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Delaware CDL General Knowledge study materials
Delaware CDL General Knowledge study resources

Delaware CDL General Knowledge practice questions

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Question 1CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

Under Delaware and federal CDL rules, a driver must report a conviction for a traffic violation committed in a personal vehicle to the employer within how many days?

  1. 20 days
  2. 10 days Correct answer.
  3. 15 days
  4. 30 days

Explanation

Federal CDL regulations and Delaware's adoption of them require notification within 10 days for any traffic violation conviction other than a parking violation, whether it occurred in a commercial or personal vehicle. The 10-day clock starts on the date of conviction, not the date of the citation.

Question 2CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A CDL holder is convicted of driving a commercial motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. What is the minimum disqualification for a first offense?

  1. One year Correct answer.
  2. 60 days
  3. Six months
  4. Three years

Explanation

A first conviction for operating a CMV under the influence of alcohol carries a minimum one-year disqualification. A second such conviction results in lifetime disqualification.

Question 3CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

Before backing a tractor-trailer, the safest first step is to:

  1. Get out and check the area behind the trailer Correct answer.
  2. Turn on the four-way flashers and rely on the mirrors
  3. Honk twice and begin reversing slowly
  4. Ask a passenger to watch the left side

Explanation

The driver should walk around and inspect the area behind and beside the vehicle before backing, because large blind spots hide pedestrians, children, and obstacles. Mirrors alone cannot reveal everything in the rear blind zone.

Question 4CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

When driving a vehicle with air brakes, the brake pedal should normally be pressed:

  1. In repeated hard jabs
  2. In a firm, steady manner and held Correct answer.
  3. Lightly and released often
  4. Only after downshifting

Explanation

With air brakes, the recommended technique is a firm, steady application held as needed rather than pumping. Repeated fanning of the pedal wastes air pressure and can leave the system too low to stop the vehicle.

Question 5CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

The purpose of a pre-trip inspection is to:

  1. Confirm the delivery schedule with dispatch
  2. Record the load weight for the bill of lading
  3. Verify the vehicle will pass an annual inspection
  4. Find problems that could cause a breakdown or crash Correct answer.

Explanation

A pre-trip inspection is a safety check to catch defects such as low tires, leaks, or faulty lights before they cause a breakdown or crash. It is required by regulation and is the driver's responsibility.

Question 6CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A vehicle's total stopping distance at highway speed is made up of:

  1. Braking distance and following distance
  2. Perception distance and reaction distance only
  3. Reaction distance and braking distance
  4. Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance Correct answer.

Explanation

Total stopping distance includes the distance traveled while perceiving a hazard, the distance during reaction time, and the distance needed for the brakes to stop the vehicle. All three increase with speed.

Question 7CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

How far ahead should a driver of a heavy commercial vehicle look while driving in normal conditions?

  1. About 30 seconds
  2. About 4 seconds
  3. About 8 seconds
  4. About 12 to 15 seconds Correct answer.

Explanation

CDL guidance calls for looking about 12 to 15 seconds ahead of the vehicle so hazards can be identified and planned for. Shorter looks give too little time to react in a heavy vehicle.

Question 8CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

When a tire blows out at highway speed, the driver should:

  1. Brake hard immediately
  2. Hold the steering wheel firmly and stay off the brakes until slowed Correct answer.
  3. Steer sharply onto the shoulder
  4. Accelerate to stabilize the vehicle

Explanation

After a blowout, the driver should grip the wheel firmly, keep the vehicle straight, and avoid hard braking until speed is reduced. Hard braking or sharp steering can cause a loss of control or rollover.

Question 9CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

The most important reason to shift to a lower gear before a long downgrade is to:

  1. Keep the tachometer low
  2. Save fuel on the descent
  3. Use engine braking and avoid overheating the brakes Correct answer.
  4. Reduce engine noise

Explanation

Downshifting before a steep downgrade lets the engine help control speed so the service brakes do not overheat and fade. Brakes should be used in short, controlled applications rather than continuously.

Question 10CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

Under the hours-of-service rules, how many consecutive hours may a property-carrying driver drive before a required break?

  1. 6 hours
  2. 10 hours
  3. 4 hours
  4. 8 hours Correct answer.

Explanation

A property-carrying driver may not drive after 8 consecutive hours without taking a break of at least 30 minutes. The break may be satisfied by any non-driving period such as on-duty not driving, off-duty, or sleeper berth time.

Question 11CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

What is the minimum number of hours off duty required between shifts for a property-carrying driver under the hours-of-service rules?

