2019 UPDATED

The general knowledge test must be taken by all CDL applicants.

Some common cold medications can make you sleepy.

There is a federal requirement that each state have the same standards for licensing commercial drivers.

As a courtesy, you should signal drivers behind you when it is safe for them to pass you.

If you must drive on the shoulder, it is best to get all your wheels off the pavement and onto the shoulder.

Only the driver’s seat MUST have a seat belt.

For a cargo fire in a box trailer or van, you should leave the doors shut.

If you do not downshift before descending a hill, you may overheat your brakes.

If you are being tailgated you should increase YOUR following distance.

Stopping is ALWAYS the safest thing to do in an emergency.

You must be a resident of the state in order to apply for that state’s CDL.

Your employer may be put in jail if you have more than one driver license.

If you need to drive at an illegal speed in order to stay at the same speed as the traffic around you, you should do so.

Reflectors are considered a Critical Item to check when you stop.

If your brake pedal suddenly feels spongy or goes to the floor, pumping the brakes may build pressure back up.

Over a long haul, driving slightly faster than the speed limit will allow you to save significant time.

You should let some air out of hot tires so that the pressure goes back to normal.

States may have differing state rules about operating a CMV that are above and beyond federal rules.

When you are looking ahead, you are looking for anything that might make you change lanes or change speed.

There is a federal requirement that each state have the same minimum standards for licensing commercial drivers.

A retarder may cause skids when your drive wheels have poor traction.

You should use your low beams as much as possible at night and use high beams just when you need to see something far away more clearly.

If you use your headlights in the daytime, they should be on high beam.

If you take the CDL Skills test in a vehicle that does not have air brakes, you will have a Non-Air Brake Restriction on your CDL.

Both federal and state laws require CDL drivers to inspect their vehicles.

A CMV must carry spare electrical fuses unless equipped with circuit breakers.

There are many types of retarders. All of them can be turned on and off by the driver.

All states honor CDL Instruction Permits.

Retarders apply their braking power when the driver lets up on the accelerator pedal ALL THE WAY.

The requirements to obtain a CDL in one state may be different than in another state.

Rust around wheel nuts may mean that the nuts are loose.

All states are connected to one computer system to share information about CDL drivers.

If you swing wide to the left before making a right turn, another driver may try to pass you on the right.

Warning device placement is the same for a hill or curve situation where oncoming drivers cannot see your vehiclefrom 500 feet?

Rust around wheel nuts may mean that the nuts are too tight.

Tire changing equipment is considered to be mandatory safety equipment.

The vehicle used to take the skills test must match the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed.

The only requirement to remove a Non-Air Brake Restriction from a CDL is that you must take the WRITTEN air brake test.

A spring hanger defect in the suspension system could allow an axle to move out of position.

States will allow you to obtain a CDL Endorsement to a CDL issued in another state.

If you have to make a quick turn to avoid an obstacle, you should brake while you turn to decrease your speed.

If you must drive on the shoulder, it is best to keep one set of wheels on the pavement.

Drivers of newer trucks may have to use lower gears going down a grade than they would use going up the grade.

Glare effects older and younger drivers the same.

Coffee and fresh air will help you sober up.

An easy way to check for ice is to open the window and feel the front of the rear-view mirror.

Three beers will not effect you as must as three shots of whiskey.

You should not start a left turn at an intersection until you reach the center of the intersection.

You should use the engine brake as much as possible when driving on slippery surfaces.

If you cannot use driver-side backing, you should go around the block to put your vehicle in a better position.

A State Inspector can place your vehicle “out of service”.

Reflectors are considered a Critical Item to check when you stop.

An accident reporting kit is considered to be mandatory equipment.

If you can touch the radiator cap with your bare hand it is probably cool enough to open.

It is necessary to check EVERY belt in the engine compartment during the pre-trip inspection.

All vehicles carrying hazardous materials must have placards.

The front passenger seat is NOT required to be equipped with a seat belt.

A CMV must be equipped with fire extinguishers.

If you are hydroplaning, you can use the accelerator to spin the drive wheels and gain traction.

The CDL General Knowledge Test does NOT include any material on HAZMAT.

It is permissible to use retread tires on the front axle of a bus.

Trucks with a high center of gravity can rollover even if they are at the posted speed limit for a curve.

Accelerating slightly as you go around a curve is usually poor technique.

It is all right to wear sunglasses at night to block out glare from oncoming lights.

Federal and State inspectors may inspect your vehicle for safety items.

When driving on a CDL Instruction Permit, the person accompanying you must be in the seat beside you at all times.

Off-ramp speed limits may not be safe speeds for heavier vehicles.

You have 3/32 tread depth on a front tire. It is OK to move that tire to a rear axle.

