Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the recommended technique for shifting a 10-speed manual transmission truck from 5th to 6th gear (the split)?

Use the splitter switch to go from low to high split while near the shift point (Correct answer)
Apply the brakes briefly to slow engine RPM
Toggle the range selector to high range while in neutral
Use the clutch and shift lever simultaneously with extra force

Correct answer: Use the splitter switch to go from low to high split while near the shift point

At the appropriate RPM, the splitter switch is toggled to high position while releasing the throttle briefly, engaging the split gear without moving the main shift lever.

Question 2: A driver is on the road when the low air pressure warning light and buzzer activate. What is the most critical and immediate action the driver must take?

Increase speed to reach the nearest service center quickly.
Shift to a lower gear to use the engine to help slow down.
Pump the brake pedal rapidly to try and build pressure.
Find a safe place to pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as possible. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Find a safe place to pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as possible.

The low air pressure warning indicates a critical loss of air, which will soon lead to the spring brakes applying automatically and a potential loss of braking control. The only safe and correct response is to stop the vehicle in a safe location immediately to diagnose the problem.

Question 3: A fully loaded CMV traveling at 55 mph will require approximately how much total stopping distance?

200–250 feet
450–500 feet
300–400 feet (Correct answer)
100–150 feet

Correct answer: 300–400 feet

A fully loaded CMV at 55 mph requires roughly 300–400 feet to come to a complete stop when you factor in perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. This is far greater than a passenger car and is why maintaining large following distances is critical.

Question 4: When backing a tractor-trailer, which direction does the trailer go when the driver turns the steering wheel to the left?

The trailer moves straight back
The trailer moves left
The trailer moves right (Correct answer)
The trailer pivots away from the cab

Correct answer: The trailer moves right

When backing, turning the steering wheel left moves the front of the tractor left, which pushes the trailer to the right.

Question 5: How should you check dual tires for proper inflation during a pre-trip inspection?

Kick them to hear the sound
Use a properly calibrated tire pressure gauge (Correct answer)
Feel their temperature by hand
Look at them only

Correct answer: Use a properly calibrated tire pressure gauge

Only a tire pressure gauge gives an accurate inflation reading.

Question 6: What are the warning signs of a failing alternator?

Improved fuel economy
Dimming lights, warning light on dashboard, dead battery, and electrical system malfunctions (Correct answer)
Better air conditioning performance
Louder engine noise

Correct answer: Dimming lights, warning light on dashboard, dead battery, and electrical system malfunctions

Signs of alternator failure include dimming or flickering headlights, the battery/charging warning light illuminating, a dead or low battery, and erratic electrical system behavior.

Question 7: What is the purpose of a Jake Brake (engine retarder)?

To convert the engine into an air compressor to slow the vehicle (Correct answer)
To control trailer sway
To boost engine power on steep climbs
To lock the rear axles during braking

Correct answer: To convert the engine into an air compressor to slow the vehicle

A Jake Brake (compression release engine brake) opens exhaust valves at the top of the compression stroke, turning the engine into a retarding device.

Question 8: What is the primary cause of trailer jackknife during braking?

Applying the hand valve on a straight road
Locking the tractor drive axle brakes
Locking the trailer wheels, causing the trailer to push and swing outward (Correct answer)
Using the Jake Brake on a wet surface

Correct answer: Locking the trailer wheels, causing the trailer to push and swing outward

Trailer jackknife occurs when the trailer wheels lock and the trailer continues to push forward, swinging the trailer around the pivot point of the fifth wheel.

Question 9: A driver is operating on a long, steep downgrade and notices they must press harder on the brake pedal to achieve the same stopping force. The pedal feels firm, but the truck is not slowing as it should. What is this dangerous condition called?

Air-line freeze-up
Brake lag
Brake fade (Correct answer)
Compressor failure

Correct answer: Brake fade

This scenario describes brake fade, which is a significant loss of stopping power that occurs when excessive heat from prolonged or hard braking reduces the friction between the brake shoes and drums.

Question 10: What should you do with the tractor parking brakes before beginning the uncoupling process?

