ID CDL General Knowledge flashcards

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

One-State license rule

A CDL holder may hold only one driver license at a time. The CDL must be issued by the home State of domicile, and the driver must surrender any other license before a new CDL is issued.

Home State CDL

A CDL is obtained from the State where the driver is domiciled. It is valid nationwide, but the driver must apply in the new home State within the State deadline after moving.

Commercial Learner's Permit

A CLP lets a driver practice driving a CMV while accompanied by a qualified CDL holder in the front seat. It requires passing the general knowledge and endorsement knowledge tests.

CDL Class A

Class A covers combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds. It is the most common class for tractor-trailers.

CDL Class B

Class B covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination towing a unit of 10,000 pounds or less. Typical examples are straight trucks and large buses.

CDL Class C

Class C covers vehicles designed for 16 or more passengers, or placarded hazardous materials vehicles, that do not meet Class A or B weight thresholds.

Vision standard

A CDL driver must have at least 20/40 corrected vision in each eye and be able to distinguish red, green, and amber. A vision exemption may be required for monocular vision.

DOT medical certificate

A current medical examiner's certificate is required for interstate CMV driving. It is valid for up to 24 months and must be kept current for the CDL to remain valid.

T endorsement

The T endorsement allows double or triple trailer operation. It requires a knowledge test but no skills test, and it may be restricted in States that prohibit triple trailers.

N endorsement

The N endorsement is required for tank vehicles designed to carry bulk liquids or gases. A tank carrying 1,001 gallons or more of hazmat also needs the H endorsement.

H endorsement

The H endorsement allows hazardous materials transport. It requires a knowledge test plus a TSA Security Threat Assessment and is available only to drivers 21 and older.

X endorsement

The X endorsement combines tank vehicle and hazardous materials authority. It requires both the N and H knowledge tests plus TSA clearance before it is added to the license.

P endorsement

The P endorsement is required to drive vehicles designed for 16 or more passengers including the driver. It requires a knowledge test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle.

S endorsement

The S endorsement is for school buses. It requires the P endorsement plus knowledge and skills tests in a school bus and a background check.

Serious traffic violations

Serious traffic violations include excessive speeding of 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, improper lane changes, following too closely, and offenses connected to a fatal accident.

60/120-day disqualification

Two serious traffic violations within 3 years disqualify a CDL for 60 days. Three or more within 3 years disqualify it for 120 days.

CMV alcohol limit

A CDL holder may not drive a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher. This is stricter than the 0.08% limit that applies to non-commercial drivers.

Lifetime disqualification

A second DUI or a second refusal to submit to alcohol testing results in a lifetime CDL disqualification. A first offense results in a 1-year disqualification.

Grade crossing violation

Failing to stop at a railroad-highway grade crossing, failing to have enough clearance, or failing to negotiate a crossing counts as a serious traffic violation with the same 60/120-day escalation.

30-day notification

A CDL holder must notify the employer within 30 days of a conviction for any traffic violation other than parking, and must report a name or address change to the State within 30 days.

Pre-trip inspection

The pre-trip inspection checks the engine compartment, lights, tires, brakes, coupling devices, and emergency equipment before each trip. Defects must be corrected before driving.

Air brake restriction

A CDL issued without passing the air brake knowledge and skills tests carries an air brake restriction. The restriction is removed only after testing in an air-brake-equipped vehicle.

Basic control skills test

The skills test measures straight-line backing, offset backing, alley docking, and parallel parking. It is scored on encroachments and pull-ups, and an accident is an automatic failure.

On-road driving test

The on-road test evaluates turns, lane changes, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, and expressway entry and exit. An accident or dangerous action is an automatic failure.

Cargo tiedown rule

The aggregate working load limit of all tiedowns must be at least 50% of the cargo weight. The front of the cargo must also be secured against forward movement.

Following distance rule

Use at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph, and add one second above 40 mph. A 60-foot vehicle at 55 mph needs 7 seconds.

Air brake leakage test

With the engine off and the system charged, hold the brakes for 1 minute. Leakage must not exceed 3 psi for a single vehicle or 4 psi for a combination.

Low-air warning

The low-air warning buzzer and light must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi. The spring brakes must apply by 45 psi.

Tire tread minimums

Front tires must have at least 4/32 inch of tread depth, and all other tires at least 2/32 inch. Tires must also be free of cuts, bulges, and improper inflation.

Hazmat placarding

Placards are required for 1,001 pounds or more aggregate gross weight of a hazard class, and for any amount of certain materials such as Division 1.1 explosives or 2.3 poison gas.

Hazmat shipping papers

Shipping papers must be within the driver's reach while driving, kept in a door pouch or on the seat, and must show the proper shipping name, hazard class, and UN number.

Emergency warning devices

Place reflective triangles within 10 minutes of stopping: 10 feet behind and 100 feet ahead and behind on a two-lane road, or 200 feet on a divided highway.