Alaska CDL: General Knowledge Practice Test

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

An automated manual transmission (AMT) is designed rather like an ordinary manual transmission. That is, unlike an automatic transmission that usually employs a torque converter, an AMT employs gears mounted on shafts, and it shifts with the aid of a clutch. However, in an AMT, a computer controls various linkages to handle the clutching and gear shifting (there is no shifter stick), freeing the driver to focus more on the road. Some older AMTs used to come with a clutch pedal for manual shifting when starting or stopping. With today's AMTs sold in the United States, however, there is no clutch pedal, making the driving experience more like that of a fully automatic transmission.

Not quite. The answer is Slow down, shift into a low gear, and gently apply the brakes.

If you must drive through water, slow down, shift into a low gear, and keep applying the brakes gently to prevent water, mud, or other contaminants from getting into the brakes.

Not quite. The answer is requires a special transit permit.

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. [49 CFR 393.11],

Source: 49 CFR 393.87

Not quite. The answer is drive slowly around turns.

The higher the truck's center of gravity, the more likely it is to roll over. If the cargo is to one side, it will make the trailer lean, which can also make a rollover more likely. To help prevent a rollover, keep your cargo centered and as low as possible, and drive slowly around turns.

Not quite. The answer is It can startle other drivers.

Your horn can startle other drivers, pedestrians, or animals. Hence, it should only be used to warn others of a potential hazard, not for general communication and certainly not to express anger or frustration.

Not quite. The answer is Move the rear reflective triangle back if the driver's vision is obscured to within 500 feet.

Other drivers should be able to see your stopped vehicle or its warning devices from at least 500 feet away in either direction. If your vehicle is obscured by a hill or curve, set out a warning device up to 500 feet behind your vehicle.

Not quite. The answer is You

After motioning you over, the first thing the DOT inspector will do is walk up to your cab and look at you and the cab interior. The inspector will note whether you're wearing your seatbelt. He or she will check if you look like you've been dozing off. He or she will see or smell whether you've been smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol. Before starting the inspection of your truck, the inspector will ask to see your logbook.

Not quite. The answer is A burning tire should be cooled with water.

If the cargo is on fire, opening the trailer's doors will let more oxygen into the trailer and feed the fire. If a tire is on fire, it should be cooled, preferably with a lot of water.

Not quite. The answer is provide enough traction to drive through snow.

Snow-covered road surfaces provide much less traction than dry surfaces. Your tires must provide enough traction to maneuver your vehicle on snow safely. Under federal regulations, your front tires must have a tread depth of at least 4/32 inch, and all other tires must have a tread depth of at least 2/32 inch. For best traction, however, make sure that the treads are even deeper before you try to drive on snow.

Source: 49 CFR 570.62

Not quite. The answer is Do all of the above.

Sadly, the valuable cargo that you're carrying makes you a target for criminals. Take a variety of steps to ensure your safety at truck stops. First, study reviews of truck stops written by other drivers, and try to avoid truck stops that have been reported as dangerous. At a truck stop, park in a well-lit area, and lock the cab doors and cargo doors on your vehicle. Hide valuables in the cab from view. Let your carrier know where you'll be staying. Don't talk about the cargo that you're carrying; some criminal might overhear you.

Source: "Truck Stop Guide: Safety Tips and Tricks for Truckers," LubeZone, August 4, 2021

Not quite. The answer is keep your wheels from locking when you brake hard.

ABS kicks in only to keep the wheels from locking, which could cause a skid. ABS does not change the way you normally brake the rest of the time. It is not a substitute for careful braking, defensive driving, good brakes, or regular maintenance.

Not quite. The answer is Spring hanger

Component P is a spring hanger. Note: Your state CDL handbook misidentifies this part as a "front axle hanger."

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above are correct.

When testing the service brakes, check the following: (1) whether the brake pedal holds up or sinks to the floor; (2) whether the vehicle seems to pull to one side; (3) whether it takes longer than it should to stop your vehicle; and (4) whether the brakes just "feel strange," based on your experience driving comparable CMVs. Any of these signs could indicate a problem with the brake system that should be corrected before you drive the vehicle.

Not quite. The answer is False

If your vehicle catches fire, pull off the road and park in an open area away from anything that might catch fire, such as buildings or trees. Especially avoid parking your burning vehicle near a gas station!

Not quite. The answer is Seconds

Once you've started the engine, you should see the oil pressure gauge immediately begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range.

Not quite. The answer is 250 feet ahead.

Your low beams let you see about 250 feet ahead. Your high beams let you see about 350–500 feet ahead.

Not quite. The answer is where the rear of your vehicle is while you make turns.

Before driving your vehicle, adjust your mirrors to show parts of your vehicle as well as what's around your vehicle. During your trip, you can use your mirrors to keep an eye on your tires and open cargo if any. When you turn, check your mirrors to make sure that the rear of your vehicle isn't hitting anything. If you're pulling a trailer, use your mirrors to keep an eye on it. If it starts to jackknife, you'll be able to spot it in your mirrors.

Not quite. The answer is It bleeds.

In hot weather, asphalt (tar) can rise to the pavement surface ("bleed") to form a shiny, black surface film. Watch for such spots, because this film can be quite slippery.

Not quite. The answer is 5 seconds

The formula for following distance is one second per ten feet of vehicle, plus an extra second if you are traveling over 40 mph. Therefore, for a 40-foot vehicle traveling at 50 mph, you should leave a following distance of 5 seconds.

Not quite. The answer is For all of the above reasons

There are several reasons to cover your cargo, including protecting other people and the cargo itself. In addition, it will help you comply with regulations in several states.