Deck 2: Basic Operation

Question 1

A Class A CDL is required for those who will be driving:

A)Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 40,000 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds
B)Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds
C)Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 15,000 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds
D)None of the above

Answer 1

Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds

Question 2

A Class B CDL is required for those who will be driving:

A)Any single vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more
B)Any single vehicle that has a gross weight rating of 15,001 pounds or more
C)Any combination or single vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 30,001 or more
D)None of the above

Answer 2

Any single vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more

Question 3

A Class C CDL is required for those who will be driving:

A)Any vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver
B)A school bus that is designed to carry 11 passengers or more, including the driver
C)A and B above
D)None of the above

Answer 3

A and B above

Question 4

In order to be awarded a CDL, drivers must be able to show that they can properly perform which of the following?

A)Steering
B)Accelerating
C)Braking and stopping
D)Backing up
E)All of the above

Question 5

To prevent rolling backwards from a stopped position in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission, you should:

A)Rev up the engine and pop the clutch quickly.
B)Engage the parking brake, rev up the engine, and release the brake quickly.
C)Partially engage the clutch before removing the right foot from the brake.
D)Start in a higher gear, such as 3rd or 4th.

Question 6

To perform a smooth stop with a vehicle equipped with air brakes, which of the following are true statements?

A)Apply pressure to the brake pedal gradually.
B)The amount of brake pedal pressure needed depends on how fast you need to stop as well as your speed.
C)You must maintain control of the brake pedal pressure until the vehicle comes to a full stop.
D)All of the above statements are true.

Question 7

When backing a commercial vehicle, which of the following is NOT true?

A)You should use both mirrors to watch your rearward path.
B)You should use an outside helper or guide when possible.
C)You should back toward the passenger side of the vehicle.
D)You should back slowly.

Question 8

You should do the following whenever possible when backing a commercial vehicle:

A)Back as slowly as possible, using the lowest gear.
B)Use mirrors on both sides of the vehicle.
C)Get out and check side and overhead clearance before backing.
D)Get out and check rearward path before backing.
E)All of the above

Question 9

When using a helper or ground guide for backing, you and the helper should:

A)Spend time getting know one another.
B)Agree to have the helper stand in front of the vehicle.
C)Work out a system of hand signals, especially for "stop."
D)Ignore one another.

Question 10

When backing a straight truck or bus, you:

A)Turn the top of the steering wheel toward the direction you want to go
B)Turn the top of the steering wheel opposite the direction you want to go
C)Back quickly
D)None of the above

Question 11

When backing a combination truck and trailer, you turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction until the trailer starts to turn, then you:

A)Turn the wheel the other direction and follow the trailer
B)Continue to keep the wheel turned in the opposite direction
C)Back toward the right side of the vehicle
D)None of the above

Question 12

Being able to get into the right gear when using a manual transmission is important as it:

A)Reduces wear and tear on the engine and transmission
B)Allows more control over the vehicle
C)Is crucial for driving on downslopes and upslopes
D)All of the above

Question 13

Many commercial vehicles with manual transmissions require "double clutching". Which of the following is the recommended procedure for "double clutching" into a higher gear?

A)Hold accelerator down, depress clutch, release clutch, rev up engine, depress clutch, shift to next higher gear, release clutch.
B)Depress clutch, rev up engine slightly, release clutch, depress clutch, shift to next higher gear, release clutch.
C)Release accelerator, depress clutch, shift to neutral, release clutch, allow rpm to slow to required level, depress clutch and shift to next gear, release clutch and depress accelerator.
D)None of the above is correct.

Question 14

Which of the following is true when determining when to up shift a manual transmission?

A)You should NOT use engine speed or rpm as a gauge
B)You NOT use the tachometer as a gauge for shifting
C)You SHOULD use road speed as a gauge for shifting
D)You should NOT use engine sounds as a shifting gauge

Question 15

Knowing how to down shift commercial vehicles with manual transmissions is important. Which of the following is the correct way to downshift?

A)Release pressure on accelerator, depress clutch, shift to neutral simultaneously, release clutch, depress accelerator, increase rpms to required level for next lowest gear, depress clutch and shift to next lower gear simultaneously, release clutch and depress accelerator pedal.
B)Hold accelerator down, depress clutch, release clutch, depress clutch while shifting to next lower gear, release clutch.
C)Release accelerator, depress clutch, shift to next lower gear, release clutch and press down on accelerator at the same time.
D)Hold accelerator pressure, depress clutch, shift to neutral and then shift to next lower gear, release clutch.
E)None of the above

Question 16

Which of the following special conditions require drivers to downshift?

