NYC Vehicle Operation and Maintenance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to operate a standard DSNY collection truck in New York?
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL (Correct answer)
- Class C CDL
- Standard Class D license
Correct answer: Class B CDL
A Class B CDL is required for single-unit vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR, which includes standard refuse collection trucks.
Question 2: Before operating a DSNY collection truck, the driver must perform a pre-trip inspection that covers which of the following?
- Fuel level only
- Brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, and hydraulic systems (Correct answer)
- Only the engine oil
- Only exterior appearance
Correct answer: Brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, and hydraulic systems
Federal FMCSA and DSNY regulations require a comprehensive pre-trip inspection including safety-critical systems before each trip.
Question 3: What is the primary function of the 'packer blade' on a rear-loader collection truck?
- To lift containers automatically
- To compress refuse in the hopper into the truck body to maximize payload (Correct answer)
- To sweep the street surface
- To dispense salt during winter operations
Correct answer: To compress refuse in the hopper into the truck body to maximize payload
The packer blade compresses incoming refuse against the load already in the truck body, allowing the truck to carry much more material.
Question 4: Which NYC regulation requires DSNY vehicles to have operable backup alarms?
- NYC Traffic Rules §4-12
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926.602 and NYC vehicle safety standards (Correct answer)
- NYC Building Code §3314
- Federal Highway Administration Rule 49 CFR Part 393
Correct answer: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.602 and NYC vehicle safety standards
OSHA standards and NYC vehicle safety rules require audible backup alarms on all vehicles that have obstructed rear vision.
Question 5: What should a DSNY vehicle operator do if the truck's brake air pressure gauge drops below the minimum safe operating pressure while driving?
- Continue driving and report it after the shift
- Immediately pull over safely, apply the parking brake, and call for assistance (Correct answer)
- Pump the brakes to rebuild pressure
- Shift to a lower gear and maintain speed
Correct answer: Immediately pull over safely, apply the parking brake, and call for assistance
Low air pressure means the braking system may fail — the vehicle must be stopped immediately and taken out of service.
Question 6: Under DSNY maintenance policy, how often must collection truck hydraulic fluid levels be checked?
- Monthly only
- Annually during scheduled maintenance
- Daily as part of the pre-trip inspection (Correct answer)
- Only when a hydraulic leak is visible
Correct answer: Daily as part of the pre-trip inspection
Hydraulic fluid powers the packer and hopper systems; daily checks prevent failures during operations.
NYC Vehicle Operation and Maintenance 1
What type of commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to operate a standard DSNY collection truck in New York?