CDL General Knowledge Practice Test 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following would NOT be part of a standard vehicle inspection?

Tire problems
Bad brake drums or shoes
Steering system defects
Seating defects (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Seating defects

A standard commercial vehicle inspection, such as a pre-trip inspection, focuses on critical safety components that could impact the vehicle's operation or lead to an accident. This includes checking tires, brakes, steering, lights, and cargo securement. While comfortable and functional seating is desirable, defects in the seating itself are generally not considered safety-critical items that would be part of a standard regulatory inspection or cause an out-of-service condition.

Question 2: If you are stopped on an incline, how can you start moving without rolling back?

Shift to neutral
Fully engage the clutch
Apply the parking brake (Correct answer)
Aggressively pump the accelerator

Correct answer: Apply the parking brake

When stopped on an incline, applying the parking brake is the most effective method to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting. The driver can engage the parking brake, then prepare to move by selecting the appropriate gear and slowly engaging the clutch (or applying power in an automatic). As the engine begins to pull, the parking brake can be gradually released, allowing for a smooth start without rollback.

Question 3: Which of the following is NOT an important reason to look far ahead when you are driving?

Look for vehicles coming into your lane
Look for vehicles coming into your lane (Correct answer)
Look for brake lights from slowing vehicles
Determine if there are any upcoming traffic lights that might require you to stop

Correct answer: Look for vehicles coming into your lane

Looking far ahead (12-15 seconds) is crucial for anticipating major changes in traffic flow, identifying distant hazards, and planning your driving actions well in advance, such as reacting to slowing vehicles or upcoming traffic lights. While being aware of vehicles entering your lane is always important, it's often a more immediate concern addressed through consistent mirror checks and mid-range scanning, rather than the primary objective of looking *far* ahead for long-term planning.

Question 4: You are driving a 60 foot truck at 55 MPH, how much space (in seconds) should you keep in front of you?

5 seconds
6 seconds
7 seconds (Correct answer)
8 seconds

Correct answer: 7 seconds

The recommended safe following distance for commercial vehicles is calculated by allowing one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length, plus an additional second if traveling over 40 MPH. For a 60-foot truck, this means 6 seconds (60 feet / 10 feet per second). Since the truck is traveling at 55 MPH, which is above 40 MPH, an extra second is added, resulting in a total safe following distance of 7 seconds.

Question 5: Operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle is known as?

Aggressive driving
Defensive driving
Tailgating
Road rage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Road rage

The described behavior, involving the intent to cause harm to others or physically assault a driver or their vehicle, is the definition of road rage. Road rage is an extreme and dangerous form of aggressive driving characterized by violent or criminal actions. It goes beyond mere frustration or impatience, escalating to deliberate acts of aggression and violence on the road.

Question 6: When driving in very hot temperatures, you should:

Check your tires every 2 hours or every 100 miles
Let your tires cool down (remain stopped) if they are too hot to touch
Insure that you have enough antifreeze in the system
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

Driving in very hot temperatures places significant stress on a commercial vehicle, requiring extra precautions. Checking tires every 2 hours or 100 miles helps prevent blowouts from increased pressure and heat. Allowing overheated tires to cool down is essential, and ensuring adequate antifreeze (coolant) levels is vital for preventing engine overheating. Therefore, all listed actions are important safety measures in hot weather.

Question 7: Shifting into a lower gear and removing your foot off of the accelerator to slow your vehicle is known as?

Double clutching
Engine braking (Correct answer)
Anti-lock braking
Brake fade

Correct answer: Engine braking

The act of shifting into a lower gear and taking your foot off the accelerator to use the engine's resistance to slow the vehicle is known as engine braking. This technique is particularly important for commercial drivers, especially on downgrades, as it helps control speed and reduces wear on the service brakes. It allows the vehicle to slow down without relying solely on the friction brakes, preventing them from overheating and fading.

Question 8: Which of the following statements is FALSE?

You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop
Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency
If a tire blows, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly (Correct answer)
Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) only activate when wheels are about to lock

Correct answer: If a tire blows, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly

When a tire blows out, especially a front tire, applying the brakes hard can lead to a severe loss of control and potentially a jackknife or rollover. The correct and safer procedure is to grip the steering wheel firmly, maintain a straight path, and avoid braking initially. Allow the vehicle to slow down gradually, then brake gently once you have regained control, making "putting the brakes on hard" a false and dangerous recommendation.

Question 9: Which of the following are possible causes of tire fires?

Loose fuel connections or under-inflated tires
Dual tires that touch and under-inflated tires (Correct answer)
Improperly loaded cargo and dual tires that touch
Poor cargo ventilation or short circuits

Correct answer: Dual tires that touch and under-inflated tires

Tire fires are a serious hazard for commercial vehicles, often caused by excessive heat buildup. Dual tires that touch can rub against each other while driving, creating friction and intense heat that can ignite the rubber. Similarly, under-inflated tires flex excessively, generating more heat than properly inflated tires, which can also lead to overheating and potential fires.

Question 10: The average person requires how many hours of sleep per 24 hour period?

7 or 8 (Correct answer)
8 or 9
6 or 7
5 or 6

Correct answer: 7 or 8

For optimal health, alertness, and cognitive function, the average adult requires approximately 7 to 8 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period. This recommended amount of rest is particularly crucial for commercial drivers, as sleep deprivation significantly impairs reaction time, judgment, and overall driving safety, increasing the risk of accidents.

Question 11: If you are transporting cargo, you should inspect the cargo and securing devices

Within the first 50 miles of driving
Before the trip
During every driving brake on the trip
Before the trip, within 50 miles after beginning the trip, and at least every 150 miles or 3 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Before the trip, within 50 miles after beginning the trip, and at least every 150 miles or 3 hours

Federal regulations for commercial drivers mandate a thorough inspection of cargo and its securing devices at specific intervals to ensure safety. This includes an inspection before the trip begins, again within the first 50 miles of driving, and subsequently at least every 150 miles or every 3 hours of driving, whichever comes first. These frequent checks are crucial to prevent cargo shifts that could lead to loss of control or accidents.

CDL General Knowledge Practice Test 2

Which of the following would NOT be part of a standard vehicle inspection?