Alaska CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class A 2

Transporting cargo that is loaded with a high center of gravity increases the risk that the transporting vehicle will tip over. Cargo should be loaded with a safe weight distribution.

Special permits are required for loads that are over-size, over-length, or overweight.

It is essential that you are aware of what is happening on all sides of your vehicle at all times. Scan the road ahead and make regular checks of the mirrors on both sides of your vehicle while you are driving.

Being properly rested is essential to the safe operation of a CMV. To maintain alertness, most people need eight to nine hours of sleep per night.

Retarders are mechanisms in some vehicles that help slow a vehicle and reduce the need for braking. However, using a retarder may cause wheels to skid when they have poor traction. Turn off retarders when traveling under wet, snowy, or icy conditions.

Cargo and its securement must be inspected every time you take a break during a trip. Be sure to inspect the cargo at least every 150 miles.

In heavy traffic, it is safest to match the speed of surrounding vehicles. Vehicles traveling in the same direction at the same speed are unlikely to collide. However, you should not exceed legal speed limits.

It is essential that a vehicle's engine have adequate oil pressure. An engine can be destroyed rapidly if it is run without oil.

A steering wheel should have no more than 10 degrees of play. This is equal to about two inches of movement at the rim of a 20-inch wheel. If there is more play than this, it may be difficult to steer.

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

Blocking is used in the front, in the back, and/or on the sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding while the vehicle is in motion.

Distractions while driving can be physical (such as reaching for an object), mental (such as making conversation with a passenger), or both (such as holding a phone to send texts). Strategies to help you avoid distracted driving include pre-programming radio stations; planning out your route in advance; avoiding complex or emotionally taxing conversation while driving; adjusting your mirrors before setting out; and not eating, drinking, or smoking while behind the wheel.

Be sure to thoroughly inspect your tires before a trip. Tire sizes should not be mismatched, and tires should not be cut, cracked, or otherwise damaged in any way.

In an air brake system, air tank drains are used to remove water and compressor oil from the air tanks. When operating a drain, be sure to drain the tank completely.

After a tire has been changed, you should stop a short while later to recheck the tightness of the lug nuts.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) require carriers to affix the USDOT number to both sides of each CMV in their fleet.

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.

All commercial motor vehicles are required to be equipped with the proper emergency equipment. This may include spare electrical fuses; three red reflective triangles, six fuses, or three liquid burning flares; and at least one properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.

If you begin to feel tired while driving, you should stop to get some sleep. Trying to push on to reach your destination while tired is dangerous. You should not rely on caffeine to keep you awake.

The best thing to do when confronted with an aggressive driver is to get out of their way, if possible. Avoid making eye contact, which could further provoke the driver. Ignore any hand gestures made by the driver.

In an air brake system, there are three different braking systems: a service brake system, a parking brake system, and an emergency brake system. The emergency brake system uses parts of both the parking and service brake systems.

To avoid engaging in aggressive driving behavior, it is helpful to give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Assume that they have valid reasons for what they are doing and don't take their actions personally.

Pre-trip inspections should be conducted in the same way every time. This will reinforce the steps, making it less likely that you will forget to inspect something important.

Always watch for hazards on the road ahead. Doing this will allow you time to react to hazards before meeting them.

If your brakes fail on a downgrade, you will need to quickly find something outside that can stop your vehicle. An escape ramp is the best option. If no escape ramp is available, use the least hazardous available option, such as driving into an open field or side road that flattens out or turns uphill.

A vehicle's weight is an important factor affecting its stopping distance. The heavier a vehicle is, the more work the brakes will need to do to bring it to a complete stop.

Backing a CMV is always dangerous due to limited visibility, so using a helper to monitor your blind spots is encouraged whenever possible.

When stopping, it is best to gradually press down the brake pedal.

Rust around wheel nuts may mean that they are loose. Check the tightness of the nuts if you see any rust in the area.

It is essential that your vehicle will be able to stop within the area of the road that you are able to see. This means that you must slow down whenever conditions reduce visibility.

On long and/or steep downgrades, you should primarily use engine braking to control the speed of your vehicle. Use your brakes only as a supplement to this effect.

The added weight of a heavy load will make a vehicle sit lower than usual. A vehicle will often be taller when carrying a light load than when carrying a heavy load. If your vehicle fits under an overpass while carrying a full load, it is not guaranteed that it will fit under the same overpass if it is empty.

Backing a commercial motor vehicle is always dangerous because you cannot see everything behind you. When backing, make frequent checks of the mirrors on both sides of the vehicle. Use a helper whenever possible.

If you are convicted of any traffic violations while driving any vehicle, you must notify your employer within 30 days of the conviction. This rule excludes parking violations.

Texting while driving is a dangerous distraction and is prohibited at all times when operating a CMV.