  1. 8 consecutive hours
  2. 10 consecutive hours Correct answer.
  3. 24 consecutive hours
  4. 12 consecutive hours

Explanation

A property-carrying driver must have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new driving shift. This resets the 11-hour driving and 14-hour on-duty limits.

Question 12CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is required to keep a record of duty status (logbook) when:

  1. Only when driving more than 100 air miles from the home terminal
  2. Every day the vehicle is operated Correct answer.
  3. Only when crossing state lines
  4. When the driver qualifies for an exception

Explanation

Unless a specific exception applies, a driver must keep a record of duty status for each day the vehicle is operated. The log records all duty status changes over a 24-hour period.

Question 13CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

When loading cargo, the load must be secured so that it:

  1. Touches the rear doors
  2. Cannot shift or fall from the vehicle Correct answer.
  3. Is evenly painted for visibility
  4. Weighs less than the trailer

Explanation

Cargo must be secured against shifting, sliding, and falling, using tiedowns and blocking as needed. An unsecured load can cause a crash or spill onto the roadway.

Question 14CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

The minimum number of tiedowns required for an article of cargo that is longer than 5 feet but weighs under 1,100 pounds is:

  1. Three
  2. One
  3. Two Correct answer.
  4. Four

Explanation

Articles longer than 5 feet but lighter than 1,100 pounds require at least two tiedowns. Articles 5 feet or shorter and under 1,100 pounds require one tiedown.

Question 15CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

Before crossing railroad tracks in a commercial vehicle, the driver should:

  1. Rely on the crossing signals alone
  2. Stop, look, and listen unless the crossing is protected and clear Correct answer.
  3. Shift to a higher gear to cross quickly
  4. Cross without stopping if the gate is up

Explanation

At a passive or unclear crossing, the driver should stop, look both ways, and listen for trains before proceeding. Shifting gears on the tracks risks stalling, so the driver should cross without shifting.

Question 16CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A commercial driver approaching a drawbridge with a red light must:

  1. Cross only if the gate is up
  2. Sound the horn and cross
  3. Stop and wait until the light turns green Correct answer.
  4. Proceed if no boats are visible

Explanation

A red signal at a drawbridge requires a complete stop until the signal turns green. The driver must not proceed on a red signal regardless of boat traffic.

Question 17CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

When driving in fog, the recommended practice is to:

  1. Use high-beam headlights
  2. Turn on hazard flashers and maintain speed
  3. Follow the vehicle ahead closely
  4. Slow down and use low-beam headlights Correct answer.

Explanation

Fog reduces visibility, so the driver should slow down and use low beams, which reduce glare reflected back by the fog. High beams worsen visibility in fog.

Question 18CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

If a load's center of gravity is high, the vehicle is more likely to:

  1. Roll over in a turn Correct answer.
  2. Use less fuel
  3. Stop in a shorter distance
  4. Accelerate faster

Explanation

A high center of gravity increases the risk of rollover, especially during turns or abrupt maneuvers. Drivers should slow down and avoid sharp steering with such loads.

Question 19CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

The emergency air-brake system on a commercial vehicle is designed to:

  1. Increase pressure during hard stops
  2. Cool the brake drums
  3. Apply the brakes automatically if pressure is lost Correct answer.
  4. Assist the steering

Explanation

The emergency system applies the brakes automatically when air pressure drops below a safe level. This fail-safe design helps stop the vehicle if the primary system fails.

Question 20CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

During a pre-trip inspection, a driver finds the slack adjusters on the brakes move more than about one inch by hand. The driver should:

  1. Ignore it if the brakes feel normal
  2. Report the defect and do not drive Correct answer.
  3. Adjust them and continue
  4. Note it and drive the route

Explanation

Excessive slack adjuster movement indicates a brake defect that must be reported and corrected before driving. Driving with defective brakes is unsafe and a violation.

Question 21CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

When a passenger vehicle cuts in front of a loaded truck, the driver should:

  1. Maintain speed to keep the gap
  2. Ease off the accelerator and increase following distance Correct answer.
  3. Brake hard and sound the horn
  4. Swerve into the next lane

Explanation

A heavy vehicle needs a large gap to stop, so the driver should ease off the accelerator and rebuild following distance. Hard braking or swerving can cause a jackknife or crash.

Question 22CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver who is sleepy while operating a commercial vehicle should:

  1. Stop in a safe place and rest Correct answer.
  2. Open a window and continue
  3. Turn up the radio
  4. Drink coffee and keep driving

Explanation

The only effective remedy for fatigue is rest. The driver should stop at a safe location and take a break or sleep rather than relying on fresh air, caffeine, or music.

Question 23CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

The CDL general knowledge test requires knowledge of which of the following?

