CDL Practice Test Quiz

Before a trip and while traveling, it is important to check for several things to ensure a safe journey. Checking cargo securement is necessary to prevent any shifting or falling of items during transit. Vehicle gauges should be monitored to ensure that the vehicle is operating properly and there are no issues with fuel, oil, or temperature levels. Additionally, checking the tires is crucial to ensure they are properly inflated and in good condition, as this directly affects the vehicle's handling and safety. Therefore, all of the above options should be checked before and during a trip.

All of the listed emergency equipment should be present in a vehicle. A fire extinguisher is essential in case of a fire emergency. Warning triangles are necessary to alert other drivers in the event of a breakdown or accident. Spare electrical fuses are important to ensure that electrical systems in the vehicle can be quickly repaired in case of a malfunction. Therefore, having all of the mentioned equipment in the vehicle is crucial for preparedness and safety during emergencies.

If your engine begins to overheat, the best course of action is to stop as soon as possible and shut off your engine. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause serious damage to the vehicle and potentially lead to a breakdown. Stopping the vehicle and turning off the engine allows it to cool down and prevents further overheating. Once the engine has cooled, you can then check for any issues or seek professional help if needed.

The correct answer is to hold the steering wheel with both hands on the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. This hand placement allows for better control and maneuverability of the vehicle. It also ensures that the hands are positioned away from the airbag in case of deployment, reducing the risk of injury. Holding the steering wheel in this way provides a balanced grip and allows for smooth and precise steering movements.

During an enroute inspection, it is important to check the brakes and tires to ensure they are in proper working condition. This is crucial for the safety of the vehicle and its occupants. Additionally, checking the coupling devices is necessary to ensure that the trailer is securely attached to the truck. Lastly, inspecting the cargo is important to ensure that it is properly loaded, secured, and not posing any hazards. Therefore, checking all of the above is necessary during an enroute inspection.

In a pre-trip inspection, it is important to check for various issues in the wheels and rims. Rust around wheel nuts can indicate looseness, which can lead to wheel detachment. Cracked or damaged wheels or rims can compromise the structural integrity and safety of the vehicle. Mismatched or bent lock rims can affect the stability and balance of the vehicle. Therefore, all of the mentioned issues should be checked for in the wheels and rims during a pre-trip inspection.

During a pre-trip inspection, it is important to check the brakes and suspension system for various issues. This includes checking for brake shoes and pads with fluid in them, as this could indicate a leak or malfunction. It is also important to check for shoes worn thinner than 1/4 inch, as this could affect the braking performance. Additionally, one should inspect for any cracked, missing, or broken parts in the brakes and suspension system, as these could pose a safety hazard. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

The signs of tire failure include a loud bang, heavy steering, and vibration. These symptoms indicate that there may be a problem with the tires, such as a blowout or a loss of pressure. A loud bang can occur when a tire suddenly bursts, heavy steering can be caused by a flat tire or a loss of control due to tire damage, and vibration can indicate an imbalance or damage to the tires. Therefore, all of the above options are signs of tire failure.

Federal and state laws prohibit driving an unsafe vehicle, which means that any problem that could potentially compromise the safety of the vehicle should be fixed. A small leak of power steering fluid can lead to a loss of steering control, while steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees can affect the vehicle's ability to respond to driver input. A leak in the exhaust system can result in the release of harmful gases, posing a risk to both the driver and the environment. Therefore, all of these problems should be addressed to ensure the safety and compliance with the law.

Accelerating smoothly is the correct answer because it ensures that you won't cause coupling damage. Jerking motion can lead to damage to the coupling mechanism, and accelerating quickly when traction is poor can also cause damage to the vehicle. Therefore, the best approach is to accelerate smoothly to avoid any potential damage.

When your drive wheels begin to spin after starting, it is important to take your foot off the accelerator. This is because continuing to apply pressure on the accelerator can cause the wheels to spin even more, which can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle. By releasing the accelerator, you allow the wheels to regain traction and prevent further spinning. Applying the brakes or turning off the engine are not necessary in this situation and may not address the issue of spinning wheels.

