Louisiana CDL General Knowledge cheat sheet

Pre-trip inspection is required by federal law (49 CFR 396.13) before driving; post-trip inspection is required at the end of each day's work.

During the walk-around, check for leaks (oil, coolant, fuel, washer fluid), loose or missing parts, and tire condition including tread depth and sidewall damage.

Test all lights: headlights (high/low), turn signals, four-way flashers, brake lights, clearance lights, and reflectors; use a helper or reflective surface to verify.

Check fluid levels: engine oil, coolant, power steering, brake fluid, and windshield washer; also check belts and hoses for cracks or glazing.

Inspect tires with a gauge: steer tires must have at least 4/32 inch tread depth; all other tires at least 2/32 inch; check for cuts, bulges, and proper inflation.

Test the parking brake, service brake, and steering for excessive play; check slack adjusters and brake chambers for damage.

Verify emergency equipment: fire extinguisher (charged and mounted), spare fuses, and warning triangles (three required).

Check the cargo securement system: straps, chains, binders, and tiedowns must be free of knots, wear, and damage; ensure the load is balanced and secured.

After starting the engine, check gauges (oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter, air pressure) and listen for unusual noises; test the horn and wipers.

Use the push-pull steering method: hands at 9 and 3 o'clock; pull down with one hand while pushing up with the other; never cross arms.

To back safely, use a spotter whenever possible; if no spotter, get out and check the area before backing, and back slowly using mirrors.

When starting from a stop, engage the clutch smoothly and accelerate gently; avoid riding the clutch or slipping it excessively.

To stop, press the brake pedal progressively; for a smooth stop, ease off the brake just before stopping to avoid jerking.

On curves, slow down before entering, maintain a steady speed through the curve, and accelerate gently after the curve.

When driving a manual transmission, use the clutch only to start and shift; do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch.

For automatic transmissions, use the same gear range for normal driving; select lower ranges for steep downgrades to use engine braking.

When turning, position the vehicle properly: wide turns for large vehicles; swing wide to the left before a right turn to avoid hitting the curb.

Shift up through the gears in sequence; do not skip gears when accelerating, as this can cause engine lugging or overspeeding.

Downshift before a downgrade; never coast in neutral or with the clutch depressed, as this reduces control and is illegal in many states.

Use the tachometer to determine shift points: upshift near the governed RPM (usually around 1,500–1,800 RPM for diesel engines).

Double-clutching is required for non-synchronized transmissions: press clutch, shift to neutral, release clutch, press clutch again, shift to gear.

When shifting, match engine speed to road speed to avoid gear clash; if you miss a gear, bring the vehicle to a stop and start over in first gear.

Do not ride the clutch or rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving; this causes premature wear.

On steep downgrades, select a gear low enough that you do not need to use the brakes continuously; use engine braking and intermittent braking.

Keep mirrors adjusted to minimize blind spots; use both flat and convex mirrors, remembering that objects in convex mirrors appear smaller and farther away.

Look at least 12–15 seconds ahead of your vehicle to identify potential hazards early; at highway speeds, that is about 1/4 mile.

When turning or changing lanes, check mirrors and turn your head to check blind spots; do not rely solely on mirrors.

At night, reduce speed and increase following distance; use high beams when legal and no oncoming traffic, but dim them for oncoming vehicles.

In fog, rain, or snow, use low beams; high beams reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility.

Clean windshields, mirrors, and lights regularly; dirty surfaces can increase glare and reduce visibility.

When driving into a sunrise or sunset, use sunglasses and sun visor; keep the windshield clean to reduce glare.

Signal your intentions early: at least 100 feet before a turn in urban areas, and 200 feet in rural areas (check state law).

Use four-way flashers when driving slowly (below 40 mph) or when stopped on the side of the road, except when prohibited.

Tap your brakes to warn following drivers that you are slowing or stopping; this is especially important when you must stop quickly.

Use headlights (low beams) during the day when visibility is poor (rain, fog, snow) to make your vehicle more visible.

When being passed, maintain your speed and lane position; do not accelerate, as this can cause a collision.

Use the horn only to warn others of danger; do not use it to express frustration.

When backing, use a spotter and communicate via hand signals or radio; if you lose sight of the spotter, stop immediately.

The safe following distance for a commercial vehicle is at least one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph; add one second for speeds above 40 mph.

For a 50-foot vehicle at 55 mph, the minimum following distance is 6 seconds (50/10 = 5, plus 1 for speed over 40 mph).

