Pennsylvania CDL: General Knowledge Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is 35 mph.

It's usually safest to drive at the speed of traffic rather than constantly pass other vehicles or invite other drivers to pass you. However, if there are lower speed limits posted for CMVs, obey them.

Not quite. The answer is Yes, if the driver passes a skills test.

A missing or impaired finger, hand, arm, foot, or leg is not an automatic disqualification for driving CMVs. FMCSA's Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) program allows drivers with missing or impaired limbs to drive CMVs, even across state lines, if they wear the right kind of prosthetic device and can demonstrate the ability to operate the CMV safely by completing on- and off-road activities. If the driver passes a skills test, he or she will receive a SPE certificate. Drivers who have been issued an SPE certificate must carry it with them at all times. To date, FMCSA has granted thousands of SPE certificates to truck drivers who were missing limbs but have shown that they can operate CMVs safely.

Source: "Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate Program," FMCSA, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/skill-performance-evaluation-certificate-program

Not quite. The answer is Using mirrors and turn signals, turn sharply to get back onto the road.

If you've left the road but you must return to the road before stopping on the shoulder, the recommended recovery procedure is as follows: 1. Hold the wheel tightly and turn sharply enough to get right back onto the road safely. 2. Don't try to edge gradually back onto the road. If you do, your tires might grab unexpectedly and you could lose control. 3. When both front tires are on the paved surface, countersteer immediately. The two turns should be made as a single "steer-countersteer" move.

Not quite. The answer is You should adjust your mirrors before starting your trip.

Adjust your mirrors before you start your trip. If you're driving a tractor-trailer, you can check your mirrors accurately only when the trailer(s) are straight. You should check and adjust each mirror to show some part of the vehicle.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above statements are correct.

While retarders can help reduce the need for braking, they can make a skid more likely in inclement weather or whenever your wheels have poor traction. Therefore, you should always turn off your retarders in poor weather.

Not quite. The answer is 24 hours.

If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is found to be 0.04% or more, you can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). (An average 180-pound man may reach a BAC above 0.04% after drinking just two cans of beer.) Even if you are found to have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system under 0.04%, you will be placed out-of-service for 24 hours.

Not quite. The answer is watch for oncoming traffic.

To make a right turn, turn slowly to give yourself and others more time to avoid problems. If you must cross into the oncoming lane to make a turn, watch out for vehicles coming toward you. Give them room to go by or to stop. Don't back up for them, however, because you might hit someone behind you.

Not quite. The answer is (b) and (c)

A CMV's diesel particulate filter traps particulate emissions from the engine. Eventually, enough particulates build up in the filter that they must be removed by burning them off at a relatively high temperature. This process is called regeneration. Passive regeneration and active regeneration both take place while the vehicle is moving. In passive regeneration, just the normally high temperature of the exhaust is used for regeneration. If this is not sufficient to burn off all the particulates, active regeneration takes place. The CMV's engine control unit (ECU) will inject fuel into the exhaust to raise its temperature. If even this is not sufficient, you'll have to park your vehicle and perform a regeneration manuallly, again by injecting fuel into the exhaust. Parked regeneration can take from 30 minutes to one hour. (Note: This topic is not usually found in the official state CDL handbook.)

Not quite. The answer is You should review it during your pre-trip inspection.

Before performing the pre-trip inspection on your vehicle, review the previous driver's post-trip inspection report. Check whether all problems discovered by the last driver have been repaired.

Not quite. The answer is You can use the sound of the engine to tell you when to shift.

Learn the operating rpm range for your vehicle's engine. Watch your tachometer, and shift up when your engine reaches the top of the range. With practice, you can learn how your engine sounds when it reaches the top of the range. Then you can use the onset of that sound instead of the tachometer to tell you when to shift up. This way, you won't have to take your eyes off the road to check your tachometer every time you shift up. Double clutching is necessary only for unsynchronized manual transmissions.

Not quite. The answer is do both of the above.

Backing a large CMV is potentially hazardous. Before you start to back up, check your intended path of travel. Exit the cab and walk around the vehicle. Check your clearance to the sides and overhead, in and near the path of your vehicle. To make backing up easier and safer, turn toward the driver's side so you can watch the rear of your vehicle through your window.

Not quite. The answer is Use the highest reverse gear.

Always back as slowly as possible. Use the lowest reverse gear. That way you can more easily correct any steering errors. You can also stop quickly if necessary.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above

There are many things you must check during your pre-trip inspection. During Step 1 (Vehicle Overview) of the Seven-Step Inspection Method, check the condition of the windshield wipers. During Step 4 (Turn Off Engine and Check Lights) and Step 5 (Walk-Around Inspection), you'll check that the lights are working.

Not quite. The answer is You can use the tachometer to tell you when to shift.

You can use your tachometer to determine when to upshift. Before driving your vehicle, check the driver's manual to find out the recommended operating rpm range. As you're driving, keep your eye on your tachometer as your vehicle increases speed. Upshift when engine rpm gets high enough. Double-clutching is a technique used mostly for shifting gears in an unsynchronized manual transmission, such as those found on some trucks. This technique helps you manually match engine speed to the speed of the gear you'll shift into. (A synchronized manual transmission matches the speed for you.)

Not quite. The answer is Move the rear reflective triangle back if the driver's vision is obscured to within 500 feet.

Other drivers should be able to see your stopped vehicle or its warning devices from at least 500 feet away in either direction. If your vehicle is obscured by a hill or curve, set out a warning device up to 500 feet behind your vehicle.

Not quite. The answer is adjust to conditions while driving.

To prevent a skid or a rollover, adjust your speed and driving style to fit current driving conditions. On slippery roads, avoid sudden moves.

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 Pennsylvania's requirements by contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or visiting their webpage "Hauling Information" [https://www.penndot.gov/Doing-Business/Permits/HaulingInformation/Pages/default.aspx]. [49 CFR 393.11],

Source: 49 CFR 393.87

Not quite. The answer is 2

According to CVSA's North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, no more than 20% (rounded up to the next whole number) of a vehicle's brakes can be defective. A 3-axle truck has 6 brakes. 20% × 6 = 1.2, which rounded up to the next whole number equals 2. Therefore, no more than 2 brakes can be defective, or else the vehicle will be placed out of service. In this context, defects include a brake shoe or brake pad that fails to contact the brake drum or rotor when the service brakes are applied, or an audible air leak at a brake chamber.

Not quite. The answer is The hub oil level and possible leaks

It can be unsafe to drive with a damaged wheel bearing. Therefore, inspect each wheel bearing for leaks that can allow grease to seep out or dirty water to seep in. The wheel bearing is located behind the wheel. Check for grease on the wheel and any other evidence of cracks or leaks in the wheel bearing.

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.