Massachusetts CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class A 1

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

When inspecting a vehicle's suspension, you should look for broken or missing leaves in the leaf springs. Any defect of this kind is dangerous. If one-fourth or more of the leaves are missing from any leaf spring, the vehicle must be put out-of-service.

Bridges usually freeze before the rest of the road. You should be especially careful when crossing bridges if the temperature is near the freezing point.

Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands, placing them on opposite sides of the wheel.

The parking brake should be applied when leaving your vehicle.

An alcohol evaporator can help prevent ice from building up in an air brake system. In cold weather, the evaporator should be checked and refilled every day.

In a vehicle with air brakes, the brake lights are activated when the brake pedal is pushed and air pressure moves an electric switch. With the application of air pressure, the switch will then turn on the brake lights.

Air brakes consists of three separate braking systems: the service brake system, the parking brake system, and the emergency brake system.

Hydroplaning is most likely to occur on wet roads if tire pressure is low or if tire tread is worn. If there is enough water on the road, hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph.

To reduce the chances of driving distracted, you should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while driving. Anything that diverts attention from the task of driving is a distraction.

Before driving a vehicle with a dual air brake system, allow time for the compressor to build up pressure to at least 100 psi in both systems.

Brakes are particularly prone to getting out out adjustment if they are hot. Use proper braking techniques to avoid letting your brakes overheat.

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.

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.

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.

While regular mirror checks should always be part of your driving routine, you should make a particular point of checking the mirrors when changing lanes, turning, merging, or making tight maneuvers.

Most heavy-duty vehicles use dual air brake systems, in which there are two separate braking systems operated by a single set of controls. Each system operates the brakes on different axles.

Hydroplaning is an effect that occurs on wet roads when tires lose traction with the road surface and begin gliding along on a layer of water.

You may be asked to complete a parallel parking maneuver into a parking space that is to the left of your vehicle. You should drive past the parking space before backing into it while bringing the rear of your vehicle as close to the rear of the space as possible. Your vehicle should be completely within the boundaries of the space.

When backing a vehicle with a trailer, you must turn the steering wheel in the direction opposite of where you want to go. Once your trailer starts to turn, you should turn the steering wheel the other way to follow the trailer.

If you are not sure that you have enough room to safely fit underneath a bridge or other overhead object, you should slow down and seek an alternate route, if possible.

It takes a longer distance to stop a vehicle on a slippery road than it does on a dry road. Use caution when driving under conditions that could cause a road surface to become slippery.

A safety belt is your best defense in the event of a collision. You must always wear a safety belt while operating a CMV.

A vehicle's headlights should be clean during trips. This will ensure that the lights can provide as much light as possible, helping the vehicle to be seen.

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.

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 the air pressure warning light or buzzer comes on while you are driving, you should immediately stop and safely park the vehicle. This warning signal indicates that there is a problem in the air brake system that needs to be fixed.

Hazardous materials must be diamond-shaped and a size of at least 10 ¾ square inches.

In an air brake system, the air compressor pumps air into the air storage tanks. The air compressor is controlled by the air compressor governor.

Aggressive driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others.

Be sure to check the tightness of the belts in your engine compartment. Loose belts will not turn the water pump and/or fan properly, which can lead the engine overheating.

If you are asked to complete an offset back/right parking maneuver, you should first pull straight forward, then back up to the right. Your vehicle must be parked completely within the boundaries of the parking space.

If there is a fire in your vehicle, the first thing you need to do is leave the road and stop. Park in an open area away from anything that could catch fire, such as plants or other vehicles. Do not pull into a service station.

Areas with heavy traffic, road construction, large numbers of pedestrians, or severe weather demand extra attention from a driver. The driver should avoid all possible distractions while in such areas, including cell phone use.

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.