You must notify you motor vehicle licensing agency within 30 days if you are convicted in any other jurisdiction of any traffic violation (except parking), no matter what type of vehicle you are driving.

If you do not wear a seat belt, you are three times more likely to sustain serious injury or death if you are thrown from the vehicle.

You must notify your employer within 3 business days if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving. You have 45 business days to notify them of all traffic violations no matter what type of vehicle you are driving, even your personal vehicle.

You are allowed to hold a CDL license in more than one state.

If you have a hazmat endorsement you must notify and surrender your hazmat materials endorsement to the state that issued your CDL within 24 hours of conviction or indictment in any jurisdiction, civilian, or military, or found not guilty by reason of insanity of a disqualifying crime, or if you are committed to a mental institution, or if you renounce your US citizenship.

You will be permanently disqualified from holding a hazmat endorsement if convicted, found guilty of conspiring/attempt to commit espionage, sedition, treason, terrorism, IMPOPER TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION-USE-SALE-DISTRIBUTION-ECT…OF AN EXPLOSIVE OR EXPLOSIVE DEVICE, murder, racketeering.

Drivers must complete a written vehicle inspection report each day including a list of problems you find.

If one-fourth of the leaf springs are missing, it will put the vehicle “out of service.”

Radial and bias-ply tires can be used together.

After a tire has been changed you should stop a short while later and re-check the tightness of the lug nuts.

Missing, bent, or cracked lock rings do not pose a danger.

Wheels and rims that have welding repairs are safe to drive on the road.

After getting into the vehicle you need to secure all loose articles in cab that might interfere with operation of the controls or hit you in a crash.

To test the service brake allow the vehicle to move forward about 10 mph and push the brake pedal firmly. If the vehicle “pulls” to one side or the other, or if there is any unusual brake pedal “feel” or delayed stopping action, the service brake may need repair before you drive.

Safely operating a CMV requires skill in accelerating, steering, backing safely, shifting gears, and braking/controlling speed.

You should set the parking brake before accelerating whenever necessary to keep from rolling backward.

You should accelerate quickly.

When you park, you should always try to find a spot so you will be able to pull forward when you leave. Avoid backing whenever possible.

Even though it is recommended to back toward the driver’s side; you should always back in the direction that gives you the best vision.

When backing a trailer turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction that you want to go.

When backing a straight truck or bus turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction you want to go.

When backing a trailer on a curved path you should back towards the driver’s side so you can see. It is best to try to position your vehicle so you can back up in a straight line.

When backing, if your trailer is getting off path, you can correct it by turning the steering wheel in the direction of the drift.

Most heavy vehicles with manual transmissions require “triple” clutching to change gears.

The purpose of downshifting before you enter a curve is to use some power through the curve to help the vehicle be more stable while turning and to allow you to speed up as soon as you are out of the curve.

The DMV does not impose a restriction when a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission is used for a driving test (because the clutch is only used to start and stop the vehicle).

You need to be especially alert when nearing freeway on ramps.

Your mirrors should be positioned when the trailer is straight behind your tractor.

Convex mirrors show a wider area than flat mirrors but objects appear smaller and further away than in reality.

On a freeway it is best to signal a lane change at least 10 seconds before hand.

The reason you change lanes slowly and smoothly is so that drivers you did not see may have a change to avoid your vehicle.

If you see a hazard that will require slowing down, warn other drivers behind you by flashing your brake lights.

Before making a tight turn you should warn drivers behind you by braking early and slowing down gradually.

It is considerate if you signal other drivers when it is safe for them to pass you.

Whenever you are about to pass a vehicle, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist assume they do not see you.

When passing, (when legal), you should tap the horn LIGHTLY or, at night, quickly flash your lights from low beam to high beam and back to communicate your presence.

Reaction distance is the distance your vehicle moves from the time your eyes see a hazard until your brain knows it.

Reaction distance is the distance traveled from the time your brain tells your foot to move from the accelerator until your foot is actually pushing the brake pedal.

Perception distance+Reaction distance+Braking distance=Total Stopping Distance

Braking distance is the distance it takes to stop once the brakes are put on.

The emergency brake must hold the vehicle or combination of vehicles stationary on any grade on which it is operated under all conditions of loading and unloading.

The service brake of every vehicle or combination of vehicles must be capable of stopping from an initial speed of 20 mph within a predetermined maximum stopping distance.

The maximum stopping distance (MSD) for a service brake on a single motor vehicle less than 10,000 pounds is 30.

The (MSD) maximum stopping distance for the a single motor vehicle with a GWSR of 10,000 pounds or more, or any bus is 40.

