Illinois CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class B 2

When approaching a curve during the on-road driving test, you should thoroughly check traffic in all directions. Before entering the curve, reduce your speed sufficiently so that further braking or shifting is not required. Keep your vehicle in its lane and continue checking traffic in all directions.

Before inspecting the engine compartment, make sure that the parking brakes are on and/or the wheels are chocked. Check the engine compartment before entering the cab and starting the engine.

If you are being tailgated, it is best to allow more room to open up in front of your vehicle. This will help you avoid the need for sudden stops, which could result in the tailgater rear-ending you, and will make it easier for the tailgater to pass. Speeding up may only make things more dangerous by prompting the other driver to continue tailgating you at a higher speed.

Maneuvers that may be included in the basic vehicle control skills test include straight line backing, offset back/right parking, offset back/left parking, driver side parallel parking, conventional parallel parking, and alley docking.

If the low air pressure warning signals activate, it is essential that you bring the vehicle to a safe stop while you are still able to control the brakes.

If a trailer is attached to a tractor, the adjustment of the vehicle's mirrors can only be checked accurately if the trailer is straight.

Pressing and releasing the brake pedal unnecessarily can let air out faster than the compressor can replace it, reducing the available air pressure. If the air pressure in an air brake system gets too low, the brakes will no longer work.

When driving on packed snow, you should reduce your speed by one-half or more. It can be difficult to stop or turn when operating on a slippery surface, so you must adjust your speed to drive safely under such conditions.

Backing up is always dangerous because you cannot see everything behind your vehicle. Whenever possible, use a helper who can monitor your blind spots.

The securement of cargo must be checked before beginning a trip, within the first 50 miles of a trip, and then again every three hours or 150 miles.

In Illinois, the height of any vehicle is limited to 13 feet, 6 inches. Height measurements are taken from the underside of the tire to the top of the vehicle, load included.

In a vehicle with air brakes, never push the brake pedal down when the spring brakes are activated. The combined force of the springs and the pressure of the air brakes could damage the brakes.

To avoid being blinded by the lights of oncoming vehicles, you can glance to the right side of the road until the vehicle has passed.

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road surface and instead glide along on a film of water above the surface of the road.

During a pre-trip inspection, belts in the engine compartment should be checked for tightness and excessive wear.

Be cautious when driving near people who are not paying attention to the road. Be wary of road workers, drivers who are engaged in conversation with passengers, and children near the road.

Compressed air in an air brake system usually contains a certain amount of water and compressor oil. The water and oil can damage the brakes if left to accumulate in the system. Manually operated air tank drains must be opened daily to remove this build-up.

There are a number of crimes that will disqualify a person from receiving a hazardous materials endorsement for seven years. Among these are kidnapping or hostage taking, smuggling, and immigration violations. More serious crimes, such as murder, will result in a lifetime disqualification.

Cargo should be inspected before beginning a trip, within the first 50 miles of the trip, and every three hours or 150 miles traveled thereafter. The driver of a truck transporting cargo is responsible for the cargo being safely secured throughout the trip.

Reduce your speed as you approach a railroad crossing. Remember that you will not necessarily be able to hear a train, and don't assume that signals will warn you of its approach. Never try to outdrive an approaching train at a railroad crossing.

Hazardous materials placards must be at least 10 and three-quarter inches square.

The service brake system applies and releases the brakes when a driver presses the brake pedal while driving normally.

Hydroplaning is an effect in which a vehicle's tires lose traction with the surface of the road and instead glide along a layer of water. There does not have to be much water on the road for this to occur.

After starting a vehicle's engine, the oil pressure should come up to a normal level within seconds. Do not operate a vehicle if it has oil pressure that is low, dropping, or fluctuating.

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. You should be very careful when temperatures are below freezing and the road looks wet.

On flatbed trailers or trailers without sides, cargo must be tied down to prevent it from shifting or falling off in transit.

During the on-road driving test, you must listen to and follow the directions given by the examiner. They will never ask you to drive in an unsafe manner.

When checking the exhaust system, you should verify that no parts of the system are loose, broken, or missing.

When inspecting a vehicle that is equipped with power steering, check the hoses, pumps, and fluid level. In particular, you should look for leaks in the hoses.

If you are being tailgated, it is advisable to open up the space in front of your vehicle, making it easier for the tailgater to get around you. Speeding up may be counterproductive because the driver may continue to tailgate you at the higher speed, only increasing the danger.

After an accident, spilled fuel and improper use of flares can result in a fire.

Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs can be a dangerous defect. Mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings are not safe to be used. Wheels or rims with welded repairs are not safe.

While driving downhill, you should hold down the brake pedal until your vehicle reaches a speed 5 mph below your safe speed, then release the brake pedal. Repeat this process.

Being under stress can lead to aggressive driving, which is dangerous. Playing calming music can help you become more relaxed if you are feeling stressed while driving.

It is important for you to be aware of your surroundings at all times. To do this, regularly check your mirrors.