  1. Only the vehicle's mechanical systems
  2. Only hazardous-materials placarding
  3. Only hours-of-service regulations
  4. Safe driving rules, inspection, and cargo handling Correct answer.

Explanation

The general knowledge test covers safe driving practices, pre-trip inspection, cargo securement, and other core topics required of all CDL applicants. Specialized endorsements cover additional subjects.

Question 24CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

When must a driver use the four-way flashers on a commercial vehicle?

  1. When backing into a loading dock
  2. Whenever the vehicle is moving slowly
  3. When the vehicle is stopped or disabled on the roadway Correct answer.
  4. Whenever it is raining

Explanation

Four-way flashers are used to warn other drivers when the vehicle is stopped or disabled on the roadway, or when moving so slowly that it is a hazard. They are not for routine driving conditions.

Question 25CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver doubles the speed of a commercial vehicle. The braking distance will increase by approximately:

  1. Four times Correct answer.
  2. The same amount
  3. Two times
  4. Three times

Explanation

Braking distance increases with the square of speed, so doubling speed increases braking distance by about four times. This is why speed control is critical in heavy vehicles.

Question 26CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

Under Delaware and federal CDL rules, a driver must notify the employer within how many days after a conviction for a traffic violation committed in a commercial motor vehicle?

  1. 2 days
  2. 10 days Correct answer.
  3. 20 days
  4. 30 days

Explanation

A CDL holder must report any traffic conviction in a commercial motor vehicle to the employer within 30 days, but the rule for convictions in a personal vehicle differs. For the commercial vehicle conviction the reporting window is 30 days, and the driver must also notify the state licensing agency within 30 days.

Question 27CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver holding a CDL is convicted of driving a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent. What is the consequence under the CDL rules?

  1. Disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for one year Correct answer.
  2. Loss of the CDL for 60 days
  3. A warning letter only, since 0.04 is below the 0.08 criminal limit
  4. A 24-hour out-of-service order with no disqualification

Explanation

The CDL alcohol limit is 0.04 percent, half the limit for non-commercial drivers, so a reading at that level is a violation. A first offense results in a one-year disqualification, and the disqualification is longer for a second offense or if the vehicle carried hazardous materials.

Question 28CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver with a Class B CDL and an air-brake-equipped vehicle needs to know how the low air pressure warning must behave. Which statement describes the required warning?

  1. It must activate only after the spring brakes apply
  2. It must sound continuously whenever the engine is running
  3. It must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi Correct answer.
  4. It must activate before pressure drops below 100 psi

Explanation

The low air pressure warning device must give a visible or audible signal before the air pressure in the system falls below 60 psi. That warning gives the driver time to stop safely before the spring brakes engage from loss of pressure.

Question 29CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

During the air brake check, the driver builds full pressure, shuts off the engine, and watches the gauge with the brakes released. What is the maximum allowable pressure loss in one minute for a single vehicle?

  1. 3 psi Correct answer.
  2. 10 psi
  3. 1 psi
  4. 25 psi

Explanation

With the engine off and the brakes released, a single vehicle should lose no more than 3 psi in one minute; a combination vehicle is allowed no more than 4 psi. Greater loss indicates a leak that must be found and repaired before driving.

Question 30CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is operating a combination vehicle with a full trailer and must perform the air brake check. What is the allowable pressure loss per minute with the engine off and brakes released?

  1. 2 psi
  2. 4 psi Correct answer.
  3. 6 psi
  4. 8 psi

Explanation

For a combination vehicle the allowable loss is 4 psi in one minute, compared with 3 psi for a single vehicle. The extra allowance reflects the larger number of connections in a combination.

Question 31CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver must check the slack adjusters as part of the brake inspection. With the brakes released and the vehicle parked, the pushrod should move how far when the brakes are applied by hand?

  1. About 2 inches
  2. Exactly 4 inches
  3. No more than about 1 inch Correct answer.
  4. At least 3 inches

Explanation

With the parking brake released, pulling the slack adjuster by hand should not move the pushrod more than about one inch. Excessive travel means the brakes are out of adjustment and the vehicle must be placed out of service until repaired.

Question 32CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is descending a long, steep grade and wants to control speed without overheating the brakes. Which technique is correct?

  1. Rely on the trailer brakes alone to control speed
  2. Apply the brakes hard and continuously to hold a steady speed
  3. Use the same gear that was used to climb the grade and use the brakes lightly as needed Correct answer.
  4. Shift to neutral to let the engine idle and coast

Explanation

The safe rule is to select a gear low enough that the engine and gearing hold the speed, ideally the gear used to climb the hill, and use brakes only to trim speed. Continuous hard braking overheats the drums and can lead to fade or complete loss of braking.

