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

Question 1: How should a driver test the low air pressure warning device before driving?

Fan the brakes with the engine off until pressure drops to 60 psi (Correct answer)
Drive until the alarm sounds
Apply full service brakes for 30 seconds
Check it using a pressure gauge only

Correct answer: Fan the brakes with the engine off until pressure drops to 60 psi

With the engine off, repeatedly apply the brakes to reduce air pressure until the warning activates, which should occur at or above 60 psi.

Question 2: What is the most common cause of skids in a commercial motor vehicle?

A sudden shift of cargo
Improperly adjusted brakes
Under-inflated tires
Driving too fast for road conditions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Driving too fast for road conditions

Driving too fast for the conditions (e.g., rain, ice, curves) is the leading cause of skids. Exceeding a safe speed reduces the available traction and gives the driver less time to react to hazards, making a loss of control more likely.

Question 3: Why is it important to check the fifth wheel during a pre-trip inspection?

An improperly locked or damaged fifth wheel could cause the trailer to separate from the tractor (Correct answer)
The fifth wheel only needs monthly inspection
It is not important if the trailer was coupled by someone else
It affects the vehicle's fuel efficiency

Correct answer: An improperly locked or damaged fifth wheel could cause the trailer to separate from the tractor

The fifth wheel is the critical connection between the tractor and trailer. An improperly secured or damaged fifth wheel could cause catastrophic trailer separation.

Question 4: When traveling on a downgrade, which technique helps a CMV driver maintain a safe, controlled speed without overheating the brakes?

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

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.

Question 5: Under ELDT rules, what are the two required components of behind-the-wheel (BTW) training?

Urban route training and rural route training
Daytime driving and nighttime driving
Highway driving and mountain driving
Range training and public road training (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Range training and public road training

FMCSA requires behind-the-wheel training to consist of range exercises (conducted on a driving range or similar controlled area) and public road driving (conducted in real traffic conditions). Both components must be completed to satisfy ELDT.

Question 6: What is the primary danger of a tire blowout on a front steer axle of a CMV?

Overheating of the adjacent brake drum on that axle
Sudden loss of directional control that can cause the vehicle to veer sharply (Correct answer)
Increased stopping distance due to reduced braking surface
Damage to the rim that could result in the spare tire becoming unusable

Correct answer: Sudden loss of directional control that can cause the vehicle to veer sharply

A front steer axle blowout is particularly dangerous because steering input is transmitted directly through the front tires. A sudden loss of air causes immediate loss of steering control, requiring the driver to firmly grip the wheel, avoid sudden braking, and gradually slow the vehicle to a safe stop.

Question 7: Under ELDT, what must a behind-the-wheel instructor possess?

Any valid driver's license
A valid CDL of the same class or higher with at least 2 years of experience (Correct answer)
A teaching certificate
Only a commercial learner's permit

Correct answer: A valid CDL of the same class or higher with at least 2 years of experience

BTW instructors must hold a valid CDL of the same class (or higher) as the vehicle used for training and must have at least 2 years of CMV driving experience.

Question 8: When is it safe to shift to a higher gear in a manual transmission truck?

Only on level ground
When engine RPM reaches the top of the operating range and the vehicle is accelerating steadily (Correct answer)
Immediately after releasing the clutch from the previous gear
Whenever RPMs reach the maximum governed speed

Correct answer: When engine RPM reaches the top of the operating range and the vehicle is accelerating steadily

Upshift when the engine reaches the top of its power band (typically noted by manufacturer) and the vehicle has stable speed to accept the higher gear.

Question 9: What is the purpose of a header board (headache rack) on a flatbed?

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

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 10: What causes brake fade and how can it be prevented?

Wet brakes losing friction; prevented by driving faster to dry them
Cold temperatures shrinking brake components; prevented by warming up brakes
Using brakes too infrequently; prevented by braking harder
Overheating the brakes from continuous use; prevented by proper gear selection on downgrades (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Overheating the brakes from continuous use; prevented by proper gear selection on downgrades

Brake fade occurs when brakes overheat from continuous or excessive use, reducing their friction and stopping power. It is prevented by using proper gear selection and engine braking on long downgrades.

