Nebraska 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 areas

Three areas: engine compartment (fluids, belts, hoses), walk-around (lights, tires, coupling), and in-cab (seat belt, gauges, brakes). Required before each trip.

Steer tire tread limit

Front steer tires must have at least 4/32 inch tread depth; other tires need at least 2/32 inch. Cuts, bulges, or exposed cord are defects.

Brake adjustment limit

For a standard stroke chamber, pushrod travel must not exceed 2 inches; for a long-stroke chamber, 2.5 inches. Beyond that, the brake is out of adjustment.

Air brake leak limit

With a fully charged system, leakage must not exceed 3 psi per minute for a single vehicle or 4 psi per minute for a combination vehicle.

Low air pressure warning

The warning must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi; spring brakes apply automatically at roughly 20-45 psi.

Backing direction rule

Back only when necessary and toward the driver's side (left) when possible, so the trailer swings into mirror view. Stop if you lose sight of your spotter.

Trailer backing steering

Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go, then straighten the wheel to follow the trailer. Small corrections prevent jackknifing.

Double-clutching sequence

Push clutch, shift to neutral, release clutch, push clutch again, shift to next gear, release clutch. Used to match engine and road speed.

Lugging the engine

Upshifting too soon causes the engine to labor at low rpm, which is hard on the engine and drivetrain. Downshift to recover power.

Downgrade gear selection

Select a gear low enough that the engine governor limits speed and service brakes are needed only intermittently. Downshift before the grade begins.

Stopping distance formula

Stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance. Braking distance grows with speed and weight.

Following distance rule

One second for each 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph, plus one second above 40 mph. A 60-foot vehicle at 55 mph needs about 7 seconds.

Off-tracking

Rear wheels track inside front wheels during a turn. Longer vehicles need wider turns to keep rear wheels from hitting curbs or vehicles.

Hazard perception process

Identify the hazard, predict what might happen, decide on an action, then execute it. Scan 12-15 seconds ahead and check mirrors every 5-8 seconds.

Night visibility distance

Low beams illuminate about 250 feet; high beams about 350-500 feet. Reduce speed at night so you can stop within the lighted distance.

Brake failure response

Downshift, apply the parking brake gradually, and look for an escape ramp. Do not pump the brakes if the system has lost pressure.

Tire blowout response

Hold the steering wheel firmly, keep the vehicle straight, and slow gradually. Do not brake hard or steer sharply.

Reflective triangle placement

On a two-lane road, place triangles 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind the vehicle. Set them out within 10 minutes of stopping.

Aggregate working load limit

Tiedowns must have an aggregate working load limit of at least 50% of the cargo weight for cargo not needing special securement.

Minimum tiedown count

One tiedown for cargo up to 5 feet long and 1,100 lbs; two for cargo over 5 feet but under 10 feet; one more for each additional 10 feet.

Cargo overhang limits

Cargo may not extend more than 3 feet beyond the front or more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle. Extended loads need flags or lights.

11-hour driving limit

Property-carrying CMV drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, within a 14-hour on-duty window.

30-minute break rule

A 30-minute break is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption of driving.

34-hour restart

Thirty-four consecutive hours off duty resets the 60-hour/7-day or 70-hour/8-day cycle.

STAA whistleblower protection

The Surface Transportation Assistance Act protects employees from retaliation for reporting safety violations or refusing to operate an unsafe vehicle.

STAA complaint deadline

Complaints under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act must be filed with OSHA within 180 days of the alleged retaliation.

Conviction notification rule

CDL holders must notify their employer and the state within 30 days of a conviction for a traffic violation, other than a parking violation.

DUI disqualification

A first DUI or refusal to submit to testing results in a 1-year CDL disqualification; a second offense results in a lifetime disqualification.

Fifth wheel check

The locking jaws must be fully closed around the kingpin, and the release handle must be in the locked position with a safety latch engaged.

Steering wheel play limit

Steering wheel play should not exceed 10 degrees (about 2 inches at the rim) before the front wheels begin to move.

Right turn off-tracking

Swing wide enough to keep rear wheels from hitting the curb; off-tracking is greater for longer vehicles and can strike pedestrians.

Headlight dimming rule

Dim headlights for oncoming traffic within 500 feet and for vehicles ahead within 200 feet.