CDL General Knowledge Practice Test 3

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a part of the steering system?

Accepted Answer

Main spring

Answer

The steering system in a commercial vehicle is responsible for directing the wheels and includes components like the hydraulic fluid reservoir, tie rods, and steering knuckles. These parts work together to translate the driver's input into wheel movement. A main spring, however, is a component of the suspension system, designed to absorb shocks and support the vehicle's weight, and is not directly involved in the steering mechanism.

Question 2

When backing, what is the best method to use to avoid blind spots?

Accepted Answer

Use a helper

Answer

When backing a large commercial vehicle, blind spots are extensive and dangerous. While using mirrors and backing towards the driver's side are helpful techniques, the absolute best method to avoid blind spots and ensure safety is to use a helper, or spotter. A helper can provide clear guidance and alert the driver to obstacles or hazards that are not visible in the mirrors, significantly reducing the risk of an accident.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate reason to flash your braking lights?

Accepted Answer

To signal to tailgaters that they are too close to your vehicle

Answer

Flashing your brake lights is an important safety signal used to warn drivers behind you of slowing speeds or upcoming hazards. However, using them to signal annoyance or "punish" a tailgater is not appropriate and can be dangerous. This action can be misinterpreted as actual braking, potentially causing a rear-end collision, or it could escalate an already aggressive situation. Instead, it's safer to increase your own following distance and allow the tailgater to pass.

Question 4

You are driving a 50 foot truck at 38 MPH, how much space (in seconds) should you keep in front of you?

Accepted Answer

5 seconds

Answer

The standard rule for determining a safe following distance for commercial vehicles is to allow one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length. For a 50-foot truck, this calculation yields 5 seconds (50 feet / 10 feet per second). Since the truck is traveling at 38 MPH, which is not above 40 MPH, no additional second is required, making 5 seconds the correct safe following distance.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a recommended action to take when confronted by an aggressive driver?

Accepted Answer

Make eye contact and motion to them that you are calling the authorities

Answer

When confronted by an aggressive driver, the safest course of action is to avoid any direct engagement that could escalate the situation. Making eye contact or gesturing, such as motioning that you are calling authorities, can be perceived as confrontational and provoke further aggression from the other driver. Instead, it is recommended to ignore them, make every effort to safely get out of their way, and report their behavior to authorities only when it is safe to do so and without direct interaction.

CDL Practice Test

CDL Practice Test

CDL General Knowledge Practice Test 3