CCDL Permit Prep

General Knowledge · page 17 of 19

General Knowledge questions 321–340

Part of the 376-question General Knowledge pool. Each answer cites the FMCSA CDL Manual or the federal rule it comes from.

Practise these as a timed set

  1. May a carrier pressure you to certify a log entry you know is wrong?

    • ANo, unless the trip crossed state lines
    • BYes, if a supervisor approves the entry
    • CYes, if the error is under 15 minutes
    • DNo, coercing a false certification is prohibitedCorrect

    The records rules bar a carrier from coercing a driver into falsely certifying data entries or a record of duty status, and edits need your confirmation.

    49 CFR § 395.30 · ELD record submissions and certification · verified 2026-08-13

  2. What is the deadline for a driver harassment complaint about logging technology?

    • A90 days after the eventCorrect
    • B10 days after the event
    • C180 days after the event
    • DOne year after the event

    A harassment complaint alleging the carrier used the logging device against the driver is filed in writing no later than 90 days after the event.

    49 CFR § 386.12 · Complaint of harassment · verified 2026-08-13

  3. Where is an exhaust leak specifically prohibited on a truck?

    • AAbove the roofline of the cab
    • BBehind the rear axle of the tractor
    • CForward of or directly below the sleeperCorrect
    • DAlongside the fifth wheel plate

    No part of the exhaust system may leak or discharge forward of or directly below the driver or sleeper compartment, because the fumes end up inside with you.

    49 CFR § 393.83 · Exhaust systems · verified 2026-08-13

  4. How may a damaged section of exhaust pipe be repaired?

    • AWith tape if the leak is small
    • BWith heat wrap until the next service
    • CWith a clamp-on patch for one trip
    • DProperly, never with wrap or patchesCorrect

    Temporary repair of the exhaust system with wrap or patches is prohibited outright, so a wrapped pipe is an inspection failure rather than a fix.

    49 CFR § 393.83 · Exhaust system repairs · verified 2026-08-13

  5. Why may an exhaust outlet not discharge below the fuel tank or filler pipe?

    • AHot gases near fuel invite a fireCorrect
    • BIt makes the engine run cooler
    • CIt shortens the life of the muffler
    • DIt reduces the vehicle's fuel mileage

    The rule keeps the discharge point away from the fuel tank and filler pipe, and away from wiring and combustible parts, for the obvious fire reason.

    49 CFR § 393.83 · Exhaust discharge location · verified 2026-08-13

  6. Why should each mirror be adjusted to show some part of your own vehicle?

    • AIt gives a reference point for judging the position of other imagesCorrect
    • BIt removes all blind spots
    • CIt keeps the vehicle centered automatically
    • DIt replaces the need for regular mirror checks

    The manual says showing part of the vehicle in each mirror gives a reference point for judging the position of the other images.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2014) · 2.4.2 Seeing to the Sides and Rear (Mirror Adjustment) · verified 2026-09-25

  7. Where should a loaded truck slow down for a highway exit?

    • AAt the stop sign at the ramp end
    • BIn the through lane before the exit
    • COnly once the ramp curve begins
    • DIn the deceleration lane, not the through laneCorrect

    Braking in the through lane surprises traffic behind, and braking after the curve starts is what puts a high load on its side.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - Entering and Exiting Highways · verified 2026-09-08

  8. What is the first move before maneuvering in a tight yard or lot?

    • AWalk the area and plan a way outCorrect
    • BDrive in and judge from the seat
    • CAsk another driver to move first
    • DSound the horn and proceed slowly

    Space seen from the cab is guesswork, and a driver who enters without an exit plan ends up backing blind between parked trailers.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - Maneuvering in Restricted Areas · verified 2026-09-08

  9. Why should a driver not assume the height posted at a bridge or overpass is correct?

    • ARe-paving or packed snow may have reduced the clearance since it was postedCorrect
    • BPosted heights are always too low
    • CPosted heights apply only to empty vehicles
    • DBridges are measured only in summer

    The manual says not to assume posted heights are correct because re-paving or packed snow may have reduced clearances since the heights were posted.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2014) · 2.7.4 Space Overhead · verified 2026-09-25

  10. What is the risk of cutting a left turn short in a combination vehicle?

    • AThe trailer brakes release automatically
    • BThe tractor loses steering assistance
    • CThe trailer strikes vehicles or the curb insideCorrect
    • DThe load shifts toward the front axle

