Hawaii CDL: General Knowledge Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is turning on the low-beam headlights.

In bad weather, when visibility is low, you can make your vehicle more visible by turning on its exterior lights. When it's raining or snowing, low beams are preferable to high beams because the bright light of high beams can reflect off precipitation, causing glare.

Not quite. The answer is Exhaust

If cab ventilation is poor, exhaust system leaks can allow poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) into the cab. A buildup of CO is more likely during the winter, when you may be keeping your vents and windows closed. Therefore, in the wintertime, check the exhaust system thoroughly for loose parts and for sounds and signs of leaks.

Not quite. The answer is someone could start and move the truck.

When you are performing the pre-trip inspection, you do not want someone (such as a co-driver) who is unaware of your location to start your vehicle and accidentally injure you.

Not quite. The answer is Cab air conditioning

During Step 4 (Turn Off Engine and Check Lights) of the Seven-Step Inspection Method, check your headlights and four-way flashers. During Step 5 (Walk-Around Inspection), check that your cargo is secure and its weight is evenly distributed. While it's nice to be comfortable during your trip, checking the performance of the cab air conditioner isn't part of the Seven-Step Inspection Method.

Not quite. The answer is Choose a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see ahead.

Always drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance that you can see ahead. Otherwise, by the time you notice a hazard, you won't have enough time to stop to avoid it. When you increase your speed, your braking distance increases as the square of the speed increase. For example, if you double your speed, your braking distance will be four times as great. Empty trucks require greater stopping distances than loaded trucks because an empty vehicle has less traction.

Not quite. The answer is ask the doctor if the medication will affect your ability to drive.

Some prescription drugs can impair your driving abilities. If your doctor prescribes a medication for you, be sure to ask him or her if the medication can impair your driving abilities.

Not quite. The answer is empty.

Trucks brake best when they are used as they were designed: to carry a properly balanced load. When a combination vehicle is empty or lightly loaded, its braking distance increases. The very stiff suspension springs and strong brakes give poor traction and make it very easy to lock the wheels.

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 Neither of the above

You must pass the knowledge test before you'll be allowed to take the skills test. The skills test consists of three parts: vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must pass each part before you'll be allowed to take the next part. You must pass all three parts before you can be issued a CDL.

Not quite. The answer is Yes.

Because of the limited visibility, avoid backing up whenever possible. If you must back your vehicle, use a helper if possible. The helper can stand near the rear of your vehicle and keep an eye on your blind spots. He or she can signal you to stop before an accident can occur.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above should be true.

During your pre-trip inspection, check that the brake pads and shoes are all present, free of debris and oil, and not cracked or broken.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical condition in which a sleeping person repeatedly stops breathing for 10 seconds or more, caused by repeated closures of the upper airway. Physical effects of OSA include daytime sleepiness and reduced performance. OSA is quite common; 3 million Americans suffer from it. Risk factors for developing OSA include the male gender; ages 40 and older; obesity or overweight; a large neck size; and a family history of OSA. Many CMV drivers have several of these risk factors. Fortunately, the condition is treatable.

Not quite. The answer is 34,000 pounds

Federal regulations impose maximum weight limits on CMVs traveling on interstate highways. The maximum allowable Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is 80,000 pounds. The single axle weight rating is 20,000 pounds, and the tandem axle weight rating is 34,000 pounds for typical tandem axles that are spaced 40 to 96 inches apart, from center to center. For tandem axles spaced 97 inches apart, the axle weight rating is 38,000 pounds. The tridem axle, or three-axle, weight rating is 42,000 pounds if the outermost two axles are 97 inches apart.

Not quite. The answer is you can see better, watching the vehicle's rear out the side window.

You should always back toward the driver's side because you will be able to see things much more easily. For example, you can keep an eye on the vehicle's rear by viewing it out your side window. If your truck pulls in either direction, it needs service. Your neck's comfort should not affect your safety decision.

Not quite. The answer is Give the driver the benefit of the doubt.

To help reduce stress caused by the actions of other drivers, always give the other driver the benefit of the doubt. Try to imagine why he or she is driving that way. Whatever the reason, it has nothing to do with you. However, if you are confronted by an aggressive driver, get out of the driver's way and let the driver go by.

Not quite. The answer is 320 feet

Distracted driving is dangerous. 55 mph equals 80.7 feet per second. In 4 seconds, your CMV will travel 4 × 80.7 = 323 feet. For that entire distance, your eyes will be watching your phone, not the road. Studies have shown that drivers take an average of 3.8 seconds to dial their cell phones. The length of a football playing field (i.e., not counting the two end zones) is 300 feet.

Not quite. The answer is The use of brakes adds to the braking effect of the engine.

If you keep using your brakes to control your speed on a long, steep downgrade, the brakes may overheat and fade (become less effective). Instead, use engine braking, and use your brakes only as a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.

Not quite. The answer is There are blind spots you can't see.

If you can, use a helper when backing up. Even with all your mirrors, there are still blind spots that you cannot see. The helper can stand near the rear of your vehicle and keep an eye on your blind spots. He or she can signal you to stop before an accident can occur.

Not quite. The answer is To mark significant points at the accident scene

If you're involved in an accident, you should take photos of the accident scene. Your photos will be more informative if you first use a can of white or brightly colored spray paint to mark significant points, such as the directions in which the vehicles were traveling and the precise points of impact. (The vehicles may have come to a complete stop elsewhere.)

Not quite. The answer is It can only be paid off by sleeping.

Sleep debt is a dangerous condition in which missing sleep adds up until you risk falling asleep at the wheel unless you get some rest. People are often surprised that getting less than 6 hours of sleep per night triples the risk of an accident. At least 15% of heavy truck crashes are believed to involve driver fatigue. Before each trip, you should get adequate sleep. (According to the Hawaii Commercial Driver License Manual, the average person needs 8 to 9 hours of sleep every 24 hours to maintain alertness.)