Rhode Island CDL: General Knowledge Practice Test

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 control of the vehicle.

For full control of your vehicle, you need to know when and how to upshift or downshift. Learn under what special conditions you should downshift. For example, learn how to use engine braking to slow your vehicle on a steep descent.

Not quite. The answer is changing speeds frequently.

Aggressive driving is driving in a selfish or pushy manner, which is dangerous enough. Road rage is even worse: intentionally driving to harm someone or physically assaulting someone in his or her vehicle. Examples of aggressive driving include tailgating, purposely straddling two lanes of traffic, purposely blocking another vehicle from changing lanes, and honking the horn to express annoyance, anger, or frustration. Examples of road rage include deliberately ramming another vehicle and exiting one's vehicle to directly confront another driver. However, there are legitimate situations in which a motorist may need to change speeds frequently, such as in heavy traffic or on winding roads.

Not quite. The answer is start to slow down so you will be ready to stop.

A traffic light that has been green for a long time is probably about to change to a yellow and then a red light. When approaching such a green light, slow down and be prepared to stop. Never speed up in an attempt to "beat the light" before it turns red.

Not quite. The answer is A tractor pulling empty doubles

Strong winds make it difficult to stay in your lane. The problem is usually worse for lighter vehicles. And a double trailer presents a lot of surface area on which strong winds can act.

Not quite. The answer is Tire fires

Water can extinguish wood fires, paper fires, and tire fires. A burning tire must be cooled with lots of water. However, water on an oil or gasoline fire can spread the flames even farther. And because water can conduct electricity, never use water on an electrical fire because that can result in an electric shock.

Not quite. The answer is check critical items such as the tires, brakes, and cargo tie-downs.

Whenever you stop during your trip, check safety-critical items such as brakes, tires, lights, and coupling devices if any. Also make sure that your cargo is still secure.

Not quite. The answer is The use of brakes adds to the braking effect of the engine.

If you keep using your brakes to control your speed on a long, steep downgrade, the brakes may overheat and fade (become less effective). Instead, use engine braking, and use your brakes only as a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.

Not quite. The answer is the hours that you are normally awake.

To help prevent drowsiness while driving, schedule your trips for the hours during which you are normally awake, not the middle of the night. Get plenty of sleep (8–9 hours) before each trip.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above can work.

Today, most vehicles with ABS have a light on the instrument panel that will light up briefly when the vehicle is started to alert you about the ABS. Or you can check for wires from your brakes.

Not quite. The answer is The weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles

Axle weight is the weight transmitted from one axle or a set of axles to the ground.

Not quite. The answer is Medical history

The Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) is a national database of all CDL holders and their driving records. CDLIS enables state driver licensing agencies (SDLAs; popularly known as DMVs) to ensure that each commercial driver has only one driver license and one complete driver record. When you apply for a CDL with the SDLA or DMV of your state, that agency must check CDLIS to ensure that you don't already hold a CDL from some other state, and you weren't already disqualified by some state from holding a CDL. After you obtain a CDL, if you move to another state, your state SDLA or DMV will also use CDLIS to transfer your driving record to the new state's SDLA or DMV. Moreover, whenever you are convicted of a moving violation, your state is required to enter that information into CDLIS. Whenever you apply for a commercial driving job, your prospective employer will check your driving record through CDLIS. Any moving violation convictions you've received from any state will show up there.

Not quite. The answer is Pump the brake pedal three times; then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold it for five seconds. The pedal should not move.

To test a vehicle equipped with hydraulic brakes for leaks in the brakes, first pump the brake pedal three times. Next, apply firm pressure to the brake pedal for five seconds. If it moves, the brakes may have a leak or some other problem.

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

Sadly, the valuable cargo that you're carrying makes you a target for criminals. Take a variety of steps to ensure your safety at truck stops. First, study reviews of truck stops written by other drivers, and try to avoid truck stops that have been reported as dangerous. At a truck stop, park in a well-lit area, and lock the cab doors and cargo doors on your vehicle. Hide valuables in the cab from view. Let your carrier know where you'll be staying. Don't talk about the cargo that you're carrying; some criminal might overhear you.

Source: "Truck Stop Guide: Safety Tips and Tricks for Truckers," LubeZone, August 4, 2021

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 do both of the above.

You perform these actions during Step 3 (Get In and Start Engine) of the Seven-Step Inspection Method. To check the engine, first make sure the parking brake is on. Shift into Neutral (for a manual transmission) or Park (for an automatic transmission). Then start the engine and listen for any unusual noises. There are many other actions you must perform in this step as well.

Not quite. The answer is Neither of the above

Components N and O are bearing plates.

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 Both of the above

To ensure that your vehicle's engine won't overheat, make sure that there is adequate coolant and engine oil, and check that the coolant hoses are in good condition and not leaking. (Both coolant and oil help an engine stay cool.) Also check that the V-belt is tight enough. (A loose belt may not turn the fan or water pump adequately, which can cause the engine to overheat.)

Not quite. The answer is Wait for a large enough gap in traffic in the nearest lane before you merge.

To enter a freeway or expressway, (1) check traffic, (2) use proper signals, (3) yield the right-of-way to highway traffic, and then (4) merge smoothly into the proper lane. Driving on the shoulder is dangerous and (in most states) illegal except in an emergency.