Iowa CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class B 2

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.

All states share driver information through a computerized database in order to prevent the issuance of multiple licenses to a single person. It is prohibited for a person to have more than one driver license.

Front-end header boards, also known as "headache racks," protect the driver from cargo moving in the event of a crash or emergency stop.

A retarder is a device that helps to slow a vehicle, reducing the need for a driver to use the brakes. However, these devices can be noisy and are not permitted everywhere.

Overloading a vehicle can have negative effects on steering, braking, and speed control. Learn to recognize when cargo is overloaded or poorly balanced.

A pre-trip inspection should be completed in the same way before every drive. Consistency will help you learn all of the proper steps and decrease the likelihood that you will forget to check something.

On flatbed trailers and trailers without sides, cargo must be tied down. There should be at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo. Regardless of the size of the cargo, at least two tie-downs must be used.

Cargo and its securing devices must be inspected before starting a trip. After beginning a trip, the driver should check the load and securing devices within the first 50 miles on the road, every three hours or 150 miles traveled, and after every break.

Rust around wheel nuts can indicate that the nuts are loose. If you find rust near the wheel nuts, check their tightness before beginning to drive.

Dry bulk tanks require special care to be driven, both because they have high centers of gravity and because the weight of the load can shift in transit.

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

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.

Backing a truck is always dangerous because the driver may not be able to see everything behind them. CMV operators should avoid backing whenever possible.

A maximum posted speed limit is the fastest a vehicle may travel under ideal circumstances. A driver should decrease their driving speed as conditions require. A driver should never exceed the legal speed limit.

A person may not have more than one license. Violation of this law may be punishable by jail time and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

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.

Good drivers scan the road at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of their vehicles. Looking ahead will allow you to identify and react to hazards before meeting them. Be sure to specifically look for vehicles that are coming onto the highway, entering into your lane, or turning.

When inspecting your brakes, you should check for cracked drums; shoes or pads covered in oil, grease, or brake fluid; and shoes that are missing, broken, or worn dangerously thin.

Good drivers look down the road at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of their vehicles. This makes it possible to identify hazards early, when drivers are more likely to have time to respond appropriately.

If the low air pressure warning signal comes on while you are driving a vehicle with air brakes, you should immediately bring the vehicle to a safe stop while you are still able to control the brakes. Inspect and repair the brakes as soon as possible.

Texting and driving is dangerous for everyone on the road. It is illegal to text while operating a CMV.

If you encounter a driver who seems distracted on the road, you should give them plenty of room and maintain a safe following distance.

Always apply the parking brake when leaving your vehicle unattended.

When inspecting the engine compartment, you should check the oil level, coolant level, and windshield washer fluid level, among other things.

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.

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.

An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) helps to provide additional control during hard braking, but does not necessarily shorten a vehicle's stopping distance.

When stopping, apply gradual pressure to the brake pedal and stop smoothly. If stopping a manual transmission vehicle, push the clutch in when the engine is close to idle.

You must notify your employer within two business days if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or if you are otherwise disqualified from driving.

You must sign a vehicle inspection report only if defects were noted and either certified to have been repaired or certified as not needing to be repaired.

When loading cargo, it is important that the weight placed on each axle is neither too little nor too much. Inappropriate loading can interfere with steering, create inadequate wheel traction, or damage the axles.

Before starting down a hill, be sure to switch into a low gear. Gravity will increase your vehicle's speed as you travel downhill.

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

Air brakes function through the use of compressed air.

When inspecting your vehicle, you should check all belts for tightness and excessive wear.