Question 1

As a general rule, commercial vehicle drivers should look ahead:

Accepted Answer

Commercial drivers should look ahead by at least 12 to 15 seconds. This means the driver is looking at a point ahead of the vehicle where they will arrive within the next 12 to 15 seconds. A good rule of thumb is that at lower speeds, this equals about one city block. However, at highway speeds, it means looking ahead about one quarter of a mile. Looking ahead allows drivers to adjust to any problem or condition that they may be approaching and allows them time to slow down, stop, or maneuver their vehicle safely.

Question 2

Commercial vehicle drivers rely on their mirrors for safe driving. Mirror adjustments should:

Accepted Answer

Vehicle mirrors are a critical element of safe driving in commercial vehicles. Mirrors are the only way drivers can see what is on the sides of the vehicle as well in back of the vehicle. Their importance increases whenever the vehicle is in traffic. Adjustments to the mirrors should be made during the pre-trip inspection and whenever needed during the trip. Mirrors should never be adjusted while the vehicle is in motion.

Question 3

The use of mirrors becomes more significant when:

Accepted Answer

The use of the vehicle mirrors becomes even more important during special conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to, making any type of lane change and while making left or right turns. Mirrors are also critical when drivers are attempting to merge into traffic. Many times a ground guide is not available and drivers must rely solely on their mirrors when backing up or making tight maneuvers such as found in crowded parking lots.

Question 4

When signaling to make a turn, commercial drivers should:

Accepted Answer

When signaling to make a turn, drivers should always signal early and leave the signal in operation until the turn is complete. Signaling early allows other drivers to see what you are about to do well in advance of doing it. Canceling the signal in mid-term requires taking hands off the steering wheel. This can lead to loss of steering control. Leave signals on until the turn is complete.

Question 5

When a commercial driver plans to slow down, they should warn drivers behind their vehicle by:

Accepted Answer

When a commercial driver plans to slow down and there are drivers following behind the vehicle, the driver should lightly tap on the brake pedal. This action will cause the brake lights to flash a few times, quickly, which most drivers understand is a signal of intent to slow down. This simple action is known to be an effective way to get a following driver's attention. This can help prevent following drivers from having to slam on their brakes or from crashing into the back of the commercial vehicle.

Question 6

Under which of the following conditions should a commercial vehicle driver warn other motorists?

Accepted Answer

The commercial driver should warn other motorists of their intentions when the driver plans to make a tight turn. Tight turns often require much slower speeds than many motorists realize. Warning also should be given if the driver sees trouble ahead as motorists following the commercial vehicle may not be able to see around the vehicle. Warning should be given when commercial drivers plan to stop, including at railroad tracks. And warning should be given if the commercial vehicle must drive slowly, such as when going up steep slopes.

Question 7

When driving a commercial vehicle at slow speeds, the use of emergency flashers is:

Accepted Answer

When driving a commercial vehicle at slow speeds, the use of emergency flashers is dictated by state law. It may seem odd that states have differing laws on this subject, but it is true. The only way to know if the use of emergency flashers is allowed in any particular state is to check with that state's Division of Motor Vehicles or State Highway Patrol. Answers to this question are often available online or available with trucking company dispatch offices.

Question 8

When operating a commercial vehicle that must pull off the road and stop, the use of emergency flashers is:

Accepted Answer

When a commercial vehicle must pull off the road and stop, the use of emergency flashers is required in all states. This is different than the laws concerning the use of flashers while driving slowly. Commercial vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road must use emergency flashers to warn other drivers. This is especially important during the hours of darkness or during inclement weather such as rain or fog.

Question 9

If a commercial vehicle must stop on or aside a one way or divided highway, drivers must place triangle warning devices at:

Accepted Answer

If a commercial vehicle must stop on the side of a one way or divided highway, warning triangles must be set up at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic. This must be accomplished within ten minutes of stopping. Also, commercial vehicles stopped on the side of the road must engage their emergency flashers. This is especially important if the stop takes place at night or during bad weather such as fog, rain, or snow.

Question 10

Commercial vehicle drivers must adjust their speed to meet which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Commercial drivers must always adjust their speed depending on various conditions such as traffic, visibility, terrain, and road traction. It is important that all CDL holders understand that excessive speed is a leading cause of fatal crashes. Excessive speed can also cause vehicles to roll over or to lose traction and skid off the road. In addition, speeding fines for commercial drivers are almost always more expensive than those levied against non-commercial drivers.

