Texas CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class A 1

Always drive cautiously around a stopped bus. Passengers may cross in front of or behind it, and the bus may prevent them from seeing your vehicle.

Backing can be dangerous, so avoid doing it whenever you can. If possible, park in such a way that allows you to pull forward to exit your parking space.

A vehicle's total stopping distance is made up of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance. With all of these factors included, an air brake-equipped vehicle traveling at a speed of 55 mph under ideal driving conditions will need approximately 450 feet to come to a complete stop.

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

During a pre-trip inspection, you should activate your lights, then get out of the vehicle to look at them.

Exhaust system defects can be extremely serious because they may make it possible for poisonous fumes to enter into the cab or sleeper berth. Issues to check for in a pre-trip inspection include loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, vertical stacks, mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts; exhaust system parts that are rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, or other moving parts of the vehicle; and exhaust system parts that are leaking.

An air brake system's safety relief valve is located in the tank that is first to receive air from the compressor.

Commercial vehicles should always carry the proper emergency equipment. Be sure your vehicle is equipped with at least one fire extinguisher; spare electrical fuses, unless the vehicle is equipped with circuit breakers; and warning devices for parked vehicles, such as warning triangles, fuses, or liquid burning flares.

While driving, you should continually scan the road to spot potential hazards in advance. Make emergency plans for how to deal with the hazards if they become dangerous.

If you use the parking brakes when the weather is very wet and the temperature is below freezing, the brakes may become frozen, preventing the vehicle from moving.

For safety, most heavy-duty vehicles are equipped with dual air brake systems.

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.

Air brakes consists of three separate braking systems: the service brake system, the parking brake system, and the emergency brake system. The service brake system applies and releases the brakes when you use the brake pedal while driving normally.

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.

When inspecting a vehicle's exhaust system, be alert to a number of potential problems, including loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, or vertical stacks; loose, broken, or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts; exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, or other moving parts of the vehicle; and exhaust system parts that are leaking.

A first-time offense for a railroad-highway grade crossing violation will result in the loss of one's CDL for at least 60 days.

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 much water on the road for this to occur.

After starting your vehicle during the pre-trip inspection, you should watch the gauges. The coolant temperature should gradually rise to a normal operating range.

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.

To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, you should first remove your foot from the brake pedal to allow the locked wheels to begin rolling again. Quickly steer in the direction you want to go, then countersteer to prevent your vehicle from skidding in the opposite direction.

When driving a tractor-trailer combination that is equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should brake in the same manner that you would if the vehicle was not equipped with ABS.

Brakes can get out of adjustment quickly, especially if they are used to the point of overheating. Brake adjustment should be checked frequently.

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.

During the basic vehicle control skills test, a pull-up will be scored any time an applicant stops and pulls forward to gain a better position. Stopping without changing direction will not. An excessive number of pull-ups will count as errors.

Cargo must be properly loaded and secured to prevent it from falling or shifting dangerously. During a quick stop, improperly loaded cargo could injure or even kill the driver.

Spring brakes come on automatically when air pressure drops to an unsafe psi level. Instead of waiting for the spring brakes to automatically activate, you should safely exit the road as soon as you notice the low pressure warning signal and bring your vehicle to a stop while you are still able to control the brakes.

To obtain a hazardous materials endorsement, you will be required to submit your fingerprints and will be subject to a background check.

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.

Failure of hydraulic brakes is often caused by a loss of hydraulic pressure. Hydraulic brakes may also fade because of overuse on a long downgrade.

If you drive under an overpass during the on-road driving skills test, your examiner may ask you to recall the posted clearance or height of the overpass.

It is essential that your low pressure warning light functions properly. After allowing the system to charge, you can test the warning signal by rapidly applying and releasing the brake pedal. This will release air from the braking system and the warning signal should come on when pressure drops to a dangerous level.

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

The suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load while keeping the axles in place. Damage to a suspension system can be very dangerous.

Before driving during the winter, make sure to check your defrosting and heating equipment, coolant and antifreeze levels, wipers and washers, tire tread, tire chains, lights, reflectors, and exhaust system. Clear ice and snow from all windows, mirrors, hand holds, steps, deck plates, and radiator shutters. Make sure the winterfront is not closed too tightly.

If an ABS system fails, the vehicle will still have normal braking function. The driver should continue to drive and brake as they normally would.