Wisconsin CDL General Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How soon must you notify your employer of any traffic violation?

30 days

When is it allowed to read or send text messages while driving a commercial vehicle?

False

Why is inspection of the vehicle done?

safety

When should you inspect your vehicle for a trip?

before, during and after Signup and view all the answers

What emergency equipment is required in the vehicle?

fire extinguisher, spare fuses (if necessary), and 3 warning devices (cones, reflectors, etc. for breakdowns) Signup and view all the answers

If your truck contains hazardous materials, what must you ensure before you leave?

proper papers and placarding Signup and view all the answers

What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?

leaks Signup and view all the answers

What do you do to prevent rolling back when you start moving?

engage the clutch before you let off the brake Signup and view all the answers

Drivers should avoid backing if at all possible due to the dangers and lack of vision.

True Signup and view all the answers

When backing, what are some good things to utilize?

mirrors, hazard lights, using a spotter, back toward the driver side if possible Signup and view all the answers

What is a pull up?

When backing a trailer, you pull forward to straighten your vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

Two reasons to downshift?

entering a curve and going down a hill Signup and view all the answers

How do you know when to shift up?

using engine speed (RPM's) and road speed (MPH) Signup and view all the answers

What is a retarder?

a device that helps slow your vehicle to reduce the need for brakes Signup and view all the answers

Retarders should not be used in slippery road conditions.

True Signup and view all the answers

How far ahead should drivers be looking at all times?

12-15 seconds (1/4 mile highway/1 block in the city) Signup and view all the answers

When should you adjust mirrors to their proper position?

before the trip Signup and view all the answers

What should you look for when checking your mirrors regularly?

traffic, your tires, lane changes/turns, tight maneuvers Signup and view all the answers

Name three main rules of blinkers.

signal early, leave it on throughout, turn it off when the turn is 100% finished Signup and view all the answers

How should you warn drivers behind you that you're slowing down?

tap brakes a few times Signup and view all the answers

If you must stop, where do you put your cones?

Divided highway: behind you at 10 ft., 110 ft., and 210 ft. Two lane: 100 ft ahead of the vehicle, 10 ft behind, and 100 behind Signup and view all the answers

Your horn should be your first option to communicate with other drivers.

False Signup and view all the answers

What three things add together to make stopping distance?

perception distance, reaction distance, braking distance Signup and view all the answers

Because they have less traction, empty vehicles require _________________ stopping distance.

greater Signup and view all the answers

Wet roads can double stopping distance.

True Signup and view all the answers

If you double your speed, your braking distance will be _____ times longer. What if you triple it?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

If you begin to hydroplane, what should you do?

release the accelerator and push in the clutch (DO NOT BRAKE) Signup and view all the answers

When approaching a curve, when should you reach a manageable speed for that curve?

before the curve Signup and view all the answers

When in traffic, what is the safest speed?

the speed of other vehicles Signup and view all the answers

How far back should you stay (in seconds) while following too closely?

one second per 10 feet of your vehicle plus one second if you're going over 40 mph Signup and view all the answers

When going up a hill, what lane should you try to stick to?

right Signup and view all the answers

If someone is riding your ass, the safest thing to do is speed up.

False Signup and view all the answers

Don't do drugs/alcohol; you'll get in trouble.

False Signup and view all the answers

If you need to use another lane to complete a right turn, should you do so immediately or after the turn?

after the turn Signup and view all the answers

When making a left turn, at what point should you begin your turn?

center of the intersection Signup and view all the answers

If there are two left turn lanes, which one do you take?

the right side one, so it's easier for you to get in the right lane when the turn is done Signup and view all the answers

Because of slow acceleration and longer length, commercial vehicles require _____ time to cross a road than a standard vehicle.

More Signup and view all the answers

What is a hazard?

any road condition or user that is a possible danger Signup and view all the answers

A hazard becomes an emergency when?

you're in immediate danger Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to be looking ahead of you for hazards?

more time to react Signup and view all the answers

Move over law requires you to slow down and move into the opposite lane of a stopped emergency vehicle until?

you have passed it Signup and view all the answers

Name some road hazards.

work zones, drop offs, foreign objects (debris), off ramps/on ramps Signup and view all the answers

Why shouldn't you immediately swing left when making a right turn?

a driver may think you're turning left and attempt to pass you on the right side Signup and view all the answers

When you see a hazard, it is important to ______ for an emergency.

plan Signup and view all the answers

What is the only type of mobile device allowed while driving a CMV?

hands-free Signup and view all the answers

Drivers should avoid smoking, eating, drinking, and adjusting the radio while driving, as these are all considered distractions.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are a few signs of a distracted driver ahead of you?

crossing center line, inconsistent speed, drivers in conversation, drivers with food, maps, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?

road rage involves intent to harm others Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if there is an aggressive driver?

stay away, don't look/make eye contact, safely call police Signup and view all the answers

When driving at night, how do you avoid glare?

don't look directly at oncoming lights, look somewhere else Signup and view all the answers

When driving in fog, you should utilize which lights on your vehicle?

lo beams and fog lights Signup and view all the answers

Things to check before winter driving?

coolant/antifreeze levels, defrosting/heating equipment, wipers, tires (tire chains), make sure lights and windows are clean Signup and view all the answers

Is it safe to remove the radiator cap at any time?