A)Before entering a curve
B)Before starting down a down slope or hill
C)When approaching a stop
D)None of the above
E)All of the above

Question 17

Multi-speed rear axles and auxiliary transmissions are used to:

A)Assist drivers to make shifting smoother
B)Provide more gears
C)Controlled by a switch located under the cab
D)All of the above

Question 18

Before starting downhill in a commercial vehicle that uses an automatic transmission, drivers should:

A)Do nothing as the transmission will take care of itself.
B)Put the transmission in neutral and use the air brakes only.
C)Put the transmission in Low Range and let the engine do most of the braking.
D)Put the transmission in High Range and let the engine do most of the braking.

Question 19

Some commercial vehicles use retarders to help slow the vehicle. What are the four types of retarders?

A)Exhaust, engine, pneumatic, and electrical
B)Exhaust, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical
C)Exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electrical
D)Engine, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical

Question 20

When retarders are turned ON, they apply braking power:

A)To all wheels on the tractor but not to the trailer
B)To all wheels, truck and trailer alike
C)To the drive wheels only
D)Only to the tractor wheels

Question 21

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

A)At least 12 to 15 seconds
B)At least 5 to 10 seconds
C)It does not matter.
D)At least 25-30 seconds

Question 22

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

A)Be made only by service personnel during maintenance checks
B)Be made while the vehicle is being driven
C)Be made prior to the start of the trip and whenever needed afterwards
D)None of the above

Question 23

The use of mirrors becomes more significant when:

A)Making lane changes
B)Making left and right turns
C)When merging into traffic
D)When performing tight maneuvers and backing up
E)All of the above

Question 24

When signaling to make a turn, commercial drivers should:

A)Cancel their signal as soon as they begin their turn
B)Signal early
C)Leave signal on until the turn is complete
D)Use hand signals whenever possible
E)B and C

Question 25

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

A)Applying light but steady pressure on the brake pedal
B)Doing nothing, warning following drivers is not necessary
C)Tap on the brake pedal a few times in order to light up brake lights
D)None of the above

Question 26

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

A)When the commercial driver plans to make a tight turn
B)When there is trouble seen ahead of the commercial vehicle
C)When planning to stop, including at railroad tracks
D)When the commercial driver must drive slowly
E)All of the above

Question 27

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

A)Always allowed by law
B)Never allowed by law
C)Allowed in some states, but not in other states
D)Always at the driver's discretion

Question 28

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

A)Always allowed by law
B)Never allowed by law
C)Allowed in some states, but not in other states
D)Always at the driver's discretion

Question 29

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

A)20 feet, 200 feet and 400 feet toward the approaching traffic
B)10 feet, 150 feet and 300 feet toward the approaching traffic
C)10 feet, 100 feet and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic
D)None of the above

Question 30

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

A)Traffic
B)Visibility
C)Terrain, including hills
D)Road traction
E)All of the above

Question 31

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

A)2/3
B)1/3
C)1/5
D)None of the above

Question 32

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

A)1/3
B)2/3
C)1/2
D)None of the above

Question 33

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

A)Melting ice on roadway
B)Bridges
C)Vehicle icing
D)Shaded areas
E)All of the above

Question 34

Which of the following statements is FALSE concerning hydroplaning?

A)Because of their added weight combination vehicles cannot hydroplane.
B)School buses can hydroplane under certain road conditions.
C)Single vehicles are as likely to hydroplane as buses.
D)All of the above are true statements.

Question 35

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

A)Depress the clutch and hit the brakes hard to slow down fast.
B)Release the accelerator, depress the clutch and brake hard.
C)Release the accelerator, depress the clutch and use no brakes.
D)Depress the clutch, downshift, and apply brakes.

Question 36

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

A)The tires may lose traction.
B)The tires may keep traction but cause the vehicle to roll over.
C)The tires may lose traction, but continue rolling straight, causing the vehicle to skid off the road.
D)All of the above

Question 37

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

A)Brake hard within the curve to reduce speed.
B)Slow to safe speed before entering the curve.
C)Posted speed limits for curves do not apply to commercial vehicles.
D)Gear selection is not important in a curve.

