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

Question 1: During a pre-trip inspection of the coupling system on a combination vehicle, what must the driver verify about the fifth wheel locking jaws?

They are greased and move freely
They are fully closed and locked around the kingpin (Correct answer)
They are open to allow proper trailer movement
They are positioned at least 2 inches from the kingpin

Correct answer: They are fully closed and locked around the kingpin

The fifth wheel locking jaws must be fully closed and locked around the kingpin to secure the trailer. An improper coupling can result in trailer separation, which is a severe safety hazard. Drivers verify this visually and by performing a tug test.

Question 2: What information must a training provider verify before enrolling a trainee?

The trainee's vehicle registration
The trainee's credit score
The trainee's employer's insurance
That the trainee holds a valid CLP or CDL as required for the course (Correct answer)

Correct answer: That the trainee holds a valid CLP or CDL as required for the course

BTW training generally requires the trainee to hold a valid commercial learner's permit (CLP).

Question 3: After having 10 consecutive hours off duty, what is the maximum number of hours a property-carrying driver is permitted to DRIVE within the 14-hour window?

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

Correct answer: 11 hours

The FMCSA Hours of Service regulations state that within the 14-hour on-duty window, a driver may drive for a maximum of 11 hours. The remaining 3 hours can be used for non-driving on-duty tasks or breaks.

Question 4: A driver's on-duty time includes which of the following?

Time spent loading, unloading, or fueling the vehicle (Correct answer)
Time off duty at a restaurant
Personal conveyance driving
Time resting in the sleeper berth

Correct answer: Time spent loading, unloading, or fueling the vehicle

Loading, unloading, inspecting, and fueling all count as on-duty (not driving) time.

Question 5: What is the proper order for the fifth wheel release before pulling the tractor out?

Raise the landing gear
Pull the release handle to open the jaws (Correct answer)
Disconnect the electrical cable only
Push the trailer forward

Correct answer: Pull the release handle to open the jaws

You must pull the fifth wheel release handle to unlock the jaws before the tractor can pull free of the kingpin.

Question 6: 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 7: What is the most common cause of skids in a commercial motor vehicle?

Improperly adjusted brakes
Under-inflated tires
A sudden shift of cargo
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 8: What must a driver do if they encounter adverse driving conditions that prevent them from completing a trip within normally allowed driving hours?

Stop driving immediately and call dispatch for further instructions
Take a mandatory 30-minute break and then resume normal limits
Use the adverse conditions exception to extend driving time by up to 2 hours (Correct answer)
Apply for a special permit from FMCSA before continuing

Correct answer: Use the adverse conditions exception to extend driving time by up to 2 hours

The adverse driving conditions exception allows a driver to extend the allowable driving window by up to 2 hours when conditions such as snow, ice, fog, or accidents arise that were not foreseeable at the start of the trip, provided the additional driving is necessary to reach a safe stop.

Question 9: During the air brake check, at what point should the low air pressure warning activate?

At 90 PSI
Below 60 PSI (typically around 55 PSI) (Correct answer)
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 10: What is the safest action if your headlights suddenly fail while driving at night?

Turn on the interior dome light
Slow down, use hazard flashers, and pull off safely (Correct answer)
Speed up to reach the next exit
Continue at the same speed

Correct answer: Slow down, use hazard flashers, and pull off safely

Without headlights you must slow, signal, and get off the road safely.

Question 11: Who ultimately grants the CDL after ELDT and testing are complete?

The training provider
The state driver licensing agency (Correct answer)
FMCSA directly
The trainee's employer

Correct answer: The state driver licensing agency

States issue CDLs after verifying ELDT completion and passing test scores.

Question 12: What should a driver do if a defect found during a post-trip inspection is listed on the DVIR as needing repair before the vehicle is driven again?

Report the defect verbally to dispatch and proceed with the route
Drive the vehicle only short distances until it can be repaired
Certify on the next DVIR that the defect has been repaired or is not safety-related before driving (Correct answer)
Continue driving as long as the defect does not worsen

Correct answer: Certify on the next DVIR that the defect has been repaired or is not safety-related before driving

FMCSA regulations require that a qualified mechanic repair any noted safety defect and certify the repair, or the carrier must certify the defect is not safety-related, before the vehicle is placed back in service. The next driver must acknowledge this on the DVIR.

Question 13: What topics are covered in the ELDT curriculum for vehicle inspection?

Only how to wash the vehicle
Just tire pressure checks
Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspection procedures for all major vehicle components (Correct answer)
Inspection is not part of ELDT

Correct answer: Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspection procedures for all major vehicle components

The vehicle inspection portion of ELDT covers systematic pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspection procedures including engine, brakes, tires, lights, steering, coupling devices, and all other required components.

Question 14: What does covering the brake mean in hazard perception?

