CCDL Permit Prep

General Knowledge · page 3 of 19

General Knowledge questions 41–60

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. When making a left turn in a CMV at an intersection, you should:

    • ATurn sharply to stay in your lane
    • BReach the center of the intersection before starting the turnCorrect
    • CCut the corner to complete the turn quickly
    • DUse only your mirrors

    Reach the center of the intersection before turning to ensure adequate space and visibility for your long vehicle.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 2: Driving Safely · verified 2026-09-08

  2. Under federal rules, which crash must a motor carrier record in its accident register?

    • AA flat tire repaired at a truck stop
    • BRunning out of windshield-washer fluid
    • CA minor parking-lot scratch with no injury and no vehicle towed
    • DA crash involving a fatality, an injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene, or disabling damage requiring a vehicle to be towedCorrect

    Under 49 CFR 390.15, a motor carrier must keep an accident register for each recordable crash. A recordable crash involves a fatality, an injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene, or disabling damage requiring a vehicle to be towed.

    49 CFR § 390.15 · Section 390.15: Assistance in investigations and special reports · verified 2026-09-08

  3. When driving in mountains, you should select a safe speed and gear:

    • AAt the bottom of the hill
    • BBefore starting down the gradeCorrect
    • CHalfway down the grade
    • DAfter you notice the brakes fading

    Select a lower gear before starting down a grade. This lets the engine help control speed and preserves your brakes.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 2: Driving Safely · verified 2026-09-08

  4. Before a long downgrade, how should you plan to use engine braking?

    • AShift to neutral and coast
    • BUse the service brakes continuously
    • CSelect a suitable low gear before descending, within engine speed limitsCorrect
    • DUse the parking brake intermittently

    Choose the safe speed and gear before descent. Engine braking does most of the speed control; use service brakes to supplement it, not light continuous pressure.

    Oregon DMV Commercial Driver Manual · 2.6.6; 2.16.2–2.16.4 · verified 2026-09-07

  5. The 14-hour driving window means:

    • AYou can drive 14 hours straight without any breaks
    • BYou must take 14 hours off between shifts
    • CYou may drive only within 14 hours of coming on dutyCorrect
    • DYour shift cannot exceed 14 on-duty hours

    After 10 hours off duty, you may drive during the next 14 consecutive hours. After the 14-hour window closes, you cannot drive again until another 10 off-duty hours.

    49 CFR § 395.3 · § 395.3(a)(1)–(3) — 10-hour rest, 14-hour period, and 11-hour driving limit · verified 2026-09-19

  6. A property-carrying driver subject to the federal rest-break rule has driven 8 cumulative hours without a qualifying interruption. Before driving again, how long must the non-driving break last?

    • A15 minutes
    • B2 hours
    • C1 hour
    • D30 minutesCorrect

    The driver needs 30 consecutive minutes without driving. Off-duty time, sleeper-berth time, on-duty non-driving work, or consecutive combinations can qualify. Count cumulative driving time, not just uninterrupted driving. Drivers who qualify for the applicable short-haul exception are exempt from this break requirement.

    FMCSA Summary of Hours of Service Regulations · 30-Minute Driving Break · verified 2026-09-07

  7. Which drivers are generally subject to the federal electronic logging device requirement?

    • AMost CMV drivers who must keep duty status recordsCorrect
    • BAll passenger cars, regardless of commercial use
    • CEvery hazmat carrier, even when no duty status record is required
    • DEvery owner-operator, with no exceptions

    Most CMV drivers who must maintain records of duty status are required to use an ELD to track hours of service electronically.

    49 CFR Part 395 · Electronic logging device and hours of service records · verified 2026-09-08

  8. A 34-hour restart allows you to:

    • ASkip your pre-trip inspection before the next trip
    • BDrive for 34 hours straight
    • CAvoid the 14-hour window
    • DReset your 60/70-hour clock by taking 34 consecutive hours off dutyCorrect

    Taking 34 consecutive hours off duty resets your 60/70-hour driving clock, allowing you a fresh start.

    49 CFR § 395.3 · 34-hour restart provision · verified 2026-09-08

  9. Under 49 CFR 395.8(e)(1), which action is prohibited?

    • AMaking a false report in connection with a duty statusCorrect
    • BRecording your driving time accurately
    • CKeeping your record of duty status current
    • DSigning a correct record of duty status

    49 CFR 395.8(e)(1) states that no driver or motor carrier may make a false report in connection with a duty status.

    49 CFR 395.8 · 395.8(e)(1) · verified 2026-09-25

  10. Under the federal interstate gross-weight standard, what limit generally applies to a 5-axle combination vehicle?

    • A60,000 lbs
    • B70,000 lbs
    • C90,000 lbs
    • D80,000 lbsCorrect

    The federal interstate gross-weight standard is generally 80,000 pounds for a 5-axle combination vehicle. Axle-spacing formulas, federal exceptions, and state rules can change the applicable limit, so verify the route and vehicle configuration.

