Pennsylvania CDL General Knowledge flashcards

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

Pre-trip inspection

An inspection of the vehicle before driving, covering the engine compartment, cab, lights, brakes, tires, coupling, and cargo. Defects affecting safety must be corrected before departure.

En-route inspection

A check performed within the first 50 miles of a trip and then every 150 miles or 3 hours, focusing on tires, brakes, cargo securement, and lights.

Tire tread minimum

Front steer tires need at least 4/32 inch of tread depth; all other tires need at least 2/32 inch. Check for cuts, bulges, and tread separation.

Air brake leak test

With the engine off and brakes released, air loss should not exceed 3 psi per minute for a single vehicle or 4 psi per minute for a combination vehicle.

Fifth-wheel coupling check

Verify the jaws are locked around the kingpin, the locking lever is secured, there is no gap between the apron and fifth wheel, and safety latches are closed.

Off-tracking

The tendency of the rear wheels of a long vehicle to follow a tighter path than the front wheels during a turn, requiring a wider swing before turning.

Push-pull steering

A steering method where one hand pushes the wheel up while the other pulls it down, allowing continuous control without crossing the arms.

Double-clutching

A shifting technique: press the clutch, shift to neutral, release the clutch, press it again, and select the next gear to match engine and road speed.

Lugging the engine

Operating the engine at too low an rpm for the load, which can cause damage and poor performance. Downshift before the engine loses power.

Backing with a spotter

Use a helper outside the vehicle's path to guide you; if you lose sight of the spotter, stop immediately. Back slowly and check mirrors continuously.

Trailer backing direction

To move the trailer's rear to the left, turn the steering wheel to the right; to move it right, turn left. Make small corrections and back slowly.

High beam dimming

Dim high beams to low beams when meeting oncoming traffic within 500 feet or following another vehicle within 300 feet to avoid blinding other drivers.

12-second sight distance

Look ahead about 12 seconds of travel time to spot hazards early; this gives you time to react and plan an escape route.

Four-way flashers

Use hazard lights when stopped on the shoulder, driving slowly, or warning others of a hazard; they increase visibility and signal a problem.

Hand signals

Left arm straight out for a left turn, bent up for a right turn, and bent down for a stop; use them if turn signals fail.

Total stopping distance

The sum of perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. It increases with speed, weight, and poor road conditions.

Three-second rule

Maintain at least a 3-second following distance in ideal conditions; increase to 4 or more seconds at night or in bad weather.

Space cushion

The clear area around your vehicle that gives you room to react. Avoid driving beside others and pass quickly when overtaking.

Escape route

A planned path to steer into if a hazard appears, such as an empty lane or shoulder. Identify one before you need it.

Hazard scanning

Continuously checking the road ahead and to the sides for brake lights, turn signals, pedestrians, and other clues to identify hazards early.

Blind spot check

Turning your head to check areas not visible in the mirrors before changing lanes; large vehicles have significant blind areas.

Tire blowout response

Hold the steering wheel firmly, keep the vehicle straight, and slow gradually. Do not brake hard, which can cause a loss of control.

Brake failure response

Downshift, apply the parking brake gradually, and look for an escape route such as a runaway truck ramp. Do not panic or brake suddenly.

Skid recovery

Steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the accelerator; avoid hard braking, which can worsen the skid.

Railroad crossing rule

Slow down, look both ways, and never stop on the tracks. Wait until you can clear the crossing completely before starting across.

Stalled on tracks

Get out and move away from the tracks immediately; call 911 or the railroad. Do not stay in the vehicle to try to restart it.

Night speed adjustment

Reduce speed at night so you can stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights; watch for pedestrians and animals.

Glare avoidance

Do not look directly into oncoming headlights; look toward the right edge of your lane to avoid glare and keep your vehicle centered.

Fog driving

Use low beams, slow down, and increase following distance. High beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility.

Hydroplaning

Loss of tire contact with the road on wet surfaces; reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and steer gently to regain traction.

Low air pressure warning

A warning that must activate before air pressure drops below 60 psi. If it activates, stop and fix the problem before driving.

Cargo securement check

Check tiedowns and cargo before driving and after the first 50 miles, then every 150 miles or 3 hours, to ensure the load cannot shift or fall.

Warning device placement

Place reflective triangles or flares at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind the vehicle, or as required, to warn traffic after a crash.

Crash scene duties

Stop immediately, secure the scene, check for injuries, call 911, exchange information, and report the crash to police and your employer.