Take VT CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions - Vermont Commercial Driver License General Knowledge Test Exam

QUESTION 1 / 25

What is the first step in the seven-step pre-trip inspection method?

Choose one answer below.

AApproach the vehicle and check its general condition✓BCheck under the hood✓CStart the engine and inspect inside the cab✓DWalk around and inspect the entire vehicle✓

QUESTION 2 / 25

During a pre-trip inspection, what should you check in the engine compartment?

Choose one answer below.

AOnly the oil level✓BOil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, belts, and hoses✓COnly the coolant level and belts✓DOnly items visible without opening any caps✓

QUESTION 3 / 25

Which emergency equipment is required to be on a commercial motor vehicle?

Choose one answer below.

AFire extinguisher, spare fuses, and three red reflective triangles✓BFirst aid kit, fire extinguisher, and flares only✓CFire extinguisher and road flares only✓DSpare tire, jack, and reflective vest✓

QUESTION 4 / 25

During a pre-trip inspection, the driver notices a coolant leak near the water pump. What should the driver do?

Choose one answer below.

ANote it on the report and drive carefully to the next service stop✓BAdd more coolant and continue the trip✓CDo not drive the vehicle until the leak is repaired✓DDrive only short distances and monitor the temperature gauge✓

QUESTION 5 / 25

What is the minimum tread depth required for steer axle tires on a commercial motor vehicle?

Choose one answer below.

A2/32 of an inch✓B4/32 of an inch✓C6/32 of an inch✓D1/32 of an inch✓

QUESTION 6 / 25

What is the minimum tread depth required for tires on drive and trailer axle positions?

Choose one answer below.

A4/32 of an inch✓B2/32 of an inch✓C6/32 of an inch✓D1/32 of an inch✓

QUESTION 7 / 25

During a tire inspection, you notice a bulge on the sidewall of one of the steer tires. What should you do?

Choose one answer below.

AContinue driving but avoid high speeds✓BHave the tire replaced before driving the vehicle✓CRotate the tire to a non-steer position✓DReduce air pressure to alleviate the bulge✓

QUESTION 8 / 25

How should you adjust your mirrors on a commercial motor vehicle?

Choose one answer below.

ASo you can see only the road behind you✓BSo you can see just a small portion of the trailer body along with the road behind and to the sides✓CSo you can see only the trailer doors✓DMirrors only need adjustment when pulling a new trailer✓

QUESTION 9 / 25

When performing a pre-trip inspection, the driver should ensure that the steering wheel free play (lash) does not exceed what limit?

Choose one answer below.

A5 degrees in either direction✓B10 degrees in either direction (approximately 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel)✓C15 degrees in either direction✓D20 degrees in either direction✓

QUESTION 10 / 25

During the cab check portion of a pre-trip inspection, you should test the parking brake by:

Choose one answer below.

ADriving forward slowly and applying the parking brake✓BPutting the vehicle in gear with the parking brake set and gently pressing the accelerator to see if the vehicle holds✓CVisually checking that the parking brake handle is in the correct position✓DChecking the parking brake cable under the vehicle✓

QUESTION 11 / 25

A post-trip inspection report is important because:

Choose one answer below.

AIt is only required for vehicles carrying hazardous materials✓BIt alerts the carrier to vehicle defects that may need repair before the vehicle is driven again✓CIt replaces the need for the next driver to do a pre-trip inspection✓DIt is optional but recommended by the FMCSA✓

QUESTION 12 / 25

During the pre-trip inspection, which of the following should a driver check regarding the exhaust system?

Choose one answer below.

AOnly that the muffler is present✓BThat the exhaust system is secure, not leaking, and not in contact with fuel lines, wiring, or air lines✓COnly that exhaust fumes are not entering the cab✓DThat the catalytic converter is functioning properly by checking emissions color✓

QUESTION 13 / 25

What is the purpose of the brake drum inspection during a pre-trip?

Choose one answer below.

