North Dakota CDL: General Knowledge Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

If a package that you're supposed to transport is unlabeled, or if it has a strange smell, oily stains on the wrapper, or wires protruding from the package, don't touch or handle the package. Leave it where it is and notify your employer immediately. If you did touch the package, wash your hands thoroughly as a precaution.

Source: "Suspicious Mail or Packages," United States Postal Service, September 2006

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

While the rules vary by jurisdiction, the North Dakota Commercial Drivers License Manual states that you should check your cargo within the first 50 miles of your trip and then every 3 hours or 150 miles, as well as after each break you take.

Not quite. The answer is poor traction on the drive wheels.

When loading a semitrailer, make sure that the load is properly balanced. For example, insufficient weight on the tractor's drive axles (caused by placing the load too far to the rear) can cause poor traction and cause the drive wheels to spin more easily, especially on slippery roads.

Not quite. The answer is Spring hanger

Component P is a spring hanger. Note: Your state CDL handbook misidentifies this part as a "front axle hanger."

Not quite. The answer is 11 hours

According to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, the driver of a cargo-carrying vehicle must not drive after a period of 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty. The driver may not drive for more than 11 hours during this on-duty period.

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 14 feet.

There is no Federal vehicle height requirement for CMVs. Each state may set its own height restrictions. In North Dakota, the maximum height of a CMV is 14 feet, whether or not the CMV is loaded.

Not quite. The answer is To help maintain control of the vehicle

Correct shifting of gears is important. If you can't get your vehicle into the right gear while driving, you will have less control.

Not quite. The answer is 12–15 seconds

While driving, you should scan the road 12–15 seconds ahead. At typical speeds in urban areas, your vehicle will travel about one block in 12–15 seconds. At 60 mph, your vehicle will travel a quarter of a mile in 15 seconds.

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 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 North Dakota's requirements by contacting the North Dakota Highway Patrol or visiting their webpage "Oversize/Overweight Permit" (https://www.nd.gov/ndhp/oversizeoverweight-permit). [49 CFR 393.11],

Source: 49 CFR 393.87

Not quite. The answer is Exhaust

If cab ventilation is poor, exhaust system leaks can allow poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) into the cab. A buildup of CO is more likely during the winter, when you may be keeping your vents and windows closed. Therefore, in the wintertime, check the exhaust system thoroughly for loose parts and for sounds and signs of leaks.

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 do all of the above.

Idling can burn as much as one gallon of fuel per hour. Idling for longer than five minutes wastes fuel, increases emissions, and can clog fuel injectors.

Not quite. The answer is Underinflated tires and dual tires that touch

Tires that overheat can catch fire. Underinflation causes increased flexing of the tire, which increases tire temperature. Dual tires that touch each other or other parts of the vehicle can overheat due to friction.

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 You should remove ice from the radiator shutters.

In extremely cold weather, very cold air flowing onto the radiator and through the engine compartment can prevent the engine from warming up (and also keep your heater from working well). Radiator shutters or a winterfront restrict this air flow to let the engine warm up. However, don't overdo it. Keep the winterfront partially open or keep the radiator shutters free from ice. If the shutters freeze shut or the winterfront is closed too tightly, the engine may overheat from lack of sufficient air.

Not quite. The answer is Fainting spells

In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the person stops breathing during sleep. These episodes can occur repeatedly. While you're asleep, OSA can cause loud snoring. While you're awake, OSA can impair your short-term memory and cause excessive sleepiness and difficulty concentrating, which can impair your ability to drive a CMV safely. A study sponsored by FMCSA found that 28% of commercial truck drivers have mild to severe sleep apnea. Fortunately, OSA is treatable.

Not quite. The answer is Check all of the above.

The drive shaft transmits torque from the transmission to a drive axle. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the drive shaft is not bent or cracked, and the U-joints aren't loose or worn. These U-joints are safety-critical components. If the drive shaft comes loose at one end, it may dig into the pavement, causing loss of vehicle control, or whip up into the passenger compartment, possibly causing injury. As an additional safety feature on buses (but not trucks), federal regulations require the use of one or more guards to prevent the end of the drive shaft from dropping down into the pavement or whipping up into the passenger compartment. If your vehicle is so equipped, check that the guards are securely mounted and in good condition.

Source: 49 CFR 393.89

Not quite. The answer is park in an open area.

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 Check the electrical connections.

If your trailer lights aren't working properly, the cause may be as simple as a loose electrical cable connection to the trailer, or perhaps to the tractor. Electrical connections can loosen over time from constant use. Wiggle each connector back and forth to see if it's loose. If it is, tie something around it to keep it from moving. If the connector isn't loose, check if the pins in the receptacle are clean and make good contact. Lastly, check if the cable itself is bad. If none of these are the cause of the problem, the next thing to check is the fuses or circuit breakers, and finally, the trailer light bulbs. Note: Don't ignore the problem. If any required trailer lights aren't working properly, your vehicle is in violation of federal regulation 49 CFR 393.23 and can be placed out of service at a roadside inspection.