gross combination weight rating (GCWR).
What is the recommended action to take if you observe a distracted driver on the road?
The recommended action to take if you observe a distracted driver on the road is to maintain a safe following distance and be prepared to react to their unpredictable behavior.
Which of the following is the purpose of the trailer air supply control (tractor protection valve)?
To prevent air loss if the trailer breaks away
What is the purpose of the service line in a trailer?
To supply air to the trailer's service brakes
What does the emergency air line supply air to in a trailer?
The trailer's emergency brakes
Why should chocks be used when parking a trailer without spring brakes?
To prevent the trailer from rolling away if the air supply is disconnected
Where are shut-off valves located?
Between the tractor and trailer air tanks
What is the purpose of the trailer air supply control (tractor protection valve)?
To prevent air loss if the trailer breaks away
What is the purpose of the service line in a trailer?
To supply air to the trailer's service brakes
What does the emergency air line supply air to in a trailer?
The trailer's emergency brakes
Why should chocks be used when parking a trailer without spring brakes?
To prevent the trailer from rolling away if the air supply is disconnected
Where are shut-off valves located?
Between the tractor and trailer air tanks
Which of the following is important to prevent rollover?
Keeping the cargo's center of gravity low and driving slowly around turns
When turning suddenly while pulling doubles, which trailer is most likely to turn over?
The rear trailer (last one)
Why should you not use the trailer hand brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer?
Using the trailer hand brake can make the situation worse
What is off tracking?
The path followed by the rear wheels of a vehicle during a turn
When you back a trailer, you should position your vehicle so you can back in a curved path to the driver's side. True or False?
True
What type of trailers can get stuck on railroad-highway crossings?
Lowboy trailers and car carriers
Why should you not use the trailer hand valve while driving?
Using the trailer hand valve can cause the trailer's wheels to skid
What does the trailer air supply control do?
It controls the flow of air to the trailer's brakes
What is the recommended action to take if a tire blows out while driving?
Gradually release the accelerator and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel
Which of the following is NOT a recommended way to prevent rollover?
Keeping the cargo's center of gravity low
What should you do to test the tractor protection valve?
Apply and release the foot brake with the engine off
What should you do to test the trailer emergency brakes?
Charge the trailer air tank to full pressure
What should you do to test the trailer service brakes?
Apply and release the foot brake while parked
What is the purpose of the tractor protection valve?
To reduce air pressure in the system
What is the purpose of testing the trailer emergency brakes?
To check if the trailer rolls and stops when the air supply is disconnected
What is the purpose of testing the trailer service brakes?
To ensure that the trailer brakes hold the vehicle in place
What is the manufacturer's specified pressure range for the tractor protection valve?
20-45 psi
What should you do to supply air to the trailer system for testing the trailer emergency brakes?
Charge the trailer air tank to full pressure
What should happen when the air pressure falls into the manufacturer's specified pressure range for the tractor protection valve?
The tractor protection valve should pop out
What should happen when the air supply is disconnected during the testing of the trailer emergency brakes?
The trailer emergency brakes should engage
Which of the following is a potential consequence of coupling a trailer that is too high?
The trailer may not fully engage with the fifth wheel
After coupling, how should the upper and lower fifth wheel be positioned?
They should be touching each other
True or False: It is recommended to visually check the back of the fifth wheel to ensure it is locked onto the kingpin after coupling.
True
True or False: To drive, the landing gear should be fully raised off the pavement.
True
How can you determine if a trailer is equipped with antilock brakes?
Check for a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel
When should the shut-off valves between the tractor and trailer air tanks be open?
When the trailer is coupled to the tractor
How can you test if air flows to all trailers?
Start the engine and build the air pressure, ensure all air tank drain valves are closed, push in the trailer air supply and check that the trailer air pressure rises
What is the potential consequence of coupling a trailer that is too high?
The trailer's kingpin may not fully engage with the fifth wheel
What is the recommended position of the upper and lower fifth wheel after coupling?
They should be touching each other
True or False: It is recommended to visually check the back of the fifth wheel to ensure it is locked onto the kingpin after coupling.
True
Study Notes
Vehicle Inspection and Safe Driving Techniques
- The most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection is to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate.
- During a trip, important things to check include gauges, mirrors, and the road ahead for potential hazards.
- Key steering system parts include the steering wheel, steering shaft, tie rods, and drag link.
- Suspension system defects can include cracked or broken spring hangers, leaking shock absorbers, and damaged or missing leaf springs.
- Three kinds of emergency equipment that should be carried are a fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, and spare electrical fuses.
- The minimum tread depth for front tires is 4/32 of an inch, and for other tires, it is 2/32 of an inch.
- During a walk-around inspection, it is important to check the headlights, turn signals, and the condition of the front bumper and grill.
- Wheel bearing seals should be checked for signs of leaks or damage.
- It is recommended to carry three red reflective triangles.
- To test hydraulic brakes for leaks, pump the brake pedal three times, then apply firm pressure for five seconds. The pedal should not move.
- Putting the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection prevents anyone from starting the engine while you are inspecting the vehicle.
- Factors that determine the selection of a "safe" speed when going down a long, steep downgrade include the weight of the vehicle, road conditions, weather, and the steepness of the grade.
- Being in the proper gear before starting down a hill is important to control the speed of the vehicle and prevent brake failure from shifting gears while descending.
- The proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade is to use the engine brake or retarder whenever possible. If additional braking is needed, apply the brakes intermittently, not continuously, to avoid overheating them.
- Low-slung units, such as lowboy trailers or container chassis, can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing.
- It takes a typical tractor-trailer unit about 15 seconds to clear a double track.
- Stopping may not always be the safest option in an emergency, especially if it can lead to a collision. In some situations, swerving or going to the side may be a better choice.
- Going right around an obstacle is usually safer than going left because of better visibility and less likelihood of oncoming traffic.
- An escape ramp is a specially designed area on steep mountain roads where vehicles can safely stop if they are experiencing brake failure or other emergencies while descending.
- If a tire blows out, it is recommended to stay off the brakes, grip the steering wheel firmly, and gradually reduce speed by easing off the accelerator.
- Vehicles equipped with antilock brakes will have an ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel.
- When driving a vehicle with antilock brakes, continuous, firm pressure should be applied to the brake pedal during hard braking. Pumping the brakes should be
Test your knowledge on the importance of vehicle inspections, key components to check, proper driving techniques, and emergency procedures to ensure safe driving practices.
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