Illinois 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 purpose

A pre-trip inspection checks that the vehicle is safe to drive before you start, covering the engine compartment, walk-around items, and in-cab controls.

Minimum front tire tread

Front steering tires must have at least 4/32 inch of tread depth; all other tires need at least 2/32 inch.

Low-air warning device

On an air brake vehicle, the low-air warning buzzer or light must activate before air pressure drops below 60 psi.

Air brake build-up test

With the engine at fast idle, the air system should build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds, showing the compressor is working.

Backing toward driver's side

Back toward the driver's side so the rear of the vehicle or trailer moves left and stays visible in the mirrors.

Front tire blowout response

Hold the steering wheel firmly, keep off the brakes, and let the vehicle slow gradually before pulling off the road.

Double-clutching

Press the clutch, shift to neutral, release the clutch, press it again, then shift into the next gear; used with non-synchronized transmissions.

Engine braking on downgrades

Shift to a low gear before a long downgrade and let the engine slow the vehicle instead of riding the brakes.

Scanning ahead

Look 12 to 15 seconds ahead of the vehicle, about a quarter mile at highway speed, to spot hazards early.

Mirror check interval

Check the mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds and before changing lanes, slowing, or turning to know what is beside and behind.

Signaling distances

Signal at least 100 feet before a turn in cities and 300 feet on highways, and cancel the signal after the turn.

High-beam dimming rule

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

Total stopping distance

Perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance; it grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

Speed for conditions

Drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see ahead, especially at night, in fog, or on wet roads.

Following distance rule

Use one second per 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph and add one second above 40 mph; a 60-foot vehicle needs about 7 seconds.

Passing return rule

Do not return to the right lane after passing until you can see the passed vehicle's headlights in your mirror.

Night visibility rule

Never drive faster than you can stop within the distance your headlights light up; slow down and increase following distance at night.

Glare avoidance

Look toward the right edge of your lane rather than directly at oncoming headlights to avoid glare and stay in lane.

Skid recovery

Take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go; do not brake hard.

Carbon monoxide in snow

Clear snow from the exhaust pipe before starting the engine so carbon monoxide does not enter the cab.

Hot weather tire risk

Heat raises tire pressure and can cause blowouts; check tires when cold and inspect for tread separation, cuts, and bulges.

Overheating response

Pull over safely, let the engine cool, and only then check coolant; never open a hot pressurized radiator cap.

Downgrade gear rule

Use the same gear going down a grade that you would need to climb it; if you must brake hard, you are in too high a gear.

Mountain turnout use

Use turnouts to let faster traffic pass on narrow mountain roads where passing zones are limited.

Hazmat endorsement

A hazardous materials endorsement requires a background check and knowledge test and is needed to drive placarded vehicles.

Shipping papers access

Shipping papers must be within reach while driving and include the proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, and quantity.

Cargo tiedown check

Check the load and tiedowns before driving, after the first 50 miles, and every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter.

Axle weight limits

Maximum weights are 20,000 pounds on a single axle, 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle group, and 80,000 pounds gross without a permit.

Warning device placement

When stopped on a highway, place warning triangles or flares behind the vehicle, farther back at higher speeds to warn traffic.

Fire extinguisher PASS

Pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep side to side to put out the fire.

Cargo overhang limits

Cargo may not extend more than 3 feet beyond the front or more than 4 feet beyond the rear; mark overhangs with flags.

Four-way flasher use

Use four-way flashers when stopped or moving slowly enough to be a hazard, such as below about 40 mph on a highway.