Montana CDL General Knowledge cheat sheet

Pre-trip inspection: check tires, wheels, lug nuts, brakes, lights, fluids, belts, hoses, and secure cargo; report defects before driving.

During trip: monitor gauges, listen for unusual noises, check cargo securement and tire condition at each stop.

After-trip: complete post-trip inspection and report any defects that affect safety or cause breakdown.

Basic control: use smooth steering, gradual acceleration, and progressive braking; avoid sudden movements.

Start engine and check warning lights; ensure air pressure builds to governor cut-out (typically 120-125 psi) and alarms function.

Test service brake, parking brake, and emergency brake before driving; check steering play (more than 10 degrees is excessive).

Mirror adjustment: adjust mirrors before driving so you can see both sides and rear; eliminate blind spots as much as possible.

Seat and seat belt: adjust seat for full control; wear seat belt at all times; ensure head restraint is properly positioned.

Upshift: accelerate to governed RPM, depress clutch, shift to next gear, release clutch smoothly; use progressive shifting to save fuel.

Downshift: slow down, depress clutch, shift to lower gear, release clutch; match engine speed to road speed to avoid jerking.

Never coast with clutch depressed or in neutral; maintain control and use engine braking on downgrades.

Backing: use both mirrors, get out and check behind before backing, use a helper when available; back slowly and turn wheel in direction you want the rear to go.

Turning: swing wide to avoid off-tracking; remember rear wheels follow a shorter path; check mirrors for clearance.

Right turns: keep rear wheels close to curb; watch for pedestrians and vehicles in blind spots.

Left turns: approach from proper lane, yield to oncoming traffic, and ensure enough space for trailer to clear.

Use turn signals early and cancel after turn; check mirrors before and during turn.

Visual search: look ahead 12-15 seconds, scan mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and check blind spots before lane changes.

Mirror use: adjust mirrors to minimize blind spots; remember flat mirrors show true distance, convex mirrors show wider view but objects appear smaller and farther.

Signal intentions: use turn signals, brake lights, and horn as needed; signal early and clearly.

Communicate with other drivers: use headlights, horn, and hand signals when necessary; make eye contact with pedestrians and cyclists.

At night: use low beams when following or meeting traffic; high beams for open road; dim lights when within 500 feet of oncoming vehicle or 200 feet when following.

In fog, rain, or snow: use low beams, not high beams; increase following distance.

Use hazard lights only when broken down or moving slowly; not for parking.

Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, turning, or backing; use turn signals even if you think no one is there.

Following distance: use the 4-second rule for speeds under 40 mph; add 1 second for each 10 mph above 40, and add extra time for adverse conditions.

Stopping distance: total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + brake lag distance + braking distance.

Speed limits: obey posted limits; adjust for weather, road, and traffic; never drive faster than conditions allow.

Space management: maintain space cushion around vehicle; avoid tailgaters by increasing following distance or changing lanes.

Lane positioning: keep vehicle centered in lane; avoid drifting; use mirrors to monitor lane position.

Passing: ensure enough space and time; check mirrors and blind spots; signal and accelerate smoothly; return to lane only when you can see the passed vehicle's headlights in your rearview mirror.

Being passed: maintain speed and lane position; do not accelerate; help passer by moving to right if safe.

Hills: adjust speed and gear before climb; on downgrade, use lower gear and engine braking; never coast.

Hazard perception: scan ahead for potential hazards, anticipate actions of others, and plan escape routes.

Emergency braking: apply brakes firmly and progressively; do not pump air brakes; use controlled braking to maintain steering control.

Tire blowout: hold steering wheel firmly, stay off brakes, let vehicle slow gradually, then pull off road.

Skid control: for rear-wheel skid, steer in direction of skid; for front-wheel skid, ease off accelerator and steer straight; do not brake hard.

Brake failure: downshift, use engine braking, apply parking brake gradually, and look for escape route.

Fire: stop, turn off engine, evacuate, and call emergency services; use extinguisher only if safe.

Water on road: avoid driving through flooded areas; if unavoidable, check depth and current, drive slowly, and test brakes afterward.

Railroad crossing emergency: if vehicle stalls on tracks, get out and move away; call emergency number posted at crossing.

Cargo securement: use tiedowns, straps, chains, and tarps; ensure securement devices are in good condition and rated for load.

Number of tiedowns: for cargo up to 5 feet, at least 1; 5-10 feet, at least 2; over 10 feet, at least 3; and one every 10 feet thereafter.

Aggregate working load limit: tiedowns must have combined WLL at least 50% of cargo weight.

Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting, sliding, or falling; check securement before driving and after first 50 miles, then every 150 miles or 3 hours.