A truck fire can be caused by multiple factors, including tires with low pressure, an electrical short circuit, and flammable cargo. Low tire pressure can cause excessive heat and friction, leading to a fire. An electrical short circuit can generate sparks, which can ignite flammable materials in the truck. Additionally, if the truck is carrying flammable cargo, any ignition source can cause a fire. Therefore, all of the mentioned factors can contribute to a truck fire.

When turning, it is important to signal early to alert other drivers of your intention to turn. This allows them to adjust their speed and position accordingly, promoting safer and smoother traffic flow. It is not necessary to turn off your signal as you turn, as the signal should remain on until the turn is completed. Using your turn signal only when changing lanes in heavy traffic is incorrect, as it is important to use the signal whenever you are turning, regardless of the traffic conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is "When turning, signal early."

The driver is responsible for making sure that cargo is not overloaded. This includes ensuring that the weight and distribution of the cargo are within the legal limits and that the vehicle is not overloaded, which could lead to accidents or damage to the vehicle. State and federal agents may also conduct inspections and enforce regulations, but ultimately it is the driver's responsibility to ensure the safe transportation of the cargo.

Checking the mirrors is important for various reasons. Firstly, it helps to determine the location of the rear of the vehicle in a turn, which is crucial for maintaining proper positioning on the road. Secondly, it allows for monitoring the condition of the tires, as any signs of damage or deflation can be detected through the mirrors. Lastly, checking the mirrors helps in assessing traffic gaps when merging, ensuring a safe and smooth maneuver. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

When traveling at highway speed, it is important to look ahead at least 1/4 mile. This allows you to have enough time to react to any potential hazards or obstacles on the road, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or debris. By looking ahead at this distance, you can anticipate and make necessary adjustments to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

When a vehicle is stopped for longer than 10 minutes, it is necessary to ensure visibility and safety. One way to do this is by placing reflective triangles at specific distances from the vehicle. These triangles should be placed at 10, 100, and 200 feet away from the vehicle. This helps to alert other drivers of the stopped vehicle and provides a clear indication of its presence on the road. By using reflective triangles, the chances of accidents or collisions are reduced, making it a crucial step to take when stopped for an extended period of time.

The A:B:C fire extinguishers are suitable for use on burning liquids and electrical fires, wood and paper fires, and cloth fires. This means that they can effectively extinguish fires caused by various materials, making them a versatile choice for fire safety.

Water can be used on tire fires.

During a pre-trip inspection, it is important to inspect various components in the engine compartment to ensure the vehicle is in proper working condition. This includes checking the engine oil level, hose condition, and electrical wire insulation. However, valve clearance does not need to be inspected during a pre-trip inspection as it is not directly related to the overall functioning of the engine. Valve clearance refers to the gap between the valve stem and the rocker arm or camshaft, and it is typically adjusted during regular maintenance or when there are specific issues with the engine's performance.

When using mirrors, it is important to remember that there may still be "blind spots" that are not visible in the mirror. This means that there could be areas around the vehicle that cannot be seen using the mirrors alone. Therefore, it is necessary to also physically turn and check these blind spots before making a lane change or any other maneuver.

During the day, using headlights when it's raining or snowing can improve visibility for both the driver and other road users. Flashing your brake lights is a way to communicate with drivers behind you and warn them that you are stopping. Turning on your lights when parked on the side of the road increases your visibility to other drivers, reducing the risk of accidents. Therefore, all of the given statements are true about using vehicle lights.

The correct answer is "Make sure that your stopping distance is within your sight distance." This is because at night, visibility is reduced, making it harder to see and react to hazards on the road. By ensuring that your stopping distance is within your sight distance, you can maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and have enough time to react and stop if necessary. This helps to prevent accidents and ensure your safety while driving at night.

Retarders are devices that help slow down a vehicle and reduce brake wear. They work by applying additional braking power to the non-drive axles, which helps to slow down the vehicle without relying solely on the brakes. This reduces the strain on the braking system and extends its lifespan, ultimately reducing the need for frequent brake replacements and repairs. Therefore, the correct answer is "Help slow the vehicle and reduce brake wear."

If an oncoming vehicle drifts into your lane on a two-lane road, steering to the right to avoid the vehicle is the correct answer. This is because moving to the right will create more space between your vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, reducing the risk of a collision. Steering away from the vehicle to the left would increase the chances of a head-on collision. Maintaining your position until you're seen may not be safe as the oncoming vehicle may not react in time. Hard braking alone may not be sufficient to avoid a collision.