    23 CFR Part 658 · 23 CFR § 658.17: Vehicle weight limitations · verified 2026-09-08

  11. Under federal cargo-securement rules, which method may be used to prevent cargo from shifting during transport?

    • AJust the trailer walls to hold it
    • BProper bracing, blocking, and tie-downsCorrect
    • CExtra speed to keep momentum
    • DOpen trailer doors for ventilation

    Under 49 CFR 393.100, cargo must be firmly immobilized or secured to prevent shifting. Proper blocking, bracing, and tie-downs are accepted methods when used as required by the applicable rules.

    49 CFR § 393.100 · Section 393.100: Which types of cargo must be immobilized or secured · verified 2026-09-08

  12. You should check cargo and securing devices after driving how many miles?

    • A100 miles only
    • B50 miles only
    • C50 miles, then every 150 miles or 3 hoursCorrect
    • DOnly at your destination when unloading begins

    Check cargo within the first 50 miles, then every 150 miles or every 3 hours of driving, whichever comes first, and after each change of duty status. Applicable sealed-load and impracticable-inspection exceptions remain.

    49 CFR § 392.9 · Cargo securement inspection intervals · verified 2026-09-08

  13. If you must leave the roadway to avoid a collision, it is better to:

    • ADrive onto the shoulder or into an open areaCorrect
    • BStay in your lane and hold your course
    • CStop in the travel lane before steering away
    • DSteer left into the opposing lane

    The FMCSA manual says that if leaving the roadway is necessary to avoid a collision, steer toward the shoulder or an open area and control the vehicle safely.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 2: Emergencies · verified 2026-09-08

  14. Where should you direct the extinguishing agent when attacking a small vehicle fire?

    • AAim at the top of the flames
    • BAim at the base of the fireCorrect
    • CSpray in a circular motion
    • DStand as close as possible

    Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, not the flames. Stand at a safe distance and use a sweeping motion.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 2: Emergencies · verified 2026-09-08

  15. On a divided highway, where do the three warning devices go?

    • AWithin 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behindCorrect
    • BWithin 10 feet, 100 feet behind, and 100 feet ahead
    • COne at the vehicle and two 500 feet behind
    • DAll three within 50 feet of the rear bumper

    A divided highway only carries traffic approaching from behind, so all three devices go back along the shoulder at 10, 100 and 200 feet rather than one being placed ahead of the vehicle.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 2: Emergencies · verified 2026-09-08

  16. Escape ramps on steep downgrades use ___ to stop vehicles:

    • AWater
    • BCables
    • CSpeed bumps
    • DGravel, sand, or an upgradeCorrect

    Escape ramps use deep gravel, sand, or an upgrade to slow runaway vehicles. Use them if your brakes fail on a downgrade.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 2: Emergencies · verified 2026-09-08

  17. According to the CDL manual, if your steering feels 'heavy,' what has probably failed?

    • AOne of the front tiresCorrect
    • BThe air compressor
    • CA headlight
    • DThe horn

    The manual says heavy-feeling steering is probably a sign that a front tire has failed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and stay off the brake until the vehicle has slowed.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual (July 2014) · Section 2.17.4: Tire Failure · verified 2026-09-25

  18. If you are stranded in a vehicle during a winter storm, what is a recommended action?

    • AWalk to find help.
    • BRun the engine continuously with the windows closed.
    • CStay with the vehicle; run the motor about 10 minutes each hour, with ventilation and a clear exhaust pipe.Correct
    • DLeave the vehicle immediately.

    Stay in the vehicle. If you run the motor for heat, run it about 10 minutes each hour, slightly open a window for fresh air, and keep the exhaust pipe clear.

    National Weather Service: Winter Storm Safety - In a vehicle · In a vehicle during a winter storm (Stay in the vehicle; run the motor) · verified 2026-09-25

  19. For a conventional dual-air system at operating engine speed, air pressure usually should build from 85 to 100 psi within:

    • A1 minute
    • B45 secondsCorrect
    • C3 minutes
    • D5 minutes

    The FMCSA-hosted model manual says a typical dual-air system should build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds at operating RPM. A vehicle with larger-than-minimum air tanks may take longer; follow the vehicle manufacturer specifications.

    FMCSA-hosted Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 5.1.2 — Air Compressor; typical dual-air system buildup · verified 2026-09-07

  20. With the engine off and all brakes released, the static air-leakage limit for a single vehicle is:

    • ALess than 1 psi per minute
    • BLess than 2 psi per minuteCorrect
    • CLess than 3 psi per minute
    • DLess than 4 psi per minute

    For a single vehicle, static air loss with the engine off and all brakes released must be less than 2 psi in one minute. A combination vehicle has a less-than-3-psi static limit. Applied-brake limits are different.

    FMCSA-hosted Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 5.1.2 and 5.3.3 — Compressor buildup and final air-brake check · verified 2026-09-07