False Signup and view all the answers

Hot tires have extra air pressure; is it best to leave them this way or let some air out?

False Signup and view all the answers

Wet brakes can cause?

weak and uneven braking Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of railroad crossings?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

If you are required to stop at a train crossing, make sure you pull over safely and?

put on your hazards Signup and view all the answers

Is it okay to shift gears while crossing railroad tracks?

False Signup and view all the answers

When avoiding a crash, it is important to keep both hands on the wheel and avoid aggressive what?

braking Signup and view all the answers

If you must swerve to avoid an accident, it is best to swerve which direction?

right (only enter the ditch if absolutely necessary to avoid collision) Signup and view all the answers

What is Stab Braking?

method where you slam on the brakes, release them until they unlock, and repeat Signup and view all the answers

What should I do if my brakes fail?

downshift, pump the brakes, use parking brake, find escape route Signup and view all the answers

What are three major signs of tire failure?

sound, vibration, feel (steering wheel feels heavy) Signup and view all the answers

If a tire fails, what do I do?

hold steering wheel firmly, come to a stop not using brakes, check tires once stopped Signup and view all the answers

If I have ABS I should brake differently than if I didn't have it.

False Signup and view all the answers

ABS stopping distance is the same as non-ABS.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to stop a drive wheel skid?

release the accelerator Signup and view all the answers

What to do about a front wheel skid?

let the vehicle slow down, stop braking and turning Signup and view all the answers

What are three steps to take when there's a crash?

<ol> <li>protect the area (move vehicle if possible, set out cones) 2. call 911 3. care for injured</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How can tires catch fire?

underinflated tires and duals that touch Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if there's a fire?

<ol> <li>pull over, keep fire from spreading, extinguish fire (with correct extinguisher)</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

BC fire extinguishers are not for use on?

wood, paper, cloth Signup and view all the answers

When extinguishing a fire, stay as _____ from the fire as possible.

far Signup and view all the answers

Sleeping, Exercise, Eating Healthy, Avoiding Medications, Going to the Doctor, and Scheduling Trips Safely all help you be _____________ to drive.

ready Signup and view all the answers

While driving, it is important to stay cool and be aware of the symptoms of drowsy driving, name a few.

eyes are heavy, yawning, loss of memory, drifting between lanes, jerking the wheel Signup and view all the answers

What do I do if I'm tired?

stop to sleep, nap, avoid medications, don't rely on caffeine Signup and view all the answers

What are products that pose a risk to health, safety, and property during transportation known as?

hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the intent of the haz mat rules?

<ol> <li>contain the product 2. communicate the risk 3. ensure safe drivers and equipment</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Where should haz mat shipping papers be kept?

in drivers door, within reach, on drivers seat when you're not there Signup and view all the answers

Signs on the outside of a vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo are known as?

placards Signup and view all the answers

Drivers without a Haz Mat license should never drive a vehicle with placards.

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General CDL Guidelines

Notify employer of any traffic violation within 30 days.
Reading or sending text messages while driving a commercial vehicle is never allowed.

Vehicle Inspection

Conduct vehicle inspections before, during, and after trips to ensure safety.
Emergency equipment required in the vehicle includes a fire extinguisher, spare fuses (if necessary), and three warning devices (like cones or reflectors).

Hazardous Materials Regulations

Ensure proper papers and placarding are present if carrying hazardous materials.
Check wheel bearing seals for leaks before operation.

Starting and Backing Procedures

Engage the clutch before releasing the brake to prevent rolling back when starting on inclines.
It’s safer to back toward the driver side and utilize mirrors, hazard lights, and a spotter.

Safe Driving Practices

Adjust mirrors before trips and continuously check them for traffic, tire conditions, and lane changes.
Maintain a following distance of one second per 10 feet of vehicle length, plus an additional second if traveling over 40 mph.

Handling Emergencies

In an emergency, a hazard becomes a true emergency when immediate danger is present. Plan for such situations when spotting hazards on the road.
If brakes fail, you should downshift, pump the brakes, and find an escape route.

Driver Distractions

Avoid distractions such as mobile devices, food, or conversation while driving.
Recognize signs of a distracted driver, such as inconsistent speed or crossing the center line.

Night and Weather Challenges

In fog, use low beams and fog lights; do not rely on high beams.
Be aware of drowsy driving symptoms and take action if feeling tired (e.g., nap, stop to sleep).

Railroad and Fire Safety

Active railroad crossings have signals; at passive crossings, rely on signs.
If a fire occurs, pull over and extinguish it safely using the correct type of extinguisher, keeping a safe distance.

Relationships and Hazmat Material

Hazmat shipping papers should be within reach, kept on the driver’s seat when not in use.
Understand the intent behind hazardous materials rules: to contain products, communicate risks, and ensure safety of drivers and equipment.

Other Important Notes

Never shift gears while crossing railroad tracks.
If you must swerve to avoid a collision, it is safer to swerve right.
Commercial vehicles require more time to cross roads compared to standard vehicles due to their size and acceleration differences.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards designed for the Wisconsin Commercial Driver's License (CDL) exam. Each card covers crucial information about traffic violations, safety inspections, and regulations. Perfect for preparing for your CDL test!