New Jersey CDL: General Knowledge Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is 250 feet ahead.

Your low beams let you see about 250 feet ahead. Your high beams let you see about 350–500 feet ahead.

Not quite. The answer is Start in the inside lane and swing right as you turn.

To make a left turn, don't start the turn until you have reached the center of the intersection. If you turn sooner, off-tracking may cause the left side of your vehicle to hit another vehicle. If there are two left-turn lanes, use the one on the right. If you use the lane on the left, you may be forced to swing right to make the turn, which can cause a collision with a vehicle to your right.

Not quite. The answer is involves releasing the brakes only after the wheels lock up.

In the stab braking method, you fully apply the brakes until the wheels lock. Then you release the brakes. Reapply them as soon as the wheels start to roll again. Repeat. (Note: Since this method involves deliberately locking the wheels, don't use it on a vehicle with antilock brakes. Use controlled braking instead.)

Not quite. The answer is Tires of mismatched sizes should not be used on the same vehicle.

Tires should never be mismatched in size or type. Radial tires and bias-ply tires should not be used together on the same vehicle. 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

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 report the problem and make arrangements to use another vehicle.

Report any problems that could jeopardize your safety or that of others or lead to a breakdown. Don't drive the vehicle until those defects are corrected. Obviously the steering system is critical and must be in good working order. An exhaust system leak could let poisonous fumes into your cab or sleeper berth.

Not quite. The answer is 500 feet.

To prevent blinding other drivers at night, dim your headlights to low beams whenever you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 500 feet of a vehicle you are following.

Not quite. The answer is State laws dictate legal weight limits.

You are always responsible for making sure your vehicle and its cargo meet all legal weight limits imposed by states. States impose limits on both vehicle weights and axle weights.

Not quite. The answer is at least a one-year suspension of your CDL.

Under New Jersey law, if you are convicted of DUI in a CMV for the first time, you will face a fine of $250 – $500 and a jail sentence of up to 30 days. Furthermore, you will be disqualified from driving CMVs for at least one year. If you are convicted of DUI for a second time within a 10-year period, you will face a fine of $500 – $1,000, a jail sentence of between 48 hours and 90 days, and community service for 30 days. Furthermore, you will be disqualified from driving CMVs permanently, ending your career in commercial driving. [N.J.S.A. § 39:4-50],

Source: 49 CFR 383.51

Not quite. The answer is False

If your vehicle catches fire, pull off the road and park in an open area away from anything that might catch fire, such as buildings or trees. Especially avoid parking your burning vehicle near a gas station!

Not quite. The answer is Too little weight on the tandem trailer axles

A skid happens whenever the tires lose traction (grip of the road). The type of skid depends on which tires lose traction. A front-wheel skid can be caused by driving too fast for conditions, such as in a sharp curve or turn. Other causes include insufficient tread on the front tires and insufficient cargo weight on the front axle. Too little weight on the trailer axles can cause the trailer to skid, especially on slippery roads.

Not quite. The answer is Starting down a hill and entering a curve

Downshifting before starting down a hill lets you take advantage of engine braking. You should downshift to the gear required, which is usually lower than the gear required to climb the hill. Downshifting before a curve improves stability and helps you get the power you will need to accelerate out of the turn.

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 apply unevenly.

If your brakes get wet, they may apply unevenly, work weakly, or grab, all of which can be dangerous. Try to maintain light pressure on the brakes for a short distance to heat them up and dry them out.

Not quite. The answer is Release the accelerator.

Hydroplaning is more likely at higher speeds. If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, avoid braking. Instead, release the accelerator and push in the clutch to let your vehicle slow down.

Not quite. The answer is when any defects are noted.

You may have to complete a vehicle inspection report in writing each day. The motor carrier must repair any items in the report that affect safety, and certify on the report that repairs were made or were unnecessary. You must sign the report only if defects were noted and certified to be repaired or not needed to be repaired.

Not quite. The answer is Main spring

Component R is a main leaf spring. Component U is an auxiliary leaf spring (sometimes called a helper spring), attached to the axle with the same U-bolt. Auxiliary springs are often employed in rear suspensions that have to support heavy loads.

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 use the braking effect of the engine.

When you drive down long, steep downgrades, the braking effect of your engine is what's most important, and your service brakes are only a supplement to being in the proper low gear. They cannot compensate for your vehicle being in an unsafe high gear without putting too much pressure on your brakes. Save your brakes so you will be able to slow or stop as required by road and traffic conditions.

Not quite. The answer is whenever you become drowsy.

To help prevent the onset of drowsiness, take a short break from driving every two hours or 100 miles, whichever comes first. However, if you start to feel drowsy anyway, get off the road and get some sleep.