Texas CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class B 1

While a driver cannot inspect sealed loads, they can still ensure that the load does not exceed gross weight and axle weight limits.

On a steep downgrade, you must use the engine's braking effect as your primary method of speed control. Be sure to decelerate and downshift appropriately before beginning to drive down the hill. Relying too heavily on the brakes may cause them to overheat and fade, becoming less effective.

For safety, you must wear your seat belt at all times while operating a CMV.

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.

A vehicle inspection report allows a driver to inform the motor carrier of issues that could affect the safe operation of a vehicle. If required, the driver should fill out a vehicle inspection report after every day of driving. They should make note of any issues that could affect the safety of the vehicle or that could lead to a mechanical breakdown.

When examining your tires during the vehicle inspection test, you should ensure that treads are evenly worn.

An encroachment during the basic vehicle control skills test is when an exercise boundary line is touched or crossed by any portion of the applicant's vehicle. Every encroachment will be counted as an error.

In an air brake system, the air storage tanks must be drained to remove accumulated water and compressor oil. Failing to do this can cause damage. For example, water that has built up in the system could freeze in cold weather and cause brake failure.

Commercial drivers are required by federal and state laws to inspect their vehicles before every trip. Regular inspections can help drivers identify issues before they become dangerous and costly.

An encroachment during the basic vehicle control skills test is when an exercise boundary line is touched or crossed by any portion of the applicant's vehicle. Every encroachment will be counted as an error.

During the on-road driving skills test, you will be evaluated on your gear usage. Select a gear that does not rev or lug the engine; avoid grinding and clashing gears; and avoid shifting through turns or intersections.

When approaching your vehicle before an inspection, make note of its general condition and ensure that it is not damaged or leaning. Look under the vehicle for fresh leaks. Check around the vehicle for hazards to movement, such as people, other vehicles, or low-hanging wires or tree limbs.

Drivers with blocked vision may pose hazards to others on the road. Examples of such drivers include those who haven't scraped ice off of their windshields; those driving vehicles loaded with large items blocking the windows; and those who are driving rental trucks without being used to the limited rear visibility of a truck.

Keep an eye on the gauges after starting the engine. The coolant temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range.

A low air pressure warning signal is required in vehicles with air brakes. The warning light is usually red and may be accompanied by a buzzer.

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.

Black ice is a layer of ice that is thin and clear enough for the road to be visible through it. This makes the road look as if it is merely wet.

Driving with a dry bulk tank requires special care, both because dry bulk tanks have high centers of gravity and because their loads often shift in transit. Be especially careful when taking turns and curves while operating such a vehicle.

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.

Serious traffic violations include excessive speeding (15 mph or more above the posted limit); reckless driving; improper or erratic lane changes; following a vehicle too closely; traffic offenses committed in a CMV in connection with fatal traffic accidents; driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL or having a CDL in the your possession; and driving a CMV without the proper CDL class and/or endorsements.

If you must come to a stop before making a turn during the driving skills test, you should come to a smooth stop behind any stop line, crosswalk, or stop sign. Keep your front wheels aimed straight ahead and do not let your vehicle roll. If stopping behind another vehicle, stop where you are still able to see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead of you.

Frequent yawning is a warning sign of fatigue. If you become tired while driving, the only safe response is to stop and get some sleep. You cannot rely on artificial stimulants, like caffeine, to keep you alert because they will eventually wear off and leave you more tired than you originally were.

During the on-road driving skills test, you may be asked to drive on an expressway. Make sure you maintain proper lane positioning, vehicle spacing, and vehicle speed. Continue to thoroughly check traffic in all directions while on the expressway.

Cargo should be blocked to prevent it from sliding around in transit. The shifting of weight in transit can make steering and handling difficult for the driver.

If you must drive in reverse, you should first walk around the vehicle to check for hazards in your path of travel. Make frequent use of the mirrors on both sides of your vehicle while backing. Always back up as slowly as possible.

If you are convicted of violating any texting law two or more times, your CDL will be disqualified. Disqualification will be 60 days for a second offense within three years, and 120 days for third or subsequent offenses within three years.

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

Hanging meat can be an unstable load in a vehicle. The truck may become top-heavy and steering may be inhibited by the swinging meat. Drivers carrying such loads should use particular caution when traveling around sharp curves, such as highway entrance and exit ramps.

It is safest not to drive in foggy areas. However, if you must drive through fog, you should slow down, use your low beam headlights and fog lights, and turn on your four-way flashers.

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.

Air expands as it gets warmer, so the air pressure in your tires could reach dangerously high levels while being used in very hot weather. If this happens, stop and let your tires cool. Do not let air out of the tires, as this could result in the pressure dropping to an unsafe level once the tires cool down.

Air storage tanks are used to hold compressed air. The number and size of air tanks in an air brake system varies among vehicles.

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.

In places where water collects on the road, it is possible for a vehicle to hydroplane. Low tire pressure or worn tire tread makes this more likely to happen. If there is enough water on a road surface, hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph.

You will be denied a HazMat endorsement, or lose an existing endorsement, if you are not a lawful permanent U.S. resident; you renounce your U.S. citizenship; you are wanted for, under indictment for, or convicted of certain felonies; you are judged as mentally unstable or are committed to a mental institution; or you are deemed to pose a security threat by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).