Set only the trailer brakes, not the tractor brakes
Apply them to hold the rig in place (Correct answer)
Brakes are not required if the vehicle is on level ground
Release them so the tractor can roll away freely

Correct answer: Apply them to hold the rig in place

The tractor parking brakes must be applied before uncoupling begins. This prevents the tractor from moving unexpectedly while you are disconnecting the kingpin, air lines, and electrical connections, which could cause serious injury.

Question 11: Holding on to the emergency brakes requires:

dynamic pressure.
mechanical force. (Correct answer)
hydraulic pressure.
air pressure.

Correct answer: mechanical force.

Emergency brakes (also known as parking brakes) in most vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, operate using mechanical force. They typically engage a cable system that physically applies brake shoes or pads to the wheels, holding the vehicle stationary. Unlike service brakes which use hydraulic or air pressure, the emergency brake relies on a direct mechanical linkage to maintain its hold.

Question 12: If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should:

Release the accelerator and hold the steering wheel steady (Correct answer)
Accelerate to regain control
Turn the wheel sharply
Brake hard immediately

Correct answer: Release the accelerator and hold the steering wheel steady

Easing off the gas lets the tires slow and regain contact without sudden steering or braking.

Question 13: What is the 'Smith System' for defensive driving?

A vehicle maintenance schedule
Five principles for safe space management and hazard avoidance (Correct answer)
A method for loading cargo
A CDL test preparation course

Correct answer: Five principles for safe space management and hazard avoidance

The Smith System consists of five defensive driving principles: aim high in steering, get the big picture, keep your eyes moving, leave yourself an out, and make sure they see you.

Question 14: What is 'off-tracking' in a tractor-trailer?

When the trailer drifts out of its lane on a highway
The lateral sway of the trailer at highway speed
When the kingpin disengages during a sharp turn
The tendency of rear axles to follow a tighter path than the front axles in a turn (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The tendency of rear axles to follow a tighter path than the front axles in a turn

Off-tracking occurs because the rear axles of a long vehicle follow a shorter arc than the front axles, causing them to cut inside on turns.

Question 15: What is a 'jackknife' and what typically causes it?

When the engine stalls during a turn
When the steering wheel locks
When the tractor drive wheels lock up and the tractor swings sideways relative to the trailer (Correct answer)
When the trailer tips over sideways

Correct answer: When the tractor drive wheels lock up and the tractor swings sideways relative to the trailer

A jackknife occurs when the tractor's drive wheels lose traction (usually from hard braking) and the tractor rotates around the fifth wheel connection point, folding against the trailer like a closing jackknife.

Question 16: Why should you reduce speed in work zones beyond obeying posted limits?

Work zones have better road surfaces
Reduced space, workers, and sudden stops require extra caution (Correct answer)
Speed does not matter in work zones
Trucks are exempt from work-zone limits

Correct answer: Reduced space, workers, and sudden stops require extra caution

Narrow lanes, workers, and abrupt traffic changes make lower speeds and extra space essential.

Question 17: On vehicles with antilock braking systems (ABS), during a hard stop you should:

Pump the brake pedal rapidly
Use only the parking brake
Release the brake completely
Apply firm, steady pressure and let ABS work (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Apply firm, steady pressure and let ABS work

With ABS you press and hold firm, steady brake pressure and let the system prevent wheel lock-up.

Question 18: What is engine braking and when should it be used?

Applying the exhaust brake at stop signs only
Using a lower gear to use engine compression as a retarding force (Correct answer)
Using the service brakes to slow the engine
Cutting fuel to the engine at highway speed

Correct answer: Using a lower gear to use engine compression as a retarding force

Engine braking uses gear reduction to create compression resistance, slowing the vehicle without relying on service brakes — especially useful on long downgrades.

Question 19: What is the correct procedure for making a right turn with a long combination vehicle?

Swing wide to the left first to allow the rear axles to clear the curb
Use the button hook method from the right lane (Correct answer)
Slow to 5 mph and make the turn normally
Turn sharply from the far right lane

Correct answer: Use the button hook method from the right lane

The button hook (or jug handle) method involves pulling forward past the turn point before swinging right so rear axles track closer to the curb.

Question 20: What should a CMV driver do if the vehicle begins to hydroplane?

Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden steering corrections (Correct answer)
Accelerate to push through the water
Engage the Jake Brake
Apply full brakes immediately

Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden steering corrections

When hydroplaning, gently release the accelerator and hold a steady steering course — sudden inputs can cause loss of control.

Question 21: What does a static air leak test check for?

Engine oil pressure
Tire tread depth
Air pressure loss with the engine off and brakes released/applied (Correct answer)
Coolant temperature

Correct answer: Air pressure loss with the engine off and brakes released/applied

With the engine off you check that air loss stays within allowed limits for the parking brake condition.

Question 22: What is the recommended following distance for a CMV traveling at highway speed in normal conditions?

One car length for every 10 mph
4 seconds for all speeds above 40 mph
1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length (Correct answer)
2 seconds regardless of vehicle length

Correct answer: 1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length

FMCSA recommends one second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds up to 40 mph, plus one additional second above 40 mph.

Question 23: What is the recommended response if a tire blows out while driving?

Steer sharply to the shoulder
Accelerate to regain control
Brake hard immediately
Hold the wheel firmly and slow gradually (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly and slow gradually

Holding the steering wheel firmly and easing off the accelerator helps maintain control after a blowout.

Question 24: What should a driver do if steering becomes heavy or unresponsive while driving a CMV?

Accelerate to restore hydraulic pressure
Safely reduce speed, signal, and pull off the road to inspect (Correct answer)
Brake hard and pull the parking brake
Continue driving but avoid turning

Correct answer: Safely reduce speed, signal, and pull off the road to inspect

Heavy or unresponsive steering indicates a possible power steering failure or front-end problem — the driver must pull over safely and inspect immediately.

Question 25: What happens if a driver tries to downshift at too high a speed in a manual transmission truck?

The engine will over-rev and transmission damage can occur (Correct answer)
The air brakes will engage
Nothing — the transmission prevents it
The transmission will automatically skip to a lower gear

Correct answer: The engine will over-rev and transmission damage can occur

Forcing a downshift at excessive speed causes the engine to over-rev when the gear engages, potentially damaging the transmission or drivetrain.

Question 26: During the uncoupling process, when is the correct time to disconnect the air lines and electrical cord?

It does not matter — disconnect them in any order
After the landing gear is down but before releasing the fifth wheel (Correct answer)
After the tractor has driven away from the trailer
Before lowering the landing gear

Correct answer: After the landing gear is down but before releasing the fifth wheel

Air lines and the electrical cord should be disconnected after the landing gear is lowered and supporting the trailer but before releasing the fifth wheel latch. This sequence ensures the trailer is stable before you remove connections, and prevents the lines from being dragged when the tractor pulls away.

Question 27: A tire is considered flat and must not be driven on when its air pressure is what?

Any pressure below the sidewall maximum
Under 100 PSI
Under 50 PSI
Less than 50% of the maximum rated pressure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Less than 50% of the maximum rated pressure

A tire with less than 50 percent of its correct/maximum pressure is treated as flat.

Question 28: A pedestrian is standing at the edge of the curb looking down at a phone as you approach. What should you do?

Accelerate to pass before they move
Maintain speed since they are not in the road
Flash your lights to warn them
Cover the brake and be ready to stop in case they step out (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cover the brake and be ready to stop in case they step out

A distracted pedestrian may step into the road unexpectedly, so prepare to stop.

Question 29: Under federal Hours of Service regulations, what is the maximum number of hours a property-carrying driver may drive after coming off 10 consecutive hours off duty?

8 hours
10 hours
14 hours
11 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 11 hours

Property-carrying drivers are permitted to drive a maximum of 11 hours after accumulating 10 consecutive hours off duty. This is often called the '11-hour driving limit' and is separate from the broader 14-hour on-duty window.

Question 30: What federal agency is responsible for ELDT requirements?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (Correct answer)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The Department of Education
The Environmental Protection Agency

Correct answer: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

The FMCSA, a division of the US Department of Transportation, is responsible for establishing and enforcing Entry-Level Driver Training requirements for commercial motor vehicle operators.

Question 31: When securing cargo, tie-downs must be checked how often on a trip?