To check following distance, watch the rear of the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object; count seconds until your front bumper reaches that object.

Stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance; at 55 mph, total stopping distance for a loaded truck can be over 400 feet.

Increase following distance in bad weather, at night, when hauling a heavy load, or when being tailgated.

When merging or changing lanes, ensure a safe gap; large vehicles need more space and time to accelerate or decelerate.

On downgrades, control speed by selecting a lower gear before starting down; do not rely solely on brakes to avoid overheating.

When passing, ensure you have enough clear road ahead; it takes longer to pass when driving a heavy vehicle.

If a tire blows out, hold the steering wheel firmly, avoid braking hard, and gradually slow down; then pull off the road.

If your brakes fail, downshift to a lower gear, use the parking brake gradually, and look for an escape route (e.g., runaway truck ramp).

If you must stop quickly, brake firmly without locking the wheels; if you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure and steer.

If you go into a skid, steer in the direction you want to go; do not brake hard, as this can worsen the skid.

If your vehicle catches fire, pull off the road, turn off the engine, get everyone out, and move at least 100 feet away; call emergency services.

If you must drive off the road to avoid a collision, do so gradually; avoid sharp turns that could cause a rollover.

If you are involved in a crash, stop, secure the scene, provide aid if trained, and exchange information; report the crash as required by law.

Scan the road ahead and to the sides for potential hazards; identify escape routes and adjust speed accordingly.

Watch for road construction, parked vehicles, pedestrians, and animals; be prepared to stop suddenly.

In work zones, obey flaggers and posted speeds; fines are often doubled for violations.

When approaching a hill or curve, check for oncoming traffic and adjust your speed; do not pass if you cannot see far enough ahead.

Be aware of your vehicle's blind spots; large vehicles have larger blind spots, so check mirrors and use turn signals early.

When driving in strong winds, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and reduce speed; be cautious of high-profile vehicles.

In winter weather, watch for ice on bridges and overpasses; reduce speed and avoid sudden maneuvers.

Approach all railroad crossings at a speed that allows you to stop before the tracks if necessary; never attempt to beat a train.

At passive crossings (no lights or gates), stop, look both ways, and listen before proceeding; open your window to hear better.

At active crossings, obey the signals; if the gate is down or lights are flashing, stop and wait until the signals stop and the gate is fully raised.

Never stop on the tracks; ensure there is enough space on the other side before crossing.

If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get everyone out immediately and move away; call 911 and notify the railroad.

When crossing, use a low gear and do not shift while on the tracks to avoid stalling.

Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly; a train moving at 55 mph can take a mile or more to stop.

Cargo must be secured with tiedowns that meet the minimum working load limit (WLL) requirements; the aggregate WLL must be at least 50% of the cargo weight.

The cargo securement system must prevent the cargo from shifting or falling; use appropriate tiedowns and securement devices.

Check the cargo and tiedowns before driving and after the first 50 miles, then every 150 miles or 3 hours, whichever comes first.

Do not overload your vehicle; check the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and axle weight limits.

Distribute the weight evenly; place heavier items toward the center and bottom of the load.

Cover loads that could blow off or create dust; use tarps when required.

For oversized loads, obtain necessary permits and use proper flags and signs.

Fatigue impairs judgment, reaction time, and alertness; it is a major cause of crashes.

Get enough sleep before driving; most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep per day.

Take breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles; stop and rest if you feel drowsy.

Do not rely on caffeine or energy drinks to stay awake; they are not a substitute for sleep.

Follow hours-of-service regulations: for property-carrying drivers, the 11-hour driving limit and 14-hour on-duty limit apply.

If you feel sleepy, pull over safely and take a short nap (20–30 minutes) or stop for the night.

Avoid driving during times when you would normally be asleep; your body's circadian rhythm can make you drowsy.

For CDL holders, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.04% or lower; any detectable amount can result in penalties.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and can result in loss of CDL, fines, and imprisonment.

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time; they increase the risk of crashes.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can impair driving; check with a doctor or pharmacist about side effects.

Marijuana use is illegal for CDL holders, even in states where it is legal for recreational or medical use.

If you are convicted of a DUI, you may lose your CDL for at least one year; for a second offense, lifetime disqualification.

Refuse to submit to a drug or alcohol test when required; refusal results in disqualification.

Alcohol can be detected in the body for hours; time is the only way to sober up; coffee, cold showers, or exercise do not work.