CDL Class B Practice Test Guide

CA DMV CDL Class B Practice Test Questions A pre-trip inspection should be completed: (A) at least once a week (B) if any problems occurred the last time the vehicle was operated (C) before operating the vehicle (C) before operating the vehicle What should you do when you are driving at night? (A) Make sure you are driving slow enough so you can stop within the range of your headlights in an emergency. (A) Make sure you are driving slow enough so you can stop within (B) Roll down your window so that the fresh air will help keep you range of your headlights in an emergency awake (C) If you are sleepy, drink coffee or other caffeine products Which of the following is the correct term for a long commercial vehicle's tendency to swing wide on turns? (A) Sidetracking (B) Offtracking (C) Fishtailing (B) Offtracking When a coolant container is part of a pressurized system, which of these is true? (A) Check the coolant level of a hot engine (B) Safely remove the radiator cap and add coolant while the engine is hot (C) Use water only in the cooling system (A) Check the coolant level of a hot engine When you are parked at the side of the road at night, you must: (A) warn others by turning on your 4-way emergency flashers. (B) Put your warning devices out within 15 minutes (C) Use your left turn signal lights to give warning to other drivers (A) Warn others by turning on your 4-way emergency flashers While doing the pre-trip inspection on your vehicle's steering and exhaust system you found the following problems. Which one, if any, should be fixed before you drive the vehicle? (C) Play in the steering wheel of more than 10 degrees (2 inches (A) Too many vertical stacks on a 20-inch steering wheel) (B) Oil on tie rod (C) Play in the steering wheel of more than 10 degrees (2 inches on a 20-inch steering wheel) Containerized loads: (A) are exempt from hazardous materials restrictions (B) are exempt from weight limit restrictions (C) generally are used when freight is carried part way by rail or ship (C) generally are used when freight is carried part way by rail or by ship You are exiting a highway using an offramp that curves downhill and you are driving a heavy vehicle. You should: (A) do nothing because the posted speed limit for the offramp is usually 10 miles per hour below the safe speed limit for the offramp. (B) Slow to a safe speed before the curve (C) Downshift after you are in the curve (B) slow to a safe speed before the curve Water can safely be used on which of these fires? (A) Electrical (B) Gasoline (C) Neither of the above (C) Neither of the above Three things add up to the total stopping distance for your vehicle. They are: (A) perception distance, reaction distance, breaking distance (B) observation distance, reaction distance, slowing distance (C) perception distance, response distance, reaction distance (A) perception distance, reaction distance, breaking distance You are about to go down a long, steep, downhill grade in a newer truck. You should: (A) use a lower gear than you would use to climb the uphill grade. (A) use a lower gear than you would use to climb the uphill grade (B) use the same gear you would use to climb the uphill grade. (C) use a higher gear than you would use to climb the uphill grade 1/7 Which of these items is checked in a pre-trip inspection? (A) Cargo securement (B) Whether all vehicle lights are working and are clean (C) Both of the above (C) Both of the above If you are stopped on a one-way or divided highway, you should place reflective triangles at: (A) 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic (B) 25 feet, 100 feet, and 250 feet toward approaching traffic (C) 50 feet, 100 feet, and 300 feet toward approaching taffic (A) 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic. When a heavy fog occurs you should: (A) use high beams for best visibility (B) park off to the right side of the road with your parking lights on (C) park at a rest area or truck stop until the fog has lifted (C) park at a rest area or truck stop until the fog has lifted You should plan ahead when you park your vehicle so that: (A) it will be very easy for you to check your vehicle before you get back on the road (B) you are only required to pull forward when you leave (C) you don't need to back up more than 10 feet (B) You are only required to pull forward when you leave The term "Gross Combination Weight" refers to: (A) total weight of a powered unit and the trailer (B) total weight of the trailer and the load (C) total weight of a powered unit, the trailer and the cargo. (C) total weight of a powered unit, the trailer and the cargo. A driver should look ____________ ahead of the vehicle while driving. (A) 2-5 seconds (B) 5-10 seconds (C) 12-15 seconds (C) 12-15 seconds Which of the following statements is true about overhead clearance? (A) posted signs for overhead clearance are always correct (B) paving a road does not affect the clearance height under bridges or overpasses (C) cargo weight may change the height of your vehicle. (C) Cargo weight may change the height of your vehicle. Which of the following statements is true when you are performing a pre-trip inspection on your brakes and suspension system? (A) Brake shoes should be free of oil, grease, and brake fluid (B) One missing leaf spring is not dangerous (C) A cracked spring hanger is not dangerous (A) Brake shoes should be free of oil, grease, and brake fluid. A broken exhaust system is dangerous because: (A) Exhaust noise will damage the driver's ears. (B) Toxic fumes and gasses could enter the cab or sleeper berth. (B) Toxic fumes and gasses could enter the cab or sleeper berth. (C) The leaking exhaust smoke pollutes the air. Flags or lights are required on projecting loads that extend: (A) 4 or more feet beyond the rear body (B) 3 or more feet beyond the rear body (C) 6 or more feet beyond the rear body (A) 4 or more feet beyond the rear body. Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience tire failure? (A) Be aware that a tire has failed (B) Stay off the break pedal (C) Apply the breaks hard and immediately. (C) Apply the breaks hard and immediately After your pre-trip inspection, you should inspect your cargo: (A) within 10 miles of the start of the trip (B) within 50 miles of the start of the trip (C) within an hour after starting the trip (D) within 25 miles of the start of the trip (B) within 50 miles of the start of the trip Step 3 of the seven-step inspection method is Start Engine and Inspect inside the Cab. This step involves each of the following 2/7 tasks, EXCEPT. (A) Starting the engine then listening for unusual noises (B) starting the engine, then putting the gear shift in neutral. (C) Checking the air pressure (D) Checking the transmission controls (B) starting the engine, then putting the gear shift in neutral. Which of these should you NOT do during a drive wheel skid? (A) Counter steer (B) Steer into the skid (C) Turn quickly (D) Stop breaking (B) Steer into the skid Retarders (A) reduce the need to apply the brakes to slow the vehicle (B) apply braking power to the drive wheels (C) Reduce wear and tear on the brakes (D) do all of the above (D) do all of the above Which of the following is NOT a main concern when you are driving in very hot weather? (A) Loose belts possibly causing overheating (B) Tar bubbling up causing slippery roadways (C) Your seat causing you to sweat (D) Driving slowly enough to prevent overheating. (C) Your seat causing you to sweat An ABC fire extinguisher is designed to work on which type of fires? (A) Electrical (B) Gasoline (C) Wood, Paper, and Cloth (D) All of the above (D) All of the above Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up? (A) Accelerate while pressing the clutch and turning toward the driver's side. (A) Accelerate while pressing the clutch and turning toward the (B) Release the clutch driver's side. (C) Push in the clutch and shift into a higher gear at the same time (D) Release the clutch and press the accelerator at the same time An anti-lock braking system (ABS) will (A) increase a vehicles stopping power (B) shorten your stopping distance (C) not change the way you brake normally (D) let you drive faster (C) not change the way you brake normally Which of the following should you NOT do when you are being tailgated? (A) speed up (B) increase your following distance (C) avoid quick changes (D) avoid tricks such as flashing your brake lights (A) speed up If you are involved in a collision, you should (A) do the best you can to care for injured persons (B) gather appropriate information for a collision report (C) notify the proper authorities (D) do all of the above (D) do all of the above Legal maximum weight limits may not be safe in all of the following, EXCEPT (A) winter (B) mountain driving (C) traffic (D) a storm (C) traffic Which of these are signs of a driver under the influence? (A) stopping suddenly for no apparent reason (B) difficulty maintaining his or her speed (D) all of the above 3/7 (C) Trouble staying in his or her own lane (D) All of the above A top-heavy load is dangerous because it can cause (A) a rollover if you swerve around a hazard (B) a rollover on a curve (C) damage to the axles or steering (D) all of the above (D) All of the above Within how many days must you notify your employer of any traffic violations (except parking)? (A) 14 (B) 10 (C) 60 (D) 30 (D) 30 Which of these statements is true about the relationship between cargo and height? (A) The weight of the cargo does not change a vehicles weight (B) The height of an empty van is the same as that of a loaded one (C) The weight of the cargo changes a vehicles height (D) An empty van is lower than a loaded one (C) the weight of the cargo changes a vehicle's height Which of these will cause you to lose your CDL for a minimum of one year for the first offense? (A) Committing a felony that involves your use of a CMV (B) Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing when asked to do so (C) Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when your blood alcohol is .04% or higher (D) All of the above (D) All of the above Which of these should you do during a trip as part of your en route inspection? (A) Watch your gauges to check for trouble (B) Pay attention with your senses to possible problems (C) Check critical items when you stop, such as brakes, tires, and lights (D) Do all of the above (D) Do all of the above The aggregate working load limit of your cargo tiedowns must be at least ______ times the weight of the cargo. (A) two (B) four (C) one-half (D) two-and-a-half (C) one-half Which of these is NOT a possible penalty for having more than one license? (A) Being fined up to $5,000 (B) Warning for a first offense (C) Being put in jail (D) Having a California CDL canceled (B) Warning for a first offense At what speed should you test the stopping action of the service brakes? (A) 5 mph (B) 15 mph (C) 10 mph (D) 2 mph (A) 5 mph According to the state of California, what is the most important and obvious reason to check your vehicle? (A) To make sure your paint is not chipped (B) To see if your vehicle needs a wash (C) Safety (D) Employer Liability (C) Safety 4/7 The steps for checking your signal lights include the following (A) Turn off all lights, turn on the stop lights, and turn on the left turn signal lights (B) Turn off all lights, turn on the left run signal lights, and turn on (A) Turn off all lights, turn on the stop lights, and turn on the left the stop lights turn signal lights (C) Turn on all lights, turn on the stop lights, and turn on the left turn signal lights (D) Turn on stop lights, turn off all the lights, and turn on the left turn signal lights What must you do if you are involved in a collision that involves death, injury, or property damage over $1,000? (A) Surrender your CDL (B) Stop driving your vehicle for 10 days (C) File an official report on form SR-1 within 10 days (D) Do