Mississippi CDL General Knowledge flashcards
Mississippi 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.
- Following distance rule
- For speeds under 40 mph, allow one second per 10 feet of vehicle length plus one extra second; at 40 mph and above, add one second for every 10 mph over 40.
- Total stopping distance
- The sum of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance; it grows with speed and with the square of speed for the braking portion.
- Hydroplaning cause
- Water on the road lifts the tires off the surface; it can begin around 30 mph with worn tread, so ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking.
- Stab braking
- On a long downgrade, apply the brakes firmly when speed reaches about 5 mph over your safe speed, hold until about 5 mph under, then release and repeat.
- Aggregate working load limit
- The combined strength of all tiedowns and securement devices must be at least 50 percent of the cargo weight to keep the load from shifting.
- Tiedown minimum count
- One tiedown for articles 5 feet or shorter and under 1,100 pounds; two tiedowns for longer articles or those heavier than 1,100 pounds.
- Projecting load flag
- A red or orange flag at least 18 inches square must mark loads extending 4 feet or more beyond the rear or sides of the vehicle.
- Legal gross weight
- The lowest of the posted road or bridge limit, the tire limit, the axle limit, and the vehicle registration or manufacturer rating.
- Standee prohibition
- Passengers may not stand on a bus with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds; all riders must be seated while the bus is moving.
- Unattended bus rule
- A bus may never be left with passengers aboard; if you leave, shut off the engine, set the parking brake, and remove the key.
- Passenger count
- Count passengers when they board and leave at every stop, and do not move the bus until each rider is seated or holding a handrail.
- Air compressor build time
- Air pressure must build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds at fast idle during the pre-trip compressor check.
- Air brake leak test
- With the engine off and brakes released, loss must not exceed 3 psi in one minute; with the brakes applied, loss must not exceed 4 psi in one minute.
- Low-air warning
- The warning must activate before pressure falls below 60 psi, and the spring brakes must fully apply between 20 and 45 psi.
- Brake lag
- Air brakes take about one second to apply after the pedal is pressed, so stopping distance is longer than with hydraulic brakes.
- Fifth wheel check
- Confirm the kingpin is fully seated, the locking jaws close around it, and the release lever is locked before driving.
- Tug test
- After coupling, pull gently against the trailer with the trailer brakes set to confirm the coupling holds before raising the landing gear.
- Off-tracking
- The rear wheels of a combination vehicle follow a shorter path than the front wheels, so swing wide on turns and watch the trailer in the mirrors.
- Converter dolly coupling
- Connect the dolly to the first trailer, check the coupling with a tug test, then back the second trailer to the dolly and check again.
- Doubles articulation
- Extra articulation points mean doubles and triples need wider turns, more stopping room, and closer watching of the last trailer's wheels.
- Trailer air supply valve
- The shut-off valve at the rear of each unit must be open so the following trailer receives air and its brakes release properly.
- Liquid surge
- A partially filled tank lets liquid shift and push the vehicle; keep tanks full or drained when possible and slow down before curves.
- Tank baffles
- Baffles divide the tank to reduce surge but do not eliminate it; smooth bore tanks have the strongest liquid movement.
- Bonding and grounding
- Before loading or unloading flammable liquids, set the parking brake, chock the wheels, and bond and ground the vehicle to prevent static sparks.
- Hazmat shipping papers
- They must be within reach while driving and include the proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, and emergency response information.
- Placard placement
- Placards must be displayed on both sides and both ends of the vehicle for each hazard class carried in the required quantity.
- Hazmat parking rule
- Do not park within 5 feet of a roadway, and never park near an open flame, bridge, tunnel, or crowded place unless the vehicle is attended.
- School bus warning lights
- Amber lights warn of an approaching stop; red lights and the stop arm signal that children are crossing and traffic must stop.
- School bus danger zone
- The area about 10 feet around the bus where children are hard to see; count students at every stop and watch them until clear.
- School bus railroad stop
- Stop at least 10 feet from the nearest rail, open the door, and check both ways before crossing the tracks.
- Tire tread minimum
- At least 4/32 inch on front tires and 2/32 inch on other tires, with no cuts, bulges, or exposed cords.
- Hill start control
- Use the parking brake or clutch friction point to hold the vehicle while releasing the brake and applying throttle, preventing rollback.