Arizona CDL General Knowledge flashcards

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

Total stopping distance

The sum of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance. At 55 mph on dry pavement, a loaded combination vehicle needs about the length of a football field to stop.

Following distance rule

For CMVs, allow at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph, plus one extra second above 40 mph. A 60-foot rig at 55 mph needs about seven seconds.

Skid recovery procedure

Stop braking and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Do not accelerate until the tires regain traction and the vehicle is under control.

Hydroplaning response

Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride on a film of water. Ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking or steering until the tires regain contact with the road surface.

Cargo securement force rule

The securement system must withstand forward force of 0.8 g and rearward and lateral force of 0.5 g of the cargo weight, including tiedowns and anchor points.

Minimum tiedown counts

One tiedown for articles 5 feet or shorter and under 1,100 pounds; two for articles longer than 5 feet but 1,100 pounds or less; one more for each additional 10 feet.

Rear overhang marking

Cargo extending 4 feet or more beyond the rear of the vehicle must be marked with red or orange warning flags, and at night with a red light at the extreme rear.

Securement recheck interval

Check cargo securement within the first 50 miles of a trip, then every 150 miles or 3 hours, and after any emergency stop or change in the load.

Air pressure buildup test

With the engine at fast idle, system pressure must build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds. Slower buildup indicates a leak or a failing compressor.

Static leakage test

With the engine off and the system charged, pressure loss must not exceed 3 psi in one minute for a single vehicle or 4 psi for a combination, with brakes released.

Low-air warning threshold

The low-air warning must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi, and the spring brakes should apply automatically at between 20 and 45 psi.

Spring brake operation

On air brake vehicles, the parking brake is spring-applied and air-released. A loss of air pressure causes the parking brake to apply automatically.

Fifth wheel coupling check

The fifth wheel must be greased, the jaws locked around the kingpin, and the release handle locked. Pull forward gently with the trailer brakes applied to confirm coupling.

Trailer air line colors

The emergency or supply line is typically red and the service line is blue. Connect them without crossing and push in the trailer air supply valve to charge the trailer.

Trailer hand valve use

The trailer hand valve, or trolley valve, is for testing trailer brakes only. Do not use it for parking or normal braking because it does not apply the tractor brakes.

Converter dolly purpose

A converter dolly connects the first trailer to the second in doubles and triples. It has its own air lines, electrical cord, and safety chains that must be connected.

Doubles rear trailer sway

The rear trailer of a set of doubles or triples tends to sway or whip more than a single trailer. Keep speed down and avoid abrupt steering or braking.

Multi-trailer off-tracking

In turns, the rear trailer of a set can off-track and cut the corner more sharply than the tractor. Allow extra room and swing wide before the turn.

Liquid surge effect

Liquid cargo shifts when the tank is partially full, pushing the vehicle forward on a stop and sideways in a turn. Keep the tank as full or as empty as practical.

Tank baffle function

Baffles divide a tank into compartments that reduce front-to-back liquid surge. An unbaffled tank allows liquid to move freely and produces the strongest surge.

Grounding and bonding

Before loading or unloading a tank vehicle, ground the vehicle and bond the tank to the receiving container to prevent static sparks. Keep the engine off and no smoking.

Hazmat endorsement requirement

A hazardous materials endorsement is required to drive a vehicle carrying placarded amounts of hazardous materials. The driver must also pass a TSA security threat assessment.

Shipping papers location

Shipping papers must be within reach of the driver while seated and must list the proper shipping name, hazard class, ID number, and total quantity of the material.

Hazmat parking rule

Do not park a placarded vehicle within 5 feet of a roadway, and never park near an open flame, bridge, tunnel, or crowded place except for brief necessary stops.

School bus red lights

A school bus driver activates flashing red lights and the stop arm when loading or unloading students on a roadway. Traffic in both directions must stop unless divided by a median.

School bus railroad stop

School buses must stop at all railroad crossings, open the door, and listen before proceeding, regardless of whether the crossing has signals or gates.

Passenger vehicle hours rule

A passenger vehicle driver may not drive more than 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty, and must follow the hours-of-service rules for passenger carriers.

Passenger vehicle railroad stop

Passenger vehicles must stop at railroad crossings, and the driver must ensure the entire vehicle clears the tracks before proceeding across them.

Tire tread minimums

Minimum tread depth is 4/32 inch for front tires and 2/32 inch for all other tires. Check for cuts, bulges, and mismatched tire sizes during the walk-around.

Pre-trip inspection scope

The pre-trip inspection covers the engine compartment, walk-around items such as tires, brakes, lights, and coupling, and in-cab controls including steering play and warning lights.

Hill start procedure

Hold the brake, engage the clutch or transmission, and release the brake as the engine begins to pull. This prevents rolling backward while starting from a stop on a grade.

Backing a CMV

Use the mirrors and get out to check the area if unsure. Back slowly and use a spotter whenever possible to avoid hitting objects or people behind the vehicle.