AK CDL General Knowledge flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Pre-trip inspection sequence

A complete pre-trip check proceeds from engine compartment and cab controls to exterior lights, walk-around items, and brake tests. Follow the same sequence every time to avoid missed defects.

Minimum tire tread depth

Commercial vehicle tires need at least 4/32 inch tread on front steering tires and 2/32 inch on all other tires. Measure in major grooves.

Air brake leak check

With engine off and parking brake released, apply service brakes and hold. Air pressure loss should not exceed 3 psi per minute for a single vehicle or 4 psi per minute for a combination.

Double-clutching procedure

Press clutch, shift to neutral, release clutch, match engine speed, press clutch again, shift to next gear, and release smoothly. This lets gears mesh without grinding.

Backing with a spotter

Before backing, check behind the vehicle and use a spotter when available. If you lose sight of the spotter, stop immediately and do not continue until visual contact returns.

Wide right turn setup

Approach a right turn from the left side of your lane to keep the rear wheels from hitting the curb, but do not swing into oncoming traffic. Check the right mirror throughout.

Visual search distance

Look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle in urban areas and about one quarter mile ahead on highways. This gives time to identify and react to hazards.

Signal timing for turns

Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before a turn and keep it on until the turn is complete. Signal earlier when traffic or speed requires more warning.

High beam dimming rule

Dim high beams to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle. This prevents blinding other drivers.

Following distance rule

For vehicles under 40 mph, allow one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length. Above 40 mph, add one extra second. A 50-foot truck at 55 mph needs about six seconds.

Stopping distance components

Total stopping distance equals perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance. Perception and reaction together take about 1.5 seconds at highway speed before brakes begin to slow the vehicle.

Downgrade gear selection

Before starting down a long or steep downgrade, select a gear low enough to control speed without riding the brakes. Use engine braking and brake only as needed to stay safe.

Tire blowout response

Hold the steering wheel firmly, keep the vehicle straight, and avoid hard braking. Ease off the accelerator and let the vehicle slow before pulling off the road to a safe stop.

Brake failure response

Downshift to use engine braking, apply the parking brake gradually if needed, and look for an escape ramp. Do not pump air brakes; low air pressure may apply spring brakes automatically.

Hood flies up response

Slow down and stop safely while looking through the gap under the hood or out the side window. Turn on hazard lights and pull as far off the roadway as possible.

Rear-wheel skid recovery

Release the brakes and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Avoid overcorrecting; as the rear tires regain traction, straighten the steering wheel smoothly.

Front-wheel skid recovery

If the front tires lose traction and steering stops working, release the brake or accelerator and let the front wheels roll again. Then steer gently in the desired direction.

Black ice locations

Black ice often forms on bridges, overpasses, shaded road areas, and intersections where vehicles idle. Reduce speed and make no sudden steering, braking, or acceleration inputs.

Tire chain use

Install chains on the drive tires when required by signs or conditions, check tension after driving a short distance, and obey posted chain speeds. Chains improve traction but do not allow normal speeds.

Low air pressure warning

A warning buzzer or light must activate before air pressure drops below 60 psi. At about 20 to 45 psi, spring brakes should apply automatically.

ABS malfunction light

An amber ABS light means the anti-lock system is not working, but normal service brakes remain available. Continue driving carefully and have the system repaired.

Oil pressure warning

If the oil pressure gauge drops or the warning light comes on, stop the engine as soon as it is safe. Low oil pressure can destroy the engine within minutes.

Aggregate tiedown strength

The combined working load limit of all tiedowns must be at least 50 percent of the cargo weight. Each tiedown and attachment point must also be rated for its share.

Cargo tiedown count

Use at least one tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo length, and at least two tiedowns for cargo longer than 5 feet. Short heavy items may need more.

Axle weight limit check

Check gross vehicle weight, gross combination weight, and each axle weight against the ratings. Redistribute the load if any axle is overloaded before driving.

11-hour driving limit

After 10 consecutive hours off duty, a driver may drive up to 11 hours. Driving is not allowed after the 14th consecutive hour on duty.

30-minute break rule

Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption. The break can be off-duty, sleeper berth, or on-duty not driving.

60/70-hour limit

A driver may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days. A 34-hour restart resets the cycle.

Alaska spring weight restrictions

Many Alaska roads impose reduced weight limits during spring breakup when thawing weakens roadbeds. Drivers must check current posted limits and permits before hauling heavy loads.

Moose on roadway

Moose and other wildlife often stand on or cross Alaska roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Scan shoulders, reduce speed in wildlife areas, and brake firmly without swerving.

Alaska studded tire season

Studded tires are allowed only during the state's seasonal window, generally fall through spring. Drivers should confirm current dates because dates and local rules can change.

Remote Alaska emergency kit

Carry food, water, warm clothing, a shovel, flares, a flashlight, and a charged phone in remote Alaska. Distances between services are long and winter weather can strand vehicles quickly.