NC CDL General Knowledge Verified A+
Vehicle and Driving Safety
1. Tie-downs for Cargo:
- There should be at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo to prevent shifting.
2. Following Distance:
- When driving a 40-foot vehicle at 35 mph, maintain a following distance of 4 seconds for safety.
3. Alcohol Effects:
- A few beers have the same effect on driving as a few shots of whiskey or a few glasses of wine.
4. Dealing with Ice on Wipers:
- If ice builds up on your wipers, stop safely and fix the problem.
5. Strong Winds:
- Winds are particularly hazardous when a truck comes out of tunnels.
6. Counter-Steering:
- Counter-steering involves turning the wheel back in the opposite direction after steering to avoid an
emergency.
7. Staying Alert:
- Take short breaks before you get drowsy to stay alert.
8. Hazardous Materials:
- You can drive a vehicle hauling hazardous materials if the vehicle does not require placards.
9. Cargo Inspections:
, - Cargo should be inspected as part of pre-trip inspections, again within the first 50 miles, then every 3
hours/150 miles, and after every break.
10. Using Retarders:
- Retarders can cause drive wheels to skid in conditions with poor traction.
Driving Techniques and Emergency Response
1. Downhill Driving Gear:
- Use a lower gear than that used to climb the hill for long, steep downhill grades.
2. Speed Management:
- Choose a safe speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see ahead.
3. Braking Technique on Downhill:
- Use snubbing on steep downhill grades.
4. Double Clutching:
- You can use the tachometer to determine when to shift.
5. Using Turn Signals:
- Signal early when turning.
6. Safety During a Vehicle Fire:
- If your vehicle catches fire, park in an open area.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance
1. Tires in Pre-Trip Inspection:
Vehicle and Driving Safety
1. Tie-downs for Cargo:
- There should be at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo to prevent shifting.
2. Following Distance:
- When driving a 40-foot vehicle at 35 mph, maintain a following distance of 4 seconds for safety.
3. Alcohol Effects:
- A few beers have the same effect on driving as a few shots of whiskey or a few glasses of wine.
4. Dealing with Ice on Wipers:
- If ice builds up on your wipers, stop safely and fix the problem.
5. Strong Winds:
- Winds are particularly hazardous when a truck comes out of tunnels.
6. Counter-Steering:
- Counter-steering involves turning the wheel back in the opposite direction after steering to avoid an
emergency.
7. Staying Alert:
- Take short breaks before you get drowsy to stay alert.
8. Hazardous Materials:
- You can drive a vehicle hauling hazardous materials if the vehicle does not require placards.
9. Cargo Inspections:
, - Cargo should be inspected as part of pre-trip inspections, again within the first 50 miles, then every 3
hours/150 miles, and after every break.
10. Using Retarders:
- Retarders can cause drive wheels to skid in conditions with poor traction.
Driving Techniques and Emergency Response
1. Downhill Driving Gear:
- Use a lower gear than that used to climb the hill for long, steep downhill grades.
2. Speed Management:
- Choose a safe speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see ahead.
3. Braking Technique on Downhill:
- Use snubbing on steep downhill grades.
4. Double Clutching:
- You can use the tachometer to determine when to shift.
5. Using Turn Signals:
- Signal early when turning.
6. Safety During a Vehicle Fire:
- If your vehicle catches fire, park in an open area.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance
1. Tires in Pre-Trip Inspection:
