Illinois CDL Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is False

If there's a fire under the hood, opening the hood will allow more oxygen to reach the fire, which can make the fire worse. Instead, try to shoot extinguishing foam through louvers or the radiator, or from the vehicle’s underside.

Not quite. The answer is 40%.

Rapid acceleration and changes in speed can increase fuel consumption by as much as 40 percent. Cruise control can help maintain a fuel-efficient steady speed on the highway.

Not quite. The answer is Look toward the right edge of your lane or the right edge of the road.

If an oncoming vehicle has not dimmed its headlights, don't retaliate with your own high beams. Instead, slow down, keep right, look away from the vehicle, and steer by the right edge of the road until the vehicle has passed you.

Not quite. The answer is Do both (a) and (b).

Progressive shifting is a technique for shifting gears that improves fuel economy. Instead of upshifting when your tachometer approaches the top of its normal operating rpm range, upshift into the next higher gear as soon as possible. The rpm at which you need to upshift will get higher as you select higher gears.

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

Currently, there are no federal regulations governing the height of splash guards (mud flaps). Each state is free to issue its own regulations, and those regulations may vary from one state to another. Under Illinois law, the rear wheels of every Second Division vehicle except a truck tractor must have rear-fender splash guards. Each rear-fender splash guard must have a ground clearance of no more than 12 inches above the roadway when the vehicle is loaded to maximum capacity. (Illinois law defines a Second Division vehicle as a vehicle that is designed or remodeled for carrying more than 10 persons, for use as living quarters, or for pulling or carrying freight, cargo, or implements of husbandry.) [625 ILCS 5/1-146],

Source: 625 ILCS 5/12-710

Not quite. The answer is Signal other drivers when it is safe for them to pass you.

If you must drive slowly, keep right and (if state laws allow it) use your four-way flashers to warn other drivers. Don't try to signal other drivers when you believe it's safe for them to pass you. If something were to go wrong, resulting in an accident, you could be held legally liable.

Not quite. The answer is During bad weather; in the mountains

A heavily loaded vehicle will have a longer stopping distance, and its speed will be harder to control on downgrades. Therefore, when you must travel in bad weather or in the mountains, consider keeping the load significantly below the maximum legal weight limit.

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

Because of the limited visibility, avoid backing up whenever possible. If you must back your vehicle, back toward the driver's side. You'll be able to watch the rear of your vehicle from your driver's side window. Also 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 To provide power to the cab while the engine is off

A power take-off (PTO) is a device that can transfer power from the idling engine to some secondary application, such as an implement or hydraulic pump. For example, a PTO can raise or lower the bed of a dump truck. An auxiliary power unit (APU) provides electrical power to run your cab's heater, A/C, and appliances without idling the engine. Idling the engine produces air pollution, so most states limit how long you can idle your engine (although they may make an exception for operating a PTO).

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 is more likely when the tire pressures are low.

Hydroplaning is more likely if traction is low. This can happen if the tire treads are worn or the tire pressures are low (because there is less pressure pushing down on the road to supply traction).

Not quite. The answer is Before you drive, make sure that the cab heater is working.

Make sure your vehicle is ready before you drive it in winter weather. Among other things, check that the cab heater is working, and make sure you know how to operate it. However, don't overuse the heater. An excessively warm cab can make you drowsy while you're behind the wheel, which is dangerous. Keep cool to stay alert. If you expect to use other heaters also (e.g., mirror heaters, battery box heaters, or fuel tank heaters), check their operation as well before you drive.

Not quite. The answer is A tractor pulling empty doubles

Strong winds make it difficult to stay in your lane. The problem is usually worse for lighter vehicles. And a double trailer presents a lot of surface area on which strong winds can act.

Not quite. The answer is 4/32 inch

Steering axle tires must have a tread depth of at least 4/32 inch. All other tires must have a tread depth of at least 2/32 inch.

Not quite. The answer is against the law.

While you're on duty, you are prohibited from using any drug that could make your driving unsafe. This includes even prescription and over-the-counter drugs (such as cold medicines) that might make you drowsy or otherwise affect your ability to drive safely. However, you may use a drug that your doctor tells you will not affect your safe driving abilities.

Not quite. The answer is Gravity

The force of gravity slows your vehicle down on an upgrade and speeds it up on a downgrade. When driving down a long, steep downgrade, you must select an appropriate safe speed, then use a low gear and proper braking techniques.

Not quite. The answer is 3 years.

When you apply for a CMV driver's job with a prospective DOT-regulated employer, that employer is required to query the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse to find out whether you failed any DOT-regulated employer's test for drugs or alcohol within the past three years. ("DOT-regulated" employers include all employers that are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.) You must give the prospective employer written authorization to perform this background check on you. If the employer finds that you were guilty of a drug or alcohol violation within the past three years for which you have not successfully completed a return-to-duty (RTD) process, they are prohibited from employing you to drive CMVs or perform any other safety-sensitive functions. [49 CFR §382.501],

Source: 49 CFR § 382.701

Not quite. The answer is Many heavy vehicle accidents occur between midnight and 6 a.m.

Truck accidents are more likely to occur in the mid-afternoon or between midnight and 6 a.m., times when drivers are naturally drowsy.

Not quite. The answer is go straight ahead even if the steering wheel is turned.

In a front-wheel skid, the front end tends to go in a straight line regardless of how much you turn the steering wheel.

Not quite. The answer is not turn any more than necessary to clear what is in your way.

To avoid a crash or other hazard, keep both hands on the steering wheel so you can turn as quickly as possible. However, turn just enough to avoid the hazard. A too-sharp turn risks a skid or rollover. While turning quickly, avoid braking; this too could cause a skid.