Kansas CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class A 2

Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees (about two inches of movement at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel) can make it difficult to steer.

In construction zones, do not exceed the posted safe sped limit. Slow down even more when workers are near the roadway.

In work zones, you should observe posted speed limits. Slow down if road or weather conditions are poor, and slow down even further if workers are near the roadway.

Because air expands when hot, tire pressure increases as temperatures increase. This can sometimes result in tire failure. Consistently check your tire pressure when making a trip in hot weather.

The suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load while keeping the axles in place. Damage to a suspension system can be very dangerous.

An air compressor governor will stop the compressor from pumping air once the air tanks are at an air pressure level of 125 psi. This air pressure level is referred to as the "cut-out" level.

On a steep downgrade, you must use the engine's braking effect as your primary method of speed control. Be sure to decelerate and downshift appropriately before beginning to drive down the hill. Relying too heavily on the brakes may cause them to overheat and fade, becoming less effective.

When checking the springs as part of the vehicle inspection test, you should look for missing, shifted, cracked, or broken leaf springs, as well as broken or distorted coil springs. If the vehicle is equipped with torsion bars, torque arms, or other types of suspension components, ensure that they are not damaged and are mounted securely.

Friction inside a brake drum is caused when the brake shoes and linings push against the inside of the drum. The friction in the drums will slow and stop the vehicle.

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

A driver is allowed to exit their vehicle to check its position during any basic control skills test exercise. This action is called a "look." During the straight line backing exercise, a driver may not exceed one look. During any other exercise, a driver may not exceed two looks.

Placards must be placed on the outside of vehicles carrying hazardous materials. They identify the specific class or classes of materials being carried and warn others of relevant hazards.

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of a single vehicle plus its load. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum combined weight of a vehicle and its cargo that is permitted and specified by the manufacturer.

In newer vehicles with air brakes, the parking brakes are controlled by a diamond-shaped yellow knob. Pull the knob out to activate the parking brakes and push it in to release them.

It is important to know the maximum air loss rate that is safe for your specific vehicle. A triple combination should have a leakage rate no higher than 6 psi in a minute during an applied leakage test.

Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) will help you to maintain control during hard braking. ABS will not necessarily shorten your stopping distance.

It is important to observe other drivers' actions and identify clues that a person could be driving impaired. Drivers who have had too much to drink, are sleepy, are on drugs, or are ill can present hazards to other drivers. One sign that a driver may be impaired is that they stop in inappropriate places, such as at green traffic lights.

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.

Reaction distance is the distance traveled between the moment you mentally recognize a hazard and when you physically hit the brakes.

Brakes can get out of adjustment quickly, especially if they are used to the point of overheating. Brake adjustment should be checked frequently.

It is important to communicate your intentions to others on the road. Make sure to signal before turning or changing lanes, even if no other vehicles are nearby.

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. Tanks must be drained regularly to remove this build-up.

When performing a static leakage test on a triple combination vehicle with air brakes, the leakage rate should be no more than 5 psi in one minute. If air leaks from the air brake system at a quicker rate, the vehicle should not be driven because something likely needs to be repaired.

Mandatory emergency equipment includes: at least one fire extinguisher; spare electrical fuses (unless the vehicle is equipped with circuit breakers); and warning devices for parked vehicles (such as reflective triangles).

Increasing your vehicle's speed will increase your vehicle's striking power and braking distance. Doubling your vehicle's speed from 20 to 40 mph will multiply its braking distance by four.

To test a parking brake, you should fasten your safety belt, set the parking brake for the power unit, release the trailer parking brake (if applicable), place the vehicle in low gear, and attempt to pull forward against the parking brake. If the parking brake does not hold while you are attempting to pull forward against it, the brake is faulty and must be fixed.

If you must drive in fog, you should use your low beam headlights.

If possible, you should avoid all cell phone distractions by turning it off before starting a trip and leaving it off until you reach your destination.

It is important to know the maximum air loss rate that is safe for your specific vehicle. A single vehicle with air brakes should have a leakage rate no higher than 3 psi in a minute during an applied leakage test.

During the on-road driving skills test, you may be asked to enter an expressway. Before doing so, you must check traffic, use proper signals, and merge smoothly into the proper lane.

Backing up is always dangerous because it is impossible to see everything behind your vehicle. If you must drive in reverse, use a helper, if possible.

In the event of an engine fire, you should turn off the engine as soon as possible. Do not open the hood if you can avoid it. Shoot foam through the louvers or from the vehicle’s underside.

Backing a large CMV is always dangerous because you will not be able to see everything behind you. If you must back up, use a helper, if possible.

For safety, you must wear your seat belt at all times while operating a CMV.

Before a trip, ensure that the steering box is securely mounted. Check for missing nuts, bolts, and cotter keys. Be sure that there are no power steering fluid leaks and that there is no damage to power steering hoses.