NE CDL Passenger flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Pre-trip inspection tire tread

Front 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 cuts, bulges, or separation.

Following distance rule

Maintain at least a 4-second gap behind the vehicle ahead under ideal conditions. Increase to 6 or more seconds in rain, snow, fog, or heavy traffic.

Rear-wheel skid recovery

Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, which means turning the wheel in the direction of the skid. Do not brake hard; ease off the accelerator.

Blind spot check

Before changing lanes, check mirrors and turn your head to look over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change. Mirrors do not show everything.

Night driving high beam dimming

Dim high beams within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles and within 200 feet when following another vehicle. Also dim when driving in fog, rain, or snow.

Engine braking on downgrades

Use a lower gear to let the engine slow the vehicle on long downgrades. This prevents brake fade and overheating. Do not coast in neutral.

Tire blowout response

Hold the steering wheel firmly, avoid hard braking, and gradually slow down. Pull off the road to a safe location. Do not panic or overcorrect.

Passenger vehicle railroad crossing stop

Passenger vehicles carrying passengers must stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail at all railroad crossings unless exempt. Turn off noisy devices, open door to listen, and cross without shifting.

Passenger count procedure

Count passengers when loading and unloading to ensure no one is left behind. Use a consistent method, such as counting aloud or using a clicker.

Emergency evacuation

In an emergency, evacuate passengers to a safe location away from traffic and upwind of hazards. Use emergency exits, account for all passengers, and call for help.

Prohibited fueling with passengers

Do not fuel a passenger vehicle while passengers are aboard unless it is an emergency. Fueling can cause fire or explosion; passengers should disembark.

Passenger aisle clearance

Keep aisles and exits clear of luggage and debris at all times. Passengers must not stand in aisles while the vehicle is moving.

Air brake low pressure warning

The low air pressure warning must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi. If it activates, stop and check the system; do not continue driving.

Air brake leak test

With engine off and brakes released, pressure should not drop more than 2 psi in one minute (single vehicle) or 3 psi (combination). With brakes applied, not more than 3 psi in one minute.

Spring brake activation

Spring brakes apply automatically when air pressure drops to between 20 and 45 psi. They are held off by air pressure; if pressure is lost, they engage.

Governor cut-out pressure

The compressor governor cuts out at about 120–125 psi and cuts in at about 100 psi. If pressure does not build, check the compressor or governor.

Slack adjuster check

Check slack adjuster travel; if the pushrod travels more than 1 inch, brakes may be out of adjustment. Have a qualified mechanic adjust them.

Drain air tanks daily

Drain all air tanks (wet, primary, secondary) at the end of each day to remove moisture. Moisture can freeze and cause brake failure.

Brake fade cause

Brake fade occurs when brakes overheat from excessive use, such as riding the brakes on a long downgrade. Use engine braking and lower gears to prevent it.

Pre-trip inspection sequence

Start at the driver's door, check engine compartment, then walk clockwise around the vehicle checking lights, tires, wheels, brakes, and body. Finish with brake test.

Tire tread depth check

Use a tread depth gauge. Front tires need at least 4/32 inch; all other tires at least 2/32 inch. Also check for cuts, bulges, and tread separation.

Steering wheel play limit

Steering wheel play should not exceed 10 degrees (about 2 inches at the rim). Excessive play indicates worn steering components and must be repaired.

Emergency equipment required

A passenger vehicle must carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and at least three warning triangles. Check that all are present and in working order.

Lug nut check

Inspect lug nuts for rust trails, shiny threads, or cracks. These indicate loose or missing nuts. Tighten or replace as needed before driving.

Skills test offset backing

Back into a lane offset to the left or right using mirrors and reference points. You may stop and check progress, but do not hit cones or cross boundaries.

Skills test parallel parking

Park parallel to a curb or barrier within a specified distance (e.g., 18 inches) without hitting anything. Use pull-up if needed; do not hit cones.

Skills test alley dock

Back into a dock or parking space from an alley, often requiring a 90-degree turn. Use mirrors and reference points; avoid hitting obstacles.

Skills test scoring

You are allowed a certain number of points for errors (e.g., 30). Critical errors such as hitting a cone, crossing a boundary, or needing examiner intervention cause automatic failure.

On-road test left turn

Signal early, position in left lane, yield to oncoming traffic, and complete the turn into the correct lane without cutting the corner or swinging wide.

On-road test lane change

Check mirrors, signal, check blind spot, and change lanes smoothly. Maintain speed and do not cut off other drivers.

On-road test intersection

Scan left-right-left, yield to pedestrians, and proceed when clear. Do not block the intersection; stop behind the crosswalk or stop line.

On-road test expressway merge

Merge at or near the speed limit, maintain a safe following distance, use mirrors and signals, and exit smoothly. Do not drive too slowly in the left lane.