Washington CDL: General Knowledge Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is ten minutes.

If you must stop on a road or the shoulder of any road, you must set out your emergency warning devices within ten minutes.

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

When you start your vehicle, make sure you don't roll backward, or else you may hit something behind you. Put on the parking brake whenever necessary to keep from rolling backward. (Note: this may not be necessary when you're on a level surface with good traction.) Release the parking brake only when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above are important reasons.

Federal and state laws require drivers to inspect their vehicles. It's really for their own safety and that of others. If you find a problem during a vehicle inspection and correct it before you drive, you may prevent a disaster later that could jeopardize lives.

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

In your logbook, you must record each change of duty status, accurate to the nearest quarter hour (15 minutes). For each change, enter the location of the change and the reason for it in the Remarks section. Federal regulations refer to this information as an annotation, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) should have a way to enter such annotations electronically. Another use for the Remarks section is to record and annotate short-duration changes of duty status (those lasting less than 15 minutes), such as stopping for a few minutes to check the cargo securement. If you're temporarily exempt from some hours of service regulations because of an emergency or adverse condition, you should note that in the Remarks section, too. Finally, in the Remarks section, you should also identify the loads you picked up. One way (but not the only way) to identify a load is to enter the bill of lading number in the Remarks section.

Not quite. The answer is perception

The distance that your vehicle travels from when your eyes see a hazard to when your brain finally recognizes it as a hazard is called the perception distance.

Not quite. The answer is leaks.

The most likely problem with wheel bearing seals is leaking, so you should check for grease on the wheels and any visible evidence of cracks or leaks.

Not quite. The answer is Spring hanger

Component P is a spring hanger. Note: Your state CDL handbook misidentifies this part as a "front axle hanger."

Not quite. The answer is When you downshift to take a curve, you should do so before you enter the curve.

The safest way to take a curve is to slow down to a safe speed and downshift before entering the curve. This lets you use some power through the curve to help your vehicle be more stable while turning. It also allows you to speed up as soon as you are out of the curve. When you're about to start down a steep downgrade, release the gas pedal, downshift, and use engine braking to slow your vehicle. Don't try to downshift after your speed has already built up. You will not be able to shift into a lower gear then. If you try to downshift an automatic transmission after your speed has already built up, you may damage the transmission.

Not quite. The answer is coach buses

Electronic stability control (ESC) is a system that helps prevent skids. When the system senses that your vehicle isn't moving in the same direction that your steering wheel is pointing, it automatically applies the brakes on certain wheels selectively to bring the vehicle back under your control. ESC has been required on Class 7–8 truck tractors and buses (except school buses, perimeter-seating buses, and transit buses) since August 1, 2019.

Source: 49 CFR 571.136

Not quite. The answer is 2 tie-downs.

The rule is one tie-down for every ten feet of cargo, but at least two tie-downs regardless of how small the cargo is.

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 Do both (a) and (b).

Progressive shifting is a technique for shifting gears that improves fuel economy. Instead of upshifting when your tachometer approaches the top of its normal operating rpm range, upshift into the next higher gear as soon as possible. The rpm at which you need to upshift will get higher as you select higher gears.

Not quite. The answer is Within the first 50 miles of the trip and then every 150 miles or every 3 hours, whichever comes first

While the rules 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 may move into your traffic lane.

When passing another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, assume that they have not seen you and might move into your way. Communicate your presence to them and proceed with caution.

Not quite. The answer is involves releasing the brakes only after the wheels lock up.

In the stab braking method, you fully apply the brakes until the wheels lock. Then you release the brakes. Reapply them as soon as the wheels start to roll again. Repeat. (Note: Since this method involves deliberately locking the wheels, don't use it on a vehicle with antilock brakes. Use controlled braking instead.)

Not quite. The answer is Stay off the brake until your vehicle has slowed down.

In the event of a blowout at high speed, DON'T BRAKE unless you must do so to prevent a collision. Braking can lock the wheels and cause loss of control. Instead, hold the steering wheel firmly and keep your vehicle on course until it slows down. Then brake very gently, pull off the road, and stop.

Not quite. The answer is Brake adjustment

If your pre-trip inspection reveals problems with the brakes, note these on your vehicle inspection report. Your employer (the motor carrier) must repair any items in the report that affect safety, and certify on the report that repairs were made or were unnecessary.

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 Exiting a tunnel

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 coercion.

Federal regulations define "coercion" as when a motor carrier, shipper, receiver, or transportation intermediary threatens to withhold work from, take employment action against, or punish a driver for refusing to operate in violation of federal regulations. The FMCSA's Coercion Rule explicitly prohibits motor carriers, shippers, receivers and transportation intermediaries from coercing drivers to operate in violation of certain FMCSA regulations. If you have been the victim of such coercion, you can file a coercion complaint with FMCSA, but you must do it within 90 days of when the coercion took place.