Connecticut CDL Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is Steer to the right.

Hard braking can cause a skid. Instead, if an oncoming vehicle drifts into your lane, steer right toward the shoulder or curb. Do not steer left; the other driver may try to steer back into the proper lane. Prepare to drive entirely off the roadway to the right if necessary to avoid a head-on collision.

Not quite. The answer is 2 years.

An FMCSA-approved medical examiner's physical examination is valid for up to 24 months. However, you may have to undergo a medical examination more frequently if you have a medical condition that should be monitored more often, such as high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus.

Not quite. The answer is It depends on the state.

Currently, there are no federal regulations on splash guards (mud flaps). Each state is free to create its own regulations. Connecticut law refers to splash guards as "wheel protectors." Under Connecticut law, there must be splash guards on the rear wheels of every bus, truck, truck-tractor, full trailer or semitrailer of registered gross weight exceeding three tons. However, the law doesn't specify a particular minimum height above the ground. Always check that all splash guards are securely mounted and in good condition.

Source: CGS § 14-104

Not quite. The answer is do both of the above.

Escape ramps have been built on many steep mountain downgrades. Escape ramps are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers. Escape ramps use a long bed of loose, soft material to slow a runaway vehicle, sometimes in combination with an upgrade.

Not quite. The answer is “Stop.”

Unfortunately, once an accident happens, you can't take it back. That's why it's absolutely essential for you and your helper to have a clear hand signal for "Stop." That way, you'll be able to quickly stop what you are doing before an accident can occur.

Not quite. The answer is On-duty time must be balanced with time for rest.

“Hours of service” (HOS) refers to the maximum amount of time that drivers are permitted to be on duty (including driving time). HOS regulations also specify the number and length of rest periods to help ensure that drivers stay awake and alert. In general, all carriers and drivers operating CMVs must comply with the HOS regulations in 49 CFR 395. Note: Effective September 29, 2020, several aspects of HOS regulations were revised. Among these changes: (1) A driver is required to take a break of at least 30 consecutive minutes after 8 cumulative hours of driving time. (2) A driver can meet the 10-hour minimum off-duty requirement by spending at least 7 hours of that period in the sleeper berth, combined with a minimum off-duty period of at least 2 hours spent inside or outside the berth, provided the two periods total at least 10 hours.

Source: "Hours of Service (HOS)," FMCSA, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service

Not quite. The answer is any of the above.

Under federal regulations, if you're involved in a crash, you must contact the police if (a) there was a fatality, (b) an injured person was transported from the scene to be medically treated, or (c) a disabled vehicle was towed from the scene. All such crashes are considered reportable crashes.

Not quite. The answer is about 250 °C.

Brakes are designed to withstand quite a lot of heat. The brake components can withstand temperatures up to about 250° C (482 °F) under hard braking.

Not quite. The answer is can be incorrectly connected to non-polarized trailer couplers.

To prevent cross-connection of the supply and service lines, polarized gladhands and polarized trailer couplers are now available. The supply gladhands and couplers are shaped slightly differently from the service gladhands and couplers, making cross-connection impossible. However, polarized gladhands can still be connected to universal (non-polarized) trailer couplers, so cross-connection in this situation is still possible.

Not quite. The answer is When the tires skim over the road surface

On a wet road at lower speeds, modern tires will usually channel water away to maintain contact with the road. However, in deep water at higher speeds, the channeling action of the tires becomes less effective and the tires start to ride on a layer of water like water skis. This is called “hydroplaning.” It may result in a loss of braking and steering control.

Not quite. The answer is 10 hours

According to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, the driver of a passenger-carrying vehicle must not drive for more than 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty. The driver may not drive at all after having been on duty for 15 hours.

Source: "Summary of Hours of Service Regulations," FMCSA, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations

Not quite. The answer is Release the brake when you are 5 mph below your safe speed and let your speed come back up to your safe speed. Then repeat braking to 5 mph below your safe speed.

On a long or steep downgrade, don't keep applying your brakes continuously because this might cause them to fade (become less effective). Instead, apply your brakes only as a supplement to engine braking. Use the following technique: Select a "safe" speed. Let your vehicle reach this speed. Brake just hard enough until you are going 5 mph slower. Then let your speed increase back to the "safe" speed. Keep varying your speed up and down this way. This technique is known as snub braking or snubbing.

Not quite. The answer is Someone might try to pass you on your right.

If you swing wide to the left, a driver may try to pass you on your right while you are turning. Instead, make the right turn with the rear of your vehicle as close to the curb as possible and turn wide as you complete the turn. This will deny drivers room on the right to try to pass you.

Not quite. The answer is You should remove ice from the radiator shutters.

In extremely cold weather, very cold air flowing onto the radiator and through the engine compartment can prevent the engine from warming up (and also keep your heater from working well). Radiator shutters or a winterfront restrict this air flow to let the engine warm up. However, don't overdo it. Keep the winterfront partially open or keep the radiator shutters free of ice. If the shutters freeze shut or the winterfront is closed too tightly, the engine may overheat from a lack of sufficient air.

Not quite. The answer is One block

While driving, you should scan the road 12–15 seconds ahead. At typical speeds in urban areas, your vehicle will travel about one block in 12–15 seconds. At 60 mph, your vehicle will travel a quarter of a mile in 15 seconds.

Not quite. The answer is both of the above.

Cargo must be loaded to keep the weight of the vehicle properly balanced. If there's not enough weight over the front axle, the front tires won't have enough traction for the vehicle to be steered safely.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above can help.

There are a variety of ways to help prevent cargo theft, and you should employ several of them. First, be aware of your surroundings. While driving, check frequently whether you're being followed. Park only in well-lit, relatively secure locations. Stay in communication with dispatch. Whenever you stop at a rest area or truck stop, let dispatch know about it. An uncoupled trailer should be locked so it can't be moved. Kingpin locks and landing gear locks are available for this purpose. Always lock your truck whenever you must leave it unattended.

Source: "How to stop cargo thieves dead in their tracks," American Trucker, August 31, 2019

Not quite. The answer is 2 tie-downs.

The rule is one tie-down for every ten feet of cargo, but at least two tie-downs regardless of how small the cargo is.

Not quite. The answer is October 20, 1994

Under federal regulations, every CMV with air brakes that was manufactured since October 20, 1994, must have automatic slack adjusters. Antilock brakes (ABS) have been required on all buses with air brakes that were built since March 1, 1998. ABS has also been required on all tractors with air brakes that were built after March 1, 1997, and all trailers with air brakes that were built after March 1, 1998.

Source: 49 CFR § 393.53

Not quite. The answer is Wood

A B:C fire extinguisher should not be used on burning materials that you can use ordinary water on, such as wood, paper, and cloth. These require an A or A:B:C fire extinguisher.