Vermont CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class A 2

Never assume that the posted height on a bridge or other overhead object is correct. Even if it was accurate when posted, things may have changed that affect clearance, either permanently (such as a repaving of the road) or temporarily (such as packed snow on the road).

If your hydraulic braking system will not build up the pressure needed to slow or stop your vehicle, there are a few possible solutions. Try shifting into a lower gear, pumping the brakes, and/or using the emergency brake.

Transporting cargo that is loaded with a high center of gravity increases the risk that the transporting vehicle will tip over. Cargo should be loaded with a safe weight distribution.

If a heavy load prevents your vehicle from keeping up with the speed of other traffic, you should stay in the right lane.

Avoid being an aggressive driver by being realistic about your travel time, making allowance for delays, maintaining reasonable following distances, and not making hand gestures that could anger another driver.

Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires are prohibited on the front wheels of a bus.

Completing the steps of a vehicle inspection in the same order before every trip aids in learning what the proper steps are. Additionally, you be less likely to forget a step when going through the checklist in a prescribed order.

Lane changes should be made slowly and smoothly.

It is the driver's responsibility to inspect their cargo; recognize overloading or poorly balanced weight; know that the cargo is properly secured and does not obscure the driver's view; and know that the cargo does not restrict access to emergency equipment. The driver is responsible for their cargo even if they were not the one who initially loaded and secured the cargo.

Rust around wheel nuts can indicate that the nuts are loose. If you find rust near the wheel nuts, check their tightness before beginning to drive.

Alcohol impairment can begin with the first drink consumed. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol.

While speaking on a hands-free phone while driving is less dangerous than speaking on a hand-held phone, it is just as likely to mentally distract a driver. Simply engaging in conversation takes their mental focus away from the task of driving.

When turning on your vehicle's engine, the lights on the dash should come on and then turn off. If the ABS malfunction light stays on, the system is not working properly. In the case of a truck with a trailer, if the yellow light on the left rear of the trailer stays on once the engine has been started, the system is not working properly.

Watch the gauges in your vehicle before starting a trip. After starting your vehicle's engine, the coolant temperature should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range.

The first step of a vehicle inspection is to review the last vehicle inspection report. Only sign the report if noted defects are certified to have been repaired.

Skills tests must be taken in the type of vehicle the applicant plans to drive. The applicant is generally responsible to supply the testing vehicle.

If you must drive onto the shoulder to avoid a hazard, stay on it until you come to a stop; then signal, check your mirrors, and merge back into traffic. Avoid braking on the shoulder at speeds higher than about 20 mph. To help maintain control, always keep one set of wheels on the pavement, if possible.

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.

If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, do not apply the brakes. Instead, slow down by releasing the accelerator and pushing in the clutch. This will help you to regain traction.

A vehicle is vulnerable to tipping over if its center of gravity is too high. To prevent this, you should distribute the weight of your cargo evenly and as low as possible.

If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you can regain control by releasing the accelerator and pushing in the clutch.

When braking, push the pedal down gradually to ensure that the vehicle comes to a smooth, safe stop.

Federal and state laws require drivers to inspect their vehicles before every trip, regardless of length.

When inspecting your vehicle's engine, check the belts for tightness and excessive wear. The amount of "give" that is safe for each belt in a given engine will vary, so learn what is appropriate for your vehicle.

As the first step of a vehicle inspection, you should review any inspection report left by the previous driver.

While driving a CMV, reading and sending text messages is prohibited. You may not hold a cell phone to make a voice call or dial a phone by pressing more than one button.

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

Because live animals can lean during curves, and otherwise move in transit, the weight distribution of a cargo of livestock is unstable. Driving with livestock requires special care.

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.

Tires should never have too much air pressure. Be sure to check your tires' air pressure with a gauge during inspections.

Dry bulk tanks require special care to be driven, both because they have high centers of gravity and because the weight of the load can shift in transit.

Check hydraulic brakes by pumping the brake pedal three times before applying firm pressure to the pedal for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or some other problem in the braking system.

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.

For safe operation, a commercial motor vehicle needs a tread depth of 4/32 of an inch in every major groove on the front tires, and a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch on other tires.

It is essential to the safe operation of a CMV that cargo be properly loaded. Improper loading can affect handling and damage the vehicle. Additionally, improperly loaded materials can cause injury or death by falling off of the vehicle.