Weight limits: obey posted bridge and road limits; know your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross combination weight rating (GCWR).

Axle weight limits: steer axle, drive axles, and trailer axles must not exceed rated capacity; distribute weight evenly.

Overweight: fines and out-of-service; check weight at scales and adjust load if needed.

Cargo height: maximum height typically 13 feet 6 inches in Montana; check route for low clearances.

Air brake system: compressor builds pressure to governor cut-out (120-125 psi); system must maintain pressure; check for leaks.

Air brake test: with engine off, release parking brake, apply service brake and hold; check for pressure drop (should not exceed 3 psi in 1 minute for single vehicle, 4 psi for combination).

Low air pressure warning: must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi; check warning buzzer and light.

Spring brakes: apply automatically when air pressure drops below 20-45 psi; parking brake is spring applied, air released.

Slack adjusters: push rod travel should not exceed 1 inch for standard chambers; check for proper adjustment.

Brake drums and linings: check for cracks, wear, and contamination; ensure linings are not worn thin.

Pre-trip inspection: check engine compartment, lights, tires, brakes, coupling, and cargo; complete within 24 hours before driving.

Electrical system: check battery, alternator, and wiring; ensure lights work properly.

Hours of Service (HOS): property-carrying drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty; must take 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.

14-hour rule: may not drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty; off-duty breaks do not extend the 14-hour window.

60/70-hour rule: may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days; restart with 34 consecutive hours off duty.

Logbook: record duty status, hours, and vehicle information; keep logs current and accurate.

Fatigue: get adequate rest, avoid driving when drowsy, take breaks, and use caffeine strategically; do not rely on stimulants.

Health: maintain fitness, manage stress, and get regular medical checkups; report medical conditions that affect driving.

Alcohol and drugs: zero tolerance for commercial drivers; do not drive under influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that impair.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs: check with doctor or pharmacist about side effects; do not drive if impaired.

CDL alcohol limit: 0.04% BAC or higher is illegal for commercial drivers; lower than 0.08% for non-commercial.

Implied consent: by driving a CMV, you consent to alcohol and drug testing; refusal results in license suspension.

Testing: pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing required.

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination; even small amounts can affect driving.

Personal safety: avoid confrontations, report suspicious activity, and keep doors locked; be aware of surroundings.

Road rage: do not respond aggressively; stay calm, avoid eye contact, and report incidents.

Fatigue and drugs: do not use drugs to stay awake; they can cause crashes and health problems.

Emergency kit: carry first aid kit, fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, and flashlight.

Railroad crossings: slow down, look and listen, and be prepared to stop; never stop on tracks.

School buses: stop for school bus with flashing red lights and extended stop arm; remain stopped until lights stop flashing.

School bus safety: watch for children, obey speed limits in school zones, and never pass a stopped school bus.

Work zones: reduce speed, obey flaggers, and watch for workers and equipment; fines double in work zones.

Emergency vehicles: yield to emergency vehicles with lights and sirens; move to right and stop.

Accidents: stop, secure scene, call 911, exchange information, and report to carrier.

Hazardous materials: follow special rules for placarding, parking, and routing; avoid populated areas when possible.

Mountain driving: use lower gear, watch for steep grades, and use engine braking; check brakes before descent.

Montana maximum gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs on interstate highways; higher on some state roads with permit.

Axle weight limits: steer axle 12,000 lbs, tandem axles 34,000 lbs, tridem axles 42,000 lbs (varies by configuration).

Bridge formula: limits weight based on number of axles and distance between them to prevent bridge damage.

Height limit: 14 feet 0 inches in Montana (13 feet 6 inches on some routes); check before travel.

Width limit: 8 feet 6 inches for most vehicles; 8 feet on some roads; oversize permits required for wider loads.

Length limit: 53 feet for trailer on interstate; 65 feet for combination on designated highways; permits for longer.

Overweight/oversize permits: required for vehicles exceeding legal limits; must carry permit and follow restrictions.

Weight stations: must stop when scales are open unless bypassed by transponder; obey signals.

Montana speed limits: 70 mph on interstate, 65 mph on two-lane highways, 55 mph on some secondary roads; obey posted signs.

Basic speed rule: never drive faster than conditions allow; reduce speed in bad weather, at night, and in construction zones.

Seat belt law: primary enforcement for all occupants; driver and passengers must wear seat belt.

Headlight use: required from sunset to sunrise, and when visibility is less than 500 feet; use low beams in fog or rain.

Open container law: no open alcoholic beverages in passenger area of vehicle.

Move over law: move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights.

Chain law: required on certain mountain passes during winter conditions; signs will indicate when chains required.

Montana DOT rules: follow all posted signs and signals; report accidents to local authorities; obey weight and size limits.