CDL general knowledge practice test 2

1. When operating a vehicle with an unsynchronized manual transmission, what is the required method for changing gears?

1. Double clutching
2. Single clutching with a pause
3. Using the automatic mode if available
4. Shifting without using the clutch

2. What is the primary reason livestock loads require special care on curves?

1. Livestock can lean on curves, shifting the center of gravity and increasing rollover risk
2. Livestock require frequent stops for feeding
3. Livestock loads are always over-weight
4. Livestock require a police escort on all highways

3. When is a tank endorsement required in addition to a hazardous materials endorsement?

1. When transporting any liquid or gas in a portable tank of any size.
2. When driving a truck larger than 26,000 pounds GVWR carrying hazardous products in a cargo tank.
3. Only when driving a school bus with more than 10 passengers.
4. When the vehicle requires a Class C CDL and carries dry goods.

4. What action should a driver take regarding wheel nuts after changing a tire?

1. Ignore them if the tire holds air
2. Stop a short while later and re-check tightness of nuts
3. Replace them with plastic caps
4. Loosen them slightly to allow for expansion

5. According to the handbook, how many identical placards must a placarded vehicle have, and where are they placed?

1. At least four identical placards placed on the front, rear, and both sides.
2. Exactly two identical placards placed on the front and rear only.
3. At least three identical placards placed on the front and both sides.
4. Exactly four identical placards placed only on the sides and rear.

6. What is the primary method for controlling vehicle speed when driving down a grade?

1. Use the braking effect of the engine
2. Apply the service brakes continuously
3. Shift to neutral and coast
4. Increase speed to maintain momentum

7. What action should a driver take if they observe anything unsafe during the inspection?

1. Get it fixed before driving
2. Continue driving until the next scheduled maintenance stop
3. Note it in the logbook and drive slowly
4. Ignore it if the vehicle starts easily

8. When transporting a sealed load, what specific aspect must a driver check since they cannot inspect the contents?

1. That the seal is intact and unbroken
2. That the gross weight and axle weight limits are not exceeded
3. That the cargo is evenly distributed from front to back
4. That the tie-down straps are tight and secure

9. Why do dry bulk tanks require special care when navigating curves?

1. Because the liquid creates excessive noise
2. Because they have a high center of gravity and the load can shift
3. Because the tanks are heavier than standard cargo
4. Because the air brakes engage automatically on curves

10. When correcting a drive-wheel braking skid, what is the primary reason for stopping braking?

1. To let the rear wheels roll again and prevent further sliding.
2. To engage the speed retarder for better control on slippery roads.
3. To shift the vehicle's weight forward onto the front axle.
4. To allow the engine to keep the wheels from rolling freely.

11. What is required for over-length, over-width, or overweight loads?

1. A standard driver's license
2. Special transit permits and potentially special equipment or escorts
3. A pre-trip inspection by a mechanic
4. Driving only during nighttime hours

12. How should a driver interpret the size and distance of objects seen in convex mirrors?

1. Objects appear larger and closer than they actually are.
2. Objects appear smaller and farther away than they actually are.
3. Objects appear distorted but maintain their true size and distance.
4. Objects appear identical to how they look in flat mirrors.

13. When backing a trailer, how should the driver turn the steering wheel to direct the trailer?

1. Turn the top of the steering wheel toward the direction you want the trailer to go.
2. Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of where you want the trailer to go.
3. Keep the steering wheel straight and rely solely on the mirrors.
4. Turn the steering wheel toward the passenger side regardless of the desired path.

14. What is the primary reason to turn off retarders when driving on wet, icy, or snow-covered roads?

1. To save fuel
2. To prevent the drive wheels from skidding
3. To reduce engine noise
4. To allow the brakes to cool down

15. What should a driver do if a traffic light has been green for a long time while approaching an intersection?

1. Accelerate to pass before it changes
2. Start slowing down and be ready to stop
3. Change lanes immediately
4. Ignore the signal if the road is clear

16. Which of the following is a responsibility of the driver regarding cargo inspection?

1. Knowing the cargo does not restrict access to emergency equipment
2. Ignoring weight limits if the trip is short
3. Securing cargo only if it is hazardous material
4. Checking cargo only once at the start of the day

17. What is the recommended action if no escape ramp is available during brake failure on a downgrade?

1. Continue driving until the vehicle comes to a natural stop.
2. Take the least hazardous escape route you can, such as an open field or a side road that flattens out or turns uphill.
3. Shift into neutral and coast to reduce speed gradually.
4. Apply the parking brake repeatedly until the vehicle stops.

18. When steering to avoid a crash, why should a driver avoid applying the brake while turning?

1. It is very easy to lock your wheels while turning, which may cause a skid.
2. Braking while turning increases fuel consumption unnecessarily.
3. The engine braking effect is stronger when brakes are not applied.
4. Turning requires more time if the brakes are engaged.

19. What is the leading cause of injury and death in roadway work zones?

1. Speeding traffic
2. Poor lighting conditions
3. Lack of signage
4. Vehicle mechanical failure

20. How can a driver identify if a trailer is equipped with ABS?

1. By checking for a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the left side, front or rear corner.
2. By looking for a blue ABS indicator light on the instrument panel inside the cab.
3. By observing if the vehicle stops shorter than vehicles without ABS.
4. By checking for a red warning light on the right side of the trailer.

21. What prefix is used before the four-digit identification number on hazardous materials placards?

1. HM or DOT
2. NA or UN
3. HA or US
4. ID or CN

22. Why should a driver downshift before starting down a hill?

1. To ensure the brakes do not overheat and lose braking power
2. To increase the engine speed for better acceleration
3. To allow the transmission to shift up automatically
4. To reduce the need for using the tachometer

23. According to the handbook, how far ahead should a driver look when driving at highway speeds?

1. About one block
2. About a quarter of a mile
3. About half a mile
4. About two miles

24. When using the stab braking method to stop quickly, when should a driver re-apply the brakes after releasing them?

1. Immediately after releasing the pedal to minimize stopping distance.
2. As soon as the wheels start rolling.
3. Only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
4. When the engine RPM drops to idle speed.

25. What is the correct procedure if the ABS malfunction lamp stays on after the initial bulb check?

1. Drive normally, but get the system serviced soon.
2. Stop immediately and wait for the lamp to turn off.
3. Disable the ABS system manually before continuing.
4. Increase following distance by double the standard amount.