Alabama General Knowledge CDL Practice Test

Question 1

WHAT KIND OF FIRE IS A B:C EXTINGUISHER GOOD FOR?

Accepted Answer

Electrical, fuel

Answer

A B:C fire extinguisher is specifically designed and rated for Class B and Class C fires. Class B fires involve flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and grease (fuel), while Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment (electrical). This type of extinguisher uses agents that interrupt the chemical reaction of these fires without conducting electricity, making it safe and effective for these specific hazards.

Question 2

WHAT IS "HYDROPLANING"?

Accepted Answer

Tires lose contact with road and have no traction

Answer

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water between the tires and the road. This loss of contact results in a complete loss of traction, making it impossible to steer, brake, or accelerate effectively. It's a dangerous condition that can lead to a loss of control, especially at higher speeds or in heavy rain.

Question 3

IF A TIRE BLOWS OUT, YOU SHOULD PUT THE BRAKES ON HARD TO STOP QUICKLY.

Accepted Answer

FALSE

Answer

If a tire blows out, you should not put the brakes on hard. Applying the brakes forcefully can cause the vehicle to swerve violently or lose control, especially if it's a front tire. Instead, you should hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and allow the vehicle to slow down gradually before gently applying the brakes to pull over safely.

Question 4

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF TIE DOWNS FOR A 20 FOOT LOAD?

Accepted Answer

At least one tie down for every 10 feet

Answer

Federal regulations require a minimum number of tie-downs to secure cargo properly. For loads that are 10 feet or shorter, at least two tie-downs are needed. For loads longer than 10 feet, there must be at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo length, in addition to two tie-downs for the first 10 feet. Therefore, a 20-foot load would require at least one tie-down for every 10 feet, meaning a minimum of two tie-downs (one for the first 10 feet and one for the second 10 feet), plus two additional tie-downs for the first 10 feet, totaling four tie-downs, but the question asks for 'at least one tie down for every 10 feet' as the general rule for longer loads.

Question 5

WHICH STATEMENT IS TRUE ABOUT REAR DRIVE-WHEEL BRAKING SKIDS?

Accepted Answer

When pulling a trailer, the trailer can push the towing vehicle sideways

Answer

Rear drive-wheel braking skids are particularly dangerous when pulling a trailer because the trailer's momentum can push the towing vehicle sideways. This phenomenon is known as jackknifing, where the trailer swings out and forms an acute angle with the tractor. The locked rear wheels of the tractor lose traction, making it impossible to control the direction of the vehicle as the trailer continues to push it.