When experiencing a blowout in the front tire while driving at a high speed, the first thing you should do is stay off the brake until the vehicle slows down. This is because applying the brakes immediately can cause the vehicle to lose control and potentially lead to a more dangerous situation. By staying off the brake, you allow the vehicle to gradually slow down, giving you more control over the steering and allowing you to safely move to the shoulder of the road.

During hot weather, it is important to inspect your tires every 100 miles or two hours. This is because hot weather can cause increased stress and wear on the tires, leading to potential issues such as overheating or decreased air pressure. By regularly inspecting the tires, you can identify any problems early on and take necessary actions to prevent accidents or damage.

When traveling down a steep hill, it is important to use light, even, and steady pressure on the brakes. This allows for better control of the vehicle and prevents the brakes from overheating or locking up. Pumping the brakes lightly can also help to maintain control and prevent them from overheating. However, using lots of pressure or strong pressure that increases as you move downward can cause the brakes to lock up and potentially lead to a loss of control.

Using your tachometer and road speed to tell when you shift is true about double-clutching and shifting. The tachometer measures the engine speed in revolutions per minute (RPM), while the road speed indicates the speed of the vehicle. By observing these two factors, a driver can determine the optimal timing for shifting gears, ensuring smooth and efficient transitions. This technique is particularly important in vehicles with manual transmissions, as it helps prevent engine damage and excessive wear on the clutch.

To correct a tractor drive-wheel acceleration skid, the best course of action is to stop accelerating and push in the clutch. This will disengage the engine power from the wheels, allowing them to regain traction and prevent further skidding. Countersteering may be effective in correcting a skid caused by oversteering, but it is not the appropriate response in an acceleration skid. Applying more power to the wheel or applying the brakes can exacerbate the skid and make it more difficult to regain control.

Using the horn while driving can startle other drivers. This can be dangerous as it may cause them to react abruptly, potentially leading to accidents. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using the horn unnecessarily to maintain a calm and safe driving environment.

During a front-wheel skid, the vehicle will continue to go straight, even when you steer. This is because the front wheels lose traction and are unable to respond to steering inputs, causing the vehicle to slide in the direction of momentum. The lack of traction prevents the wheels from effectively changing the vehicle's direction, resulting in it continuing to move straight regardless of steering inputs.

To start a vehicle on an uphill grade, it is recommended to use the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. This is important because the incline creates a force that can cause the vehicle to roll downhill if the brake is not engaged. By using the parking brake, the driver can safely hold the vehicle in place while they engage the clutch and gradually release it to start moving forward without rolling backwards. This technique ensures better control and prevents any potential accidents or damage to the vehicle.

While driving, it is important to look ahead to anticipate potential hazards and make necessary adjustments. Looking ahead for 12 to 15 seconds allows the driver to have enough time to react to any upcoming situations, such as traffic lights, road signs, or other vehicles. This gives the driver a better chance to make informed decisions and maintain a safe driving distance from other vehicles.

It is important to know that loading cargo should be low and even to ensure stability and prevent tipping or shifting during transportation. Putting lighter cargo toward the back can also help maintain balance and stability. However, the statement "the higher the center of gravity, the safer the cargo is" is incorrect. A higher center of gravity can actually make the cargo less safe, as it increases the risk of tipping over. Therefore, the correct answer is "Make sure that the cargo is low and even."

Countersteering is the technique of turning the wheel back in the other direction, once you've passed something in your path. This technique is commonly used in motorcycle riding to initiate a turn. By briefly turning the handlebars in the opposite direction of the desired turn, the rider creates a lean in the motorcycle, which helps to initiate and control the turn. Countersteering is a crucial skill for maintaining stability and control while navigating through obstacles or making quick turns at higher speeds.

When you are being tailgated, it is important to increase the space in front of you. This allows you to have a larger buffer zone between your vehicle and the one behind you, reducing the chances of a collision if the tailgater stops suddenly. Increasing the space also gives you more time to react to any unexpected situations on the road. Going faster or slowing down abruptly can escalate the situation and increase the risk of an accident. Flashing your taillights may not be effective in getting the tailgater to back off and can also be distracting to other drivers.

