North Carolina CDL: General Knowledge Practice Test

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 170 to 195 °F

After you've started your engine, the coolant temperature should start to rise gradually to the normal operating range. The typical normal operating range is 170 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. If your coolant temperature gauge starts to rise above this range, pull over and shut off the engine before it overheats.

Not quite. The answer is Much more than under normal driving conditions

Wet roads can double your stopping distance. Slow down and greatly increase your usual following distance.

Not quite. The answer is the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Federal law requires employers to test their commercial drivers for drugs and alcohol. Under North Carolina law, if you test positive for drugs, your employer must report it to the DMV within five business days. [49 CFR 382],

Source: NC Gen Stat § 20-37.19

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

Steering to the left of a hazard can cause you to move into the path of an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle that is trying to pass you on the left.

Not quite. The answer is 4 seconds

The formula for following distance is one second per ten feet of vehicle, plus an extra second if you are traveling over 40 mph. Therefore, for a 30-foot vehicle traveling at 55 mph, you should leave a following distance of 4 seconds.

Not quite. The answer is Steering knuckle

If the front wheels were mounted directly on the front axle, they couldn't turn left or right. Instead, each wheel pivots left or right on a steering knuckle, which is mounted to the axle. Component C is the left steering knuckle.

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 To shift into a low gear when you're stopped

When driving a CMV with an unsynchronized manual transmission, you can shift gears by double clutching or floating the gears. To shift into low gear or reverse when your vehicle is stopped and the engine is idling, you can engage the clutch brake. This stops the transmission's input shaft (connected to the engine) from rotating, so you can smoothly shift into low gear or reverse. To engage the clutch brake, depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor. Never engage the clutch brake while your vehicle is moving; doing so can damage the clutch brake.

Not quite. The answer is the load is properly secured.

You are not responsible for the state of the contents of a sealed container, nor can you inspect those contents. You are only responsible for the safety of the cargo, ensuring that it is balanced, secured, and not overloaded, and does not get in the way of emergency equipment.

Not quite. The answer is Increase your following distance.

Tailgating is a major cause of rear-end collisions. If you're being tailgated, increase your following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you. That way, if you have to stop or slow down, you can do so gradually, reducing the risk of being rear-ended by the tailgater. It will also make it easier for the tailgater to pass you. Never increase your speed to appease or outdistance a tailgater. No speed is too fast for some tailgaters.

Not quite. The answer is 1/4 full.

Under federal regulations, your vehicle will be put out of service if the fluid level in any master cylinder reservoir is less than 1/4 full or below the minimum marking.

Source: 49 CFR 571.105

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above

Leaking shock absorbers and broken or missing leaves are two of the more common defects that may occur in a suspension system.

Not quite. The answer is U-joint

A universal joint (U-joint) connects two shafts to enable them to rotate together, even if they are at an angle to each other. As part of the drivetrain, one U-joint connects the transmission shaft to the drive shaft, and another U-joint connects the drive shaft to the input shaft of the differential. These U-joints are critical. If the drive shaft comes loose at one end, it may dig into the pavement, causing loss of vehicle control.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

In the event of an emergency, you may complete your run without violating any Hours of Service regulations, provided that you would have satisfied the regulations if the emergency hadn't occurred. Federal regulations list the specific conditions that are considered emergencies. These include various extreme weather events, earthquakes, tsunamis, and electrical power outages, among others. [49 CFR 390.5T],

Source: 49 CFR 395.1

Not quite. The answer is post-trip, pre-trip, and en-route.

Before you drive your vehicle, perform a pre-trip inspection to make sure everything is in working order. Each time you stop during your trip, check critical items such as your brakes, tires, and cargo. After your trip, perform another inspection and report anything that may require maintenance.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

When choosing a safe speed for driving down a steep downgrade, consider its steepness, its length, the road and weather conditions, and the weight of your vehicle and its cargo.

Not quite. The answer is The coolant temperature gauge will rise to normal operating temperature.

As part of your pre-trip inspection, start the engine and check the gauges. Oil pressure should rise to normal levels in seconds. Air pressure should build from 50 to 90 psi within 3 minutes. Coolant temperature should start rising gradually to the normal operating range. In diesel engines, manifold exhaust gas temperatures can easily reach hundreds of degrees Fahrenheit.

Not quite. The answer is involves keeping a vehicle in a straight line when braking.

In controlled braking, you apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels, keeping movement of the steering wheel to a minimum.

Not quite. The answer is The driver's chances of an accident increase.

As a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) increases, the driver is less and less capable of driving safely. At a BAC of 0.05%, the driver's coordination starts to become impaired. At 0.08%, there is definite impairment of judgment and coordination. At 0.10%, the driver's reaction time increases. At 0.30%, there is a good chance that the driver will pass out.