Question 33CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A commercial driver is pulling onto a highway from a shoulder or ramp. Which practice best reduces the risk of a collision?

  1. Use the mirrors and signals, build speed on the ramp, and merge into a gap at or near traffic speed Correct answer.
  2. Stop at the end of the ramp and wait for a large gap
  3. Accelerate to highway speed on the shoulder before merging
  4. Enter slowly and let highway traffic adjust

Explanation

A heavy vehicle accelerates slowly, so the driver should build speed on the ramp, signal, check mirrors, and merge into an adequate gap at close to highway speed. Entering far below traffic speed forces other drivers to brake sharply.

Question 34CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver must back a tractor-trailer into a loading dock. Which procedure is correct?

  1. Back toward the passenger side because visibility is best there
  2. Rely on the mirrors alone and skip a spotter
  3. Back quickly to minimize time in the roadway
  4. Back toward the driver's side and use a helper whenever possible Correct answer.

Explanation

Backing toward the driver's side gives the best view through the mirrors, and a helper outside the vehicle should guide the maneuver whenever one is available. If the driver loses sight of the helper, the driver must stop immediately.

Question 35CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is being tailgated by a passenger car at highway speed. What is the safest response?

  1. Move to the shoulder and stop abruptly
  2. Maintain speed and increase the following distance ahead of the truck Correct answer.
  3. Speed up to open a gap
  4. Brake sharply to warn the driver behind

Explanation

Increasing the space ahead lets the driver slow gradually rather than brake suddenly, which protects against a rear-end collision from the tailgater. A heavy vehicle cannot stop as quickly as a car, so sudden braking should be avoided.

Question 36CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A commercial driver must know the rule for following distance at speeds below 40 mph. What is the recommended minimum?

  1. Three seconds
  2. One second Correct answer.
  3. Four seconds
  4. Two seconds

Explanation

Below 40 mph the guideline is at least one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length; for a 50-foot rig that is about five seconds, and above 40 mph one extra second is added. The option list here reflects the basic per-length rule for slower speeds.

Question 37CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver must inspect cargo and the securement system during a trip. Under the cargo rules, when must the driver examine the cargo and tiedowns?

  1. Only when the load appears to shift
  2. Only at the start of the trip
  3. Within the first 50 miles and every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter Correct answer.
  4. Once every 8 hours

Explanation

The driver must inspect the cargo and securement within the first 50 miles of travel and then at intervals of no more than 150 miles or 3 hours, whichever comes first. The load must also be rechecked after any change of duty status.

Question 38CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is hauling a load of steel coils. Which securement practice is required?

  1. Coils loaded and secured so they cannot roll or shift, using chocks or blocking as needed Correct answer.
  2. Coils secured only by the trailer's front bulkhead
  3. Coils placed against the trailer wall with no tiedowns
  4. One tiedown across the top of the coils

Explanation

Steel coils are especially dangerous because they can roll; they must be blocked, chocked, or otherwise restrained so they cannot shift or roll during transport. Securement must also meet the aggregate working load limit for the weight being carried.

Question 39CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is preparing to transport a load of hazardous materials that requires placards. Which statement is correct?

  1. Placards are required only on the rear
  2. Placards are required only on the front and rear
  3. Placards are required on all four sides of the vehicle Correct answer.
  4. Placards are optional if the load is small

Explanation

When placards are required, they must be displayed on all four sides of the vehicle so emergency responders can identify the hazard from any direction. The driver must also have the proper shipping papers within reach.

Question 40CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is stopped by a railroad crossing with a lowered gate and flashing lights. What must the driver do?

  1. Sound the horn and cross quickly
  2. Proceed slowly through the crossing
  3. Stop and wait until the gate rises and the lights stop flashing Correct answer.
  4. Drive around the gate if no train is visible

Explanation

A lowered gate and flashing lights mean a train is approaching; the driver must stop and remain stopped until the signals stop and the gate is fully raised. Driving around a gate is both illegal and deadly.

Question 41CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A commercial driver is approaching a bridge marked with a weight limit lower than the vehicle's gross weight. What is the correct action?

  1. Do not cross; find an alternate route Correct answer.
  2. Cross slowly to reduce the load on the bridge
  3. Cross in a lower gear to distribute weight
  4. Cross only if no other vehicles are on the bridge

Explanation

A posted weight limit is a legal maximum, and a vehicle exceeding it must not cross regardless of speed or gear. The driver must use an alternate route or obtain the proper permit if one is available.

