Alabama CDL Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is A four-inch, diamond-shaped hazardous materials label must be on the container.

The shipper must affix appropriate US DOT-compliant HazMat labels to the packages and supply the driver with the appropriate placards to attach to the vehicle. Both the labels and the placards are diamond shaped. [49 CFR 172.400],

Source: 49 CFR 172.407

Not quite. The answer is 45 feet long.

Federal regulations specify the minimum bus and trailer lengths that states must allow on the National Network of Highways, which includes Interstates and U.S. Routes. The minimum lengths are 45 feet for a bus, 48 feet for a semi-trailer, and 28 feet for a pup trailer..

Not quite. The answer is one-third.

When a road is wet, stopping distance is increased, and you should reduce your speed by one-third. On snow, slow to one-half your usual speed. On icy roads, slow to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can do so safely.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above are downsides.

Some emissions-control devices on diesel-powered trucks can adversely affect fuel economy and add to maintenance costs. For these reasons, some drivers have opted to "delete" (defeat or remove) the emissions-control devices and retune the engine to run well without the devices. However, doing so can cause you major problems. First, deleting an emissions-control device violates the federal Clean Air Act and federal regulations. The penalties include stiff fines. Second, a number of states, such as California, New York, and Minnesota, now require emissions testing of trucks. You will not be able to drive your truck there if it fails emissions testing there. Third, dealers and large reputable repair shops may refuse to service your vehicle after it's illegally modified. Fourth, if you ever wish to sell your vehicle, you must disclose its illegal modifications to potential buyers. If you sell the vehicle without disclosing this information, you risk legal action from the buyer after the buyer discovers the modifications. [40 CFR 1068.101],

Source: 42 U.S. Code 7522

Not quite. The answer is Responding to a hazard by slowing your vehicle

If a hazard appears in front of you, you may need to perform emergency braking to slow your vehicle. Depending on the situation, you may perform either controlled braking or (in a vehicle without ABS) stab braking. Note: Emergency braking does NOT mean pressing the brake pedal as hard as you can. That can lock the wheels and cause a skid.

Not quite. The answer is 35 to 75 psi.

When you're stopped and the engine is idling, engine oil pressure should be between 5 and 20 psi. When you're driving at speed, oil pressure should be between 35 and 75 psi. Never try to drive with low oil pressure. Driving without sufficient oil can easily damage the engine. The oil level warning light on the dash should come on if the oil level drops too low. In some modern CMVs, the engine will automatically shut down.

Not quite. The answer is Axle mounts should be checked at each point where they are secured to the vehicle frame and axle.

Suspension components should be checked on every axle (power unit and trailers, if so equipped). Look for broken or distorted coil springs. Damaged coil springs can cause "bottoming out" or poor handling. Spring mounts should be checked at each point where they are secured to the vehicle frame and axle. Loose, worn, or broken spring mount components may lead to loss of vehicle control or even a rollover.

Not quite. The answer is Starting down a hill and entering a curve

Downshifting before starting down a hill lets you take advantage of engine braking. You should downshift to the gear required, which is usually lower than the gear required to climb the hill. Downshifting before a curve improves stability and helps you get the power you will need to accelerate out of the turn.

Not quite. The answer is Yes, as long as the engine isn't overheated.

Some vehicles have sight glasses, see-through coolant overflow containers, or coolant recovery containers. These permit you to check the coolant level while the engine is hot. If the container is not part of the pressurized system, the cap can be safely removed and coolant added even when the engine is at operating temperature. Never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled.

Not quite. The answer is Using engine power to run a secondary application

A power take-off (PTO) is a device that can transfer power from the vehicle's engine to some secondary application, such as an implement or hydraulic pump. This enables the vehicle to perform powered operations without an additional power source. A PTO can raise the boom crane on a boom truck, raise the bed of a dump truck, or operate the trash compactor on a garbage truck. The PTO may be mounted in a variety of locations on the drivetrain, such as on the transmission, on the driveshaft, or on the flywheel housing. State laws that limit engine idling may make an exception for idling while operating a PTO. Check the laws and regulations where you work.

Not quite. The answer is 90 days.

Federal regulations define "coercion" as when a motor carrier, shipper, receiver, or transportation intermediary threatens to withhold work from, take employment action against, or punish a driver for refusing to operate in violation of federal regulations. The FMCSA's Coercion Rule explicitly prohibits motor carriers, shippers, receivers and transportation intermediaries from coercing drivers to operate in violation of certain FMCSA regulations. If you have been the victim of such coercion, you can file a coercion complaint with FMCSA, but you must do it within 90 days of when the coercion took place.

Not quite. The answer is High beams

While driving at night, you should use your high beams to see farther as long as it is safe and legal and you will not blind any other drivers. You should dim your headlights whenever you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 500 feet of a vehicle you are following.

Not quite. The answer is Take your foot off the accelerator.

If the force applied to the drive wheels exceeds the available traction of your tires on the road surface, the wheels may spin. This is more likely on snowy or icy surfaces, for which you have less traction. When traction is poor, accelerate very gradually. If the drive wheels start to spin, take your foot off the accelerator.

Not quite. The answer is make turns as carefully as possible.

On slippery roads, avoid sudden moves that could lead to a skid. Drive slowly and smoothly. Accelerate, brake, and turn gradually and gently.

Not quite. The answer is control of the vehicle.

For full control of your vehicle, you need to know when and how to upshift or downshift. Learn under what special conditions you should downshift. For example, learn how to use engine braking to slow your vehicle on a steep descent.

Not quite. The answer is might move into your traffic lane.

When passing another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, assume that they have not seen you and might move into your way. Communicate your presence to them and proceed with caution.

Not quite. The answer is make turns as gently as possible.

If you take a curve or a turn too fast on a slippery road, you risk a skid. Slow down beforehand. Braking in a curve can cause a skid.

Not quite. The answer is both of the above.

Over-length, over-width, or overweight loads require special transit permits. Such loads may also require pilot vehicles, a police escort, or special equipment such as flags, flashing lights, or "Wide Load" signs. Driving is usually limited to certain times. Each state may specify its own requirements and procedures to follow. You can learn about Alabama's detailed requirements from the Alabama Department of Transportation webpage "Oversize/Overweight Permit" (https://www.dot.state.al.us/maweb/Oversize&OverweightPermitInformation.html).

Not quite. The answer is near; lower

The engine braking effect is strongest when the transmission is in a low gear and the engine is operating near the governed rpm's. Note: Engine braking is NOT the same thing as using a retarder or Jake Brake. Engine braking simply relies on low gears and the partial vacuum in the engine at idle to slow your vehicle.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above are required procedures.

If you've been involved in an accident, first try to prevent another accident. Move your vehicle to the side of the road, switch on your four-way flashers, and set out your warning devices. Next, notify the appropriate authorities and request emergency assistance. Until emergency personnel arrive, do what you can to help others. Don't move injured persons unless there is a danger of fire or explosion. Try to keep injured persons from becoming chilled or overheated. If you've been trained in first aid, help the injured. If someone is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to stop it.