The MSD for all other combination of vehicles excluding combinations of vehicles consisting of a passenger vehicles with a GWSR of less than 10,000 pounds combined with any trailer, semitrailer or trailer coach, is 50 MSD.

The brakes, tires, springs, and shock absorbers on heavy vehicles are designed to work best when the vehicle is half loaded.

Traction is the friction between the tires and the road.

If a road surface is icy you should reduce your speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can safely do so to install chains, if necessary.

On a wet road you should reduce speed by about one half.

On packed snow you should reduce speed by about one half, or more.

Wet ice is much more slippery than ice that is not wet.

Bridges freeze before the road will.

Shady areas of the road will remain icy and slippery long after open areas have melted.

Black ice is a thin layer that is so clear you can see the road beneath it making the road just look wet not icy.

Roads are especially slippery right after it begins to rain due to oil left on the road mixing with water.

If you go faster than the speed of other traffic it is more tiring.

It is okay to follow a school bus closer than 300 feet.

You may not overtake and pass another vehicle which is moving at less than 20 mph on a grade (outside a business or residential district) unless you can pass that vehicle at least 10 mph faster than it is traveling and the pass can be completed within one quarter mile.

When large vehicles are being driven in a caravan on the open highway at least 200 feet must be left between them to allow other vehicles to overtake and pass them.

You need at least one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph.

If you are being tailgated and another driver cuts you off you should take your foot off of the gas pedal.

If a road causes your vehicle to tilt causing a possible clearance issue you should drive a little closer to the center of the road.

Because you cleared a bridge when you were loaded means you can clear it when you are empty.

You should be aware of the clearance space under your vehicle, especially before crossing dirt roads/railroad tracks where you could easily get hung-up.

When making a right turn you should keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb to stop other drivers from passing you on the right.

It is against the law to enter an intersection if you cannot get completely across before the light changes.

Acceleration does not vary with load.

Drivers can be blinded for a short time by bright light.

You must turn on your headlights from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, or if snow rain fog or other hazardous weather conditions requires the use of windshield wipers, or when visibility is not sufficient to clearly see a person or vehicle for a distance of 1,000 feet.

It is permissible to drive with only your parking lights on.

It is okay to drive during fog.

Low beams should be used when driving in fog.

A good rule of thumb for selecting a gear for going downhill in an older truck is to use the same gear that you would use to climb the hill.

It is okay to shift gears while crossing railroad tracks.

A full stop at railroad grade crossing whenever: the nature of the cargo makes a stop mandatory under state or federal regulations and such a stop is required by law.

You should expect to hear a train horn if it is getting close.

Drivers with blocked vision pose potential hazards, some examples are delivery drivers, vans, station wagons, and vehicles with frost covered windows.

Potential hazards include: distracted drivers, children, ice cream trucks, talkers, disabled vehicles, collisions, confused drivers, slow drivers, drivers in a hurry, impaired drivers, and out of state drivers.

When steering for an emergency you should keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel, do not apply the brakes, do not turn any more than needed to clear whatever is in your way, and be prepared to countersteer.

If no escape ramp is available you should take the least hazardous escape route such as an open field, or a side road that flattens out or turns uphill.

Over-braking: braking too hard and locking up the wheels.

Over-steering: Not turning the wheel sharply enough.

Over-acceleration: supplying too much power to the drive wheels, causing them to spin.

Most serious skids result from driving too slow for road conditions.

Drivers who adjust their driving to road conditions do not over-accelerate and do not have to over-brake or over-steer.

The most common skid is one in which the rear wheels lose traction through excessive braking or acceleration.

Front wheel skids are caused by driving too fast for conditions.

If you are involved in a collision and are equipped with a CB or cellular phone the first thing you should do before you exit your vehicle is to call out over the emergency channel or dial 911.

You should move a severely injured person at an accident scene.

A B:C fire extinguisher is designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids.

Possession and use of any medication given to driver by a physician is permitted if the physician advised the driver that the medicine WILL NOT affect safe driving ability.

You must not drive if you become so ill or fatigued that you cannot safely operate a motor vehicle. In this instance drive only to the nearest place where you can safely stop.

Many hazardous materials can kill or injure on contact.

Shipping papers related to hazardous materials must be tabbed, kept on top of other shipping papers, in a pouch on the driver’s door, or in clear view within reach or on the driver’s seat when out of the cab.

Shippers write the proper shipping name and hazard class or division code in the item description of the shipping paper.

If the diamond label will not fit on the container, shippers will put a label on a tag, or in some instances, reduce the size.

The person who loads the cargo is in charge of placing the placards on the front, rear, and both sides of the vehicle.

You need not have a hazmat endorsement in order to drive a vehicle with placards.

When going downhill, brakes will always heat up.