Nebraska CDL Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is jackknifing.

Wet brakes can cause the brakes to become weak, apply unevenly, or grab. This can cause lack of braking power, wheel lockups, pulling to one side or the other, and jackknifing if you're pulling a trailer.

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 You will have time to plan your escape if the hazard becomes an emergency.

The National Safety Council defines defensive driving as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others." Defensive driving is about anticipating potentially dangerous situations in advance, including driving conditions and mistakes made by others, and planning how to deal with those situations. To be a defensive driver, you must constantly scan for hazards all around your vehicle. When you spot a hazard, think about the emergencies that might develop from it and formulate plans to deal with them.

Not quite. The answer is the vehicle does not require placards.

You must have a hazardous materials endorsement on your CDL to drive a vehicle that is placarded for hazardous materials. However, not all packages of hazardous materials require placarding your vehicle. Federal regulation 49 CFR 172.500 exempts certain amounts and types of hazardous materials from placarding, but states may impose more stringent requirements. Check with the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Not quite. The answer is Yes, but only a hands-free phone.

Under FMCSA regulations, a CMV driver is not allowed to hold a mobile device to make a call, or dial by pressing more than a single button. While driving, a CMV driver can only use a hands-free device in close proximity. Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a CMV can result in driver disqualification, as well as stiff fines levied against both the driver and the driver's employer.

Source: "Mobile Phone Restrictions Fact Sheet," Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, May 2012

Not quite. The answer is help slow the vehicle while driving and reduce brake wear.

Retarders can be used to help slow a vehicle, reducing the need for braking and thus reducing brake wear. However, retarders should not be used on slippery roads because the retarders can cause the drive wheels to skid.

Not quite. The answer is You may never park on the ramps.

Freeway and turnpike exits can be particularly dangerous for commercial vehicles. Off ramps and on ramps often have speed limit signs posted - these speeds may be safe for cars, but not for larger vehicles or heavily loaded vehicles. Exits that go downhill and turn at the same time can be especially dangerous. The downgrade makes it difficult to reduce speed. Braking and turning at the same time can be a dangerous practice. Make sure you are going slowly enough before you get on the curved part of an off ramp or on ramp. Do not park on the ramps.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above are possible signs.

Human trafficking is modern slavery. People are bought and sold for forced labor or sex work. As a trucker, you can help combat this criminal practice by staying alert. Some of the warning signs that a person may be a victim of human trafficking include the following: (1) The person appears to be malnourished or a victim of physical abuse. (2) The person seems unaware of his or her whereabouts. (3) The person is not allowed to speak for himself or herself. (4) Other persons are speaking of pimps or meeting a quota. (5) Trucks are flashing their headlights, perhaps to indicate a "buyer" location. If you notice such signs, try to ask the suspected victim a few gentle questions, but do not confront suspected traffickers yourself; leave that to the authorities. Visit the Truckers Against Trafficking website (https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/) to learn more.

Not quite. The answer is As rain continues, the road becomes more slippery than it was when the rain began.

Roads are often at their slipperiest during the first 10 to 15 minutes of rain. This is because the rainwater loosens and mixes with dirt, oil, and other fluids that have built up on the pavement, creating a slick surface. This slippery condition will persist until more rain washes those substances away. Slight melting will make ice wet. Wet ice is much more slippery than ice that is not wet.

Not quite. The answer is Passenger side

Large CMVs have large blind spots, called "No-Zones," on all four sides. For a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, the front No-Zone extends up to 20 feet in front of the truck, and the rear No-Zone extends up to 200 feet behind the trailer. The driver's-side No-Zone extends from the driver's door, back to just past the front of the trailer. The passenger-side No-Zone is the largest No-Zone, and also the most dangerous. It can extend up to three lanes wide.

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 because you have blind spots.

It is important to use a helper when you are backing because you will be dealing with blind spots that you cannot see. Before you start, the two of you should agree on a set of hand signals for "Go" and (most importantly) "Stop."

Not quite. The answer is Poisonous fumes can enter the cab or sleeping compartment.

The exhaust system is designed to help remove toxic gases produced by the engine. A leak in the exhaust system can allow poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) to seep into the cab or sleeping compartment. A buildup of CO is more likely in cold weather, when you may have the cab windows closed.

Not quite. The answer is take your foot off the accelerator.

If so much power is applied to the drive wheels that it overcomes the tires' grip of the road, the wheels will spin. This is more likely to occur if the road surface is slippery. To stop the drive wheels from spinning, take your foot off the accelerator. Accelerate slowly and gently from now on.

Not quite. The answer is Clear

Fresh Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) looks like clear water. If the DEF fluid in a vehicle's DEF tank looks cloudy, is any other color but clear, or has contaminants floating in it, the fluid has gone bad and must be replaced.

Not quite. The answer is Poor trailer ventilation can cause flammable cargo to catch fire.

Many things can cause fires, including underinflated tires, dual tires that touch, cargo that is improperly sealed or loaded, and cargo that is poorly ventilated.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above

You will be disqualified from operating a CMV for at least 60 days if you are convicted of any of the following offenses at railroad crossings: (1) failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear; (2) failing to stop if a train is approaching; (3) failing to stop before driving onto the crossing; (4) failing to ensure that there is sufficient space for you to drive completely through the crossing without stopping; (5) failing to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official; (6) failing to negotiate the crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance.

Source: 49 CFR 383.51

Not quite. The answer is Bobtail tractor

The brakes and suspension of a truck are designed to handle heavy cargo. Trucks that are empty or only lightly loaded take longer to stop because the stiff suspension springs and strong brakes give poor traction and make it easier to lock the wheels. (This is not usually the case for buses, however.) Likewise, "bobtail" tractors (tractors without semitrailers) can take even longer to stop than an unloaded tractor-trailer. Be very careful when driving a "bobtail" tractor.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above can help.

If you must leave your tractor-trailer in an unsecured location so you can get a meal or shower, it's at risk of being stolen. There are several steps you can take to help prevent its theft. First, take the ignition key with you and lock the truck's doors. However, professional thieves know how to break into a truck and hot-wire it. Consider installing a vehicle alarm or an air cuff (air brake control) lock, which locks the parking brake and trailer air supply knobs. Finally, if you're traveling with a co-driver or family member, have him or her stay with the truck whenever you are away from it.

Not quite. The answer is the exhaust system.

In cold weather, carefully check your vehicle's exhaust system for loose parts and for sounds and signs of leaks. A leak in the exhaust system can allow dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) to seep into the cab. A buildup of CO is more likely in cold weather, when you may have the cab windows closed.