Maine CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class A 1

When using your turn signals, you should signal well before the turn or lane change, signal continuously throughout the turn or lane change, and cancel the signal after you have completed your move.

It is the driver's responsibility to inspect their cargo; recognize overloading or poorly balanced weight; know that the cargo is properly secured and does not obscure the driver's view; and know that the cargo does not restrict access to emergency equipment. The driver is responsible for their cargo even if they were not the one who initially loaded and secured the cargo.

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.

Potential warning signs of fatigue include difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids; yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes; daydreaming; wandering or disconnected thoughts; trouble remembering the last few miles you've driven; missing exits or traffic signs; having trouble keeping your head up; drifting from your lane; following too closely; hitting a shoulder rumble strip; or feeling restless and irritable.

Reduce your speed when traveling on surfaces that provide reduced traction. Reduce your speed by about one-third when driving on a wet road.

Compressed air usually contains a certain amount of moisture and compressor oil, which can build up in the air storage tanks and damage the brake system. The tanks should be drained to clean out these accumulations. On a tank with a manual drain valve, draining should be performed at the end of each day of driving.

Some air brake systems contain an alcohol evaporator. An evaporator introduces alcohol into the system to help inhibit the formation of ice in cold weather.

When backing with a trailer, begin by turning the steering wheel in the direction opposite of the turn. Once the trailer starts to turn, reverse the direction of the steering wheel to follow the trailer.

While driving, spring brakes are generally held in place by air pressure. If the air pressure gets low enough, the springs will activate the brakes.

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.

Texting while driving is even more dangerous than speaking on a phone while driving. In addition to being mentally distracting, texting is also physically distracting.

In an air brake system, the air storage tanks hold compressed air to be used by the brakes. The number and size of air tanks varies among vehicles.

If you must drive so slowly that you will impede the flow of traffic, you should turn on your four-way flashers to alert drivers behind you (as long as local laws allow the use of flashers).

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.

If you must stop on the side of the road, make sure to use your four-way emergency flashers. This is particularly important at night.

If an emergency vehicle using its flashing lights is stopped on the side of a multilane road, move over laws require drivers to vacate the lane directly next to the vehicle, if possible. If a driver cannot move over safely, they must slow down and proceed with caution.

During the vehicle inspection test, you will be asked to do a complete inspection of your vehicle. You will need to explain what you are inspecting and why.

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

A dual air brake system is made up of two separate air brake systems. If there is an air leak in one system, it may not affect the other.

Alcohol consumption impairs muscle coordination, reaction time, depth perception, vision, judgement, and inhibition. For some people, signs of impairment may begin with the first drink of alcohol. It is safest to not operate any motor vehicle after consuming alcohol in any amount.

A driver uses a look when they open their door, leave their seated position, and walk to the back of the vehicle to check its position. During the straight line backing exercise, a driver may not exceed one look. During any other exercise, a driver may not exceed two looks.

If you are not sure which kind of extinguisher should be used on a fire in your vehicle, particularly a hazardous materials fire, you should wait for the firefighters to arrive and allow them to extinguish it.

Aggressive driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner. Road rage is defined as operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others, or the intent of physically assaulting another driver or their vehicle.

Strong winds can make it difficult to keep a vehicle in its proper lane. Strong wind can be a particular problem when a vehicle is being driven out of a tunnel.

Mirror adjustment should be checked prior to the start of each trip. Any attached trailer should be straight while mirrors are being adjusted.

The risk of hydroplaning begins when water has collected on the surface of a road.

Drivers of vehicles equipped with ABS and drivers of vehicles without ABS should brake in relatively the same manner. When ABS is working properly, it automatically applies when brakes are applied in situations that may create lockup.

A vehicle that is equipped with air brakes must also be equipped with a supply pressure gauge. This gauge tells the driver how much air pressure is in each of the vehicle's air tanks.

If an emergency vehicle using its flashing lights is stopped on the side of a multilane road, move over laws require drivers to vacate the lane directly next to the vehicle, if possible. If a driver cannot move over safely, they must slow down and proceed with caution.

However you choose to deal with a brake failure on a downhill slope, it is important that you make your decision as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to act, the faster your vehicle will be moving, and the harder it will become to stop.

When checking the engine compartment during the vehicle inspection test, you will need to check the engine oil level.

Skills tests must be taken in the type of vehicle the applicant plans to drive. The applicant is generally responsible to supply the testing vehicle.

Some vehicles with air brake systems manufactured before 1975 have a front brake limiting valve with "normal" and "slippery" settings.

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.

The suspension system holds up a vehicle and its load while keeping the axles in place. Defects in this system are extremely dangerous.