Indiana CDL Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is the length of a football field.

For a tractor-trailer traveling at 45 mph on dry pavement, the typical perception distance is about 117 feet, the typical reaction distance is about 50 feet, the typical air brake lag distance is about 27 feet, and the typical braking distance is about 152 feet, for a total stopping distance of 346 feet. In comparison, the length of a football field (including the two end zones) is 360 feet.

Not quite. The answer is start to slow down so you will be ready to stop.

A traffic light that has been green for a long time is probably about to change to a yellow and then a red light. When approaching such a green light, slow down and be prepared to stop. Never speed up in an attempt to "beat the light" before it turns red.

Not quite. The answer is when a wheel may lock up.

Hard braking risks locking the wheels, resulting in a skid. An antilock braking system (ABS) is a computerized system that keeps your wheels from locking up during hard braking. A sensor at each wheel monitors how fast the wheel is turning and sends that information to a central electronic control unit (ECU), which acts like a little computer. As you're applying the brakes, if the ECU determines that one wheel is rotating much slower than the other wheels (indicating it may be about to lock up), it releases the brake on that wheel to let it turn freely. Then it reapplies the brake.

Not quite. The answer is the parking brake.

When you start your vehicle, make sure you don't roll backward, or else you may hit something behind you. Put on the parking brake whenever necessary to keep from rolling backward. (Note: this may not be necessary when you're on a level surface with good traction.) Release the parking brake only when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back.

Not quite. The answer is Tractor and trailer

Either the tractor or the trailer can skid. If the drive wheels of the tractor lock, the tractor may skid, and the trailer may push the tractor sideways, causing a tractor jackknife. On the other hand, if the trailer wheels lock, the rear of the trailer may swing sideways, out of your lane. (This is more likely if the trailer is empty or lightly loaded.) This will result in a trailer jackknife.

Not quite. The answer is At the border

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the United States from Canada and Mexico. The FAST program offers pre-authorized importers, carriers, and drivers expedited clearance for eligible products. FAST enrollment is open to truck drivers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Dedicated FAST vehicle lanes at certain border crossings process commercial cargo to speed up the process of crossing the border. To obtain a FAST card, you must have a valid US passport and apply for the card at the Trusted Traveler Programs website of the Department of Homeland Security. Then you'll need to schedule an in-person interview. Note that you need one FAST card to cross the Mexican border and a different FAST card to cross the Canadian border.

Not quite. The answer is Brakes can grab or become weak.

Brakes use friction to convert the kinetic energy of your moving vehicle into heat. If the brakes get wet, the brake shoes or brake pads may produce less friction. The brakes will grab, apply unevenly, or become weak. When you try to brake, your braking distance may increase, your vehicle may pull to one side, or the wheels may lock. On a wet road, locked wheels can cause a skid (or even a jackknife if you're pulling a trailer).

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above

Your service brakes are designed to bring your vehicle to a safe, controlled stop. To test this, first release the parking brake. Pull forward at 5 mph and then apply the service brake. Check that the service brakes work properly and your vehicle does not pull to one side. This test can be performed with either air brakes or hydraulic brakes.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

When choosing a safe speed for driving down a steep downgrade, consider its steepness, its length, the road and weather conditions, and the weight of your vehicle and its cargo.

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 two red flags

Under federal regulations, if the load is more than two feet wide and extends more than four feet behind the rear of the CMV, two square red flags, each 18 inches square, must be placed at the end of the load. If the load is no more than two feet wide, one square red flag will suffice. There are additional requirements on illuminating the load at night. US states may impose their own additional requirements on the transportation of oversized loads. You can learn about Indiana's requirements by contacting the Indiana Department of Transportation or visiting the Indiana Department of Revenue webpage "Oversize/Overweight (OSW)" (https://www.in.gov/dor/4243.htm). [49 CFR 393.11],

Source: 49 CFR 393.87

Not quite. The answer is watch for sharp pavement drop-offs.

Dramatic pavement drop-offs are common in work zones, but they can also occur elsewhere. If you stray too near the edge of a drop-off, your vehicle may tilt toward that side of the road, and the top of your vehicle may hit a roadside object. If your vehicle crosses the drop-off, steering will be adversely affected.

Not quite. The answer is 2 years.

For violating an out-of-service order, a driver is normally disqualified for between 180 days and one year. However, if the driver was transporting hazardous materials or was driving a vehicle designed to transport at least 16 occupants including the driver, the driver will be disqualified for between 180 days and two years.

Source: 49 CFR 383.51

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

The drive shaft transmits torque from the transmission to a drive axle. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the drive shaft is not bent or cracked, and the U-joints aren't loose or worn. These U-joints are safety-critical components. If the drive shaft comes loose at one end, it may dig into the pavement, causing loss of vehicle control, or whip up into the passenger compartment, possibly causing injury. As an additional safety feature on buses (but not trucks), federal regulations require the use of one or more guards to prevent the end of the drive shaft from dropping down into the pavement or whipping up into the passenger compartment. If your vehicle is so equipped, check that the guards are securely mounted and in good condition.

Source: 49 CFR 393.89

Not quite. The answer is partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake.

When you start your vehicle, avoid rolling backward or else you may hit someone behind you. Set the parking brake whenever necessary to keep from rolling back. Release the parking brake only when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back. If you have a manual transmission vehicle, partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake. On a tractor-trailer equipped with a trailer brake hand valve, the hand valve can be applied to keep from rolling back.

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 You are about to exit the road and need to slow down.

Use your brake lights to warn other drivers that you are preparing to slow down or stop, or there is a hazard ahead for which you'll have to slow down. If you're being tailgated, avoid such tricks as flashing your brake lights. Handle tailgaters in a different way: Keep right and increase your following distance.

Not quite. The answer is How you brake in an emergency situation is not that important.

In an emergency, you may have to brake to avoid a collision – but hard braking can cause a skid. Learn proper braking technique. Brake in a way that will keep your vehicle in a straight line and allow you to turn if it becomes necessary. You can use either the "controlled braking" method or the "stab braking" method, depending on the situation.

Not quite. The answer is Pump the brake pedal.

If your hydraulic brakes fail while you're driving, try pumping the brake pedal to build up enough hydraulic pressure to stop your vehicle. If this fails, downshift to use engine braking and apply the parking brake, but release the parking brake before you lock the wheels. If all else fails, look for an escape route. Head for an escape ramp or an open field and let your vehicle slow to a stop.

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

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.