Question 11: A driver whose drive wheels begin to skid on ice should first:

Press the accelerator harder
Stop braking to let the wheels roll and turn quickly toward the skid (Correct answer)
Turn away from the direction of the skid
Set the parking brake

Correct answer: Stop braking to let the wheels roll and turn quickly toward the skid

Release the brake so the wheels roll freely and steer quickly in the direction you want the front to go.

Question 12: What is the recommended following distance for a CMV traveling at highway speed in normal conditions?

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

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 13: Which of the following best describes the 'offset backing' maneuver?

Backing with the trailer kingpin offset from the fifth wheel
Backing at an angle to place the trailer into a space that is not directly behind the tractor (Correct answer)
Backing with one set of wheels over a curb
Backing straight into a space directly behind the truck

Correct answer: Backing at an angle to place the trailer into a space that is not directly behind the tractor

Offset backing requires the driver to maneuver the trailer into a space that is laterally offset (to the left or right) from the truck's original path.

Question 14: What is the main risk of overloading a commercial vehicle beyond its GVWR?

Improved handling
Better traction
Lower fuel use
Reduced braking ability and control (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reduced braking ability and control

Exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating reduces braking ability and makes the vehicle harder to control.

Question 15: According to FMCSA regulations, when must a driver prepare a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)?

At the end of every trip, for all commercial vehicles.
Only when a defect is found on a property-carrying vehicle. (Correct answer)
Once per week, if no defects are noted.
Before starting every trip, regardless of vehicle type.

Correct answer: Only when a defect is found on a property-carrying vehicle.

FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 396.11 requires drivers of property-carrying CMVs to complete a DVIR only if a defect or deficiency is discovered. For passenger-carrying vehicles, a DVIR must be completed daily, regardless of whether defects are found.

Question 16: What are the HOS exemptions for short-haul drivers?

There are no short-haul exemptions
Drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius who return to the work reporting location within 14 hours do not need to use an ELD (Correct answer)
Short-haul drivers can drive unlimited hours
Short-haul drivers are completely exempt from all HOS rules

Correct answer: Drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius who return to the work reporting location within 14 hours do not need to use an ELD

Short-haul drivers operating within 150 air-miles of their reporting location and returning within 14 hours can use time cards instead of ELDs, though they must still comply with driving hour limits.

Question 17: When should a driver downshift a manual transmission CMV?

Only when coming to a complete stop
After entering a curve
Before entering a curve or hill (Correct answer)
At any time during normal driving

Correct answer: Before entering a curve or hill

Drivers should downshift before entering curves or descending hills to maintain control and engine braking power.

Question 18: What does the term 'stall speed' mean in the context of automatic transmissions in CMVs?

The speed at which the torque converter stops transferring power efficiently (Correct answer)
The RPM limit for park engagement
The RPM at which the engine shuts off
The minimum speed needed before shifting out of first

Correct answer: The speed at which the torque converter stops transferring power efficiently

Stall speed is the RPM point at which the torque converter can no longer efficiently transfer engine power to the drivetrain under load.

Question 19: When a driver follows you too closely, you ought to:

As soon as possible, go to the side of the road.
shorten the distance you're following.
Activate your alert flashers.
None of the above. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: None of the above.

When a driver is following too closely (tailgating), the safest action is to increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead of you. This creates a larger buffer zone, giving you more time and space to react if you need to slow down or stop, without forcing the tailgater to react abruptly. Activating flashers or pulling over might be necessary in extreme cases, but increasing your own following distance is the primary defensive measure.

Question 20: How do tire chains affect skid prevention and when should they be used?

