CDL Class B Commercial Driver's License Practice Test 3 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: You will lose your CDL for at least three years if _______.

If you are caught committing an alcohol related offense for the second time.
If you are caught committing an alcohol-related offense, leave the scene of an accident, or commit a felony while operating a CMV that is placarded for hazardous materials. (Correct answer)
If you have any detectable amount of alcohol under .04%.
If you are caught committing a serious traffic violation involving a CMV.

Correct answer: If you are caught committing an alcohol-related offense, leave the scene of an accident, or commit a felony while operating a CMV that is placarded for hazardous materials.

You will lose your CDL for at least three years if you commit certain severe offenses while operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). This includes being caught committing an alcohol-related offense, leaving the scene of an accident, or committing a felony while operating a CMV that is placarded for hazardous materials. These serious violations carry significant penalties to ensure public safety and responsible operation of CMVs.

Question 2: What is the minimum number of days you can lose your CDL if you have committed two serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV?

15 days.
45 days.
60 days. (Correct answer)
30 days.

Correct answer: 60 days.

If a CDL holder commits two serious traffic violations within a three-year period while operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), their CDL will be disqualified for a minimum of 60 days. Serious traffic violations include offenses like excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper lane changes, and following too closely. These penalties are designed to deter unsafe driving practices and promote road safety.

Question 3: You must notify your motor vehicle licensing agency within _____ if you are convicted in any other jurisdiction of any traffic violation.

120 days.
60 days.
30 days. (Correct answer)
90 days.

Correct answer: 30 days.

As a CDL holder, you are legally required to notify your motor vehicle licensing agency within 30 days if you are convicted of any traffic violation in any other jurisdiction. This requirement ensures that your driving record is accurately updated across all relevant authorities. Failure to report such convictions can lead to further penalties, including CDL disqualification.

Question 4: Generally, you may not drive a commercial motor vehicle if you are disqualified except ___________.

There are no exemptions. (Correct answer)
Have more than five years of driving experience.
If you acquire a signed affidavit from an experienced driver.
None of the listed answers.

Correct answer: There are no exemptions.

Generally, you are strictly prohibited from driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) if your CDL is disqualified. There are no exemptions or special circumstances that allow a disqualified driver to operate a CMV. This strict rule is in place to ensure public safety and uphold the integrity of commercial driving regulations, as disqualification indicates a driver is deemed unsafe for CMV operation.

Question 5: You will be denied or lose your hazardous materials endorsement, if you _______.

Have a conviction in military or civilian court for certain felonies.
If you are under indictment for certain felonies.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
Have been committed to a mental institution.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

You will be denied or lose your hazardous materials endorsement if you have a conviction in military or civilian court for certain felonies, are under indictment for certain felonies, or have been committed to a mental institution. These stringent criteria are in place to ensure that individuals transporting hazardous materials do not pose a security risk or have mental health conditions that could impair their judgment, protecting public safety from potential catastrophic incidents.

Question 6: When you start the engine, check that the pressure builds from _ to _ within 3 minutes.

50, 90 (Correct answer)
60, 70
120, 140
40, 60
40, 125

Correct answer: 50, 90

When starting the engine of a commercial vehicle with an air brake system, it's crucial to check that the air pressure builds up quickly. The pressure should rise from 50 psi to 90 psi within 3 minutes. This rapid build-up indicates that the air compressor and the rest of the air brake system are functioning correctly, ensuring sufficient air supply for safe braking.

Question 7: Typically, where are shipping papers located?

In the pouch on the driver's door.
In clear view within immediate reach while the seat belt is fastened.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
On the driver's seat when the driver is out of the vehicle.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

Shipping papers, especially those for hazardous materials, must be readily accessible to the driver and emergency personnel. They are typically located in a pouch on the driver's door, in clear view within immediate reach while the seat belt is fastened, or on the driver's seat when the driver is out of the vehicle. This ensures critical information about the cargo is available quickly in case of an accident or inspection.

Question 8: In what position should you hold the steering wheel?

At the bottom of the steering wheel.
Your hands should be on opposite sides of the wheel. (Correct answer)
One hand should be on the wheel, the other on the gear.
Both hands at the top of the wheel.

Correct answer: Your hands should be on opposite sides of the wheel.

