ELDT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ELDT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. After coupling, the electrical (pigtail) cord should be: → Firmly connected and secured with no slack dragging
2. The aggregate working load limit must be at least what fraction of the cargo weight? → One-half
3. If a state agency cannot find a trainee's ELDT record in the registry, what is likely the cause? → The provider has not yet submitted the completion record
4. What emergency equipment must be verified during a pre-trip inspection? → Fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, and spare fuses (if applicable)
5. What is the maximum height for cargo on most public roads? → 13 feet 6 inches
6. What should the driver check about the emergency equipment during a pre-trip? → That the fire extinguisher is charged, and spare fuses and warning triangles are present
7. You can spot a trailer jackknife starting by: → Checking your mirrors and seeing the trailer swinging out
8. In what part of the day is black ice most likely to form? → Early morning and at night when temperatures drop
9. Where must a training provider be registered to legally deliver ELDT? → The FMCSA Training Provider Registry
10. When did the federal ELDT regulations take effect? → February 7, 2022
11. How long should a driver wait after the air compressor builds pressure before performing a brake check? → Until the governor cuts out around 125 psi
12. How should you adjust your following distance in rain or fog? → Increase it to allow more stopping time
13. What is 'cargo shift' and why is it dangerous? → Movement of the load that can affect handling and cause rollover
14. What is brake fade and when does it occur? → Loss of braking power from overheating on long downgrades
15. Which of the following actions is a critical technique for preventing skids while descending a long, steep grade? → Selecting an appropriate low gear before starting the descent.
16. What is the purpose of a post-trip inspection? → To identify defects that developed during the trip and report them for repair
17. Where must a training provider be listed to legally deliver ELDT? → The FMCSA Training Provider Registry
18. What should you do if your drive wheels start to skid on ice? → Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly
19. What is the primary purpose of performing a 'tug test' after coupling? → To ensure the fifth wheel's locking jaws have securely engaged the trailer's kingpin.
20. What is the purpose of air tank drain valves in an air brake system? → To drain water and oil from the air tanks
21. During an in-cab pre-trip inspection, what is the maximum allowable free play for a 20-inch steering wheel? → 2 inches
22. Which action best helps prevent skids before they start? → Adjusting speed and following distance to match conditions
23. Which color glad hand or line typically supplies the emergency (supply) air to the trailer? → Red
24. You notice a large puddle spanning your lane ahead after a storm. What is the safest action? → Slow down before reaching it since depth and hazards are unknown
25. What is 'blocking and bracing' used for? → Preventing cargo from sliding or tipping
26. What is the minimum air pressure required before driving a vehicle equipped with air brakes? → 100 psi
27. When checking the brakes during a pre-trip, what indicates a problem with the slack adjusters on S-cam brakes? → The pushrod travels more than about 1 inch when pulled by hand
28. What is the proper order for the fifth wheel release before pulling the tractor out? → Pull the release handle to open the jaws
29. At about what speed does stopping distance roughly quadruple compared to half that speed? → Doubling speed multiplies braking distance by about four
30. A cyclist is riding ahead of you on the right side of your lane. How much space should you give when passing? → At least 3 feet or as required by state law