Nevada CDL Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is HIGH; LOW

For forward gears, the range selector switch (usually located on the front of the gear shifter) lets you switch between the low-range gears (Low, 1, 2, 3, 4) and the high-range gears (Low, 5, 6, 7, 8). Flip the range selector switch down for the low range and up for the high range. The splitter button (usually located on the left side of the gear shifter) lets you "split" each gear into a lower gear (L) and a higher gear (H). Move the splitter button backward for the lower gear and forward for the higher gear. Thus, for gear 7L, the range selector should be in HIGH (up), and the splitter should be in LOW (backward).

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 tracks have a steep approach.

Raised railroad crossings with steep approaches can cause your vehicle to get hung up on the tracks. This is more likely if you're driving a vehicle with low ground clearance (such as a lowboy, car carrier, or moving van).

Not quite. The answer is compression stroke.

Most trucks on the road today have four-stroke diesel engines. During the intake stroke, the downward motion of the piston pulls fresh air into the cylinder. During the compression stroke, the upward motion of the piston compresses the air. This causes the temperature of the air to rise sharply. Toward the end of the compression stroke, the fuel injector sprays fuel into the hot compressed air. The fuel-air mixture is now hot enough to ignite. As the power (combustion) stroke begins, fuel continues being injected, and the combustion of the fuel-air mixture produces energy to push the piston downward again.

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 Nevada's requirements by contacting the Nevada Department of Transportation or visiting their webpage "General Permit Information" (https://www.nevadadot.com/doing-business/commercial-vehicles/commercial-vehicle-permits/general-permit-information). [49 CFR 393.11],

Source: 49 CFR 393.87

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 Take your foot off the accelerator.

If the force applied to the drive wheels exceeds the available traction of your tires on the road surface, the wheels may spin. This is more likely on snowy or icy surfaces, for which you have less traction. When traction is poor, accelerate very gradually. If the drive wheels start to spin, take your foot off the accelerator.

Not quite. The answer is Release the brake when you are 5 mph below your safe speed and let your speed come back up to your safe speed. Then repeat braking to 5 mph below your safe speed.

On a long or steep downgrade, don't keep applying your brakes continuously because this might cause them to fade (become less effective). Instead, apply your brakes only as a supplement to engine braking. Use the following technique: Select a "safe" speed. Let your vehicle reach this speed. Brake just hard enough until you are going 5 mph slower. Then let your speed increase back to the "safe" speed. Keep varying your speed up and down this way. This technique is known as snub braking or snubbing.

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 Vehicle fishtailing

If a front tire fails, it can affect the steering. The steering will feel heavy, or the steering wheel may twist out of your hands. Failure of a rear tire can cause the rear of your vehicle to slide back and forth ("fishtail").

Not quite. The answer is leaks.

During Step 5 (Walk-Around Inspection) of the Seven-Step Inspection Method, check the wheel bearing seals for any signs of cracks or leaks.

Not quite. The answer is Firmly, with your hands on opposite sides of the wheel

Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands. Your hands should be on opposite sides of the steering wheel. If you hold the steering wheel with just one hand, it could pull out of your grasp if you hit a pothole or the curb.

Not quite. The answer is 4

As stated in your official CDL manual, the basic rule for tiedowns is one tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo length rounded up to the nearest 10 feet. Thus under this rule, you need at least 3 tiedowns for a 22-foot-long piece of cargo. However, federal regulation 49 CFR 393.110 imposes an additional rule not stated in the manual: if the cargo is not blocked from moving forward by bulkheads, other devices, or other cargo, you must use one additional tiedown (which used to be called a "penalty strap") for the first 10 feet of cargo length. Hence, for a 22-foot-long piece of cargo that's not blocked from moving forward, you must use at least 4 tiedowns.

Not quite. The answer is When turning, you should signal early.

Three good rules for the use of turn signals when turning are as follows: (1) Signal early. State laws typically require you to signal a certain minimum distance in advance of the turn, but you may want to signal even earlier to keep 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). You should also use your turn signal before you change lanes.

Not quite. The answer is Your home terminal

According to federal regulation 49 CFR 395.8 and FMCSA Guidance FMCSA-HOS-ELD-TECH-395-FAQ26, you must record your duty status according to the time zone at your home terminal, including daylight savings time if it is in effect at your home terminal. Your "home terminal" is the place designated by your carrier, where you report for work at the start of your workday. Note that your carrier's main office may not be in the same time zone as your carrier's home terminal. Consider keeping a watch or smartphone app always set to your home terminal's local time so you can more easily log those times.

Not quite. The answer is Yes.

Because of the limited visibility, avoid backing up whenever possible. If you must back your vehicle, use a helper if possible. 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 Both of the above

When changing lanes, check your mirrors at each of the following times: (1) before you change lanes, to make sure there is enough room; (2) after you have signaled, to check that no one has moved into your blind spot; (3) right after you start the lane change, to double-check that your path is clear; and (4) after you complete the lane change.

Not quite. The answer is Chronic marijuana use

Many chronic health conditions are not necessarily disqualifications for driving CMVs. Your medical examiner will make a determination as to whether your condition is adequately controlled by treatment so you can still operate a CMV safely. However, regular use of a Schedule I controlled substance is an automatic disqualification from driving CMVs. Federal law prohibits Schedule I drugs from being legitimately prescribed for any purpose. Schedule I drugs include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy). Marijuana is still a federal Schedule I drug and hence still illegal at the federal level, so if you smoke marijuana regularly, you will not be qualified to drive CMVs even if marijuana is legal in your state. Federal regulation 21 CFR 1308.11 contains the full list of Schedule I controlled substances.

Not quite. The answer is apply the parking brake.

Whenever you park your vehicle, set the parking brakes. There are only two exceptions: (1) If the brakes are very hot, applying the parking brakes might damage them. (2) If the brakes are wet, applying them in cold temperatures might cause them to freeze, immobilizing your vehicle. In these two situations, use wheel chocks instead.

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.