Vermont CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class A 1

During an inspection, ensure that the wheel bearing/seals are not leaking.

Most newer heavy-duty vehicles use dual air brake systems. A dual air brake system has two separate air brake systems which use a single set of brake controls.

You should always slow down to a safe speed and shift into a lower gear before entering a curve.

After a vehicle is started, the warning lights and buzzers should go out after a few seconds. If the warning signals do not turn off, there may be something wrong with the vehicle.

If the brakes pull to one side or the other when used, it is an indication of brake trouble.

To travel safely, it is essential that you know what is happening on all sides of your vehicle at all times. Use your mirrors frequently to help you remain aware of your surroundings.

If water and compressor oil are left to build up in an air brake system, the system can be damaged. Air storage tanks are equipped with drains to allow this accumulation to be removed. Manually controlled drains should be operated at the end of each day of driving.

If making a left turn where there is more than one available turn lane, you should always choose to begin your turn in the rightmost lane. Large vehicles often have to swing right to make left turns. Because of this, it is safer for you to have other left-turning traffic to your left instead of to your right. This will allow you to have the best possible view of other turning vehicles and will lower the risk of your vehicle colliding with them.

Pre-trip inspections should be conducted in the same way every time. This will reinforce the steps, making it less likely that you will forget to inspect something important.

In heavy traffic, it is safest to match the speed of surrounding vehicles. Vehicles traveling in the same direction at the same speed are unlikely to collide. However, you should not exceed legal speed limits.

To help avoid frustration, which can lead to aggressive driving behavior, you should begin a trip with realistic expectations about your travel time. Plan ahead to allow time for potential traffic delays. Other strategies to help prevent aggressive driving behavior include driving an appropriate speed and keeping a reasonable following distance; avoiding making gestures at other drivers; and keeping your hands on the steering wheel.

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.

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.

If you are asked to complete an offset back/left parking maneuver, you should first pull straight forward, then back up to the left. Your vehicle must be parked completely within the boundaries of the parking space.

Always use your turn signals and check your mirrors when changing lanes.

Wheels or rims with welding repairs are never safe to use.

When inspecting a tractor/trailer coupling, look into the fifth wheel gap and make sure the locking jaws are fully closed around the kingpin.

You may have to swing right to safely make a left turn. If there are two left turn lanes available at an intersection, you should always begin your turn in the rightmost lane.

If you are convicted of any kind of traffic violation, in any type of vehicle, you must notify your employer within 30 days. You must also inform your motor vehicle licensing agency of the violation within 30 days if the conviction happened in another jurisdiction. This rule does not apply to parking infractions.

Cargo should be inspected before beginning a trip, within the first 50 miles of the trip, and every three hours or 150 miles traveled thereafter. Cargo should be inspected every time the driver stops to take a break. The driver of a truck transporting cargo is responsible for the cargo being safely secured throughout the trip.

In Vermont, you must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL. To be licensed to operate in interstate commerce, you must be at least 21 years old.

A steering wheel should have no more than 10 degrees of play. This is equal to about two inches of movement at the rim of a 20-inch wheel. If there is more play than this, it may be difficult to steer.

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.

It is best to avoid driving through large puddles or moving water. If there is no way to avoid driving through water, you should slow down, shift into a low gear, and gently apply the brakes. Pressing linings against the brake drums or discs will keep water, mud, silt, and sand from getting inside the brake mechanisms.

In a vehicle with air brakes, the brake lights are activated when the brake pedal is pushed and air pressure moves an electric switch. With the application of air pressure, the switch will then turn on the brake lights.

Some air brake systems have alcohol evaporators, which introduce alcohol into the braking system to help prevent the formation of ice.

If you must drive in fog, be sure to slow down. Turn on your flashers and low beam headlights.

While regular mirror checks should be a part of your driving routine, it is particularly important to check your mirrors when changing lanes, turning, merging, and making tight maneuvers.

You must notify your employer within two business days if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or if you are otherwise disqualified from driving.

Most states have an Implied Consent Law, which means that by driving a vehicle on the state's roads, you have agreed to undergo a drug or alcohol test if a police officer asks you to do so. If you refuse to submit to a test, you will lose your operating privileges. Make sure you are aware of the laws for every state in which you drive.

Retarders help to slow vehicles, reducing drivers' need to use brakes.

Cargo with a high center of gravity makes a vehicle more likely to tip over than cargo with a low center of gravity. For this reason, it is important that the weight of cargo be distributed as low as possible.

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

When stopping, press down the brake pedal smoothly and gradually.

An air compressor governor will stop the compressor from pumping air once the air tanks are at an air pressure level around 125 psi. This air pressure level is referred to as the "cut-out" level.