ATo check if the drums are painted correctly✓BTo look for cracks, broken welds, or holes and to check that the drum is not contaminated with oil or grease✓CTo measure the exact diameter of the drum with calipers✓DTo verify the brand of the brake drum✓

QUESTION 14 / 25

When checking air brake lines during a pre-trip inspection, the driver should look for:

Choose one answer below.

ALines that are properly color-coded only✓BCuts, cracks, abrasion damage, and that lines are properly secured and not in contact with hot surfaces✓COnly whether the lines are connected at both ends✓DWhether the lines are made of rubber or metal✓

QUESTION 15 / 25

Recapped or retreaded tires are NOT permitted on which axle position of a commercial motor vehicle?

Choose one answer below.

ADrive axle✓BTrailer axle✓CSteer axle✓DThey are permitted on all axle positions✓

QUESTION 16 / 25

When inspecting suspension components during a pre-trip, what defects should a driver look for on the leaf springs?

Choose one answer below.

AOnly check that the springs are present✓BCracked, broken, shifted, or missing leaves, and broken or missing u-bolts✓CCheck the spring color and coating✓DMeasure the spring length to verify it is correct✓

QUESTION 17 / 25

When should you place your reflective triangles after stopping on the road due to a breakdown?

Choose one answer below.

AWithin 30 minutes of stopping✓BWithin 10 minutes of stopping✓COnly if it is dark outside✓DOnly on highways with speed limits over 55 mph✓

QUESTION 18 / 25

Which of the following is an out-of-service condition that would prevent a vehicle from being driven?

Choose one answer below.

AA small crack in the windshield that does not obstruct the driver's view✓BA missing mud flap on a rear wheel✓CBrake lining thickness below the minimum allowed by regulations✓DA broken antenna on the CB radio✓

QUESTION 19 / 25

When inspecting slack adjusters on an S-cam brake system, the pushrod stroke at the brake chamber should not exceed what general limit?

Choose one answer below.

A1/2 inch✓B1 inch✓CThe adjustment limit varies by chamber size, but generally should not exceed about 2 inches✓D4 inches✓

QUESTION 20 / 25

A driver is performing a pre-trip inspection and finds that one of the brake drums is cracked. What action should the driver take?

Choose one answer below.

ANote it on the inspection report and drive carefully to the next repair facility✓BDo not drive the vehicle; a cracked brake drum is an out-of-service condition that must be repaired before the vehicle can operate✓CApply extra brake pressure to compensate and begin the trip✓DReduce the load weight to decrease braking demands✓

QUESTION 21 / 25

A vehicle with a high center of gravity is more likely to:

Choose one answer below.

AHave better traction in wet conditions✓BRoll over when taking curves or making lane changes✓CStop more quickly✓DBe easier to steer✓

QUESTION 22 / 25

When should a driver downshift?

Choose one answer below.

AAfter the vehicle has already slowed down significantly✓BBefore starting down a hill, so the engine can help control speed✓COnly when the engine stalls✓DWhile the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light✓

QUESTION 23 / 25

What is the most important safety rule when backing a commercial vehicle?

Choose one answer below.

ABack quickly to minimize the time spent in the backing maneuver✓BUse a spotter (helper) whenever possible and establish clear communication signals beforehand✓COnly use mirrors; never look out the window✓DSound the horn continuously while backing✓

QUESTION 24 / 25

What does GOAL stand for when backing a commercial vehicle?

Choose one answer below.

AGo Over All Lanes✓BGet Out And Look✓CGauge Obstacles And Length✓DGuide Operations And Logistics✓

QUESTION 25 / 25

When driving on a curve, a commercial vehicle should:

Choose one answer below.

AMaintain the posted speed limit since it is safe for all vehicles✓BSlow down to a safe speed before entering the curve and accelerate gently once past the midpoint✓CBrake hard while in the curve to reduce speed✓DSpeed up entering the curve to maintain momentum✓