For optimal control and safety, your hands should be positioned on opposite sides of the steering wheel, typically at the 9 and 3 o'clock or 10 and 2 o'clock positions. This allows for smooth steering input, quick reactions to hazards, and better control of the vehicle. Holding the wheel with both hands on opposite sides provides maximum leverage and stability.

Question 9: The operating oil pressure should be within what psi?

35-75 psi. (Correct answer)
5-20 psi.
75-90 psi.
3-15 psi.

Correct answer: 35-75 psi.

The operating oil pressure for a commercial vehicle engine should typically be within the range of 35-75 psi. This range indicates that the engine's lubrication system is functioning correctly, providing adequate oil flow to critical components. Pressures outside this range, either too low or too high, can signal a problem that requires immediate attention to prevent engine damage.

Question 10: ________ need to be able to recognize hazardous cargo.

All commercial drivers. (Correct answer)
Only those who are interested.
Older drivers.
Only drivers of hazardous materials specifically.

Correct answer: All commercial drivers.

All commercial drivers need to be able to recognize hazardous cargo, not just those specifically transporting it. This awareness is crucial for road safety, as it enables drivers to identify potential dangers, understand appropriate emergency procedures, and maintain safe distances from vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Recognizing placards and labels is a fundamental part of CDL training for everyone.

Question 11: The Gross Vehicle Weight is ______.

The exterior condition and quality of the vehicle.
The total weight of a single vehicle plus its load. (Correct answer)
The maximum weight a vehicle can load.
The total weight of a single vehicle only, not including its load.

Correct answer: The total weight of a single vehicle plus its load.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) refers to the total weight of a single vehicle, including its chassis, engine, fuel, accessories, driver, passengers, and all the cargo it is carrying. It is a crucial measurement for ensuring the vehicle does not exceed its design limits or legal weight restrictions on roads and bridges. Exceeding the GVW can lead to safety issues, vehicle damage, and legal penalties.

Question 12: A flapping cover can tear loose and possibly block your view or someone else's. It's important then that you ________.

Drive very slowly.
Use your mirrors to check your covered cargo. (Correct answer)
Never use cargo covers.
Ignore posted speed limits.

Correct answer: Use your mirrors to check your covered cargo.

A flapping cover on your cargo can obstruct your view or become a dangerous road hazard for other drivers. Regularly checking your covered cargo in your mirrors allows you to detect any issues like loosening or flapping covers early. This proactive measure helps prevent potential accidents, ensures the safety of your load, and maintains clear visibility.

Question 13: As a driver hauling cargo, you are responsible for ______.

Recognizing when your vehicle is overloaded.
Knowing your cargo is secured properly.
Inspecting your cargo.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

As a commercial driver, you hold significant responsibility for the safe transport of your cargo. This encompasses recognizing when your vehicle is overloaded, ensuring the cargo is properly secured to prevent shifting or falling, and conducting thorough inspections of the load before and during transit. Fulfilling all these duties is crucial for road safety and regulatory compliance.

Question 14: If you are transporting a load that is over-length, over-width or overweight, you may need to ________.

Drive and transport your vehicle at specified times of day.
Special equipment i.e. "wide load" signs and/or flashing lights.
Special transit permits.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

Transporting oversized or overweight loads requires special precautions and adherence to specific regulations to ensure safety. This often involves obtaining special transit permits from relevant authorities and using special equipment like 'wide load' signs and flashing lights to warn other drivers. Additionally, travel may be restricted to specified times of day or designated routes to mitigate risks associated with the load's unusual dimensions or weight.

Question 15: Cargo should have at least one tiedown for each ____ ft. of cargo.

15 ft.
20 ft.
10 ft. (Correct answer)
30 ft.

Correct answer: 10 ft.

Federal regulations for cargo securement mandate a minimum number of tiedowns to prevent cargo from shifting or falling during transit. Specifically, cargo should have at least one tiedown for each 10 feet of cargo length. This rule ensures adequate securement along the entire length of the load, significantly enhancing safety on the road.

Question 16: Avoid using the parking brakes when ________.

The brakes are very hot. (Correct answer)
You are parking.
Parking on steep hills.
The air pressure is low.

Correct answer: The brakes are very hot.

When brakes are very hot, especially after heavy use like descending a steep grade, applying the parking brake can cause the brake drums or rotors to warp. The intense heat can also fuse the brake linings to the drums or rotors as they cool, causing them to stick. It's safer to let the brakes cool down before engaging the parking brake, using wheel chocks if necessary.

