FMCSA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What document must a driver have accessible when transporting hazardous materials? → Shipping papers describing the HazMat
2. What physical examination requirement applies specifically to drivers with a history of cardiovascular disease? → Medical examiner discretion based on current condition and treatment
3. Which of the following HazMat classes requires a 'Poison' or 'Toxic' placard? → Class 2.3 (Poisonous Gas)
4. When must a DANGEROUS placard be used instead of separate commodity placards? → When carrying 1,001–4,999 lbs total of two or more different HazMat classes
5. What is the most common type of roadside inspection conducted by the FMCSA? → Level I: North American Standard Inspection
6. How long must ELD data be retained by the carrier, according to FMCSA regulations? → 6 months
7. What is the maximum number of hours a commercial driver can drive in a single day before they are required to take a 10-hour break? → 11 hours
8. Which sleep disorder must be evaluated and treated before a driver can obtain a full 2-year medical certificate? → Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
9. A driver who is fatigued to the point of impaired driving must: → Stop and rest before continuing to drive
10. A CDL holder must notify their employer of a driver's license suspension within: → 24 hours
11. Which of the following is considered a 'serious traffic violation' for CDL disqualification purposes? → Speeding 15 or more mph over the limit
12. What must a driver do if a vehicle defect is discovered during a pre-trip inspection? → Report it on the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)
13. What is the federal maximum length for a semitrailer operating on the National Network? → Federal law sets no maximum semitrailer length
14. Under FMCSA's Safety Measurement System (SMS), what crash data is used to evaluate motor carrier performance? → Crashes meeting FMCSA's recordable accident definition as reported to state agencies
15. What medical certificate must a CDL driver carry while operating a CMV in interstate commerce? → A current Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC)
16. What color are Class 6 (Toxic/Poison) HazMat labels? → White with black skull and crossbones
17. How often must a CDL driver undergo a DOT physical examination at minimum? → Every 2 years
18. What endorsement does a driver need to haul liquid or gaseous material in a tank vehicle with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more? → N endorsement
19. What must a medical examiner list on the Medical Examiner's Certificate if a driver requires corrective lenses? → A restriction stating corrective lenses are required
20. What is the minimum tread depth required for front steering axle tires on a CMV under FMCSA regulations? → 4/32 inch
21. How long must motor carriers retain accident records under FMCSA regulations? → 3 years from the accident date
22. Which of the following best describes a 'preventable' accident in FMCSA compliance terminology? → An accident that a reasonably alert driver exercising due care could have avoided
23. Which type of cargo requires special vertical load securement using chains rated to the load's weight? → Intermodal containers
24. Under FMCSA rules, cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent: → Shifting, falling off, or leaking in a way that creates a safety hazard
25. What is the purpose of an Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) in a HazMat transport context? → To help first responders identify hazards and respond to HazMat incidents
26. A motor carrier refuses to show its accident register during a compliance review. What is the likely consequence? → The carrier can be cited for violations and subjected to civil penalties
27. Under FMCSA regulations, which accident would be considered 'recordable'? → A CMV rear-ends a vehicle, sending the other driver to the hospital
28. What is the maximum allowable kingpin-to-rear-axle length for a single CMV trailer under federal bridge formula rules? → 41 feet
29. What is the minimum acceptable blood pressure reading for a CMV driver to receive a 2-year medical certificate? → Less than 140/90
30. Which of the following HazMat classes has NO minimum quantity threshold for placarding? → Class 7 (Radioactive)