Minnesota CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class A 2

A dual air brake system has two separate air brake systems that use a single set of brake controls. One system typically operates the regular brakes on the rear axle or axles. The other system operates the regular brakes on the front axle.

Suspension systems receive weight capacity ratings, given by the manufacturers.

Cargo covers should not flap in the wind. A flapping cover could tear loose entirely, exposing the cargo, and potentially blocking your view or the view of other drivers.

If you encounter an aggressive driver, the most important thing to do is get out of their way, if possible. Do not provoke the driver by challenging them or making eye contact, and do not let yourself be provoked by rude gestures they might make.

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.

Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs should never be used.

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.

The primary reason to inspect your vehicle before every trip is to ensure your safety and the safety of other road users.

The person driving a vehicle is responsible for its safe operation. Be sure to perform routine vehicle inspections before operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Hydroplaning is an effect in which a vehicle's tires lose traction with the surface of the road and instead glide along a layer of water. There does not have to be a large amount of water on the road for this to occur.

In some emergencies, the best strategy for avoiding a hazard may be to drive onto the shoulder. Most shoulders are strong enough to support the weight of a large vehicle.

A broken exhaust system is extremely hazardous because it can permit poisonous fumes to enter the vehicle's cab or sleeper berth.

While driving, regular mirror checks are essential to remaining aware of the traffic around you. Mirrors are also essential to helping you spot possible problems on your own vehicle.

On a downgrade, you should use the braking effect of your engine as the principal way of controlling your speed. Save your brakes for additional slowing or stopping that may be required by road or traffic conditions.

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.

Driving while distracted may result in slowed perception, delayed decision-making, and improper actions. Watch for distracted drivers and avoid them, when possible.

To improve visibility, you should use high beam headlights at night where it is safe and legal to do so. However, the glare from high beam lights can blind other drivers. You should dim your lights to their low beam setting when driving within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle.

The safety relief valve in an air brake system releases air if necessary to prevent pressure in the system from becoming too high. If the valve starts releasing air, there is something wrong. Have a mechanic fix the problem.

When inspecting your vehicle, you should check the wiper blades for damage, stiff rubber, and proper securement.

Driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day because hazards become more difficult to see in the dark.

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.

Federal, state, and local regulations governing commercial vehicle loads vary from place to place. Be sure that you are always aware of the laws for the state in which you are driving.

If you find yourself being tailgated by another driver, you should increase your following distance and avoid making quick moves. Increasing your speed may only result in the other driver continuing to tailgate you at a higher speed. Do not turn on your taillights or flash your brake lights at the other driver.

The leading cause of injury and death in roadway work zones is excessive speed by passing drivers. Lower your speed when driving through a work zone.

The purpose of an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is to prevent wheels from locking up during hard applications of the brakes, especially on slippery surfaces.

Underloading a front axle may make it impossible to safely steer your vehicle. Keep weight distribution in mind when loading cargo.

When stopping, the brake pedal should be pushed down gradually. Control the pressure so your vehicle comes to a slow, safe stop.

While driving, you should watch your vehicle's gauges for signs of trouble. Be sure to inspect your gauges before beginning a trip to ensure that they are in proper working order.

If you are turning to avoid a hazard, do not apply the brakes while you are turning. This could easily lock the wheels and create a skid.

Cargo should be restrained by at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo. However, all cargo should have at least two tie-downs, no matter the size of the cargo.

Potential problems to check for when inspecting brakes include cracked drums; shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them; and shoes that are missing, broken, or worn dangerously thin.

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.

When driving, it is important to be aware of what is happening behind and to the sides of your vehicle. Mirror checks and head checks should be a normal part of your scanning routine.

To obtain a hazardous materials endorsement, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. You will lose your hazardous materials endorsement if you renounce your U.S. citizenship.

Air expands as its temperature increases, so air pressure in your tires is likely to increase when you are driving in very hot weather. Under such conditions, stop periodically to ensure that your tires are not at risk of blowing out or catching fire.