Question 17: You should use your parking brakes whenever you park except at what time?

All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
The brakes are very hot.
You have just come down a steep grade.
The brakes are wet in freezing temperatures.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

While parking brakes are essential for securing a parked vehicle, there are specific situations where their use should be avoided to prevent damage or safety issues. This includes when brakes are very hot, immediately after descending a steep grade (as brakes would be hot), or when brakes are wet in freezing temperatures, which could cause them to freeze solid. In these cases, using wheel chocks is a safer alternative to prevent the vehicle from moving.

Question 18: Which braking system applies and releases the parking brakes when you use the parking brake control?

The service brake system.
The parking and the service brake system.
Emergency brake system.
Parking brake system. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Parking brake system.

Commercial vehicles typically have separate braking systems for service (foot) brakes and parking brakes. The parking brake system is specifically designed to apply and release the parking brakes, often using spring pressure to hold them on and air pressure to release them. This system ensures the vehicle remains stationary when parked, independent of the service brakes.

Question 19: On newer vehicles what color is the parking brake knob?

Green.
Red.
Yellow. (Correct answer)
Blue.

Correct answer: Yellow.

In newer commercial vehicles, the parking brake knob is typically yellow. This standardized color helps drivers quickly identify the parking brake control, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. It serves as a key visual indicator for this critical safety component.

Question 20: Why should you never leave your vehicle unattended without applying the parking brakes?

Because the vehicle might roll away and cause injury and damage. (Correct answer)
Because the vehicle might roll away.
Because it's against the law.
There is no reason.

Correct answer: Because the vehicle might roll away and cause injury and damage.

Leaving a commercial vehicle unattended without applying the parking brakes is extremely dangerous. Without the parking brakes engaged, the vehicle could easily roll away, especially on an incline, leading to severe accidents, injuries, and extensive property damage. Always applying the parking brakes is a fundamental safety procedure to prevent such catastrophic events.

Question 21: Which of the following engine compartment belts must you check for cracks or frays as part of your pre-trip inspection?

Air compressor belt.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
Water pump belt.
Alternator belt.
Power steering belt.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

During a pre-trip inspection, it is crucial to check all engine compartment belts for signs of wear and tear. This includes the air compressor belt, water pump belt, alternator belt, and power steering belt. Cracks or frays indicate potential failure, which could lead to loss of critical vehicle functions and breakdowns, making a thorough inspection essential for safe operation.

Question 22: You need to check ____ belt for snugness.

Alternator belt.
Water pump belt.
Power steering belt.
Air compressor belt.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

The snugness (tension) of all engine compartment belts is vital for their proper function. Belts like the alternator, water pump, power steering, and air compressor belts must be adequately tensioned to transmit power efficiently and prevent slipping. Loose belts can lead to component malfunction, overheating, or battery discharge, making it a critical check during a pre-trip inspection.

Question 23: During a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, you can check if your vehicle is leaking by inspecting for _______.

Hoses for leaks.
Dripping puddles on the underside of the engine and the transmission.
Puddles on the ground.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

Detecting leaks during a pre-trip inspection is crucial for vehicle safety and preventing breakdowns. Drivers should look for puddles on the ground under the vehicle, inspect the underside of the engine and transmission for dripping fluids, and check hoses for any signs of leaks. Identifying and addressing leaks early can prevent significant mechanical failures and environmental hazards.

Question 24: How many versions of the Class A Pre-trip Inspection test exist?

Three.
Two.
Four. (Correct answer)
Eight.

Correct answer: Four.

The Class A Pre-trip Inspection test, which is a critical part of obtaining a Commercial Driver's License, has four different versions. Applicants are randomly assigned one of these versions, each covering the same essential inspection points but with slight variations in the order or specific items to be checked. This ensures comprehensive knowledge of vehicle inspection procedures.

Question 25: You must check that the ____ do not have cracks or frays.

All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
Alternator belt.
Power steering belt.
Air compressor belt.
Water pump belt.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

As part of a thorough pre-trip inspection, it is essential to check all engine compartment belts for cracks or frays. This includes the alternator belt, power steering belt, air compressor belt, and water pump belt. Damaged belts can fail unexpectedly, leading to loss of critical vehicle systems and potential breakdowns, highlighting the importance of this inspection point.

CDL Class B Commercial Driver's License Practice Test 3

You will lose your CDL for at least three years if _______.