Tire chains are only for show vehicles
Tire chains should only be used on dry roads
Tire chains eliminate all skid risk
Tire chains significantly increase traction on snow and ice but must be used at reduced speeds (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Tire chains significantly increase traction on snow and ice but must be used at reduced speeds

Tire chains dig into snow and ice to provide significantly increased traction, but the vehicle must be operated at reduced speed (typically 30 mph or less) to prevent chain breakage and vehicle damage.

Question 21: 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)
Nothing — the transmission prevents it
The air brakes will engage
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 22: During a pre-trip inspection, how much tread depth is required on the steering axle tires?

4/32 inch (Correct answer)
6/32 inch
8/32 inch
2/32 inch

Correct answer: 4/32 inch

Federal rules require at least 4/32 inch of tread depth on front steering axle tires.

Question 23: What is the purpose of a freight manifest or cargo manifest?

It replaces the need for a pre-trip inspection
It provides a detailed list of all items being transported in the shipment (Correct answer)
It authorizes the driver to operate the vehicle
It is used only for international shipments

Correct answer: It provides a detailed list of all items being transported in the shipment

A cargo manifest provides a comprehensive list of all freight items in a shipment, including descriptions, quantities, and weights, serving as the official record of what is being transported.

Question 24: Why should a driver never push the brake pedal down with the service brakes if a front wheel brake failure is suspected?

It could worsen steering instability (Correct answer)
It could cause a jackknife on the trailer
It could overheat the rear brakes
It provides no braking at all

Correct answer: It could worsen steering instability

Without front brakes, heavy brake application shifts weight rearward and can cause severe steering instability or loss of directional control.

Question 25: Under the sleeper berth provision, how may a driver split their required off-duty time?

Any two periods totaling 10 hours, with neither period less than 2 hours
One period of 8 hours in the sleeper berth followed by 2 hours off duty anywhere
One period of at least 7 hours in the sleeper berth and a separate period of at least 2 hours, totaling at least 10 hours (Correct answer)
Two equal periods of 5 hours each spent entirely in the sleeper berth

Correct answer: One period of at least 7 hours in the sleeper berth and a separate period of at least 2 hours, totaling at least 10 hours

The sleeper berth split rule allows drivers to pair a sleeper berth period of at least 7 hours with a separate off-duty or sleeper berth period of at least 2 hours. Together the two periods must total at least 10 hours, and neither period counts against the 14-hour driving window.

Question 26: What is 'off-tracking' in a tractor-trailer?

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

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 27: Under the 60/70-hour rule, a driver operating on a 7-day schedule may not drive after being on duty how many hours in 7 consecutive days?

50 hours
80 hours
70 hours
60 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60 hours

Carriers not operating every day of the week use the 60-hour/7-day limit.

Question 28: When loading cargo, what is the preferred placement for heavier items in relation to lighter items?

As low as possible and centered over or between the axles (Correct answer)
Evenly distributed only across the width of the trailer
At the rear of the trailer for easier unloading
On top of lighter items to keep the center of gravity high

Correct answer: As low as possible and centered over or between the axles

Heavy cargo should be placed as low as possible and centered over or between axles to lower the center of gravity, improve stability, and distribute weight evenly across the axles to avoid overloading.

Question 29: What is the danger of 'riding the clutch' in a manual transmission CMV?

It disengages the fuel pump
It causes the transmission to skip gears
It locks the differential
It generates excessive heat and premature clutch wear (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It generates excessive heat and premature clutch wear

Resting the foot on the clutch pedal causes partial disengagement and friction, generating heat that accelerates clutch wear.

Question 30: What is the maximum allowable cargo weight on any single axle of a commercial vehicle on interstate highways under federal bridge law?

80,000 lbs
40,000 lbs
20,000 lbs (Correct answer)
34,000 lbs

Correct answer: 20,000 lbs

Federal bridge law limits a single axle to 20,000 lbs, a tandem axle group to 34,000 lbs, and the gross vehicle weight to 80,000 lbs on interstate highways to protect road and bridge infrastructure.

