Montana CDL Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is 12-volt

Most trucks on the road today have a 12-volt electrical system. In some of these trucks, however, batteries can be temporarily connected in series to drive a more powerful 24-volt starter for the purpose of cranking the engine.

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

Cargo that is not secured properly can fall off your vehicle, possibly creating road hazards or injuring other road users. Loose cargo can move or shift forward in a quick stop or crash, possibly injuring you or your passengers.

Not quite. The answer is use extra caution when you change lanes or pass.

In many states, speed limits are lower for trucks and buses than for cars. The difference can be as much as 15 mph. Use extra caution when you change lanes or pass on these roadways. Drive at the speed of the traffic but only if you can do so without driving at an illegal or unsafe speed. Keep a safe following distance.

Not quite. The answer is both of the above.

Overloading can adversely affect steering, braking, and speed control. Also, most states impose maximum weight limits on CMVs to prevent excessive weight from damaging roadways or bridges.

Not quite. The answer is 1/4 mile.

You should look ahead the distance that your CMV will travel in 12 to 15 seconds. At 60 mph (a mile a minute), your CMV will travel a quarter mile (1,320 feet) in 15 seconds.

Not quite. The answer is one-half.

On a slippery road surface, your vehicle's wheels will have less traction, and the vehicle's braking distance will increase significantly. On wet roads, reduce your speed by about one-third. On snow, reduce your speed by about one-half. On ice, slow down to a crawl and stop driving altogether if possible. (On ice, your vehicle's braking distance may increase tremendously.)

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

In your logbook, you must record each change of duty status, accurate to the nearest quarter hour (15 minutes). For each change, enter the location of the change and the reason for it in the Remarks section. Federal regulations refer to this information as an annotation, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) should have a way to enter such annotations electronically. Another use for the Remarks section is to record and annotate short-duration changes of duty status (those lasting less than 15 minutes), such as stopping for a few minutes to check the cargo securement. If you're temporarily exempt from some hours of service regulations because of an emergency or adverse condition, you should note that in the Remarks section, too. Finally, in the Remarks section, you should also identify the loads you picked up. One way (but not the only way) to identify a load is to enter the bill of lading number in the Remarks section.

Not quite. The answer is stop often and take short breaks before you feel really drowsy or tired.

To maintain your alertness during a long drive, especially at night, plan to take frequent rest breaks – about every two hours or 100 miles.

Not quite. The answer is the maximum weight that a tire can safely carry at a specified pressure.

The tire load rating is the maximum weight that a tire can safely carry at a specified tire pressure. This figure is stated on the side of the tire.

Not quite. The answer is No.

Trucks brake best when they are used as they were designed: to carry a properly balanced load. Empty trucks actually have longer stopping distances than loaded trucks because they have less traction.

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 All of the above

When planning or following a route, you have a lot more to consider than a car driver does. GPS navigation apps designed for truckers are programmed to deal with many of those issues. If you input the dimensions and weight of your truck, the navigation app will select an appropriate route so you won't violate road restrictions on trucks, height restrictions, or legal truck weight limits. For loads of hazardous materials, some apps will select a route that avoids roads on which hazmat transportation is prohibited. Apps can also help you locate truck stops, diesel fuel stations, weigh stations, and DOT inspection stations. However, always bear in mind that GPS navigators aren't perfect. Truckers sometimes complain that their navigators misled them with wrong or confusing navigation instructions. For this reason, it's wise to double-check the GPS navigator's directions against hardcopy paper maps, such as those in the Rand McNally Deluxe Motor Carriers' Road Atlas. Like the GPS navigators, the Atlas also contains information on restricted routes, low-clearance locations, and weigh station locations.

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

49% of CMV drivers smoke, compared with 27% of the general adult population. 73% of CMV drivers are obese, compared with 33% of the general population. 33% of CMV drivers have hypertension (high blood pressure), compared with 26% of the general population. Finally, only 8% of CMV drivers exercise regularly, compared with 25% of the general population.

Not quite. The answer is Tire damage

The sudden jerk from rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage. For example, it can damage the coupling if you're pulling a trailer.

Not quite. The answer is Every 15 to 20 seconds

While driving, you should scan the environment ahead of you every 12 to 15 seconds. But it's also important to constantly monitor the status of your vehicle. You should scan your instrument panel, including the gauges and warning lights, every 15 to 20 seconds.

Not quite. The answer is the load is properly secured.

You are not responsible for the state of the contents of a sealed container, nor can you inspect those contents. You are only responsible for the safety of the cargo, ensuring that it is balanced, secured, and not overloaded, and does not get in the way of emergency equipment.

Not quite. The answer is To shift into a low gear when you're stopped

When driving a CMV with an unsynchronized manual transmission, you can shift gears by double clutching or floating the gears. To shift into low gear or reverse when your vehicle is stopped and the engine is idling, you can engage the clutch brake. This stops the transmission's input shaft (connected to the engine) from rotating, so you can smoothly shift into low gear or reverse. To engage the clutch brake, depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor. Never engage the clutch brake while your vehicle is moving; doing so can damage the clutch brake.

Not quite. The answer is Brake shoes should not have oil, grease, or brake fluid on them.

The suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load, and keeps the axles in place. Therefore, broken or missing suspension parts can be extremely dangerous. Examples of such dangerous defects are a cracked spring hanger, a missing leaf spring, and a damaged frame member. Brake linings must not be loose or soaked with oil or grease. A brake lining that is soaked with oil or grease may indicate a leaking wheel seal. Replace the lining and check the wheel seal for leaks.

Not quite. The answer is A four-inch, diamond-shaped hazardous materials label must be on the container.

The shipper must affix appropriate US DOT-compliant HazMat labels to the packages and supply the driver with the appropriate placards to attach to the vehicle. Both the labels and the placards are diamond shaped. [49 CFR 172.400],

Source: 49 CFR 172.407

Not quite. The answer is tire changing equipment.

Your vehicle must be equipped with a properly charged fire extinguisher and warning devices (flares, fusees, or reflective triangles). Optional emergency equipment can include tire chains in certain climates, tire changing equipment, emergency phone numbers, and an accident reporting packet.