Washington CDL Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is The consistency of the concrete to be poured

"Slump" is a measure of the consistency of fresh concrete. You measure slump by forming a sample of the concrete into a standard-shaped 12-inch-high cone, and measuring how far the cone "slumps" (i.e., how much its height declines). The more it slumps, the thinner the consistency of the concrete. For example, concrete with a 5-inch slump is thinner than concrete with a 3-inch slump.

Not quite. The answer is Many CMV accidents occur between midnight and 6:00 a.m.

Driving through the night when you would normally be asleep increases your risk of an accident. Many CMV accidents occur between midnight and 6:00 a.m. If you've had less than 6 hours of sleep before you drive, your risk of an accident is tripled. And one study has found that going without sleep for more than 24 hours can impair your coordination and reaction time as much as being legally intoxicated.

Not quite. The answer is You will have time to plan your escape if the hazard becomes an emergency.

The National Safety Council defines defensive driving as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others." Defensive driving is about anticipating potentially dangerous situations in advance, including driving conditions and mistakes made by others, and planning how to deal with those situations. To be a defensive driver, you must constantly scan for hazards all around your vehicle. When you spot a hazard, think about the emergencies that might develop from it and formulate plans to deal with them.

Not quite. The answer is To tighten tiedown chains

A load binder (also known as a chain binder) is used to tighten a tiedown chain so the load can't shift. Some load binders are tightened with a lever; others use a ratchet mechanism.

Not quite. The answer is you can see better, watching the vehicle's rear from the side window.

You should always back toward the driver's side because you will be able to see things much more easily. For example, you can keep an eye on the vehicle's rear by viewing it from your side window. If your truck pulls in either direction, it needs service. Your neck's comfort should not affect your safety decision.

Not quite. The answer is Short circuits and loose connections

Smoking, flammable cargo, and spilled fuel are potentially dangerous. Properly managed, however, they should not start a fire except under special circumstances such as a short circuit or loose connection.

Not quite. The answer is the maximum weight that a tire can safely carry at a specified pressure.

The tire load rating is the maximum weight that a tire can safely carry at a specified tire pressure. This figure is stated on the side of the tire.

Not quite. The answer is release the parking brake as you apply engine power.

If you start to move your vehicle when facing uphill, you need to take steps to keep from rolling back. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake. Put on the parking brake whenever necessary to keep from rolling back. Release the parking brake only when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back. On a tractor-trailer equipped with a trailer brake hand valve, the hand valve can be applied to keep from rolling back until you've built up engine power.

Not quite. The answer is the tracks have a steep approach.

Raised railroad crossings with steep approaches can cause your vehicle to get hung up on the tracks. This is more likely if you're driving a vehicle with low ground clearance (such as a lowboy, car carrier, or moving van).

Not quite. The answer is 30 days.

You must notify your employer within 30 days of conviction for any traffic violation except parking, even if you weren't driving a CMV at the time. Legally, paying the fine on a traffic ticket constitutes an admission of guilt: you are waiving your right to challenge the ticket in court.

Not quite. The answer is For both of the above reasons

Washington State and most other states require you to signal continuously before starting a turn. As you approach the turn and perform the turn, keep both hands on the wheel for safety.

Source: RCW § 46.61.305

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

The amount of off-tracking depends on three factors: the length of the vehicle, the sharpness of the curve or turn, and the amount of sideways drag on the rear tires. In general, the longer the vehicle, the greater the off-tracking. In a tractor-trailer, the amount of off-tracking depends on both the distance from the steering axle to the trailer kingpin, and the distance from the trailer kingpin to the trailer rear wheels. If your trailer is equipped with sliding tandems, then sliding the tandems backward will increase off-tracking. Also, the sharper the curve or turn, the greater the off-tracking. And the stronger the sideways drag on the rear tires, the greater the off-tracking.

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

If you're stopping at an accident scene, pull your vehicle as far away from traffic and as close to the side of the road as possible. If you're stopping to help at an accident scene, park a short distance away to leave the immediate area clear for emergency vehicles.

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 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 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. Never increase your speed to appease or outdistance a tailgater. No speed is too fast for some tailgaters.

Not quite. The answer is In the front, back, or sides of the cargo

Two ways to secure cargo are blocking and bracing. Blocking is used in the front, back, or sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding. Blocking is shaped to fit snugly against cargo. It is secured to the cargo deck to prevent cargo movement. Bracing is another way to prevent movement of cargo. Bracing goes from the upper part of the cargo to the floor or walls of the cargo compartment.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above

Use your brake lights to warn other drivers that you are preparing to slow down or stop, or there is a hazard ahead for which you'll have to slow down.

Not quite. The answer is should be performed after every break you take while driving.

While the rules may vary by jurisdiction, your state CDL handbook 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 Four times as much

When you double your speed, your braking distance increases by roughly the square of the speed increase – to about four times as much as before. For example, increasing your speed from 15 to 30 mph will increase your stopping distance from 46 to 148 feet.