Moving your foot over the brake pedal without pressing it, ready to stop (Correct answer)
Placing an object over the brake
Pressing the brake continuously
Covering the pedal with your other foot

Correct answer: Moving your foot over the brake pedal without pressing it, ready to stop

Covering the brake means hovering your foot above the pedal to shorten reaction time when a hazard is likely.

Question 15: What should you check about the tires during a pre-trip inspection?

Only that they are inflated
Just the brand of tire
Only the front tires need inspection
Tread depth, inflation pressure, sidewall condition, valve stems, and lug nuts (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Tread depth, inflation pressure, sidewall condition, valve stems, and lug nuts

Tire inspection includes checking tread depth (minimum 4/32" steer, 2/32" other), inflation pressure, sidewall damage, valve stem condition, and lug nut tightness on all wheels.

Question 16: The 14-hour rule limits a driver to driving only within what window?

14 hours after the last delivery
14 hours per week
14 hours of actual driving
14 hours after coming on duty (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 14 hours after coming on duty

Driving is not permitted beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty following 10 hours off.

Question 17: 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?

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

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 18: What should the driver check about the emergency equipment during a pre-trip?

That the seats are clean
That the radio works
That there is a spare tire only
That the fire extinguisher is charged, and spare fuses and warning triangles are present (Correct answer)

Correct answer: That the fire extinguisher is charged, and spare fuses and warning triangles are present

Required emergency equipment includes a charged fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses, and warning triangles.

Question 19: 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 allow the air compressor to build pressure
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 20: What is the correct procedure for making a right turn with a long combination vehicle?

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

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 21: A driver spends 2 hours pre-tripping and paperwork, then drives. Does the 2 hours count against the 14-hour window?

Yes, all on-duty time counts toward the 14-hour window (Correct answer)
Only 1 hour counts
No, only driving counts
It counts only if over 3 hours

Correct answer: Yes, all on-duty time counts toward the 14-hour window

All on-duty time, including inspections and paperwork, counts toward the 14-hour driving window.

Question 22: What happens if a driver tries to downshift at too high a speed in a manual transmission truck?

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

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 23: Where must a training provider be listed to deliver valid ELDT?

FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (Correct answer)
The local DMV website
The Department of Labor database
A state trucking association roster

Correct answer: FMCSA's Training Provider Registry

Only providers listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR) can deliver compliant ELDT.

Question 24: What should a driver do if they experience a tire blowout on the highway?

Brake hard immediately
Swerve to the shoulder immediately
Accelerate to maintain control
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 25: When backing a tractor-trailer, which mirrors should you use primarily to guide the trailer?

Only the left mirror
Only the right mirror
Both side mirrors alternately (Correct answer)
The center rearview mirror

Correct answer: Both side mirrors alternately

You should use both side mirrors alternately to track the trailer's path and detect any drift to either side while backing.

Question 26: 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)
Rapidly applying and releasing brakes; avoid on wet roads
Alternating between the foot brake and Jake Brake; avoid on gravel
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 27: At approximately what pressure should the spring/parking brakes automatically apply during the air loss test?

Between 20 and 45 PSI (Correct answer)
At 110 PSI
They never apply automatically
At 90 PSI

Correct answer: Between 20 and 45 PSI

The spring brakes should pop out (apply) somewhere between 20 and 45 PSI.

Question 28: You see brake lights coming on several vehicles ahead in your lane. What is the best response?

Maintain speed until the car in front brakes
Change lanes immediately without checking
Speed up to get past the congestion
Ease off the accelerator and prepare to slow or stop (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and prepare to slow or stop

Reacting to brake lights far ahead lets you slow gradually and avoid a sudden emergency stop.

Question 29: 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 30: What is the recommended following distance for a CMV traveling at highway speed in normal conditions?

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

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 31: Which of the following best describes how a CMV driver should use mirrors to manage the space around the vehicle on a multi-lane highway?

Check mirrors only when another driver signals that you have a problem
Scan mirrors every 5–8 seconds to monitor traffic in blind spots and maintain awareness of surrounding vehicles (Correct answer)
Check mirrors only when changing lanes to avoid distraction while driving straight
Rely primarily on the passenger-side mirror since it provides a wider field of view

Correct answer: Scan mirrors every 5–8 seconds to monitor traffic in blind spots and maintain awareness of surrounding vehicles

Effective space management requires continuous situational awareness. CMV drivers should scan all mirrors every 5–8 seconds to track vehicles that may be entering blind spots, anticipate merge conflicts, and adjust position or speed proactively before a situation becomes dangerous.

Question 32: Which factor increases the risk of hydroplaning?

Fully loaded trailer on dry pavement
Deep tire tread
Slow speed on dry roads
Low tire tread depth and higher speed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Low tire tread depth and higher speed

Worn tread and higher speed both greatly increase the chance of hydroplaning on wet roads.

