Virginia CDL: General Knowledge Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is 2 years.

An FMCSA-approved medical examiner's physical examination is valid for up to 24 months. However, you may have to undergo a medical examination more frequently if you have a medical condition that should be monitored more often, such as high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus.

Not quite. The answer is about 250 °C.

Brakes are designed to withstand quite a lot of heat. The brake components can withstand temperatures up to about 250° C (482 °F) under hard braking.

Not quite. The answer is You could get hung up halfway across.

Many drivers forget about the space under their vehicles. That space can be very small when a vehicle is heavily loaded. This is often a problem on dirt roads and in unpaved yards. Don't take a chance on getting hung up. Drainage channels across roads can cause the ends of some vehicles to drag. Cross such depressions carefully. Railroad tracks can also cause problems, particularly when pulling trailers with a low underneath clearance. Don’t take a chance on getting hung up halfway across.

Not quite. The answer is Yes, but only a hands-free phone.

Under FMCSA regulations, a CMV driver is not allowed to hold a mobile device to make a call, or dial by pressing more than a single button. While driving, a CMV driver can only use a hands-free device in close proximity. Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a CMV can result in driver disqualification, as well as stiff fines levied against both the driver and the driver's employer.

Source: "Mobile Phone Restrictions Fact Sheet," Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, May 2012

Not quite. The answer is There may be strong winds when exiting.

Inside a tunnel, you don't feel the effect of crosswinds pushing you sideways. But once you emerge from the tunnel into an open space, the crosswinds will hit you. If your vehicle is traveling alongside another vehicle, there is some chance that the crosswinds will push one of the vehicles against the other.

Not quite. The answer is countersteer.

To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, stop braking so the drive wheels will unlock. However, as your vehicle turns back on course, it may overshoot and start to skid in the opposite direction. Quickly countersteer to counteract this tendency.

Not quite. The answer is between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Human beings have a natural circadian rhythm or "biological clock" that controls a variety of body functions, including when alertness and drowsiness occur. A person who usually awakens around 6 a.m. has two separate dips in alertness during a 24-hour day: one between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. (when the person is normally asleep), and one between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. (when the person is awake but may feel drowsy). This afternoon dip in alertness can be hazardous for a commercial driver who's on the road during those times.

Not quite. The answer is ½ second

If drivers react a half-second slower because of distractions, crashes double. This is why it is so important to avoid distractions while you're driving.

Not quite. The answer is Within 500 feet behind the vehicle

If you park on the side of the road and the view of your vehicle is obscured by a hill or curve, place a reflective triangle far enough (up to 500 feet) behind your vehicle so it can be seen by other drivers.

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 Hard steering and possible damage to the tires

Keep your load of cargo balanced. You need enough weight on both the steering and drive axles for adequate traction. However, too much weight on the steering axle can result in hard steering and even damage the steering axle and tires. Too much weight on one side can increase the risk that the cargo will shift.

Not quite. The answer is any detectable amount.

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.) 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 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 All of the above

The best advice for driving in fog is: don’t. It is preferable that you pull off the road into a rest area or truck stop until visibility is better. If you must drive, be sure to obey all fog-related warning signs and slow down before you enter fog. Turn on your 4-way flashers. This will give vehicles approaching you from behind a quicker opportunity to notice your vehicle. Use roadside highway reflectors as guides to determine how the road may curve ahead of you and listen for traffic you cannot see. Avoid passing other vehicles and don’t stop along the side of the road, unless absolutely necessary.

Not quite. The answer is 10 – 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Diesel #2 (2-D) fuel is the most common type of fuel for large commercial diesel-powered vehicles. This type of fuel contains paraffin. When the ambient temperature drops to around 14 degrees Fahrenheit, the paraffin starts to form visible crystals, making the fuel appear cloudy. The vehicle may still be drivable. However, if the temperature continues to drop further, the paraffin may gel to the point that it clogs the fuel filter. At this point, the vehicle won't start at all, or engine performance will be impaired. To prevent gelling, you can add an anti-gel additive to the fuel, switch to a winter blend of fuel that is less likely to gel at these temperatures, or use a fuel warmer or fuel line heater.

Not quite. The answer is 5 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 40-foot vehicle traveling at 50 mph, you should leave a following distance of five seconds.

Not quite. The answer is both of the above.

Regardless of who loads and secures the cargo, you, the driver, are responsible for its safety. As part of your pre-trip inspection, make sure that the cargo is balanced, secured, and not overloaded, and does not get in the way of emergency equipment. The cargo's safety could be compromised otherwise.

Not quite. The answer is should always be carried when driving in winter weather.

As winter approaches, prepare your vehicle for driving in winter weather. Among other things, carry the right number of chains and extra cross-links for the tires of your vehicle. The time may come when you won't be able to drive without putting chains on.

Not quite. The answer is any of the above.

Under federal regulations, if you're involved in a crash, you must contact the police if (a) there was a fatality, (b) an injured person was transported from the scene to be medically treated, or (c) a disabled vehicle was towed from the scene. All such crashes are considered reportable crashes.

Not quite. The answer is Special skills are required to haul liquid tanks.

It takes special skills to drive a tank vehicle safely. A fully loaded tanker can be less stable and more prone to rollovers than other types of CMVs. To legally drive a tank vehicle with a rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, you must obtain a Tank Vehicle (N) endorsement on your CDL.