Montana CDL: General Knowledge Practice Test

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 All of the above

If a package that you're supposed to transport is unlabeled, or if it has a strange smell, oily stains on the wrapper, or wires protruding from the package, don't touch or handle the package. Leave it where it is and notify your employer immediately. If you did touch the package, wash your hands thoroughly as a precaution.

Source: "Suspicious Mail or Packages," United States Postal Service, September 2006

Not quite. The answer is Honk and stay close behind the car.

Always maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. If another vehicle suddenly cuts in front of you, either slow down or change lanes to maintain a safe following distance. Tailgating another vehicle is dangerous. For a CMV driver, federal regulations consider tailgating a serious violation. You will lose your CDL for at least 60 days if you are convicted of two serious violations involving a CMV within a three-year period.

Source: 49 CFR 383.51

Not quite. The answer is should be performed after every break you take while driving.

While the rules may vary by jurisdiction, your state CDL handbook states that you should check your cargo within the first 50 miles of your trip and then every 3 hours or 150 miles, as well as after each break you take.

Not quite. The answer is 3/8-G30; 2,650 pounds

Welded steel chain that is not marked or labeled with a grade or working load limit (WLL) is considered to have a WLL equal to that of grade 30 proof coil chain. Hence, each size 3/8" chain should be marked "3/8-G30." According to the WLL table in federal regulation 49 CFR 393.108, size 3/8" proof coil chain with grade 30 has a WLL of 2,650 pounds.

Not quite. The answer is a first-aid kit.

Federal regulations require every CMV to carry one of the following warning devices in case the driver must stop the CMV on the road: three reflective triangles, three liquid-burning flares, or six fusees. Federal regulations also require every CMV to carry a fire extinguisher. Your state may also require a first-aid kit or seat belt cutter to be carried on certain types of CMVs, such as school buses.

Source: 49 CFR 393.95

Not quite. The answer is watch for oncoming traffic.

To make a right turn, turn slowly to give yourself and others more time to avoid problems. If you must cross into the oncoming lane to make a turn, watch out for vehicles coming toward you. Give them room to go by or to stop. Don't back up for them, however, because you might hit someone behind you.

Not quite. The answer is use low-beam headlights and fog lights.

If you must drive in fog, use low-beam headlights and fog lights for best visibility even in daytime, and be alert for other drivers who may have forgotten to turn on their lights.

Not quite. The answer is You should remove ice from the radiator shutters.

In extremely cold weather, very cold air flowing onto the radiator and through the engine compartment can prevent the engine from warming up (and also keep your heater from working well). Radiator shutters or a winterfront restrict this air flow to let the engine warm up. However, don't overdo it. Keep the winterfront partially open or keep the radiator shutters free from ice. If the shutters freeze shut or the winterfront is closed too tightly, the engine may overheat from lack of sufficient air.

Not quite. The answer is Accelerating while pressing the clutch and turning toward the driver's side

You must release the accelerator, press the clutch and shift into neutral at the same time, release the clutch, let the engine and gears slow to the required rpm for the next gear, press the clutch and shift into a higher gear at the same time, then release the clutch and press the accelerator at the same time. Acceleration is not involved until the very end, and definitely not while pressing the clutch.

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

The North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria includes many criteria for tires that if not met will cause the vehicle to be put out of service. These criteria supplement federal regulations on tires. Among these criteria are the following: No tire may have a leak that is noticeable (i.e., can be heard or felt), that has caused the tire to go flat, or that has reduced tire pressure to 50% or less of the maximum pressure marked on the tire sidewall.

Source: 49 CFR 393.75

Not quite. The answer is True

Tires that overheat can catch fire. Underinflation causes increased flexing of the tire, which increases tire temperature.

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 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 2

According to CVSA's North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, the vehicle will be placed out of service if 20% (rounded up to the next whole number) or more of its brakes are found to be defective. For a 5-axle tractor-trailer, which has 10 brakes, if 20% × 10 = 2 or more brakes are defective, 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 All of the above are downsides.

Some emissions-control devices on diesel-powered trucks can adversely affect fuel economy and add to maintenance costs. For these reasons, some drivers have opted to "delete" (defeat or remove) the emissions-control devices and retune the engine to run well without the devices. However, doing so can cause you major problems. First, deleting an emissions-control device violates the federal Clean Air Act and federal regulations. The penalties include stiff fines. Second, a number of states, such as California, New York, and Minnesota, now require emissions testing of trucks. You will not be able to drive your truck there if it fails emissions testing there. Third, dealers and large reputable repair shops may refuse to service your vehicle after it's illegally modified. Fourth, if you ever wish to sell your vehicle, you must disclose its illegal modifications to potential buyers. If you sell the vehicle without disclosing this information, you risk legal action from the buyer after the buyer discovers the modifications. [40 CFR 1068.101],

Source: 42 U.S. Code 7522

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 Upon exiting a tunnel

Inside a tunnel, you don't feel the effect of crosswinds pushing you sideways. But once you emerge from the tunnel into an open space, the crosswinds will suddenly hit you. If your vehicle is traveling alongside another vehicle, there is some chance that the crosswinds will push one of the vehicles against the other.

Not quite. The answer is Upshift.

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. 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 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.