Alabama CDL General Knowledge Practice Test # 3
HOW FAR AHEAD SHOULD YOU LOOK WHEN DRIVING?
Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. That means looking ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to 15 seconds. Looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead doesn't mean not paying attention to things that are closer. Good drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and far.
WHAT IS "BLACK ICE"?
Black ice is a thin layer that is clear enough that you can see the road underneath. It makes the road look wet. When the temperature is below freezing and the road looks wet, watch for black ice.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON FOR DOING A VEHICLE INSPECTION?
While federal and state laws require drivers to inspect their vehicles before every trip, safety is THE MOST important reason to inspect your vehicle. Inspecting your vehicle for defects can prevent breakdowns and crashes.
YOU CAN SAFELY REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP AS LONG AS THE ENGINE ISN'T OVERHEATED.
Never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled. Steam and boiling water can spray under pressure and cause severe burns. If you can touch the radiator cap with your bare hand, it is probably cool enough to open.
IF YOU GO TWICE AS FAST, YOUR STOPPING DISTANCE WILL INCREASE BY TWICE OR 4 TIMES?
When you double your speed, it takes four times as much distance to stop your vehicle; your vehicle will have four times the destructive power in a crash.
WHAT DOES "COMMUNICATING" MEAN IN SAFE DRIVING?
Other drivers can't know what you are going to do until you tell them. Signaling what you intend to do is important for safety.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO BEFORE YOU DRIVE IF YOU ARE DROWSY?
Fatigued or drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of traffic collisions. If you notice any signs of fatigue, stop driving and go to sleep for the night or take a short nap. Even a 15-20 minute nap can benefit you greatly and takes little away from your driving day.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE IN PROPER GEAR BEFORE STARTING DOWN A HILL?
Do not try to downshift after your speed has already built up. You will not be able to shift into a lower gear. You may not even be able to get back into any gear and all engine braking effect will be lost.
WHERE SHOULD YOUR REFLECTORS BE PLACED WHEN STOPPED ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY?
If you must stop on or by a one-way or divided highway, place warning devices 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic.
WHAT 3 KINDS OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SHOULD YOU HAVE?
Your vehicle must be equipped with the following emergency equipment:properly charged and securely mounted fire extinguisher; spare electrical fuses; three reflective triangles as warning devices for parked vehicles.
A DRIVER SHOULD LOOK _____ AHEAD OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.
Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. That means looking ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to 15 seconds. Looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead doesn't mean not paying attention to things that are closer. Good drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and far.
NAME SOME KEY STEERING PARTS.
Spindle, tie rod and drag link are all essential parts of the steering system and need to be inspected for cracks, bends, non-factory welds, missing castle nuts/cotter puns and proper lubrication.
YOU WISH TO TURN RIGHT FROM A TWO-LANE STREET TO ANOTHER TWO-LANE STREET. YOUR VEHICLE IS SO LONG THAT YOU MUST SWING WIDE TO MAKE THE TURN. WHICH OF THESE DRAWINGS SHOW HOW THE TURN SHOULD BE MADE?
If you are driving a truck or bus that cannot make the right turn without swinging into another lane, turn wide as you complete the turn. Don't turn wide to the left as you start the turn. If you must cross into the oncoming lane to make a turn, watch out for vehicles coming toward you.
YOU SHOULD USE LOW BEAMS WHENEVER YOU CAN.
Use your low beam headlights at dawn and dusk. Use your low beam headlights in fog, rain or snow so other drivers will see you. Use your high beams only when it is safe and legal, as they can blind other drivers.
WHAT IS A "HAZARD"?
A hazard is anyone or anything that can cause an unsafe condition. The best drivers are defensive and prepared for hazards.
WHY SHOULD YOU BACK TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE?
Back to the driver's side so that you can see better. Backing toward the right side is very dangerous because you can't see as well. If you back and turn toward the driver's side, you can watch the rear of your vehicle by looking out the side window.
IF STOPPED ON A HILL, HOW CAN YOU START MOVING WITHOUT ROLLING BACK?
For manual transmission, partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake, or put the parking brake on whenever necessary to keep you from rolling back. On a tractor-trailer equipped with a trailer brake hand valve, the hand valve can be applied to keep from rolling back.
WHAT 3 THINGS ADD UP TO TOTAL STOPPING DISTANCE?
Three things add up to total stopping distance. Perception distance + Reaction distance + Braking distance = Total stopping distance.
RETARDERS KEEP YOU FROM SKIDDING WHEN THE ROAD IS SLIPPERY.
If your drive wheels have poor traction, the retarder may cause them to skid. Always turn off the retarder when the road is wet, icy or covered with snow, especially if the unit is empty or lightly loaded.
WHAT ARE THE 2 SPECIAL CONDITIONS WHERE YOU SHOULD DOWNSHIFT?
There are two special conditions where you should downshift: before starting down a hill – to prevent brakes from overheating, and before entering a curve – to gain better traction and stability through the curve.