NJ CDL General Knowledge flashcards
NJ 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.
- Pre-trip inspection parts
- The CDL pre-trip inspection has three parts: the engine compartment, the exterior walk-around (front, sides, and rear), and the in-cab inspection of controls and equipment.
- Three points of contact
- When mounting or dismounting, keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the vehicle at all times, and face the vehicle to prevent falls.
- Static air leak test
- With the engine off and full pressure, hold the brake pedal for one minute; leakage must not exceed 3 psi for a single vehicle or 4 psi for a combination.
- Slack adjuster limit
- With the parking brake released and the service brake applied, the pushrod should move no more than about 1 inch; 2 inches or more means the brakes are out of adjustment.
- Double-clutching procedure
- Press the clutch, shift to neutral, release the clutch, press the clutch again, shift into the next gear, then release the clutch smoothly to match engine and road speed.
- Backing rule
- Always back toward the driver's side and use a helper; if you lose sight of the helper in your mirrors, stop immediately until the helper is visible again.
- Off-tracking
- The rear wheels of a long vehicle follow a shorter path than the front wheels, so the vehicle cuts the corner on turns and can strike curbs or vehicles.
- Turn signal distance
- Signal at least 100 feet before a turn in urban areas and at least 300 feet before a turn in rural areas to give other drivers time to react.
- Following distance rule
- For speeds above 40 mph, allow one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length; a 60-foot combination at 55 mph needs about 6 seconds.
- Aim high
- Look 12-15 seconds ahead of the vehicle, roughly a quarter mile at highway speed, to spot hazards early and plan a safe response.
- Four-way flashers
- Use four-way flashers when driving below 45 mph or the posted minimum, when stopped on a shoulder, and when warning others of a hazard.
- Stopping distance formula
- Total stopping distance equals perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance; braking distance increases with the square of speed.
- Speed limit meaning
- The posted speed limit is the maximum lawful speed for ideal conditions, not a target; drivers must reduce speed for weather, traffic, curves, and darkness.
- Cushion of space
- Keep open space around the vehicle on all sides so you have room to stop or steer around a hazard without a collision.
- High beam dimming
- Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle to avoid blinding other drivers.
- Hydroplaning recovery
- Ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking so the tires can regain contact with the road; hydroplaning can begin at 30-35 mph on wet pavement.
- Fog driving rule
- Slow down, use low beams, increase following distance, and never stop on the traveled portion of the road where other drivers cannot see you.
- Smith System keys
- Aim high, get the big picture, keep your eyes moving, leave yourself an out, and make sure others see you; these five keys organize hazard scanning.
- Tire blowout response
- Hold the wheel firmly, keep the vehicle straight, ease off the accelerator, and avoid hard braking until the vehicle is under control, then pull off the road.
- Brake failure response
- Pump the brakes, downshift to use engine braking, apply the emergency or parking brake gradually, and steer toward an escape ramp or safe off-road area.
- Stalled on railroad tracks
- Get everyone out immediately and run away from the tracks at an angle toward the approaching train, not along the tracks or toward the train.
- Skid recovery steering
- Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go, ease off the accelerator, and avoid hard braking until the tires regain traction and the vehicle straightens.
- ABS braking technique
- With ABS, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it; do not pump the brakes, because ABS automatically controls wheel lockup while allowing steering.
- Air brake safety valve
- The safety valve in the air brake system releases pressure at about 150 psi to protect the system from over-pressurization and component damage.
- Interstate weight limits
- On the Interstate System, gross vehicle weight may not exceed 80,000 pounds, a single axle 20,000 pounds, and a tandem axle 34,000 pounds.
- Cargo tiedown requirement
- Use at least one tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo length, with a minimum of two tiedowns for any load longer than 5 feet.
- Rear overhang flag
- Cargo extending more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle must be marked with a red or orange flag at least 12 inches square in daylight.
- Fifth-wheel coupling check
- After backing under the trailer, confirm the jaws are closed around the kingpin, the release handle is locked, and a tug test holds the trailer.
- Air compressor governor
- The governor cuts the compressor out near 125 psi and back in near 100 psi; a low-air warning activates near 60 psi.
- 14-hour rule
- A driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, regardless of how many breaks or off-duty hours occur during that period.
- CDL BAC limit
- The CDL blood alcohol limit is 0.04%, half the 0.08% limit for non-commercial drivers, and a violation results in CDL disqualification.
- Post-accident testing trigger
- Post-accident drug and alcohol testing is required when there is a fatality, or when the driver is cited and someone is injured or a vehicle is towed.