South Carolina CDL Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is 2

The rule is that you should have one tie-down per 10 feet of cargo, and you must have at least two per load, regardless of the length. So for 20 feet, you should have two tie-downs.

Not quite. The answer is There are blind spots that your mirrors cannot show you.

Mirrors can show a great deal around your vehicle, but there are still blind spots that you can't see. Keep an eye on all the vehicles around you that you can see, in case one of them starts to move into one of your blind spots. Also use a helper when backing.

Not quite. The answer is You may never park on the ramps.

Freeway and turnpike exits can be particularly dangerous for commercial vehicles. Off ramps and on ramps often have speed limit signs posted - these speeds may be safe for cars, but not for larger vehicles or heavily loaded vehicles. Exits that go downhill and turn at the same time can be especially dangerous. The downgrade makes it difficult to reduce speed. Braking and turning at the same time can be a dangerous practice. Make sure you are going slowly enough before you get on the curved part of an off ramp or on ramp. Do not park on the ramps.

Not quite. The answer is at least a one-year suspension of your CDL.

Under South Carolina law, if you are convicted of DUI in a CMV for the first time, you will face a fine of $400 – $1,000 or a jail sentence of 48 hours to 90 days, depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the offense. Furthermore, you will be disqualified from driving CMVs for at least one year. If you are convicted of DUI for a second time, you will face a fine of $2,100 – $6,500 and a jail sentence of between five days and three years, depending on your BAC at the time of the offense. Furthermore, you will be disqualified from driving CMVs permanently, ending your career in commercial driving. [SC Code § 56-5-2930],

Source: 49 CFR 383.51

Not quite. The answer is Pitman arm

Component E is the Pitman arm. The Pitman arm connects the drag link to the output shaft of the steering box. As the output shaft rotates, the other end of the Pitman arm moves forward or backward, causing the drag link to move left or right, which turns the front wheels in that direction.

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 No.

Trucks brake best when they are used as they were designed: to carry a properly balanced load. Empty trucks actually have longer stopping distances than loaded trucks because they have less traction.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above should be true.

During your pre-trip inspection, check that the brake pads and shoes are all present, free of debris and oil, and not cracked or broken.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above

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. Also, your vehicle may start to fishtail. On the other hand, heavy steering probably indicates that a front tire has failed.

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

When you drive down long, steep downgrades, the braking effect of your engine is what's most important, and your service brakes are only a supplement to being in the proper low gear. They cannot compensate for your vehicle being in an unsafe high gear without putting too much pressure on your brakes. Save your brakes so you will be able to slow or stop as required by road and traffic conditions.

Not quite. The answer is How you brake in an emergency situation is not that important.

In an emergency, you may have to brake to avoid a collision – but hard braking can cause a skid. Learn proper braking technique. Brake in a way that will keep your vehicle in a straight line and allow you to turn if it becomes necessary. You can use either the "controlled braking" method or the "stab braking" method, depending on the situation.

Not quite. The answer is Use your four-way flashers or brake lights to warn others.

If you must slow down for a hazard ahead of you, warn the drivers behind you by tapping your brakes to flash your brake lights. If you must drive very slowly or stop, warn other drivers by activating your four-way emergency flashers.

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 are caused by driving too fast or trying to stop too quickly.

Over-braking and over-steering can cause skids. Both over-braking and over-steering are more likely when you're driving too fast.

Not quite. The answer is back and forth, near and far.

When driving your vehicle, look ahead a full 12–15 seconds. Be aware of what is happening all around your vehicle, both farther from it and closer to it. Keep shifting your attention back and forth, near and far, left and right, so that you can constantly scan all these areas.

Not quite. The answer is one-third.

When a road is wet, stopping distance is increased, and you should reduce your speed by one-third. On snow, slow to one-half your usual speed. On icy roads, slow to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can do so safely.

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 Level III

A Level III inspection is a driver inspection. The inspector interviews you and checks your CDL and other documents. The inspector checks whether you're wearing your seat belt. The inspector also looks for obvious signs of impairment on your part, such as being under the influence of alcohol. Finally, the inspector identifies and verifies your carrier to be sure it is authorized to operate in the country. Unlike Levels I and II, the inspector does not examine your vehicle or cargo.

Not quite. The answer is 6 months.

Under federal regulation 49 CFR 395.8, your carrier is responsible for keeping a copy of your duty logs and supporting documentation for six months. An example of supporting documentation is your fuel bills, with time stamps. As the driver, you must keep your copy of the log for today and the last 7 days.

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

There are a variety of ways to help prevent cargo theft, and you should employ several of them. First, be aware of your surroundings. While driving, check frequently whether you're being followed. Park only in well-lit, relatively secure locations. Stay in communication with dispatch. Whenever you stop at a rest area or truck stop, let dispatch know about it. An uncoupled trailer should be locked so it can't be moved. Kingpin locks and landing gear locks are available for this purpose. Always lock your truck whenever you must leave it unattended.

Source: "How to stop cargo thieves dead in their tracks," American Trucker, August 31, 2019