KS CDL General Knowledge flashcards
KS CDL General Knowledge · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- GCWR
- Gross Combination Weight Rating: the maximum allowable weight of a towing vehicle plus its towed unit(s), used to determine whether a Class A CDL is required.
- Class A CDL
- Required to drive a combination vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed unit weighs more than 10,000 lbs.
- Class B CDL
- Required for a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or such a vehicle towing a unit of 10,000 lbs or less.
- Class C CDL
- Covers vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers, or placarded hazardous materials, when the vehicle is not a Class A or B vehicle.
- Total stopping distance
- The sum of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance; it grows with speed and vehicle weight.
- Kansas point suspension
- A CDL is suspended at 8 points in 12 months, 9 points in 24 months, or 11 points in 36 months from convictions.
- CMV alcohol limit
- A commercial driver is considered under the influence at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher while operating a CMV.
- Railroad crossing stop rule
- A CMV carrying passengers or placarded hazmat must stop at all crossings unless exempt; other CMVs stop if they cannot clear the tracks.
- Governor cut-in pressure
- The governor restarts the compressor at about 85 psi and stops it at about 100-125 psi to maintain system air pressure.
- Low-air warning
- A warning device must activate before air pressure drops below 60 psi, alerting the driver that braking power is being lost.
- Spring brake application
- Spring brakes apply automatically at about 20-45 psi, stopping the vehicle when air pressure is lost.
- Static leak test
- With the engine off and tanks full, air loss must not exceed 3 psi per minute for a single vehicle or 4 psi per minute for a combination.
- Air build-up test
- A tractor-trailer must build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds at fast idle; a single vehicle from 50 to 90 psi within 3 minutes.
- Safety valve
- A valve that releases at about 150 psi to protect the air system from overpressurization if the governor fails.
- Slack adjuster check
- With brakes released, pull the slack adjuster by hand; it should not move more than about one inch at the push rod.
- Downhill braking
- Select a low gear before the descent and use engine braking; do not fan or ride the brakes on a long grade.
- Fifth-wheel coupling test
- After coupling, pull the tractor forward twice in a low gear to confirm the kingpin is locked in the fifth wheel.
- Tractor protection valve
- A valve that closes to prevent air loss from the tractor if the trailer breaks away or an air line separates.
- Trailer air lines
- The emergency (supply) line and service line must be connected correctly; the trailer brakes should release when the tractor parking brake is released.
- Off-tracking
- The rear wheels of a tractor-trailer follow a shorter path than the front wheels, so the driver must swing wide on turns.
- Backing a trailer
- Turn the steering wheel toward the direction you want the trailer to go; pull forward to correct if the trailer drifts.
- Trailer jackknife
- A skid in which the trailer pushes the tractor and the combination folds; it can occur if the tractor brakes lock before the trailer brakes.
- Rearward amplification
- The crack-the-whip effect that is greatest on the last trailer in a multi-trailer combination, especially in curves.
- Landing gear check
- Before driving, confirm the landing gear is fully raised, the mud flaps are clear, and the trailer sits level when coupled.
- Hazmat endorsement requirement
- The H endorsement requires a TSA Security Threat Assessment, a knowledge test, and a driving record check before driving placarded loads.
- Placard placement
- Placards must be displayed on all four sides of the vehicle when the quantity of hazardous material meets the placarding threshold.
- Shipping papers
- Must be within reach of the driver while driving and include the proper shipping name, hazard class, UN/NA number, packing group, and quantity.
- Hazmat parking rule
- Do not park a placarded vehicle within 5 feet of a roadway or within 300 feet of an open flame; on a highway, park as far from the roadway as practical.
- Hazmat smoking rule
- Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of a placarded vehicle, and the engine must be shut off during loading or unloading.
- Hazmat disqualification
- A first DUI conviction in a CMV disqualifies for one year, or three years if the offense occurs while carrying hazardous materials.
- Emergency response information
- The driver must know the ERG guide number and emergency response information for each hazardous material carried on the vehicle.
- Hazmat load securement
- Hazardous materials must be secured against movement during transport, and packages must not be loaded so they can shift or fall.