Question 42CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is driving at night on an unlit two-lane road and an oncoming vehicle fails to dim its high beams. What should the driver do?

  1. Flash high beams repeatedly and maintain speed
  2. Look toward the right edge of the roadway and slow down Correct answer.
  3. Turn on the interior dome light
  4. Look directly at the oncoming lights

Explanation

Looking toward the right edge of the lane keeps the driver oriented while avoiding glare, and reducing speed compensates for reduced visibility. Flashing lights back can create a dangerous glare contest and does not improve the driver's own vision.

Question 43CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is driving in a heavy rainstorm and the tires begin to ride up on a layer of water. What is the correct response?

  1. Brake hard immediately
  2. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking until traction returns Correct answer.
  3. Accelerate to push through the water
  4. Turn the steering wheel sharply to test grip

Explanation

Hydroplaning occurs when water lifts the tires off the road, and sudden braking or steering can cause a loss of control. Easing off the throttle lets the vehicle slow gradually until the tires regain contact with the pavement.

Question 44CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver must know how to respond if the vehicle's engine overheats on a long climb. What is the best action?

  1. Pour cold water on the engine immediately
  2. Continue at the same speed to keep air flowing
  3. Pull off safely, shut down, and let the engine cool before checking Correct answer.
  4. Open the radiator cap while the engine is hot

Explanation

The safe response is to pull off the road, stop, and allow the engine to cool before inspecting the cooling system. Opening a hot radiator cap can release scalding coolant and cause serious burns.

Question 45CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is driving a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes and must make an emergency stop. How should the brake pedal be applied?

  1. Apply light pressure and release repeatedly
  2. Pump the pedal rapidly
  3. Apply firm, steady pressure and steer as needed Correct answer.
  4. Apply the parking brake instead

Explanation

With ABS the driver should press the brake pedal firmly and hold it while steering around the hazard; the system prevents wheel lockup. Pumping the pedal defeats the purpose of ABS and lengthens stopping distance.

Question 46CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver must know the purpose of the tractor protection valve. What does it do?

  1. It regulates the trailer's spring brakes during normal driving
  2. It controls the trailer's electrical connection
  3. It closes and keeps air in the tractor if the trailer breaks away or the air lines separate Correct answer.
  4. It balances the air pressure between the steer and drive axles

Explanation

The tractor protection valve seals the tractor's air system if the trailer separates or an air line breaks, preserving enough pressure to stop the tractor. It also supplies air to the trailer in normal operation.

Question 47CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver has been diagnosed with a condition that causes sudden loss of consciousness. What does the CDL medical rule require?

  1. The driver is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle Correct answer.
  2. The driver may drive only during daylight hours
  3. The driver may continue driving if a doctor writes a note
  4. The driver must carry a warning sticker on the vehicle

Explanation

A condition likely to cause loss of consciousness or control disqualifies a driver from operating a commercial motor vehicle. The driver must be evaluated and cleared through the medical certification process before returning to duty.

Question 48CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is required to prepare a written report after a crash involving a commercial vehicle. Which crash must be reported to the employer?

  1. Only crashes that occur while on duty
  2. Any crash involving a commercial vehicle, whether on duty or off duty Correct answer.
  3. Only crashes that result in a citation
  4. Only crashes involving a fatality

Explanation

The driver must report any crash involving a commercial motor vehicle to the employer, regardless of whether the driver was on duty and regardless of fault. The employer is responsible for keeping the crash record.

Question 49CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver has a passenger-carrying endorsement and is operating a bus. Which rule applies to the driver's use of a cell phone while driving?

  1. Use is allowed only when the bus is stopped in a lane
  2. Hands-free use is allowed at all times
  3. Hand-held use is prohibited while driving, including texting Correct answer.
  4. Use is allowed when traffic is light

Explanation

Commercial drivers are prohibited from using a hand-held mobile phone while operating a CMV, and texting is banned outright. Hands-free use is also restricted, and the rules apply regardless of traffic conditions.

Question 50CDL General Knowledge (minimum knowledge test required for all CDL applicants)

A driver is operating a vehicle with a manual transmission on a steep downgrade and wants to avoid overheating the brakes. Besides gearing down, what else should the driver do before starting the descent?

  1. Disconnect the trailer brake to save air
  2. Increase speed to carry momentum up the next hill
  3. Test the brakes and make sure the trailer brake is working Correct answer.
  4. Drain the air tanks to reduce pressure

Explanation

Before a long descent the driver should test the brakes, confirm the trailer brake operates, and check that the air system is at full pressure. A brake problem discovered at the top of a grade can be handled safely; the same problem halfway down may not be.