Minnesota CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class A 1

Blocking and bracing are used to prevent cargo from shifting in transit.

Signal well in advance of a turn so drivers behind you are aware of your intentions. Keep the signal on throughout the turn and turn it off once the turn is complete.

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 found to have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system, but are still below the legal limit of 0.04 percent, you will be placed out-of-service for 24 hours. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

You should always exercise caution when driving near a stopped bus. There could be passengers in the vicinity and the bus may either prevent them from seeing you or you from seeing them.

Completing the steps of a vehicle inspection in the same order before every trip aids in learning what the proper steps are. Additionally, you be less likely to forget a step when going through the checklist in a prescribed order.

The suspension system is responsible for supporting a vehicle, supporting its load, and keeping its axles in place. When inspecting your vehicle, check for damaged or missing spring hangers, spring leaves, shock absorbers, u-bolts, and frame members. Broken parts in the suspension system are extremely dangerous.

Watch the gauges in your vehicle before starting a trip. After starting your vehicle's engine, the coolant temperature should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range.

All U.S. states share information about CDL and CLP licenses in a computerized database. If you apply for a license in one state, a state will check this database to verify that you do not already have one such license in another state.

When using a fire extinguisher, you should stay as far away from the flames as possible and aim at the base of the fire.

During the on-road driving skills test, make sure you do not put your vehicle over curbs, sidewalks, or lane markings. Stop behind stop lines, crosswalks, or stop signs. On multiple-lane roads, complete turns in the proper lane. Always move to or remain in the rightmost lane, unless the lane is blocked.

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.

Distractions while driving can be physical (such as reaching for an object), mental (such as making conversation with a passenger), or both (such as holding a phone to send texts). Strategies to help you avoid distracted driving include pre-programming radio stations; planning out your route in advance; avoiding complex or emotionally taxing conversation while driving; adjusting your mirrors before setting out; and not eating, drinking, or smoking while behind the wheel.

Always speed up smoothly and gradually so that your vehicle does not jerk. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage.

When approaching your vehicle, you should check under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks. Spotting any of these before a trip is a cause for concern.

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 thereafter.

In an air brake system, the air storage tanks must be drained to remove accumulated water and compressor oil. Failing to do so can cause damage. Manually operated drains should be used at the end of each day of driving.

Mirrors should be checked prior to the beginning of a trip. On a vehicle with a trailer, mirror adjustment can only be checked accurately if the connected trailer is straight.

Stopping is not always the best way to avoid a hazard. If there is not enough space for you to stop to avoid coming into contact with the hazard, swerving out of the way may be your safest option.

If your vehicle does not have self-canceling turn signals, be sure to cancel your turn signal after completing a turn.

If you are found to be operating a CMV with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system, but you are still below the legal limit of 0.04 percent, you will be placed out-of-service for 24 hours. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

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

The parking brake should be applied every time you park your vehicle.

If someone is tailgating you, it is a good idea to open up the space ahead of your vehicle to make it easier for the driver to pass you. Increasing your speed is not a good idea because the driver may continue to tailgate you at the higher speed, only increasing the danger.

You will not be able to brake or steer your vehicle without adequate traction. Ensure that your tires are in proper working condition before beginning a trip.

Subject to certain conditions, a tank endorsement is required to operate a tank vehicle that is used to haul either liquids or gases.

When driving, you should regularly check your mirrors, both to be aware of traffic and to check for problems on your own vehicle.

When inspecting an exhaust system, you should verify that parts of the system are not loose, broken, or missing. The system's parts must be properly mounted and should not be rubbing against moving parts of the vehicle.

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.

Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires are prohibited from use on the front wheels of a bus.

If you are asked to alley dock, you should first pull past the alley and stop your vehicle in a position that is parallel to the outer boundary. From there, you should back your vehicle entirely into the alley parking area. Your vehicle should be parked in a straight position within the boundaries of the parking space.

Always speed up smoothly and gradually so that your vehicle does not jerk. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage.

If you use your brakes too much when traveling on a steep downgrade, they may overheat and become less effective. To avoid causing your brakes to overheat on a steep hill, you should rely on engine braking.

There are two indicators that determine when you need to shift into a higher gear. One indicator is the engine speed (rpm). You should read your vehicle's manual to learn its rpm range and shift up when you reach the top of that range. The other indicator is road speed (mph). You should learn which speeds each gear can accommodate, then keep an eye on the speedometer and shift up as needed.

The average driver has a reaction time of between three-quarters of a second and one second.