Question 31: What is the ELDT requirement regarding night driving training?

Night driving is an optional module
Students only read about night driving
Night driving is not covered in ELDT
ELDT requires BTW training to include night driving experience so students can practice with reduced visibility (Correct answer)

Correct answer: ELDT requires BTW training to include night driving experience so students can practice with reduced visibility

The ELDT BTW curriculum includes night driving as a required component, ensuring students gain experience operating a CMV in reduced visibility conditions.

Question 32: 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 pivots away from the cab
The trailer moves right (Correct answer)

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

Slow to 5 mph and make the turn normally
Turn sharply from the far right lane
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)

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 34: What is the 60/70-hour rule in Hours of Service regulations?

You cannot drive after being on duty 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days (Correct answer)
You must rest 60-70 hours between shifts
You must complete 60-70 hours of driving training
You can drive a maximum of 60 or 70 hours in a single week

Correct answer: You cannot drive after being on duty 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Drivers operating vehicles for carriers that do not operate every day of the week cannot drive after accumulating 60 on-duty hours in 7 consecutive days. For carriers that operate every day, the limit is 70 hours in 8 consecutive days.

Question 35: What is the primary purpose of maintaining a proper following distance?

Meet weight limits
Allow adequate stopping time (Correct answer)
Reduce tire wear
Improve fuel economy

Correct answer: Allow adequate stopping time

A proper following distance gives the driver enough time and space to stop safely.

Question 36: When driving a CMV in heavy rain or fog, how should you adjust your following distance compared to normal conditions?

Double your following distance to at least 8 seconds
Increase your following distance to at least 6 seconds (Correct answer)
Reduce your following distance to stay closer to the vehicle ahead for guidance
Keep the same following distance since your mirrors compensate for visibility loss

Correct answer: Increase your following distance to at least 6 seconds

In adverse weather conditions such as rain or fog, stopping distances increase significantly because traction is reduced. CMV drivers should increase their following distance to at least 6 seconds (some guidelines recommend up to 8) to allow adequate reaction and braking time.

Question 37: What is the purpose of the 30-minute break requirement?

To update the ELD
To inspect cargo
To reduce driver fatigue (Correct answer)
To refuel the vehicle

Correct answer: To reduce driver fatigue

The mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving reduces fatigue and improves safety.

Question 38: Why is it important to use the proper gear when starting on an uphill grade?

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

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 39: What medical requirements must ELDT students meet?

Students must have a valid DOT medical certificate (medical card) before behind-the-wheel training (Correct answer)
No medical requirements exist
Only a regular doctor's note is needed
Medical exams are only required after getting the CDL

Correct answer: Students must have a valid DOT medical certificate (medical card) before behind-the-wheel training

Before beginning behind-the-wheel training, students must possess a valid DOT medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner, proving they meet the physical requirements for operating a CMV.

Question 40: A tire is considered flat and must not be driven on when its air pressure is what?

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

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 41: What does it indicate if the kingpin does not lock into the fifth wheel jaws when you back under the trailer?

You should increase reverse speed to force the kingpin into place
The trailer may be too high, too low, or the fifth wheel jaws may be worn or damaged (Correct answer)
The coupling is complete and no further action is needed
This is normal — drive forward slowly to seat it

Correct answer: The trailer may be too high, too low, or the fifth wheel jaws may be worn or damaged

If the kingpin fails to lock, the trailer is likely set at the wrong height, or there may be a defect in the fifth wheel jaws or the kingpin itself. Never force a coupling or assume it seated correctly — inspect the height, the fifth wheel condition, and the kingpin before attempting again.

Question 42: Which of the following endorsements does NOT require ELDT training under current FMCSA rules?

Passenger (P) endorsement
None — all endorsements require ELDT
School Bus (S) endorsement
Doubles/Triples (T) endorsement (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Doubles/Triples (T) endorsement

ELDT covers applicants for a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, and the Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement. The Doubles/Triples (T) endorsement is not currently included in the ELDT mandate under 49 CFR Part 380.

Question 43: If you notice steam or smoke coming from the wheel area of your vehicle while driving, what is the most likely cause and appropriate action?

A dragging or overheated brake; pull off safely, allow it to cool, and inspect before continuing (Correct answer)
Normal condensation from air brake chambers releasing; no action needed
An oil leak from the differential; add oil and continue at reduced speed
A loose hubcap rattling against the brake drum; continue to your destination and tighten it

Correct answer: A dragging or overheated brake; pull off safely, allow it to cool, and inspect before continuing

Steam or smoke from the wheel area is a strong indicator of a dragging brake or severely overheated brake drum. Continuing to drive risks brake failure, fire, or structural damage to the wheel end. The driver must stop safely, allow cooling, and inspect before proceeding.

Question 44: What does an ABS malfunction lamp staying lit while driving indicate?

The parking brake is engaged
The ABS is not working but normal brakes still function (Correct answer)
The service brakes have failed
The air compressor is overworking

Correct answer: The ABS is not working but normal brakes still function

An illuminated ABS lamp means anti-lock braking is disabled, but standard braking still works.

Question 45: During the coupling process, what is the immediate danger if the trailer is too high when the driver backs the tractor under it?

The tractor's suspension will be over-stressed.
The landing gear may be damaged by the tractor's frame.
The kingpin may travel over the top of the fifth wheel, resulting in a 'high hook'. (Correct answer)
The air lines will not reach the trailer connections.

Correct answer: The kingpin may travel over the top of the fifth wheel, resulting in a 'high hook'.

A 'high hook' occurs when the trailer is too high, causing the kingpin to slide over, instead of into, the fifth wheel locking mechanism. This is a dangerous situation that can damage the equipment and result in an insecure connection.

Question 46: What does it mean to 'fan the brakes' and when should it be avoided in a CMV?

Using the hand valve repeatedly; avoid on curves
Rapidly applying and releasing brakes; avoid on wet roads
Alternating between the foot brake and Jake Brake; avoid on gravel
Applying brakes in pulses; should be avoided on long downgrades to prevent air pressure loss (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Applying brakes in pulses; should be avoided on long downgrades to prevent air pressure loss

Fanning (rapidly cycling) the brakes on a long downgrade depletes air pressure faster than the compressor can replenish it, risking brake failure.

Question 47: What should a driver do if steering becomes heavy or unresponsive while driving a CMV?

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

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

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

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 49: What should you do if your engine overheats while driving?

Increase speed to get more air flowing over the radiator
Immediately shut off the engine
Pull over safely, keep the engine idling to circulate coolant, and investigate the cause (Correct answer)
Add cold water to the hot radiator immediately

Correct answer: Pull over safely, keep the engine idling to circulate coolant, and investigate the cause

If the engine overheats, pull over safely and let the engine idle (if safe to do so) to continue circulating coolant. Do not add cold water to a hot system as it can crack the engine block.

Question 50: What is the maximum height for cargo on most public roads?

12 feet 6 inches
14 feet 6 inches
There is no maximum height
13 feet 6 inches (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 13 feet 6 inches

The standard maximum vehicle height on most US roads is 13 feet 6 inches, though some states and routes may have different restrictions.

Question 51: Which of the following activities is NOT considered 'On-Duty' time under FMCSA Hours of Service regulations?

Performing a post-trip vehicle inspection
Fueling the commercial motor vehicle
Resting in a sleeper berth (Correct answer)
Waiting at a terminal to be dispatched

Correct answer: Resting in a sleeper berth

According to 49 CFR 395.2, time spent inspecting, servicing, or waiting for the vehicle are all considered on-duty. Time spent resting in a sleeper berth is specifically excluded from the definition of on-duty time.

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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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

ecfr.gov — Passing score, registration deadline · verified Oct 2026
fmcsa.dot.gov — Eligibility · verified Oct 2026