Louisiana 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

A required inspection of the vehicle before driving, checking for leaks, damage, tire condition, lights, fluids, and emergency equipment to ensure safe operation.

Minimum tread depth

Steer tires must have at least 4/32 inch tread depth; all other tires at least 2/32 inch. Check with a gauge and inspect for damage.

Emergency equipment

A commercial vehicle must carry a fire extinguisher, spare fuses, and three warning triangles for use in case of breakdown or crash.

Push-pull steering

A steering method where hands stay at 9 and 3 o'clock; one hand pulls down while the other pushes up, never crossing arms, for better control.

Backing with a spotter

When backing, use a spotter if possible; if not, get out and check the area first. Back slowly and use mirrors; stop if you lose sight of the spotter.

Engine braking

Using a lower gear to slow the vehicle on downgrades, reducing reliance on brakes and preventing overheating. Never coast in neutral.

Double-clutching

A shifting technique for non-synchronized transmissions: press clutch, shift to neutral, release clutch, press clutch again, then shift to gear.

Convex mirror warning

Objects in convex mirrors appear smaller and farther away than they actually are. Use them to check blind spots but verify distance with other mirrors.

12-15 second scan

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

Signaling distance

Signal at least 100 feet before a turn in urban areas and 200 feet in rural areas, unless state law specifies otherwise.

Four-way flashers use

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

Following distance rule

For speeds below 40 mph, allow one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length; add one second for speeds above 40 mph.

Stopping distance components

Total stopping distance equals perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance. At 55 mph, a loaded truck may need over 400 feet.

Tire blowout response

Hold the steering wheel firmly, avoid hard braking, and gradually slow down. Then pull off the road to a safe location.

Brake failure response

Downshift to a lower gear, use the parking brake gradually, and look for an escape route such as a runaway truck ramp.

Skid recovery

Steer in the direction you want to go; do not brake hard. Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly to regain control.

Work zone safety

Obey flaggers and posted speeds; fines are often doubled for violations. Watch for workers and equipment, and adjust speed.

High wind caution

Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and reduce speed. Be cautious of high-profile vehicles and sudden gusts.

Passive railroad crossing

A crossing without lights or gates. Stop, look both ways, and listen before proceeding; open your window to hear better.

Stalled on tracks

Get everyone out immediately and move away. Call 911 and notify the railroad. Never attempt to restart the vehicle while on the tracks.

Cargo tiedown WLL

The aggregate working load limit of tiedowns must be at least 50% of the cargo weight. Use appropriate securement devices.

Cargo securement check

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

Fatigue effects

Fatigue impairs judgment, reaction time, and alertness. It is a major cause of crashes. Get enough sleep and take breaks.

Hours-of-service limits

Property-carrying drivers: 11-hour driving limit and 14-hour on-duty limit. Follow these rules to avoid fatigue.

CDL BAC limit

For CDL holders, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.04% or lower. Any detectable amount can result in penalties.

Marijuana and CDL

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

DUI consequences

A DUI conviction can result in loss of CDL for at least one year; a second offense can result in lifetime disqualification.

Post-trip inspection

A required inspection at the end of each day's work to check for defects and ensure the vehicle is safe for the next trip.

ABS braking technique

With anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure and steer. Do not pump the brakes; ABS prevents wheel lockup.

Night driving visibility

Reduce speed and increase following distance. Use high beams when legal, but dim them for oncoming traffic.

Load distribution

Distribute weight evenly; place heavier items toward the center and bottom. Do not exceed GVWR or axle weight limits.

Caffeine and alertness

Caffeine is not a substitute for sleep. If drowsy, pull over and take a short nap or stop for the night.