AK CDL General Knowledge cheat sheet

Pre-trip inspection covers the engine compartment, cab and controls, exterior walk-around, lights, and brake tests; use the same sequence each time.

Engine oil is checked with the dipstick on a level surface with the engine off; the level should be between the add and full marks.

Never open a hot pressurized radiator cap; check coolant at the overflow reservoir when the engine is cool.

Minimum tread depth is 4/32 inch in major grooves on front steering tires and 2/32 inch on all other tires.

Air brake leak test: with engine off and service brakes applied, loss should not exceed 3 psi per minute for a single vehicle or 4 psi per minute for a combination.

Low air warning must activate before pressure falls below 60 psi; spring brakes apply at roughly 20 to 45 psi.

Check that all required lights work: headlights high/low, turn signals, four-way flashers, brake lights, clearance/marker lights, and reflective tape.

After the trip, complete a vehicle inspection report listing any defects; review and sign the previous report if defects were corrected.

Do not release the parking brake until air pressure is sufficient and the vehicle is ready to move.

Manual transmission: start in the lowest gear, shift before the engine lugs, and never coast in neutral.

Double-clutch sequence: clutch in, shift to neutral, clutch out, match engine speed, clutch in, shift to next gear, clutch out.

Before backing, walk around the vehicle and check for obstacles; use a spotter whenever possible.

Back toward the driver's side when practical because the left mirror gives the best view of the vehicle's path.

If the spotter disappears from view, stop immediately; do not continue backing until visual contact is restored.

Right turns require a wide approach from the left side of the lane without crossing into oncoming traffic; watch the right mirror for the rear wheels.

Come to a complete stop before changing direction between drive and reverse in an automatic transmission.

Aim visual search 12 to 15 seconds ahead in city traffic and about one quarter mile ahead on the highway.

Check mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds and before any lane change, turn, or stop.

Signal at least 100 feet before a turn and keep the signal on until the turn is completed.

Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle.

Use four-way flashers when stopped or moving slowly enough to warn traffic; turn them off before normal driving.

Tap the brake pedal a few times before slowing to alert following drivers, especially when stopping or turning.

Blind spots exist on both sides and directly behind; adjust mirrors and use a head check when needed.

Use the horn only to warn others of danger, not to express frustration.

At 55 mph, a vehicle travels about 81 feet per second; at 60 mph, about 88 feet per second.

Following distance rule: one second per 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph; add one second above 40 mph.

A 50-foot combination vehicle traveling 55 mph needs about a 6-second following distance.

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

Reduce speed before entering a curve; accelerate gently only after the front wheels begin to exit the curve.

Select a low gear before a steep downgrade and use engine braking; avoid riding the service brakes.

At a stop, leave enough space to see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead touching the road.

Railroad crossings require stopping when posted, and shifting should not occur while crossing the tracks.

For a tire blowout, hold the wheel firmly, keep straight, ease off the accelerator, and avoid hard braking.

For brake failure, downshift, use engine braking, apply the parking brake gradually, and look for an escape ramp.

If the hood flies up, slow and stop while looking through the gap under the hood or out the side window.

For a fire, stop, shut off the engine, get occupants out, move away, and call emergency services.

Hydroplaning begins when tires ride on a film of water; ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking or steering.

When avoiding an obstacle, brake first to reduce speed, then steer; sharp steering at high speed can cause a rollover.

If a tire fails, a thumping or vibration and a pull to one side are warning signs; stop safely and inspect.

Use hazard lights and reflective triangles to warn traffic when stopped on or near the roadway.

Skids are caused by overbraking, oversteering, too much acceleration, or speed too fast for conditions.

Rear-wheel skid: release the brakes and steer in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding.

Front-wheel skid: release the brake or accelerator so the front tires can roll and regain steering.

On ice and snow, make gentle steering, braking, and acceleration inputs; increase following distance.

Black ice commonly forms on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and intersections.

Install tire chains on drive tires when required; check tension after a short distance and obey posted chain speeds.

If stuck in snow, clear the exhaust pipe, avoid spinning the wheels, and use sand or kitty litter for traction.

Winter pre-trip includes checking wipers, washer fluid, defroster, heater, lights, tires, and emergency supplies.

Air brake warning buzzer/light must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi; spring brakes apply around 20 to 45 psi.

An amber ABS light means anti-lock braking is disabled; normal brakes still work, so drive carefully and repair the system.

Oil pressure warning: stop the engine safely as soon as possible; low oil pressure can cause rapid engine damage.

High coolant temperature: stop, let the engine cool, and check coolant level and leaks before continuing.

Brake fade results from overheated brakes; use a lower gear and engine braking on long downgrades.

A hard steering wheel can indicate low power-steering fluid, a loose belt, or low tire pressure.

Check the alternator gauge; a discharge reading with the engine running indicates a charging system problem.

If a warning light or gauge indicates a critical fault, stop in a safe place and diagnose before driving.

Never exceed the GVWR, GCWR, gross axle weight rating, or tire load rating.

Aggregate working load limit of all tiedowns must be at least 50 percent of the cargo weight.

Use at least one tiedown per 10 feet of cargo length and at least two tiedowns for cargo longer than 5 feet.

Cargo must be secured so it cannot shift, spill, or obscure lights, mirrors, or license plates.

Use a headache rack or equivalent protection when hauling cargo that could shift forward into the cab.

Check load height and route clearances for low bridges, overpasses, and trees.

Distribute weight evenly; overloaded axles can cause steering, braking, and tire problems.

Recheck tiedowns after the first few miles and periodically during the trip.

11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty; driving is not allowed after the 14th hour on duty.

30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving without a 30-minute interruption.

60-hour/7-day and 70-hour/8-day limits; a 34-hour restart resets the weekly cycle.

ELD records are required for most interstate CMV drivers; paper logs are allowed only under specific exceptions.

A current DOT medical examiner's certificate may be valid for up to 24 months depending on the condition.

CDL holders must self-certify their type of driving and carry the required medical certification.

Pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol tests apply to CDL drivers.

Serious traffic or alcohol violations can disqualify a CDL holder for specified periods.

Spring breakup weight restrictions reduce allowable loads on many Alaska roads; check current posted limits and permits.

Winter conditions can require chains on steep grades and mountain passes; obey chain-up signs and posted speeds.

Moose, caribou, and other wildlife may stand on the roadway; scan shoulders and reduce speed in wildlife areas.

Remote Alaska routes have long distances between services; carry food, water, warm clothing, a shovel, flares, and a charged phone.

Ice roads and seasonal winter roads open only when approved; obey weight limits and speed limits posted for the ice.

Studded tires are permitted only during the state's seasonal window; confirm current dates before installing them.

Use low-beam headlights in snow, fog, and blowing snow to reduce glare; high beams can reflect back and worsen visibility.

Summer construction and gravel sections may require reduced speed and increased following distance.