Pennsylvania CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class B 2

If you experience a loss of hydraulic pressure in your brakes, you should downshift, pump the brakes, and use the parking brake. Seek an escape route, such as an escape ramp, open field, or side street.

When checking the power steering fluid during the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to indicate where the power steering fluid dipstick is located and show that there is an adequate amount of power steering fluid in the engine compartment. The fluid level must be above the refill mark.

Some older vehicles with air brakes have front brake limiting valves. These valves were intended to reduce the risk of front wheels skidding. However, research has shown that such devices are unnecessary, so they should be left in the "normal" position.

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 making a right turn, avoid turning too wide to the left. If you must swing into another lane to complete the turn, you should keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb. Leaving space to the right of your vehicle while turning right may indicate to other drivers that you are turning left, so they may attempt to pass you on your right.

At times when visibility is low, you should turn your headlights on to the low beam setting. If you are having a difficult time seeing others, they are probably having a difficult time seeing you.

While taking the on-road driving skills test, check for traffic and use your mirrors regularly, especially when encountering intersections. Scan and check for pedestrians in areas where they may be present.

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.

Foundation brakes are used at each wheel. The most common type is the S-cam drum brake.

A person cannot have more than one license. States share driver data through a computer database to prevent the issuance of duplicate licenses.

Speeding up too quickly on a road with poor traction could cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. In conditions that cause poor traction, a driver should accelerate especially smoothly and gradually.

When inspecting a vehicle's brakes, you should make sure the shoes and pads do not have oil, grease, or brake fluid on them.

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.

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.

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.

Roads are especially slippery when it first begins to rain. Rain water initially mixes with oil and grease on the road to form a slippery film. As the rain continues, this mixture will eventually wash away.

When exiting your vehicle during the basic vehicle control skills test, you must face the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times. If your testing vehicle is a bus, you must maintain contact with the handrail. Exiting the vehicle incorrectly may result in automatic failure of the basic control skills test.

When driving at night, it is important that your lights be clean so that they provide as much light as possible. This will help others to see your vehicle.

If you are being tailgated, it is advisable to open up the space in front of your vehicle, making it easier for the tailgater to get around you. Speeding up may be counterproductive because the driver may continue to tailgate you at the higher speed, only increasing the danger.

When inspecting your vehicle's engine compartment, be sure to check the oil level; the radiator coolant level and the condition of the hoses; the power steering fluid level and the condition of the hoses, if applicable; the windshield washer fluid level; the battery connections, fluid level, and tie-downs; the automatic transmission fluid level; and the condition and tightness of the belts. Additionally, check for any leaks in the engine compartment and cracked or worn electrical wiring insulation.

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.

Before driving a vehicle with air brakes, you should ensure that the spring brakes come on automatically when air tank pressure falls to a level between 20 and 45 psi. You can do this by chocking the wheels and releasing air from the braking system by stepping on and off the brake pedal. Once the pressure drops to an unsafe level, the parking brake valve should pop out and spring brakes should come on.

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.

Focusing on your mirrors for too long can be dangerous because you will have traveled a substantial distance without looking at the road ahead.

Always change lanes slowly and smoothly to maintain control of your vehicle. Doing this will also allow a driver that you did not see time to move out of the way of your vehicle. Use the proper turn signal to communicate with other road users.

In an air brake system, a low air pressure warning signal must come on if air pressure in the tanks falls below 60 psi. This warning signal may come in the form of a light, a buzzer, or a wig wag.

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.

The most important reason to inspect your vehicle before a trip is to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Safety inspections before every trip are required by state and federal laws.

Strategies to reduce the risk of fatigue while driving include getting seven to eight hours of sleep beforehand; scheduling trips for the hours during which you are normally awake; planning to take breaks during the trip; and exercising regularly.

During the vehicle inspection test, you must check the power steering belt, water pump belt, alternator belt, and air compressor belt for snugness, cracks, or frays. If any of these components are not belt-driven, you must tell the examiner which one(s), and verify that they are operating properly, mounted securely, and not damaged or leaking.

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.

You should cover your cargo to protect people from the cargo if it spills, as well as to protect the cargo from the weather.

Cargo and its securing devices must be inspected before starting a trip. After beginning a trip, the driver should check the load and securing devices within the first 50 miles on the road, every three hours or 150 miles traveled, and after every break.

To avoid engaging in dangerous and aggressive driving behavior, you should relax and accept any delays that arise throughout a trip. To help avoid the stress of arriving late to a destination, plan for likely delays when planning your drive.

In some vehicles, you may have to leave the engine running to check the automatic transmission fluid level.