To avoid a crash, it is important not to oversteer. Oversteering can cause loss of control and potentially lead to a collision. Instead, it is recommended to only turn as much as necessary to avoid the crash. This allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle and make precise movements to navigate the situation safely.

The red triangles with an orange center on the back of a vehicle indicate that the vehicle is slow moving. This is a common warning sign used to alert other drivers to exercise caution and be prepared to slow down when approaching or following the vehicle. It is typically used for vehicles such as construction equipment, farm machinery, or oversized loads, which may not be able to maintain regular speeds on the road.

The B:C fire extinguishers are specifically designed to be used on burning liquids and electrical fires. These types of fires require a special extinguishing agent that can safely smother the flames without conducting electricity. Wood, paper, and cloth fires are better suited to be extinguished using other types of fire extinguishers, such as Class A extinguishers. Therefore, the correct answer is Burning liquids and electrical fires.

Over accelerating can cause a skid because it puts excessive force on the tires, causing them to lose traction with the road surface. When the tires lose traction, they are unable to grip the road properly, leading to a loss of control and the vehicle sliding or skidding. This can be particularly dangerous in slippery conditions such as rain or snow, as the tires have even less grip on the road surface. Therefore, over accelerating should be avoided to prevent skidding and maintain control of the vehicle.

Hydroplaning occurs when water or slush forms a film between the tires and the road. This can happen at any speed and is more likely to occur when tire pressure is low. Therefore, all of the statements are correct.

All of the given statements are true about backing. Helpers should be used to assist in guiding the driver while backing. It is generally recommended to back toward the driver side of the vehicle as it provides better visibility and control. However, it is also advised to avoid backing whenever possible to minimize the risk of accidents or collisions.

When using retarders, a major concern is that they may cause the drive wheels to skid when the traction is poor. Retarders are devices used to slow down a vehicle by applying resistance to the drivetrain. However, in situations where the road surface is slippery or the traction is poor, the additional resistance from the retarders can cause the drive wheels to lose grip and skid. This can result in a loss of control over the vehicle and potentially lead to accidents. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and adjust the use of retarders according to the road conditions.

When a tractor is experiencing a rear-wheel braking skid, it means that the rear wheels have lost traction and are sliding. Braking in this situation will only worsen the skid, so it is important not to brake. Instead, the correct approach is to turn the steering wheel quickly in the direction of the skid and counter-steer to regain control. This technique helps to redirect the tractor's momentum and allows the rear wheels to regain traction, ultimately correcting the skid.

Controlled braking refers to the technique of keeping the vehicle in a straight line while applying the brakes. This involves maintaining control over the vehicle's steering and avoiding any sudden or jerky movements that could cause the vehicle to skid or veer off course. By keeping the vehicle in a straight line, the driver can effectively slow down or stop the vehicle safely and efficiently.

During rush hour on the freeway, most cars are going at a speed of 35 miles per hour. Therefore, it is safest for your vehicle to also travel at this speed to maintain consistency with the flow of traffic and avoid potential accidents or collisions. Traveling at a significantly slower or faster speed than the surrounding vehicles can create hazards and increase the risk of accidents.

Downshifting before entering a curve is important because it allows the driver to have more control over the vehicle's speed and acceleration. By downshifting, the engine speed increases, which provides more power to the wheels and allows for better acceleration when exiting the curve. This can help the driver maintain a stable and controlled speed throughout the curve, reducing the risk of losing control or skidding. Additionally, downshifting before a curve can also help in maintaining good braking control, as the engine braking effect can assist in slowing down the vehicle without relying solely on the brakes.

When hydraulic brakes go out, it means that there is a loss of pressure in the braking system. Pumping the brakes can help generate pressure by compressing any remaining air in the system. Downshifting can also help slow the vehicle down by using engine braking. Lastly, using the parking brake can provide an additional means of stopping the vehicle. Therefore, all of the above options are correct actions to take when hydraulic brakes go out.

During a pre-trip inspection, it is important to ensure that the tires are not mismatched in size and ply, as this can affect the vehicle's stability and handling. Additionally, the tires should not be worn or damaged, as this can compromise their performance and safety. Therefore, the correct answer is that the tires should not be mismatched in size and ply, and should not be worn or damaged.