Question 33: When should a driver downshift a manual transmission CMV?

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

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

Using the clutch to slow the vehicle without brakes
Pressing the clutch twice to engage the starter
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 35: Which device electronically records a driver's hours of service?

ELD (Correct answer)
Dashcam
GPS unit
Tachometer

Correct answer: ELD

An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) automatically records driving time for hours-of-service compliance.

Question 36: Which federal agency administers the ELDT regulations?

OSHA
EPA
NHTSA
FMCSA (Correct answer)

Correct answer: FMCSA

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

Question 37: What should a driver do if steering becomes heavy or unresponsive while driving a CMV?

Brake hard and pull the parking brake
Continue driving but avoid turning
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 38: 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?

14 hours
11 hours (Correct answer)
8 hours
10 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 39: Why are posted curve speed limits sometimes too fast for trucks?

Signs are only for motorcycles
Trucks corner better than cars
Trucks brake faster in curves
Trucks have a higher center of gravity and can roll over (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Trucks have a higher center of gravity and can roll over

A truck's high center of gravity makes it prone to rollover at posted curve speeds.

Question 40: What should you do with the tractor parking brake before crawling under to inspect the coupling?

Release it so the truck can roll freely
Leave it in whatever position it was
Apply it and chock the wheels if needed (Correct answer)
Apply only the trailer brake

Correct answer: Apply it and chock the wheels if needed

Always apply the parking brakes before going under the vehicle to prevent it from rolling and crushing you.

Question 41: A driver has accumulated 68 hours on duty over 7 days under the 70-hour rule. How many hours can he drive on day 8 before hitting the weekly cap?

2 hours of on-duty time remain before the cap (Correct answer)
11 hours
14 hours
0 hours available

Correct answer: 2 hours of on-duty time remain before the cap

With 68 of 70 hours used, only 2 hours of on-duty time remain before the driver reaches the weekly limit.

Question 42: What is engine braking and when should it be used?

Using a lower gear to use engine compression as a retarding force (Correct answer)
Using the service brakes to slow the engine
Applying the exhaust brake at stop signs only
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 43: What is 'off-tracking' in a tractor-trailer?

When the trailer drifts out of its lane on a highway
The tendency of rear axles to follow a tighter path than the front axles in a turn (Correct answer)
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 44: What is the danger of 'riding the clutch' in a manual transmission CMV?

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

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 45: Which of the following is a theory topic covered in ELDT?

Hours of service and driver wellness (Correct answer)
Personal car insurance rates
Airline scheduling
Home mortgage rules

Correct answer: Hours of service and driver wellness

Hours of service compliance and driver wellness are part of the required ELDT theory curriculum.

Question 46: Is there a required minimum number of behind-the-wheel hours in the federal ELDT rule?

No, there is no federal minimum hour requirement (Correct answer)
Yes, exactly 250 hours
Yes, exactly 40 hours
Yes, exactly 100 hours

Correct answer: No, there is no federal minimum hour requirement

The FMCSA rule sets proficiency standards but does not mandate a specific number of BTW hours.

Question 47: How should you manage space overhead when driving a tall vehicle?

Overhead space never matters
Assume all bridges clear you
Know your height and watch for low clearances (Correct answer)
Only check height when loaded

Correct answer: Know your height and watch for low clearances

Always know your vehicle's height and watch for bridges, signs, and wires.

Question 48: Who reports a trainee's ELDT completion to FMCSA?

The registered training provider (Correct answer)
The state licensing agency
The trainee
The trainee's future employer

Correct answer: The registered training provider

Registered training providers electronically submit completion records to the FMCSA registry.

Question 49: After completing ELDT, who submits the certification to the Training Provider Registry?

The state DMV
The training provider (Correct answer)
The trucking employer
The driver

Correct answer: The training provider

The training provider electronically submits completion certifications to the TPR.

Question 50: Before backing under a trailer to couple, you should inspect the fifth wheel plate and ensure it is:

Properly lubricated to allow smooth coupling and reduce wear (Correct answer)
Removed and reinstalled after the kingpin is seated
Tilted upward at the rear to guide the kingpin
Dry with no lubrication to maximize friction

Correct answer: Properly lubricated to allow smooth coupling and reduce wear

The fifth wheel plate must be properly lubricated before coupling. Adequate lubrication reduces wear on both the fifth wheel and the kingpin, ensures the kingpin seats correctly, and allows proper trailer articulation during turns.

Question 51: How should you manage speed when approaching a curve in a heavy vehicle?

Maintain highway speed throughout
Accelerate into the curve
Slow down before entering the curve (Correct answer)
Brake hard while in the curve

Correct answer: Slow down before entering the curve

Reduce speed before the curve to avoid rollover or loss of control.

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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