    The trailer wheels track inside the tractor's line, so a tight left turn sweeps the corner and whatever is waiting on it.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - Turning · verified 2026-09-08

  11. How does a driver keep the trailer clear when turning right at a corner?

    • ATurn from the center lane instead
    • BSwing left early in the approach
    • CHug the right curb through the turn
    • DReach the intersection, then swing wideCorrect

    Swinging wide before the turn invites a car up the right side; the wide part of the turn belongs inside the intersection, not on the approach.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - Right Turns · verified 2026-09-08

  12. What does a driver do when a maneuver stops looking safe halfway through?

    • AStop, secure the vehicle, and reassess the path before continuingCorrect
    • BContinue and correct at the end
    • CSpeed up to clear the tight point
    • DFold the mirrors and keep going

    FMCSA says backing is dangerous, to back slowly, and to stop and check the path if you are unsure. Secure the vehicle before exiting to look.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - Maneuvering in Restricted Areas · verified 2026-09-08

  13. What is the double-clutch technique on a manual truck transmission?

    • AHold the clutch down through both gears
    • BClutch to neutral, release, then clutch to gearCorrect
    • CShift twice without using the clutch
    • DPress the clutch fully to the floor once

    The clutch comes up in neutral so engine and gearbox speeds can be matched, then goes down again to select the next gear.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - Shifting Gears · verified 2026-08-14

  14. How does a driver know when to upshift?

    • ABy the position of the throttle pedal
    • BBy the time spent in the gear
    • CBy engine speed and road speed togetherCorrect
    • DBy the temperature of the coolant

    The tachometer and the speedometer decide the shift point together; guessing from throttle position is what leaves the engine lugging or screaming.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - When to Shift Up · verified 2026-08-14

  15. Why should a driver avoid shifting part-way through a curve?

    • AThe steering assist cuts out briefly
    • BThe transmission locks above idle
    • CThe trailer brakes apply on their own
    • DChanging gear unsettles traction mid-turnCorrect

    A gear change transfers weight and briefly removes drive, and a loaded combination in a curve is where that matters most.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - When to Shift · verified 2026-08-14

  16. What does progressive shifting achieve?

    • ALower engine speeds and better fuel economyCorrect
    • BFaster acceleration from every gear
    • CLonger clutch life in city traffic
    • DHigher top speed on the highway

    Shifting up before the engine reaches full speed keeps revolutions down, which burns less fuel and puts less noise and wear into the driveline.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - Shifting Patterns and Procedures · verified 2026-08-14

  17. What does the range selector do on a dual-range transmission?

    • ALocks the drive axles together
    • BSwitches the gearbox between low and high setsCorrect
    • CEngages the engine compression brake
    • DChanges the rear axle ratio permanently

    The lever splits one shift pattern into two ranges, so the same H pattern is used twice and the range is changed at the top of the low set.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - Multi-Speed Dual-Range Transmissions · verified 2026-08-14

  18. What happens if a driver misses a shift on an upgrade?

    • AThe engine brake holds the vehicle still
    • BThe transmission selects a gear itself
    • CRoad speed drops and a lower gear is neededCorrect
    • DThe trailer brakes hold the load in place

    Momentum is gone by the time the gear is found, so the driver ends up needing a lower gear than the one that was missed.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - Shifting Gears · verified 2026-08-14

  19. What should a driver do if the transmission will not go back into gear?

    • ARev the engine and try again hard
    • BForce the lever until it engages
    • CCoast in neutral to the next exit
    • DBring the vehicle to a safe stopCorrect

    Coasting in neutral removes engine braking and control, and forcing the lever damages the gearbox; the safe answer is to stop and sort it out.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - Shifting Gears · verified 2026-08-14

  20. Why is the correct gear chosen before a grade rather than on it?

    • AA heavy vehicle cannot downshift once loaded upCorrect
    • BThe engine brake works in any gear
    • CGear choice only affects fuel economy
    • DBrakes replace gear selection on grades

    Once the combination is rolling fast downhill, engine and road speed no longer match any lower gear, and the attempt leaves the driver in neutral with brakes alone.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual · Section 2 - Selecting a Safe Speed and Gear · verified 2026-08-14