Podcast
Questions and Answers
What should you do whenever you stop for a break during your trip?
What should you do whenever you stop for a break during your trip?
Check critical items such as the tires, brakes, and cargo tie-downs.
When should high beams be used?
When should high beams be used?
Whenever it is safe and legal to do so.
What is the function of the safety release valve on the air tanks?
What is the function of the safety release valve on the air tanks?
It is self-operated when the air pressure is above 150 PSI.
Which of these is a proper use of vehicle lights and flashers?
Which of these is a proper use of vehicle lights and flashers?
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What is a key steering component?
What is a key steering component?
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How can you start moving without rolling backward?
How can you start moving without rolling backward?
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Which is NOT one of the four basic skills that operating a commercial motor vehicle requires?
Which is NOT one of the four basic skills that operating a commercial motor vehicle requires?
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What is the average reaction distance?
What is the average reaction distance?
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What is the most common cause of serious vehicle skids?
What is the most common cause of serious vehicle skids?
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The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving amounts to about _____ at highway speed.
The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving amounts to about _____ at highway speed.
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Where should you place the three reflective triangles when parked on the side of a level, straight, two-lane road?
Where should you place the three reflective triangles when parked on the side of a level, straight, two-lane road?
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What is the penalty for driving under the influence while driving a commercial vehicle, if it's your first offense?
What is the penalty for driving under the influence while driving a commercial vehicle, if it's your first offense?
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What do front end header boards protect you from?
What do front end header boards protect you from?
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What is the formula for stopping distance with air brakes?
What is the formula for stopping distance with air brakes?
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Winds are especially a problem when coming out of tunnels.
Winds are especially a problem when coming out of tunnels.
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Heavy vehicles need larger gaps in traffic than cars.
Heavy vehicles need larger gaps in traffic than cars.
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What should you do if a vehicle continues to drive in your blind spot?
What should you do if a vehicle continues to drive in your blind spot?
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What is the least amount of space that you should keep in front of your vehicle while driving a 40-foot vehicle at 45 mph, under ideal conditions?
What is the least amount of space that you should keep in front of your vehicle while driving a 40-foot vehicle at 45 mph, under ideal conditions?
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What does axle weight mean?
What does axle weight mean?
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What is the legal BAC limit for commercial drivers to be considered intoxicated?
What is the legal BAC limit for commercial drivers to be considered intoxicated?
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The heavier a vehicle or the faster it is moving, the more heat the brakes must absorb to stop it.
The heavier a vehicle or the faster it is moving, the more heat the brakes must absorb to stop it.
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What is a good rule to remember in a traffic emergency?
What is a good rule to remember in a traffic emergency?
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What does a red triangle with an orange center on the rear of a moving vehicle indicate?
What does a red triangle with an orange center on the rear of a moving vehicle indicate?
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When should the parking brake be tested?
When should the parking brake be tested?
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What should a driver's grid log, if required, do upon officer request?
What should a driver's grid log, if required, do upon officer request?
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Under-loaded front axles can cause poor traction.
Under-loaded front axles can cause poor traction.
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What should you do when your vehicle hydroplanes?
What should you do when your vehicle hydroplanes?
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Study Notes
Vehicle Safety and Maintenance
- Regularly check critical items like tires, brakes, and cargo tie-downs during breaks.
- Use high beams when it is safe and legal for better visibility.
- The safety release valve on air tanks operates automatically when air pressure exceeds 150 PSI.
Proper Use of Vehicle Lights
- Turn on headlights during reduced visibility conditions, such as rain or snow.
- Warn others by flashing brake lights to indicate slowing down or stopping.
Steering and Vehicle Control
- The gear box is a key component in vehicle steering systems.
- To prevent rolling backward, engage the clutch before releasing the brake and use the parking brake as needed.
Basic Driving Skills
- First-aid certification is not one of the four basic skills required for operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Reactions and Stopping Distance
- The average reaction distance while driving is 61 feet.
- Maintain a forward lookout distance of about 1/4 mile when traveling at highway speeds.
Parking Regulations
- Place three reflective triangles when parked on a two-lane road: one within 10 feet of the rear, one about 100 feet back, and one about 100 feet ahead.
DUI Consequences for Commercial Drivers
- A first DUI offense in a commercial vehicle usually leads to a minimum one-year suspension of the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Cargo Safety
- Front end header boards protect against cargo movement during collisions.
Stopping Distance Formula
- Stopping distance for air brakes includes perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and effective braking distance.
Driving Conditions and Traffic Management
- Strong winds particularly affect vehicles when exiting tunnels; they require larger traffic gaps compared to cars.
- If another vehicle lingers in your blind spot, it is safer to back off.
Following Distance and Weight Considerations
- Keep a safe following distance of at least 5 seconds when driving a 40-foot vehicle at 45 mph under ideal conditions.
- Axle weight refers to the weight placed on the ground by a single axle or set of axles.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Guidelines
- The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration for commercial drivers is .04.
Brake Functionality
- Braking efficiency varies: heavier or faster vehicles generate more heat and require more braking power.
- The parking brake should always be tested while the vehicle is stationary.
Driver's Log Requirements
- A driver’s grid log, if needed, must be presented immediately if requested by an officer.
Load Distribution Impact
- Under-loading front axles can lead to poor traction and decreased control.
Hydroplaning Response
- In the event of hydroplaning, the correct action is to release the accelerator to regain control.
Emergency Situations
- In a traffic emergency, heavy vehicles tend to turn more quickly than stop, so quick maneuvers may be necessary to avoid collisions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on essential vehicle safety and maintenance practices. This quiz covers critical items to check, proper use of vehicle lights, steering and control techniques, and basic driving skills. Hone your expertise in keeping vehicles safe and operational on the road.