Question 11

When operating a commercial vehicle on wet roads, drivers should reduce their speed by at least:

Accepted Answer

When operating a commercial vehicle on wet roads, drivers should reduce their speed by at least one-third. This is considered the minimum reduction in speed and some conditions may require even more reduction in speed. An example of a one-third reduction would be if you are traveling 55 mph in dry conditions, you should reduce speed to 35 mph on wet roads. Speed reduction is necessary because of the extra time and distance it will take to bring the vehicle to a full stop on wet roads.

Question 12

When operating a commercial vehicle on snow packed roads, drivers should reduce their speed by at least:

Accepted Answer

When operating a commercial vehicle on snow packed roads, drivers should reduce their speed by at least one-half. If driving 50 mph, reduce speed to 25 mph on snow packed roads. Snowy roads may require even more reduction in speed, depending on the condition of the road surface. The reduction in traction on snowy roads will increase stopping distances, increase skidding potential (especially on turns and curves) and can result in loss of control of the vehicle. If roads are icy, drivers should stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible.

Question 13

Commercial drivers should know how to identify slippery roads. Which of the following may indicate a slippery road?

Accepted Answer

Commercial drivers should know how to identify potentially slippery roadways. Some of the most common signs to be aware of include melting ice on roadways, bridges (which ice up faster than surface roads), vehicle icing, and shaded areas. If your vehicle is icing up, chances are good the roadway is doing so as well. Shaded areas will often take longer to de-ice than sunlit areas and pose a greater danger of icing.

Question 14

Which of the following statements is FALSE concerning hydroplaning?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to the possibility of hydroplaning, all vehicles, regardless of size or weight, are susceptible to hydroplaning. Big rigs can be especially hazardous as both tractor and trailer can lose traction with the wet road, thus creating a significant danger to the driver and other motorists. To prevent hydroplaning, ALL drivers should reduce speed when driving on wet roads.

Question 15

If a commercial vehicle begins to hydroplane, drivers should take the following actions:

Accepted Answer

When operating a commercial vehicle that begins to hydroplane, drivers should release the accelerator pedal, depress the clutch, and NOT use the brakes. Using brakes while hydroplaning often makes the slide worse. By depressing the clutch, the wheels will turn freely and traction will be regained much faster. Drivers should understand that hydroplaning can occur even at speeds as low as 30 mph.

Question 16

If taking a curve too fast, commercial vehicles experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

If a commercial vehicle takes a curve too fast, several things may happen. The tires may lose traction but continue to roll straight ahead, thus causing the vehicle to skid off the roadway. The tires may maintain traction but this can cause the vehicle to roll over. The vehicle may maintain traction, and the rear end simply slips, thus requiring the driver to regain control.

Question 17

When approaching or entering a curve, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

When approaching or entering curve, commercial drivers must slow to a safe speed before entering the curve. It is very dangerous to brake while in a curve because this can cause the wheels to lock up. Posted speed limits apply to all drivers, but large commercial vehicles may wish to reduce their speed below this posted level for safety reasons. It is also important to be in the proper gear that will allow the driver to accelerate in the curve if needed.

Question 18

Which of the following is true concerning the operation of a commercial vehicle?

Accepted Answer

When operating a commercial vehicle or bus, drivers must be aware of posted speed limits that are less than limits placed on non-commercial vehicles. In some states, or certain areas, the speed limit for a commercial vehicle or bus may be as much as 15 mph slower than posted for non-commercial vehicles. When driving in these areas, drivers must be constantly aware of other motorists who may be attempting to pass them or merging into traffic at faster rates of speed.

Question 19

Commercial drivers often have to deal with fatigue. Which of the following is useful for overcoming fatigue and sleepiness?

Accepted Answer

It is common for commercial drivers, especially those on long hauls, to experience fatigue and sleepiness. Fatigue and sleepiness are normal conditions and must be addressed in sensible ways. By taking short breaks, every two hours or so, and stretching or walking around, drivers can get blood flow back into arms, legs, neck and back. Eating a proper diet is essential to having the energy needed to work at peak performance. Sleep is the only cure for those who need to sleep. Willpower and caffeine will not stop a driver from falling asleep or nodding off behind the wheel.

Question 20

All commercial vehicles tend to pick up speed on downgrades. The most important task a driver has concerning speed on downgrades is to select and keep a speed that is safe and not too fast for:

Accepted Answer

Gravity will cause all commercial vehicles to pick up speed on a downgrade. The amount of extra speed depends on the degree of slope, length of slope, and weight of the vehicle and its cargo. Slopes with a higher degree of downgrade will cause acceleration to occur more quickly. Longer downgrades will offer the vehicle more time to pick up speed. Road conditions and weather can play a major role in how safe or dangerous a downgrade is at any speed.

Quiz 2: Basic Operation