Question 38

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

A)In some states, trucks and buses are required to drive at slower speeds than non-commercial vehicles, if posted to do so.
B)Commercial vehicles are allowed to drive over the posted speed limit on some isolated roadways.
C)Commercial vehicles are not allowed to use the "fast lane" when passing another vehicle.
D)None of the above

Question 39

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

A)Short stopping breaks used for stretching or walking every two hours or so
B)Eating a proper diet low in sugar and caffeine
C)Sleeping when sleeping is required
D)All of the above

Question 40

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:

A)The weight of the vehicle as well as the cargo being hauled
B)The steepness of the downgrade
C)The length of the downgrade
D)Weather and road conditions
E)All of the above

Question 41

Nationally, which of the following causes more fatal injuries in road work areas?

A)Flying debris
B)Inattentive road workers stepping into traffic
C)Speeding
D)None of the above

Question 42

When driving a commercial vehicle with a high load, which of the following should drivers be most aware of?

A)Air temperature
B)Tire pressure
C)Winds
D)Fuel economy

Question 43

How much space (measured in seconds) should you maintain in front of your vehicle if you are driving a 40 foot commercial vehicle at 35 miles per hour?

A)8 seconds
B)6 seconds
C)4 seconds
D)10 seconds

Question 44

If a commercial driver is seen driving their vehicle in a pushy or bold manner by law enforcement, they may be charged with?

A)Careless driving
B)Reckless driving
C)Aggressive driving
D)Failure to yield

Question 45

When driving in very hot weather, commercial vehicle operators should inspect their tires:

A)Every 90 minutes or 100 miles
B)Every 60 minutes, 50 miles
C)Every 3 hours, 200 miles
D)Every 2 hours, 100 miles

Question 46

Which of the following can affect the overhead clearance of bridges and overpasses?

A)Repaved roads
B)Packed snow
C)Thick ice
D)All of the above

Question 47

Which of the following steps is NOT an immediate requirement that you must take of if you are involved in an accident?

A)Notify authorities.
B)Prevent further injury to others involved.
C)Gather contact information from all drivers.
D)Notify your employer as soon possible.

Question 48

Of the following, which contains the most alcohol?

A)1.5 ounce shot of 80 proof liquor
B)12 ounces of 5% beer
C)Five ounces of 12% wine
D)They all contain the same amount of alcohol.

Question 49

How much space (measured in seconds) should you keep in front of your vehicle if you are driving a 60 foot commercial vehicle at 55 miles per hour?

A)5 seconds
B)7 seconds
C)10 seconds
D)20 seconds

Question 50

Commercial drivers who are driving with the intention of doing some form of harm to other drivers may be charged with which of the following:

A)Aggressive driving
B)Road rage
C)Reckless driving
D)Failure to yield

Question 51

Removing your foot from the accelerator and shifting to a lower gear in order to slow your vehicle is called?

A)Engine braking
B)Brake fade
C)Shift braking
D)None of the above

Question 52

Which of the following can cause wheels to lock up, loss of braking power, pulling to one side or jackknifing?

A)Worn brake pads
B)Loose brake belts
C)Wet brakes
D)Worn air hoses
E)None of the above

Question 53

If the brakes on a commercial vehicle fail, which of the following will NOT help the driver to maintain control of the vehicle and slow the vehicle?

A)Pumping the brakes
B)Shifting the vehicle into a higher gear
C)Shifting the vehicle into a lower gear
D)Using an escape ramp

Question 54

In the event of an engine fire, drivers should NOT do which of the following?

A)Use the fire extinguisher, spraying from below if possible into the engine compartment.
B)Pull over as soon as safely possible and bring vehicle to a full stop.
C)Open the hood to allow more air inside.
D)Evacuate the vehicle until the fire is completely out.

Question 55

For commercial drivers, the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep is commonly known as?

A)Insomnia
B)Sleep apnea
C)Sleep debt
D)Grogginess

Question 56

For commercial drivers, the gross vehicle weight rating is the most the vehicle can weigh when it is loaded. This statement is:

A)True
B)False
C)It depends on the state laws
D)It depends on the type of vehicle

Question 57

For commercial vehicle drivers, the gross vehicle weight rating consists of which of the following?

A)Vehicle
B)Cargo
C)Trailer
D)Passengers and fuel
E)All of the above

Question 58

As a commercial driver, you are required to have a medical examination every:

A)Year
B)Two years
C)Three years
D)You only need the first exam.

Question 59

As a licensed commercial driver, you are required to notify your employer of any type of traffic violation, accident, or physical incident. This statement is:

A)True
B)False
C)It depends on the employer's policy.
D)It depends on the state laws.

Question 60

In order to legally cross state lines in a commercial vehicle the driver must own a valid commercial driver license, and the CDL class of the vehicle must correspond to the CDL class listed on the license. This statement is:

A)True
B)False
C)It depends on the driver's home state laws.
D)It depends on the age of the driver.