New Mexico CDL: General Knowledge Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is They may drive slowly and make sudden stops or lane changes.

Confused drivers represent a hazard. They often change direction suddenly or stop without warning. Tourists unfamiliar with the area can be very hazardous. Clues to tourists include car-top luggage and out-of-state license plates. Use caution when driving near such vehicles.

Not quite. The answer is both of the above.

Regardless of who loads and secures the cargo, you, the driver, are responsible for its safety. As part of your pre-trip inspection, make sure that the cargo is balanced, secured, and not overloaded, and does not get in the way of emergency equipment. The cargo's safety could be compromised otherwise.

Not quite. The answer is Stay off the brakes until the vehicle slows down on its own.

If a tire blows out, don't brake. Braking could cause you to lose control. Instead, let your vehicle slow itself down. Then brake very gently and pull over.

Not quite. The answer is 6 months.

Under federal regulation 49 CFR 395.8, your carrier is responsible for keeping a copy of your duty logs and supporting documentation for six months. An example of supporting documentation is your fuel bills, with time stamps. As the driver, you must keep your copy of the log for today and the last 7 days.

Not quite. The answer is The cargo you're carrying makes stopping mandatory under federal or state regulations.

A full stop is required at railroad grade crossings whenever (a) the nature of the cargo makes a stop mandatory under state or federal regulations, or (b) such a stop is otherwise required by law. For example, federal regulations require any CMV that is placarded for carrying hazardous materials to stop at every railroad grade crossing.

Not quite. The answer is 10 hours

According to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, the driver of a passenger-carrying vehicle must not drive for more than 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty. The driver may not drive at all after having been on duty for 15 hours.

Source: "Summary of Hours of Service Regulations," FMCSA, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations

Not quite. The answer is During bad weather; in the mountains

A heavily loaded vehicle will have a longer stopping distance, and its speed will be harder to control on downgrades. Therefore, when you must travel in bad weather or in the mountains, consider keeping the load significantly below the maximum legal weight limit.

Not quite. The answer is It depends on the state.

Currently, there are no federal regulations governing the height of splash guards (mud flaps). Each state is free to issue its own regulations, and those regulations vary from one state to another. In New Mexico, however, there are no such regulations.

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 All of the above

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical condition in which a sleeping person repeatedly stops breathing for 10 seconds or more, caused by repeated closures of the upper airway. Physical effects of OSA include daytime sleepiness and reduced performance. OSA is quite common; 3 million Americans suffer from it. Risk factors for developing OSA include the male gender; ages 40 and older; obesity or overweight; a large neck size; and a family history of OSA. Many CMV drivers have several of these risk factors. Fortunately, the condition is treatable.

Not quite. The answer is 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 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 When driving in very hot weather, you should inspect your tires every two hours or every 100 miles.

Air pressure increases with temperature. In very hot temperatures, a tire may blow out or even catch fire. Check your tires every two hours or 100 miles. If any tires are too hot to touch, remain stopped until they cool off.

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 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 Steering gear box

The steering gear box contains gears that translate the rotation of the steering column into rotation of the gear box's output shaft. This rotation drives the steering linkage to turn the wheels.

Not quite. The answer is Unstable loads such as hanging meat or livestock require extra caution on curves.

If you're carrying a cargo of livestock or hanging meat, slow down on curves and proceed with extreme caution. A cargo of hanging meat typically has a high center of gravity. Plus, hanging meat sways significantly when you're driving on a curve, making for a very unstable load. Livestock can move around or lean on curves, adversely affecting your vehicle's stability and making a rollover more likely.

Not quite. The answer is Steering arm

Component G is the steering arm. It connects the drag link to the tie rod.

Not quite. The answer is clean and adjust as necessary.

Before driving, make sure your field of view is clear. Check that your windshield and mirrors are clean, free of obstructions, and free of cracks. Also adjust your mirrors for an optimum view.

Not quite. The answer is Type of tire tread

To determine which low gear to use to begin a descent, consider the weather, the length and steepness of the downgrade, the weight of your cargo, and the road conditions.

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.