Chapter 10: GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CLASS D "CHAUFFEUR'S" LICENSE

What kind of vehicles are you permitted to drive with Class "D" licenses? Explain how many pounds a person with a Class "D" license can drive? - Class "D" Chauffeur's Driver's License permits the operation of any single vehicle used in commerce if the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds but less than 26,001, or any combination of vehicles if the vehicles have a combined gross weight rating of 10,001, or more pounds but less than 26,001 pounds inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds and not utilized in the transportation of hazardous materials. Explain what type of work you are allowed to do with a class "D" license. Also, with a Class "D" license, can you drive vechicles in the "Class E" category? - A class "D" license may be used for transportation of passengers for hire or fee provided the usage thereof does not fall within the definition of vehicles in classes "A", "B", or "C". A class "D" license allows for operation of those vehicles in the class "E" category. How old do you have to be to hold a Class "D" license? - You must be at least 17 years of age to obtain a Class "D" license. Vehicle Size: How wide can Class "D" vehicles be? - Maximum width: • 8 feet for most vehicles. The load will not project more than 6 inches beyond the width of the body. • 8 feet 6 inches for buses. Vehicle Size: How high can Class "D" vehicles be? - Maximum height: • 13 feet 6 inches for all vehicles. (Some overpasses or other structures have clearance of less than 13'6".) Vehicle Size: How long can Class "D" vehicles be? - Maximum length: • 40 feet for any single vehicle (including the load). • 65 feet for truck-tractor and trailer combination In regards to the vehicle width, height, and length, what is the exception to the restrictions? - These limits do not apply to auto carriers, trailers hauling poles or pilings, or trailers hauling logs when operating during daylight hours What are the two rules in regards to carrying loads: - Securing loads: • Contents must not be allowed to drop, shift, leak or otherwise escape. • The load must be securely fastened so the covering or load does not come loose, or in any manner become a hazard to other motorists. Explain load-related rules and the flag-related rules: - A load must not extend more than 4 feet to the front of the vehicle or more than 8 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle except poles, pilings and logs may project 15 feet beyond the rearmost part of the trailer. If a load extends four or more feet past the bed or body of any vehicle, a red flag 12 inches square must be attached to the extreme rear of the load during daylight hours. The entire area of the flag must be visible. At night, a red light must be attached to the extreme rear of the load and visible for at least 500 feet to the sides and rear What are the maximum speeds for any vehicle in Louisiana and what are the three exceptions to the rule? - Maximum speed for any vehicle in Louisiana is 70 mph except: • When pulling or towing another motor vehicle the speed limit is 45 mph. • School buses are limited to 35 mph when frequently stopping to load or unload children. • Where a lower speed limit is posted. Explain the "following distance" rule for Class "D" vehicles: - On rural highways, outside residential areas or business districts, drivers of motor trucks must not follow within 400 feet of one another except to pass. Also, high beam headlights must be dimmed no less than 500 feet from oncoming traffic and 200 feet of a vehicle being followed. Explain when you are allowed to coast your Class "D" vehicle: - You must not let your vehicle coast downhill with the clutch disengaged or the gear in neutral. Explain the rules in regards to railroad stops: - You must stop within 50 feet but not closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail. You may not change gears until you have completely crossed over the tracks. This does apply to street-rail crossings within a business or residential district. Explain the equipment rule in regards to fire extinguishers: - Fire Extinguisher: Vehicles transporting passengers for hire must be equipped with at least a type 2-BC fire extinguisher, completely filled and in working condition. Tow trucks must be equipped with at least one 4-BC fire extinguisher capable of extinguishing flammable liquid fires, completely filled and in working condition. Motor vehicles transporting explosives must be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher with a rating of at least 10-BC, completely filled and in working condition. Explain the equipment rule in regards to fenders and mudguards: - Fenders and Mudguards: Every truck must have a device ("mud flap") to minimize the spray or splash of water or mud or loose road surface material to the rear.