Within the first 50 miles and periodically (Correct answer)
Never during transit
Only before departure
Only at the destination

Correct answer: Within the first 50 miles and periodically

Drivers must inspect cargo securement within the first 50 miles and at regular intervals during the trip.

Question 32: Why is it important to adjust speed when approaching bridge overpasses in winter?

Bridge surfaces freeze before regular road surfaces because cold air circulates above and below (Correct answer)
Bridges have lower speed limits
It is not necessary to adjust speed on bridges
Bridges are structurally weaker in winter

Correct answer: Bridge surfaces freeze before regular road surfaces because cold air circulates above and below

Bridges and overpasses freeze before regular roadway because they are exposed to cold air from above and below, with no ground heat to keep the surface warm.

Question 33: What is the primary purpose of blocking and bracing cargo?

To protect the cargo from rain
To prevent cargo from shifting during transport (Correct answer)
To reduce the weight of the load
To make the load look neat

Correct answer: To prevent cargo from shifting during transport

Blocking and bracing prevents cargo from shifting forward, backward, or sideways during transport, which could cause load instability and potentially a crash.

Question 34: When the steering wheel is turned LEFT while backing a tractor-trailer, which way does the rear of the trailer move?

Right (Correct answer)
Left
The trailer does not respond immediately
Straight back

Correct answer: Right

Turning the steering wheel left while backing causes the tractor to go left, which pushes the rear of the trailer to the right.

Question 35: How many red reflective triangles or warning devices must a CMV carry for emergency stops?

Two
One
Six
Three (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Three

Commercial vehicles must carry three red reflective triangles as emergency warning devices.

Question 36: Why is it important to use the proper gear when starting on an uphill grade?

To allow the air compressor to build pressure
To avoid rolling back and maintain enough power to move forward (Correct answer)
To engage the PTO at the correct RPM
To prevent radiator overheating

Correct answer: To avoid rolling back and maintain enough power to move forward

Starting in too high a gear on a hill may stall the engine, while the correct low gear provides sufficient torque to move the loaded vehicle forward.

Question 37: Even when a vehicle is equipped with ABS, the driver must still:

Drive at any speed safely
Slow down for curves, keep space, and drive for conditions (Correct answer)
Ignore road surface changes
Skip pre-trip inspections

Correct answer: Slow down for curves, keep space, and drive for conditions

ABS does not let you drive faster or follow closer; safe speed and space are still essential.

Question 38: What is the purpose of a header board (headache rack) on a flatbed?

To hold spare tires
To protect the driver from forward-shifting cargo (Correct answer)
To reduce wind drag only
To store paperwork

Correct answer: To protect the driver from forward-shifting cargo

The header board protects the driver from cargo that could shift forward during a hard stop.

Question 39: What is the air pressure range within which the air compressor governor normally operates?

60–80 psi
80–100 psi
100–125 psi (Correct answer)
125–150 psi

Correct answer: 100–125 psi

The governor causes the compressor to cut in at approximately 100 psi and cut out at approximately 125 psi.

Question 40: What is double clutching and why is it used in heavy trucks?

A technique to engage the PTO
Pressing the clutch twice to engage the starter
Releasing and re-engaging the clutch while moving through neutral to synchronize gear speeds (Correct answer)
Using the clutch to slow the vehicle without brakes

Correct answer: Releasing and re-engaging the clutch while moving through neutral to synchronize gear speeds

Double clutching allows the driver to match transmission and engine speeds when shifting, reducing gear wear in non-synchromesh transmissions.

Question 41: During a severe thunderstorm with lightning, if you must stop, you should:

Stop on an open hilltop
Stand outside under a tree
Lie down in an open field
Stay inside the vehicle with windows up (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stay inside the vehicle with windows up

A closed vehicle offers protection from lightning, so staying inside is safest.

Question 42: When using a valid sleeper-berth split, how are the paired rest periods treated regarding the 14-hour window?

The window is eliminated entirely
Both count against it
Neither period counts against the 14-hour window (Correct answer)
Only the shorter counts

Correct answer: Neither period counts against the 14-hour window

When properly paired, neither qualifying rest period counts against the 14-hour driving window.

Question 43: What minimum overhead clearance should a CMV driver confirm before pulling into a loading dock or under a bridge?

