Alaska CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class A 1

If you must back up, it is safest to back toward the driver's side of the vehicle. This way, as the driver, you will have the best possible view of your path of travel.

You should always slow down and shift into a lower gear before starting down a hill. If you do not begin to drive down a hill at a low enough speed, you risk overusing your brakes, causing them to overheat and fade.

Retarders help to slow vehicles, reducing drivers' need to use brakes.

When turning, drivers usually look in the direction of their turn. If a driver fails to signal before a turn or lane change, their body movements may still provide a clue that they are planning to turn.

During the on-road driving test, you must not stop, change gears, pass another vehicle, or change lanes while any part of your vehicle is in a railroad crossing.

Vehicles with air brakes are required to be equipped with a low pressure warning device. A wig wag is a type of low air pressure warning device. This device drops a mechanical arm into the driver's view if the pressure in the tanks drops to a level between 55 and 75 psi.

You should always slow down to a safe speed and shift into a lower gear before entering a curve.

If you need to make an emergency stop, you can use either the controlled braking method or the stab braking method. It's important to brake in a way that keeps your vehicle in a straight line but will still allow you to turn if necessary.

When inspecting a trailer coupling, you should make sure the fifth wheel locking jaws are closed around the shank of the kingpin, not the head of the kingpin.

It is essential to the safe operation of a CMV that cargo be properly loaded. Improper loading can affect handling and damage the vehicle. Additionally, improperly loaded materials can cause injury or death by falling off of the vehicle.

During the on-road driving test, the examiner will be score you on specific driving maneuvers as well as on your general driving behavior. You must drive in a safe and responsible manner; obey all traffic signs, signals, and laws; and not cause an accident or commit a moving violation.

It is best to avoid driving through large puddles or moving water. If there is no way to avoid driving through water, you should slow down, shift into a low gear, and gently apply the brakes. Pressing linings against the brake drums or discs will keep water, mud, silt, and sand from getting inside the brake mechanisms.

To obtain a hazardous materials endorsement, you must pass the HazMat knowledge test; undergo a Federal Security Threat Assessment; provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency; and undergo an FBI fingerprint check and federal criminal history background check.

In situations where a driver cannot use a parking brake, wheel chocks can be used to hold a parked vehicle in place on a level surface.

An operator should drive with care when transporting a cargo of hanging meat. Such a load is unstable, both because it has a high center of gravity and because the swinging of the meat can affect the driver's handling of the vehicle.

A driver should inspect wheels before a drive, specifically looking for damage on the wheels and rims. Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs are not safe for use.

If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, do not apply the brakes. Instead, slow down by releasing the accelerator and pushing in the clutch. This will help you to regain traction.

Strategies to avoid becoming fatigued while driving include keeping the cab cool inside by using the air conditioner or opening a window; avoiding heavy foods; and taking rest breaks about every two hours or 100 miles.

On vehicles with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), yellow malfunction lamps alert the driver to ABS malfunction.

While regular mirror checks should be part of your normal driving routine, checking your mirrors is especially important when turning, changing lanes, merging, and performing tight maneuvers.

You may be asked to complete a parallel parking maneuver into a parking space that is to the left of your vehicle. You should drive past the parking space before backing into it while bringing the rear of your vehicle as close to the rear of the space as possible. Your vehicle should be completely within the boundaries of the space.

Hydroplaning can occur in places where water collects on the road. Clear reflections, tire splashes, or rain drops on the road can indicate the presence of standing water.

Backing is always dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. When parking, look to park in a space that will allow you to pull forward when exiting.

When driving, it is important to be aware of what is happening behind and to the sides of your vehicle. Mirror checks and head checks should be a normal part of your scanning routine.

Most drivers are the least alert at night, especially after midnight. Therefore, crashes due to fatigued driving are more likely at night than any other time of day.

In some emergencies, the best strategy for avoiding a hazard may be to drive onto the shoulder. Most shoulders are strong enough to support the weight of a large vehicle.

After a tire has been changed, the driver should stop a short distance later to recheck the tightness of the tire's lug nuts.

Parking brakes should be used whenever you park. If necessary, chock your wheels.

In low temperatures, bridges usually freeze before other road surfaces. When driving in cold weather, especially when weather conditions have been wet, use special caution on bridges and overpasses.

Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage, so be sure to accelerate smoothly and gradually.

You must have a hazardous materials endorsement to transport a material that requires placards.

After finishing a day of driving, you may have to complete a written report on the condition of your vehicle. Be sure to mention anything that could affect safety or lead to mechanical breakdown.

Eating heavy foods before driving or keeping the temperature in a cab too high can cause a driver to become drowsy while behind the wheel. Exercising and maintaining a healthy diet will help a driver to stay alert while driving.

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that is clear enough for the road surface to be seen through it. A road covered in black ice may look like it is merely wet instead of icy. Always be on the lookout for black ice if a road surface looks wet and temperatures are around the freezing mark.

If a tractor-trailer is so equipped, the trailer brake hand valve can be used to stop the vehicle from rolling back when being started from a stop.