all of the above (C) File and official report on form SR-1 within 10 days During a seven-step inspection, checking the engine compartment does NOT include checking (A) the coolant level in the radiator (B) the oil pressure gauge (C) the battery fluid level (D) the engine oil level (B) the oil pressure gauge Which of the following should you NOT do while driving at night? (A) Avoid using your high beams, just in case (B) Avoid glare from the headlights of oncoming vehicles (C) Avoid blinding other drivers (D) All of the above (A) avoid using your high beams, just in case What is the safest speed when you are driving in heavy traffic? (A) the speed of the traffic (if not illegal or unsafe) (B) As fast as possible, to get out of the way (C) The posted speed limit (D) 15 mph below the speed of other traffic (A) the speed of the other traffic (if not illegal or unsafe) To help you stay alert and safe while driving, you should (A) Have a whiskey to brace yourself (B) avoid medications whose warning labels mention drowsiness (B) avoid medications whose warning labels mention drowsiness (C) drink coffee if you get drowsy (D) roll down your windows to get fresh air Your vehicle is stuck on railroad tracks. You should (A) keep trying to move your vehicle until you see the train (B) immediately get out of the cab and move away from the tracks (B) immediately get out of the cab and move away from the tracks (C) gather up your belongings and paperwork and then leave the cab (D) try to save some of the cargo if you don't see a train yet. When you back with a trailer, you should (A) not pull forward once you have started bucking (B) not bother to correct drift (C) back in as straight a line as possible (D) turn the steering wheel in the same direction in which you want to go. (C) Back in as straight a line as possible Which of these is NOT a common cause of vehicle fires? (A) Underinflated tires (B) Problems in the electrical system (C) Flammable cargo (D) Halogen headlights (D) halogen headlights Which of these is part of the seven-step inspection method? (A) Step 5: Do a Walk-around Inspection (B) Step 1: Vehicle Overview (C) Step 6: Check the Signal Lights (D) All of the above (D) All of the above 5/7 Checking your vehicle's suspension does NOT include checking (A) the air suspension components (B) the shock absorbers (C) the axle positioning parts (D) the tires (D) the tires According to the state of California, you are considered involved in interstate commerce UNLESS the cargo you are transporting (A) is headed for a location out of state (D) Originates in the state and is headed for a location in the state (B) consists of waste or other hazardous substances (C) Originates out of state (D) Originates in the state and is headed for a location in the state. Your safety equipment must include (A) spare electrical fuses, but only if your vehicle has circuit breakers (B) a spare front axle (C) three red reflective triangles to be used as warning devices (D) spare brake drums (C) three red reflective triangles to be used as warning devices In a seven-day period, you are permitted to drive a maximum of ___ hours. (A) 70 (B) 65 (C) 60 (D) 50 (C) 60 Which of these is NOT a problem associated with other drivers during night driving? (A) Loss of concentration from hunger (B) Lack of alertness from fatigue (C) Impaired vision (D) Temporary blindness from glare (A) Loss of concentration from hunger On wet roads, you should reduce your speed by (A) one-half (B) one-quarter (C) 60 percent (D) one-third (D) one-third Which of the following is NOT a proper way to signal? (A) Turn your signal off after completing the maneuver (B) Signal early (C) Flash your signals to draw more attention (D) Signal continuously until you have completed your turn (C) flash you signals to draw more attention How far ahead do most good drivers look, according to the Handbook? (A) 5-10 seconds (B) 10-12 seconds (C) 7-12 seconds (D) 12-15 seconds (D) 12-15 seconds According to the Handbook, children present a hazard because (A) they don't know that trucks are dangerous (B) they don't know how to drive (C) they move quickly without checking traffic (D) they often have grudges against truck drivers (C) they move quickly without checking traffic Which of these equals the total stopping distance? (A) perception distance + reaction distance (B) Reaction distance + braking distance (C) Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance (D) Reaction distance + braking distance + signal distance (C) Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance Which of these is NOT a rule to follow for backing safely? (A) Accelerate slightly to complete the backing process quickly (B) Combine backing and turning toward the driver's side whenever you can. (A) Accelerate slightly to complete the backing process quickly 6/7 (C) Back slowly while using your mirrors (D) Make use of a helper as often as possible You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you (A) smoke, eat, and drink on straight portions of the road (B) preset your favorite radio stations (C) read maps or use your phone only when there are not other vehicles around you (D) have all your emotionally difficult conversations in your first hour of driving (B) preset your favorite radio stations Which of the following is NOT a basic skill needed to operate a commercial vehicle? (A) ability to back a vehicle safely (B) ability to steer (C) ability to multitask while driving (D) Ability to accelerate (C) ability to multitask while driving During your pre-trip test, when examining hoses with the instructor, you need to look for (A) a low windshield washer fluid level (B) frays in the water pump belt (C) the location of the dipstick (D) puddles on the ground (D) puddles on the ground You check your safety belt to ensure that (A) it is original equipment (B) it matches the color of the rest of your cab (C) it is securely mounted (D) it has six yards of slack (C) it is securely mounted 7/7