Vermont CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class B 2

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.

An operator should drive with care when transporting a cargo of hanging meat. Such a load is unstable, both because it has a high center of gravity and because the swinging of the meat can affect the driver's handling of the vehicle.

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.

The first hazardous materials class includes explosives such as ammunition, dynamite, and fireworks.

You must have a hazardous materials endorsement to transport any hazardous materials that require the vehicle to be placarded.

Splitting driving responsibilities with a second driver lowers the chance that either of you will drive while fatigued. You can also reduce the risk of fatigue by avoiding heavy foods and keeping the interior of the cab cool.

After a tire has been changed, you should stop a short while later to recheck the tightness of the lug nuts.

On a vehicle with one or more trailers, mirror adjustment can only be checked accurately if the trailers are straight. Mirror adjustment should be checked before the start of every trip.

After an engine is started, the coolant temperature should rise gradually to a normal operating range.

Always apply the parking brake when leaving your vehicle unattended.

While driving a CMV, you may not make voice calls if you need to hold your phone or press more than one button to do so. Additionally, you may not send or read text messages while driving.

Though a driver cannot inspect a sealed load, they should still ensure that the load does not exceed applicable weight limits.

To avoid hitting anything behind you, make sure that your vehicle does not roll back when you start from a complete stop.

It is important for you to be aware of your surroundings at all times. To do this, regularly check your mirrors. You should make a particular point of checking your mirrors when merging, changing lanes, turning, and performing tight maneuvers.

You will be asked to change lanes during the on-road driving test. When the examiner asks you to do this, you should make the necessary traffic checks and use the proper signals before changing lanes.

When approaching a long downgrade, you should shift into a lower gear then use proper braking techniques. Using the brakes alone could cause them to overheat and fail. The braking power of the engine, which is maximized by being in a lower gear, will be the principal way of controlling your speed on a downgrade.

It is important to observe other drivers' actions and identify clues that a person could be driving impaired. Drivers who have had too much to drink, are sleepy, are on drugs, or are ill can present hazards to other drivers. One sign that a driver may be impaired is that they have their windows rolled down in cold weather.

Amongst other crimes, a felony conviction for arson will disqualify a person from obtaining, renewing, or transferring a hazardous materials endorsement.

When braking a vehicle equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should not brake any differently than you would if driving a vehicle with a different braking system.

A person may not have more than one license. Violation of this law may be punishable by jail time and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Whenever you pass another driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian, you should assume as a precaution that they do not see you.

When driving, it is important to be aware of what is happening behind and to the sides of your vehicle. Mirror checks and head checks should be a normal part of your scanning routine.

Distractions while driving can be physical (such as reaching for an object), mental (such as making conversation with a passenger), or both (such as holding a phone to send texts). Strategies to help you avoid distracted driving include pre-programming radio stations; planning out your route in advance; avoiding complex or emotionally taxing conversation while driving; adjusting your mirrors before setting out; and not eating, drinking, or smoking while behind the wheel.

Both systems in a dual air brake systems share a single air compressor. If the air compressor is damaged, neither system will be able to operate properly.

Drivers behind you may not anticipate how slowly your CMV must travel to safely make a right turn. You can help warn them in advance by braking early and slowing gradually.

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 load of cargo must be properly balanced. Placing too much weight over an axle can damage the axle and make it more difficult for you to steer. Placing too little weight over an axle can cause poor traction, also leading to difficult handling.

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

B:C fire extinguishers are designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids. Don't pour water on an electrical fire.

Distractions while driving can be physical (such as reaching for an object), mental (such as making conversation with a passenger), or both (such as holding a phone to send texts). Strategies to help you avoid distracted driving include pre-programming radio stations; planning out your route in advance; avoiding complex or emotionally taxing conversation while driving; adjusting your mirrors before setting out; and not eating, drinking, or smoking while behind the wheel.

On a wet road, it is possible for a vehicle's tires to lose traction with the road surface and begin to glide along on the layer of water. This is referred to as hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph.

When asked to make a lane change during the on-road driving test, you should make the proper traffic checks, use your turn signal, and smoothly change lanes when it is safe to do so.

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.

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.

Hydroplaning is most likely to occur when driving on wet roads with tire pressure that is too low and tire tread that is too worn. If there is enough water on the road, hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph.