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

Question 1: If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should:

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

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 2: How long should a driver wait after the air compressor builds pressure before performing a brake check?

30 seconds after starting the engine
Until the governor cuts out around 125 psi (Correct answer)
Until the low-pressure warning light goes off
Until pressure reaches at least 100 psi

Correct answer: Until the governor cuts out around 125 psi

Drivers should wait until the compressor governor cuts out (around 125 psi) to ensure the system is fully charged before testing.

Question 3: Why should tires of mismatched sizes never be used together on the same axle?

They look different
They can cause uneven load and handling problems (Correct answer)
They wear evenly
They cost more

Correct answer: They can cause uneven load and handling problems

Mismatched tires on an axle create uneven loading and unsafe handling.

Question 4: 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?

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

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

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

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

It locks the differential
It causes the transmission to skip gears
It disengages the fuel pump
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 7: How do you identify a potential road rage driver as a hazard?

They have bumper stickers
They are driving below the speed limit
They are driving a red vehicle
Aggressive lane changes, tailgating, honking, and excessive speeding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Aggressive lane changes, tailgating, honking, and excessive speeding

Road rage indicators include aggressive lane changes, tailgating, excessive honking, obscene gestures, speeding, and erratic driving behavior.

Question 8: When scanning the road ahead, how far ahead should a CMV driver look in a highway driving environment?

At least 12 to 15 seconds ahead (Correct answer)
About 5 seconds ahead
About 8 seconds ahead
About 30 seconds ahead

Correct answer: At least 12 to 15 seconds ahead

CMV drivers should scan at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead on highways, which equates to about a quarter mile at highway speeds, to provide adequate time to identify and respond to hazards.

Question 9: Why is it important to use the proper gear when starting on an uphill grade?

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

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 10: ABS intends to:

not provide you more control over the vehicle when applying the brakes.
not alter your usual breaking capability. (Correct answer)
reduce the distance you stop at.
increase your average speed.

Correct answer: not alter your usual breaking capability.

Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) are designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. ABS does not inherently reduce your stopping distance or increase your average speed. Its primary function is to enhance vehicle control during emergency braking, not to alter the fundamental braking capability or distance.

Question 11: 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 12: What role does speed play in a vehicle's ability to recover from a skid?

Speed has no effect once a skid has begun
Skids only occur above 45 mph, so speed below that is irrelevant
Higher speed provides more momentum to straighten the vehicle
Lower speed means less centrifugal force, making recovery easier (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Lower speed means less centrifugal force, making recovery easier

At lower speeds, centrifugal force pushing the vehicle off its path is reduced, giving the driver more time and physical margin to correct steering and braking. Higher speeds amplify skid forces and shrink the time window for successful recovery.

Question 13: What is the maximum allowable cargo weight on any single axle of a commercial vehicle on interstate highways under federal bridge law?

20,000 lbs (Correct answer)
40,000 lbs
80,000 lbs
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 14: The best way to prevent a trailer skid from locked wheels is to:

Turn off the ABS
Speed up
Recognize the skid early and release the brakes to let the trailer wheels roll (Correct answer)
Brake as hard as possible

Correct answer: Recognize the skid early and release the brakes to let the trailer wheels roll

Release the brakes so the trailer wheels can roll and realign behind the tractor.

Question 15: What does the term 'stall speed' mean in the context of automatic transmissions in CMVs?

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

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 16: What does an S-cam drum brake system use to spread the brake shoes against the drum?

Hydraulic pistons
An S-shaped camshaft (Correct answer)
A wedge mechanism
Air pressure directly

Correct answer: An S-shaped camshaft

In an S-cam brake, the rotating S-shaped cam forces the brake shoes outward against the drum when the brakes are applied.

Question 17: What should a CMV driver do if the oil pressure warning light illuminates while driving on the highway?

Increase engine RPM briefly to build pressure, then monitor for improvement
Shift to a lower gear to reduce engine load and continue to the next exit
Safely reduce speed, activate hazard lights, pull off the road, and shut down the engine as quickly as safely possible (Correct answer)
Add a quart of oil through the cab-mounted fill port and monitor the gauge

Correct answer: Safely reduce speed, activate hazard lights, pull off the road, and shut down the engine as quickly as safely possible

A low oil pressure warning indicates insufficient lubrication reaching engine components. Continued operation can cause catastrophic and irreversible engine damage within seconds to minutes. The driver must get off the road and shut the engine down promptly to prevent engine destruction.

Question 18: What does it mean to 'fan the brakes' and when should it be avoided in a CMV?

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

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 19: What is the recommended action if freight is refused by the consignee?

Leave it on the dock
Dump it at a rest stop
Note the refusal on the paperwork and contact the dispatcher (Correct answer)
Keep it permanently

Correct answer: Note the refusal on the paperwork and contact the dispatcher

Refused freight should be documented and the carrier/dispatcher contacted for instructions.

Question 20: What is the primary cause of trailer jackknife during braking?

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

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 21: In the event that the air brake system's safety relief valve opens:

The valve is working well.
this will supply more power to the drive wheels.
There's a problem. (Correct answer)
This will give the brakes greater force.

Correct answer: There's a problem.

The safety relief valve in an air brake system is designed to open only if the air pressure in the system exceeds a safe operating limit, typically around 150 psi. If this valve opens, it indicates that the air compressor is not cutting off properly or there is another malfunction causing excessive pressure buildup. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention, as over-pressurization can damage components and lead to brake failure.

Question 22: During the air brake check, at what point should the low air pressure warning activate?

Below 60 PSI (typically around 55 PSI) (Correct answer)
At 90 PSI
Only when the engine stalls
At exactly 120 PSI

Correct answer: Below 60 PSI (typically around 55 PSI)

The low air pressure warning must come on before pressure drops below 60 PSI.

Question 23: Can ELDT theory training be completed entirely online?

Yes, FMCSA allows theory training to be delivered online, in a classroom, or through a combination (Correct answer)
Online training is not recognized by FMCSA
No, it must be in a classroom
Only if the student lives more than 50 miles from a school

Correct answer: Yes, FMCSA allows theory training to be delivered online, in a classroom, or through a combination

FMCSA allows training providers to deliver theory instruction through classroom, online, or blended formats, as long as all required topics are covered and student proficiency is assessed.

Question 24: The most common cause of a front-wheel skid is:

A cold engine
Underinflated tires
Driving too fast for conditions (Correct answer)
Braking gently

Correct answer: Driving too fast for conditions

Driving too fast for conditions is the leading cause of front-wheel skids.

Question 25: Which document serves as the legal contract between a shipper and a carrier that describes the cargo being transported?

Bill of lading (Correct answer)
Pre-trip inspection report
Driver's daily log
Weight ticket

Correct answer: Bill of lading

A bill of lading is the legally binding document that acts as a receipt, a contract, and a document of title between the shipper and the carrier, detailing the cargo type, quantity, and destination.

Question 26: When a tractor-trailer begins to jackknife, what is the FIRST action a driver should take?

Apply the trailer brakes only to straighten the unit
Release the brakes and then reapply them gently (Correct answer)
Accelerate to pull the trailer straight
Steer sharply in the opposite direction of the skid

Correct answer: Release the brakes and then reapply them gently

Releasing the brakes removes the wheel lockup that caused the skid, allowing the tires to regain traction. Gently reapplying brakes gives the driver control without re-locking the wheels. Steering into or against the skid before regaining traction is ineffective and dangerous.

Question 27: During a pre-trip inspection, you notice an oil leak forming a puddle under the engine. What should you do?

Wipe it up and monitor it later
Note it and drive to a shop
Add oil and continue the trip
Do not operate the vehicle until it is repaired (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Do not operate the vehicle until it is repaired

A leak that could affect safe operation must be corrected before the vehicle is driven.

Question 28: When using a valid sleeper-berth split, how are the paired rest periods treated regarding the 14-hour window?

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

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 29: When checking the trailer air lines (gladhands), what defect is unsafe?

Properly color-coded lines
Snugly seated seals
Clean, secure connections
Cracked, worn, or leaking air hoses (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cracked, worn, or leaking air hoses

Cracked, worn, tangled, or leaking air hoses can cause brake failure and must be repaired.

Question 30: 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 lock the rear axles during braking
To boost engine power on steep climbs
To control trailer sway

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 31: Which federal agency administers the ELDT regulations?

EPA
NHTSA
FMCSA (Correct answer)
OSHA

Correct answer: FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created and oversees ELDT rules.

Question 32: What should you do when following distance is compromised by a tailgater behind you?

Speed up sharply
Change lanes without signaling
Increase your following distance in front (Correct answer)
Brake hard to warn them

Correct answer: Increase your following distance in front

Open up more space ahead so you can brake gradually and give the tailgater room.

Question 33: Which of the following tire conditions is an automatic out-of-service violation?

A tire inflated to spec
A tire with 5/32 inch tread
Fabric or belt material showing through the tread (Correct answer)
A tire with even wear

Correct answer: Fabric or belt material showing through the tread

Exposed fabric or belt material means the tire is unsafe and out of service.

Question 34: What role does speed play in skid risk?

Speed has no effect on skid risk with modern tires
Speed only matters on icy roads
Lower speed increases skid risk because of less momentum
Higher speed dramatically increases both the likelihood and severity of skids (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Higher speed dramatically increases both the likelihood and severity of skids

Higher speed increases skid risk because tires have less time to maintain traction, stopping distances increase exponentially, and the force in any collision or recovery attempt is much greater.

Question 35: Which of the following items is NOT required to be checked as part of the post-trip inspection report mandated by 49 CFR 396.11?

Steering mechanism
Service brakes
Cleanliness of the cabin (Correct answer)
Wheels and rims

Correct answer: Cleanliness of the cabin

FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 396.11 specifies the parts and accessories that must be inspected, including brakes, steering, lights, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels/rims, and emergency equipment. While a clean cab is good practice, it is not a federally mandated item on the post-trip DVIR.

Question 36: What should a driver do if steering becomes heavy or unresponsive while driving a CMV?

Continue driving but avoid turning
Brake hard and pull the parking brake
Safely reduce speed, signal, and pull off the road to inspect (Correct answer)
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 37: When coupling, what gear should the tractor be in when backing under the trailer?

The lowest reverse gear (Correct answer)
Neutral with the parking brake off
Any reverse gear as long as you go slowly
Reverse at idle speed

Correct answer: The lowest reverse gear

Using the lowest reverse gear gives maximum control and the slowest speed, which is critical for precise alignment with the kingpin.

Question 38: The aggregate working load limit must be at least what fraction of the cargo weight?

Equal to full weight
Twice the weight
One-half (Correct answer)
One-quarter

Correct answer: One-half

The aggregate working load limit must be at least one-half the weight of the cargo being secured.

Question 39: A trainee scored 78% on the theory assessment. What happens?

They can retake only after one year
They fail the entire ELDT permanently
They pass automatically
They must be reassessed until they reach at least 80% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They must be reassessed until they reach at least 80%

Because 80% is required, the trainee must be reassessed until achieving the minimum score.

Question 40: What is the 'split sleeper berth' provision?

Splitting the required 10-hour off-duty period into two qualifying periods in the sleeper berth (Correct answer)
Sleeping in two different locations during one off-duty period
Sharing a sleeper berth with a co-driver
Using the sleeper berth for storage

Correct answer: Splitting the required 10-hour off-duty period into two qualifying periods in the sleeper berth

The split sleeper berth provision allows drivers to split their required 10-hour off-duty period into two periods, with one period of at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth and another period of at least 2 hours.

Question 41: During a pre-trip inspection of the braking system, which component stores compressed air to power the brakes on an air brake-equipped vehicle?

Brake chambers
Brake drums
Air tanks (reservoirs) (Correct answer)
Slack adjusters

Correct answer: Air tanks (reservoirs)

Air tanks (reservoirs) store the compressed air that powers air brakes. Drivers must drain moisture from these tanks daily and verify proper air pressure (typically 100–125 psi) before driving.

Question 42: What is the primary reason CMV drivers must reduce speed before entering a curve rather than braking during the curve?

Engine braking is more effective in a straight line only
Regulations prohibit braking on curved roadways
Tires wear out faster when braking and turning simultaneously
Braking in a curve can cause the vehicle to skid or roll over due to combined forces (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Braking in a curve can cause the vehicle to skid or roll over due to combined forces

Braking while turning applies combined lateral and longitudinal forces to the tires. For a top-heavy CMV, this can exceed tire traction limits, leading to skidding or rollover. Speed must be reduced before the curve so the driver can steer smoothly through it.

Question 43: 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 44: 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?

80 hours
70 hours
50 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 45: 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 46: When should a driver downshift a manual transmission CMV?

After entering a curve
Only when coming to a complete stop
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 47: What should a driver do if they experience a tire blowout on the highway?

Brake hard immediately
Accelerate to maintain control
Swerve to the shoulder immediately
Grip the steering wheel firmly, stay off the brakes, and gradually slow down before pulling over (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Grip the steering wheel firmly, stay off the brakes, and gradually slow down before pulling over

During a blowout, grip the steering wheel firmly to counteract the pulling force, do not brake (which can cause a skid), and let the vehicle slow naturally before safely steering to the shoulder.

Question 48: How long does a completed ELDT theory course remain valid for testing?

The completion does not expire, but skills training should follow reasonably (Correct answer)
6 months only
30 days
It expires after one attempt

Correct answer: The completion does not expire, but skills training should follow reasonably

ELDT completion records do not have a set federal expiration, though states may set testing timelines.

Question 49: 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 right (Correct answer)
The trailer moves left
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 50: Under the Hours of Service regulations, when is a property-carrying driver required to take a 30-minute break?

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

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 51: What is 'total stopping distance' composed of?

Perception, reaction, and braking distance (Correct answer)
Only braking distance
Perception distance alone
Reaction and turning distance

Correct answer: Perception, reaction, and braking distance

Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance.

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%

To Pass

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