New York CDL Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is 2 tie-downs.

The rule is one tie-down for every ten feet of cargo, but at least two tie-downs regardless of how small the cargo is.

Not quite. The answer is Get out of the driver's way.

First and foremost, make every attempt to get out of the driver's way. Don't let your pride or ego keep you from doing this. Don't challenge the aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to hold your own in your travel lane.

Not quite. The answer is A few beers have the same effect on driving as a few shots of whiskey.

When you drink alcohol, it goes directly from your stomach into the bloodstream. Your body breaks down alcohol at a predictable rate. Typically, this is one standard drink per hour, where one standard drink equals 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, 5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer. Neither coffee nor fresh air nor a cold shower can increase that rate. You need to wait until the alcohol has been broken down.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

You will lose your CDL for at least 60 days if you are convicted of two serious traffic violations involving a CMV within a three-year period. For three serious traffic violations within a three-year period, you will lose your CDL for at least 120 days. Such violations include speeding at 15 mph or more above the speed limit, driving recklessly, making improper or erratic lane changes, tailgating, and texting or talking on a handheld cell phone.

Not quite. The answer is cargo covers for the whole load.

If you're going to carry an oversized load, check that all required signs (flags, lamps, and reflectors) are safely and properly mounted and all required permits are in your possession. Some oversized loads may also require a police escort or pilot vehicles with warning signs or flashing lights.

Not quite. The answer is 0.40%

Most people with a BAC of 0.40% will pass out and some will even die.

Not quite. The answer is They often make you sleepy. Therefore, they should not be used while driving.

Some cold and allergy medications can cause drowsiness, sedation, or disturbed coordination, which makes them dangerous for CMV operators. If you are unsure about the effects of a particular medication, check the warning label or ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Not quite. The answer is turning on the low-beam headlights.

In bad weather, when visibility is low, you can make your vehicle more visible by turning on its exterior lights. When it's raining or snowing, low beams are preferable to high beams because the bright light of high beams can reflect off precipitation, causing glare.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above are correct.

When testing the service brakes, check the following: (1) whether the brake pedal holds up or sinks to the floor; (2) whether the vehicle seems to pull to one side; (3) whether it takes longer than it should to stop your vehicle; and (4) whether the brakes just "feel strange," based on your experience driving comparable CMVs. Any of these signs could indicate a problem with the brake system that should be corrected before you drive the vehicle.

Not quite. The answer is life.

The "No Human Trafficking on Our Roads" Act became law on January 8, 2018. On July 29, 2019, based on this law, FMCSA announced a new rule: Any driver who is convicted of human trafficking will be permanently banned from operating a CMV for which a CDL or a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) is required.

Not quite. The answer is 34,000 pounds

Federal regulations impose maximum weight limits on CMVs traveling on interstate highways. The maximum allowable Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is 80,000 pounds. The single axle weight rating is 20,000 pounds, and the tandem axle weight rating is 34,000 pounds for typical tandem axles that are spaced 40 to 96 inches apart, from center to center. For tandem axles spaced 97 inches apart, the axle weight rating is 38,000 pounds. The tridem axle, or three-axle, weight rating is 42,000 pounds if the outermost two axles are 97 inches apart.

Not quite. The answer is Gauges, brakes, lights, tires, and cargo securement

During a trip, keep an eye on your gauges for signs of trouble. Whenever you stop, check such safety-critical items as the brakes, lights, tires, wheels, cargo securement devices if any, and trailer coupling devices if you're pulling a trailer.

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. Under New York State law, every commercial motor vehicle and combination vehicle must have splash guards and stone deflectors whose distance from their lower end to the ground must not exceed one-third of the distance, measured along the ground, from the bottom of the splash guard to the point of contact of the rear wheel.

Source: VTL § 375

Not quite. The answer is The weight of cargo can change the height of your vehicle.

Warnings are often posted on low bridges or underpasses, but not always. And even when they are posted, the heights posted may no longer be correct. Repaving or packed snow may have reduced the clearances since the heights were posted. The weight of cargo can change the height of your vehicle. That is, your vehicle will tend to ride lower when fully loaded than when empty. You may be able to get under a low bridge or overpass when your vehicle is fully loaded, but not after the cargo is unloaded.

Not quite. The answer is defensive

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 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 Do both of the above.

If you've been involved in an accident, first try to prevent another accident. Move your vehicle to the side of the road, switch on your four-way flashers, and set out your warning devices. Next, notify the appropriate authorities and request emergency assistance. Until emergency personnel arrive, do what you can to help others. Don't move injured persons unless there is a danger of fire or explosion. Try to keep injured persons from becoming chilled or overheated. If you've been trained in first aid, help the injured. If someone is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to stop it.

Not quite. The answer is On slippery roads, it takes longer to stop and it is harder to turn without skidding.

Slippery roads provide less traction. Your vehicle's braking distance will increase (especially on a road covered in snow or ice) and turns will be more likely to cause skids. For safety, reduce your speed by about one-third on a wet road or about one-half on a snow-covered road. On an ice-covered road, slow down to a crawl and consider stopping altogether.

Not quite. The answer is A vibrating feeling

The classic sign of a tire blowout is a loud "bang" sound. However, if you're driving a long vehicle and a rear tire blows out, you may not hear the sound. In this situation, a thumping or heavy vibration may be the first sign you get that a rear tire has failed.

Not quite. The answer is It bleeds.

In hot weather, asphalt (tar) can rise to the pavement surface ("bleed") to form a shiny, black surface film. Watch for such spots, because this film can be quite slippery.