Montana CDL General Knowledge study plan

List every pre-trip inspection item for the engine compartment, cab, and walk-around in the order you would actually perform it

Explain how air pressure builds and is governed in a dual air brake system, including what the low-pressure warning must do

Describe the difference between service brakes, parking brakes, and the emergency/parking spring brake function

Identify what to check on tires, wheels, rims, and lug nuts during a pre-trip and state the rejection criteria for each

Walk through the in-cab inspection sequence, naming each gauge and what an abnormal reading looks like

Trace the path of air from compressor to brake chambers and explain what each valve in that path does

Diagnose three given brake-failure scenarios (low air warning, spring brake won't release, pulling to one side) and state the safe response for each

Explain how to test the service brake, parking brake, and emergency brake during a pre-trip, including the static leak test

Describe basic control at start-up: clutch use, gear engagement, and how to move off without rolling

Explain how to check coolant, oil, power steering fluid, and belts, and what a failing belt or hose looks like

Describe the correct shift pattern and rpm range for a typical unsynchronized manual transmission, including when to float versus double-clutch

Explain the procedure for backing straight, backing while turning, and backing with a spotter, including when to stop and re-check

State the rules for right turns, left turns, and lane positioning given a vehicle's off-tracking and rear swing

Calculate following distance in seconds for a 55 mph tractor-trailer under ideal, wet, and icy conditions

Identify the speed at which you must downshift before a downgrade and explain how to select a safe descent speed

Explain how total stopping distance is built from perception, reaction, brake lag, and braking distance, and estimate each for a given speed

Identify the four blind spots around a tractor-trailer and state where a passing car disappears from mirror view

Describe mirror adjustment and the correct use of mirrors before and during a lane change

Explain how to signal, and when signaling is required versus merely advisable

Describe how to manage space ahead, behind, and to the sides in heavy traffic and on entrance ramps

List the steps to recover from a rear-wheel skid, a front-wheel skid, and a trailer jackknife, and state what not to do in each

Explain the correct response to a tire blowout, brake failure, and a fire in the cab or cargo area

Describe the rules for approaching a railroad crossing, including when stopping is required and how to check for a second train

State the school bus loading and unloading rules that apply to other drivers, including the stop-arm and divided highway exceptions

Explain how to handle a downgrade emergency, including runaway truck ramp use and gear selection

Explain how to distribute weight so axles are not overloaded, and define gross, axle, and bridge formula limits in plain terms

Describe securement requirements for general freight, including how many tiedowns are needed at each length threshold

Identify which cargo requires special securement (logs, steel, coiled rolls, containers) and the rule that applies to each

State Montana and federal size and weight limits for length, width, height, and axle load, and when an overweight or oversize permit is needed

Explain how to check cargo securement during a trip and what to do if a tiedown fails

State the hours-of-service limits for property-carrying drivers, including the 11-hour, 14-hour, and 60/70-hour rules and the 30-minute break

Explain how to complete a record of duty status entry and what counts as on-duty not driving

List the signs of fatigue and the countermeasures that actually work versus those that do not

Explain the CDL alcohol and drug rules, including the 0.04 BAC threshold, implied consent, and out-of-service consequences

Describe the personal safety habits that reduce risk during stops, loading, and roadside inspections

Re-run the full pre-trip inspection from memory and correct any item missed in week 1

Re-take a full-length mixed practice exam and log every missed question by domain

Review the five weakest domains and write a corrected rule for each missed item

Recite the air brake inspection and leak test steps without notes

Confirm test-day logistics: Montana CDL test location, required documents, and what to bring