Maryland CDL Practice Test

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.

Not quite. The answer is 2

According to CVSA's North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, no more than 20% (rounded up to the next whole number) of a vehicle's brakes can be defective. A 3-axle truck has 6 brakes. 20% × 6 = 1.2, which rounded up to the next whole number equals 2. Therefore, no more than 2 brakes can be defective, or else the vehicle will be placed out of service. In this context, defects include a brake shoe or brake pad that fails to contact the brake drum or rotor when the service brakes are applied, or an audible air leak at a brake chamber.

Not quite. The answer is take short breaks before you get drowsy.

The monotony and boredom of a long drive can lead to highway hypnosis and drowsiness. To prevent this, stop for a break about once every two hours or 100 miles. Some cold and allergy medications can cause drowsiness, sedation, or disturbed coordination, which makes them dangerous for CMV operators. If you are unsure about the effects of a particular medication, check the warning label or ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Not quite. The answer is 24 hours.

If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is found to be 0.04% or more, you can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). (An average 180-pound man may reach a BAC above 0.04% after drinking just two cans of beer.) Even if you are found to have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system under 0.04%, you will be placed out-of-service for 24 hours.

Not quite. The answer is 43%

Federal regulations impose maximum weight limits on CMVs traveling on interstate highways. The maximum allowable GCWR is 80,000 pounds. The single axle weight rating is 20,000 pounds, and the tandem axle weight rating is 34,000 pounds. This weight rating is for typical tandem axles that are spaced 40 to 96 inches apart, from center to center. 34,000/80,000 = about 43%. If both the drive tandems and trailer tandems are each carrying their maximum allowable weight of 34,000 pounds, that leaves only 12,000 pounds (about 14% of the weight) for the steering axle, even though the maximum allowable weight is 20,000 pounds.

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 Do both of the above.

Three good rules for the use of turn signals are as follows: (1) Signal early to discourage other drivers from trying to pass you. (2) Signal continuously. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and keep the turn signal on as you start the turn. (3) Cancel the turn signal after you've turned (if it hasn't turned off by itself already).

Not quite. The answer is If a hill or a curve keeps drivers behind you from seeing your vehicle within 500 feet, move the rear reflective triangle back down the road to give adequate warning.

If you must stop on a road or the shoulder of any road, turn on your four-way emergency flashers (not your taillights) and set out your emergency warning devices within ten minutes. If you stop beyond any hill, curve, or other obstruction that prevents other drivers from seeing your vehicle within 500 feet, place a reflective triangle up to 500 feet behind your vehicle to warn approaching drivers.

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 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 34,000 pounds.

Under federal regulations, the maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of a truck on the interstate system of highways is 80,000 pounds. The maximum gross weight upon any one axle is 20,000 pounds. The maximum gross weight on tandem axles is 34,000 pounds. This figure applies to both the tandem axles (drive axles) of the tractor and the tandem axles of the trailer.

Source: 23 CFR 658.17

Not quite. The answer is both of the above.

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. You can learn about Maryland's requirements by contacting the Maryland State Highway Administration or visiting their webpage "Overdimensional Permit Limitations" (https://www.roads.maryland.gov/Index.aspx?PageId=500). [49 CFR 393.11],

Source: 49 CFR 393.87

Not quite. The answer is You should avoid backing whenever you can.

Backing up a large vehicle is always dangerous, even with a helper. Try to avoid backing up as much as possible.

Not quite. The answer is the shipper and the carrier.

A bill of lading is a required document when shipping products by carrier. The bill of lading is issued by the carrier to the shipper, detailing the cargo that the carrier will transport for the shipper. It is a legally binding document. It includes the number of packages, a description of what is in each package, the weight of the packages, and the shipping rate. The bill of lading also lists the name and address of the shipper (consignor), and the name and address of the receiver (consignee). If there will be any Collect on Delivery (C.O.D.) charges, the bill of lading provides the necessary information, including who will pay the charges: the shipper or the receiver.

Not quite. The answer is 1/4 mile.

While driving, you should scan the road 12–15 seconds ahead. At 60 mph, your vehicle will travel a quarter of a mile in 15 seconds.

Not quite. The answer is To turn quickly, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.

In an emergency, stopping may not be the safest thing to do. The stopping distance of your vehicle at high speed can be longer than a football field. If you don't have enough room to stop, you may have to steer away from the hazard. Remember, you can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop. To turn quickly, you must have a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands.

Not quite. The answer is slow down even more when workers are present.

Speeding traffic is the number one cause of injury and death in roadway work zones. Lower speed limits are often posted in work zones; obey them. Slow down even more when workers are close to the roadway.

Not quite. The answer is You may be able to check the coolant level even while the engine is hot.

Many vehicles have sight glasses, see-through coolant overflow containers, or coolant recovery containers. These permit you to check the coolant level even while the engine is hot. However, if the container is part of the pressurized system, it's dangerous to open the cap to add coolant while the engine is hot. Wait until the engine has cooled first.

Not quite. The answer is Windshield washer antifreeze should be used.

Prevent your windshield from freezing in cold weather. Fill your windshield washer reservoir with a windshield washer antifreeze that is rated for the cold temperatures in which you expect to be driving.

Not quite. The answer is Many CMV accidents occur between midnight and 6:00 a.m.

Driving through the night when you would normally be asleep increases your risk of an accident. Many CMV accidents occur between midnight and 6:00 a.m. If you've had less than 6 hours of sleep before you drive, your risk of an accident is tripled. And one study has found that going without sleep for more than 24 hours can impair your coordination and reaction time as much as being legally intoxicated.