New York CDL General Knowledge flashcards

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

CDL Class A

A commercial driver's license that allows operation of combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, including a towed unit weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

CDL Class B

A commercial driver's license for a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing a unit of 10,000 pounds or less.

CDL Class C

A commercial driver's license for single vehicles under 26,001 pounds that carry 16 or more passengers including the driver, or that carry placarded amounts of hazardous materials.

Hazardous materials endorsement

The H endorsement, required to drive a vehicle placarded for hazardous materials; it requires a knowledge test and a TSA security threat assessment before issuance.

Serious traffic violation

A violation such as excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper lane change, or following too closely; a second offense within three years disqualifies a CDL holder for 60 days.

Major offense disqualification

A DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, or using a vehicle to commit a felony disqualifies a CDL holder for at least one year, or three years if placarded hazardous materials were being carried.

Pre-trip inspection

A systematic check of the engine compartment, walk-around items such as tires and lights, and in-cab controls before driving; defects found must be corrected or reported before the trip begins.

Air brake leak check

With the engine off and tanks full, apply and hold the service brake; air pressure should not drop more than 3 psi in one minute for a single vehicle or 4 psi for a combination.

Low air warning

The warning buzzer or light must activate before air pressure drops to 60 psi, and the spring brakes must apply automatically between 20 and 45 psi.

Perception and reaction distance

The distance traveled while the driver sees a hazard and reacts; it adds to brake lag and braking distance to make up total stopping distance.

Following distance rule

Allow at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds under 40 mph, and add one extra second above 40 mph; a 60-foot combination needs about 7 seconds.

Tire tread out-of-service rule

A front tire with tread depth below 4/32 inch, or any other tire below 2/32 inch, is out of service, along with tires showing cuts, bulges, or exposed cords.

Cargo tiedown rule

The aggregate working load limit of all tiedowns must be at least 50 percent of the cargo weight, and each article needs at least one tiedown per 10 feet of length.

Cargo securement forces

Cargo must be secured against forces of 0.8 g forward, 0.5 g rearward, and 0.5 g sideways, so the tiedown system must withstand those loads without shifting.

Front tiedown placement

The front tiedown must be within 4 feet of the front of the cargo to prevent forward movement, and cargo must not rest against an unrated cab or headboard.

Cargo inspection interval

Check the load and tiedowns within the first 50 miles of a trip, then every 150 miles or 3 hours, whichever comes first, and after any stop.

Federal size and weight limits

Maximum width is 102 inches, height 13 feet 6 inches, and gross vehicle weight 80,000 pounds; oversize or overweight loads may need permits.

Fifth wheel coupling test

After backing under the trailer, check that the jaws are closed around the kingpin, connect the air lines, and do a pull test with the trailer brakes applied.

Converter dolly

A device with its own fifth wheel and drawbar that supports the front of a rear trailer in a double or triple combination and connects to the tractor's air and electrical systems.

Air line color coding

Blue is the service line that applies the trailer brakes, red is the emergency supply line that charges the trailer tanks, and black is the electrical cord.

Rearward amplification

In doubles and triples, the last trailer swings wider and faster than the tractor during lane changes, so steering must be smooth and gradual at highway speed.

Off-tracking in turns

The rear trailer cuts the corner more sharply than the tractor, so the driver must swing wide before the turn and watch the rear trailer in the mirrors.

Tank vehicle definition

A vehicle with a permanently mounted tank of 119 gallons or more, or a portable tank of 1,000 gallons or more, used to carry liquid or gas; an N endorsement is required.

Liquid surge

Movement of liquid in a partly filled tank during acceleration, braking, or turning; it shifts weight and raises rollover risk, and baffles reduce but do not eliminate it.

Tank outage space

The empty space left at the top of a tank to allow liquid to expand as temperature rises; overfilling can cause the tank to rupture or overflow.

Smooth-bore tank

A tank without internal baffles, so liquid surges freely; it requires slower speeds, longer following distances, and gentler braking than a baffled tank.

School bus danger zone

The area within about 10 feet around a school bus, where students are hardest to see; the driver must account for every student before moving the bus.

School bus railroad stop

A school bus must stop at all railroad crossings, open the door or window to listen, and cross only when the track is clear, regardless of signals.

School bus loading procedure

Stop the bus, set the parking brake, place the transmission in neutral or park, and activate the flashing red lights and stop arm before students cross the road.

School bus post-trip check

After every route, walk to the back of the bus and check under and between seats for sleeping or left-behind students; this check is required by federal and state rules.

School bus endorsement

The S endorsement, required to drive a school bus carrying students; the driver must also hold a P endorsement and the proper CDL class for the vehicle.

School bus emergency exits

Locations including the rear door, side door, roof hatch, and windows; the driver must know them and practice evacuation drills so students know the procedures.