Always use the vehicle's posted height plus at least 1 foot of clearance (Correct answer)
Trust that loading docks are always built to accommodate standard CMV heights
Assume any structure marked 13 feet 6 inches is safe for any CMV
Only check clearance for vehicles over 14 feet tall

Correct answer: Always use the vehicle's posted height plus at least 1 foot of clearance

Drivers must verify that available clearance exceeds the vehicle's actual height (including any cargo) by at least 1 foot as a safety margin. Posted heights can be inaccurate due to road resurfacing or settling, and cargo may shift or increase the overall height.

Question 44: Under the 14-hour rule, once a property-carrying driver comes on duty, within how many consecutive hours must all driving be completed?

16 hours
10 hours
14 hours (Correct answer)
11 hours

Correct answer: 14 hours

A property-carrying driver may not drive after the 14th consecutive hour following coming on duty.

Question 45: The adverse driving conditions exception may extend the maximum driving time for a property-carrying driver by up to how many hours?

1 hour
4 hours
2 hours (Correct answer)
3 hours

Correct answer: 2 hours

Adverse driving conditions allow up to 2 additional hours of driving time.

Question 46: While driving at night, a CMV driver notices the headlights are dimming and flickering, and the needle on the voltmeter is steadily dropping. These are primary indicators of a malfunction in which vehicle system?

The fuel system.
The electrical system. (Correct answer)
The hydraulic system.
The exhaust system.

Correct answer: The electrical system.

Dimming or flickering lights and a dropping voltmeter/ammeter are classic signs of a failing alternator, which is the component responsible for generating electricity and recharging the battery while the engine is running.

Question 47: When driving in extreme cold, why is it important to keep the fuel tank as full as possible?

To prevent fuel line freeze-up from condensation (Correct answer)
To keep the engine warmer
To reduce the need for frequent stops
To add weight for better traction

Correct answer: To prevent fuel line freeze-up from condensation

A partially empty fuel tank allows moisture to condense on the tank walls, which can freeze and block fuel lines in extreme cold.

Question 48: Under the Hours of Service regulations, when is a property-carrying driver required to take a 30-minute break?

Before accumulating 8 hours of driving time. (Correct answer)
Within the first 4 hours of their shift.
Only if they drive for more than 10 hours in a day.
After being on-duty for 8 consecutive hours.

Correct answer: Before accumulating 8 hours of driving time.

The rule requires a driver to take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving time have passed. The break must be taken before driving is continued beyond the 8-hour mark. This break can be off-duty, sleeper berth, or on-duty not driving.

Question 49: What should a CMV driver do if the low air pressure warning activates while driving?

Turn off the warning buzzer and monitor the gauge
Continue driving to the next truck stop
Pump the brake pedal to build pressure
Immediately pull over safely and stop; do not drive until the air system is repaired (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediately pull over safely and stop; do not drive until the air system is repaired

A low air pressure warning indicates the air brake system may fail. The driver must stop immediately because below a certain pressure, the spring brakes will apply automatically and the vehicle will have no service brakes.

Question 50: What is the primary goal of the ELDT regulations?

To increase CDL fees
To replace state road tests
To reduce the number of CDL holders
To establish a baseline of training for entry-level commercial drivers (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To establish a baseline of training for entry-level commercial drivers

ELDT sets a nationwide minimum training standard to improve highway safety for new commercial drivers.

Question 51: When traveling on a downgrade, which technique helps a CMV driver maintain a safe, controlled speed without overheating the brakes?

Using a lower gear and applying the brakes in short, firm intervals (Correct answer)
Riding the brake pedal continuously throughout the descent
Accelerating slightly to maintain momentum and reduce brake use
Shifting to neutral to allow the vehicle to coast down the grade

Correct answer: Using a lower gear and applying the brakes in short, firm intervals

On downgrades, drivers should select a low gear before starting the descent and apply brakes in short, firm intervals (snub braking) rather than riding them continuously. Continuous brake application causes heat buildup that can lead to brake fade. Coasting in neutral is illegal and dangerous.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

This certification ensures new commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers receive standardized training in both theory and behind-the-wheel instruction before taking the CDL skills test.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

80%

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