Virginia CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class A 1

During the vehicle inspection test, you will be asked to do a complete inspection of your vehicle. You will need to explain what you are inspecting and why.

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

When inspecting an exhaust system, you should verify that parts of the system are not loose, broken, or missing. The system's parts must be properly mounted and should not be rubbing against moving parts of the vehicle.

When inspecting a vehicle's suspension, you should look for broken or missing leaves in the leaf springs. Any defect of this kind is dangerous. If one-fourth or more of the leaves are missing from any leaf spring, the vehicle must be put out-of-service.

Stay as far away from a fire as possible and aim your fire extinguisher at the source or base of the fire, not at the flames. It may be appropriate to extinguish certain fires with water. If you are unsure of how to treat a specific fire, you should wait for trained firefighters to arrive.

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

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.

While driving downhill, you should hold down the brake pedal until your vehicle reaches a speed 5 mph below your safe speed, then release the brake pedal. Repeat this process.

A Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.

Leaks in an exhaust system are extremely dangerous because they may allow toxic fumes into the cab or sleeper berth, endangering drivers and passengers.

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.

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.

Cargo that is improperly loaded or secured is a significant hazard to the driver, as well as others on or near the road.

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.

Stopping is not always the best way to avoid a hazard. If there is not enough space for you to stop to avoid coming into contact with the hazard, swerving out of the way may be your safest option.

All trucks, truck tractors, and buses must be equipped with emergency brakes and parking brakes.

You must take an air brakes knowledge test to become licensed to operate a vehicle that is equipped with air brakes, including an air over hydraulic braking system.

However you choose to deal with a brake failure on a downhill slope, it is important that you make your decision as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to act, the faster your vehicle will be moving, and the harder it will become to stop.

During a pre-trip inspection, you should verify that the air pressure is neither too low nor too high in any of your tires.

You must always properly signal before turning or changing lanes.

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.

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. Hydroplaning can begin at speeds as low as 30 mph.

Speeding is the leading cause of death and injury in work zones. Use extra caution when driving near workers in a work zone.

Some vehicles with air brake systems manufactured before 1975 have a front brake limiting valve with "normal" and "slippery" settings.

A leaking exhaust system can introduce carbon monoxide, which is poisonous, into the cab or sleeper berth.

While driving, spring brakes are generally held in place by air pressure. If the air pressure gets low enough, the springs will activate the brakes.

Poorly balanced weight in a trailer can make handling unsafe. For example, either too little or too much weight on the front axle can make a vehicle difficult to steer. Weight should be distributed evenly from front to back and from side to side. It should be distributed as low as possible.

When inspecting your brakes, you should check for cracked drums; shoes or pads covered in oil, grease, or brake fluid; and shoes that are missing, broken, or worn dangerously thin.

Potential warning signs of fatigue include difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids; yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes; daydreaming; wandering or disconnected thoughts; trouble remembering the last few miles you've driven; missing exits or traffic signs; having trouble keeping your head up; drifting from your lane; following too closely; hitting a shoulder rumble strip; or feeling restless and irritable.

If used and maintained properly, air brakes are a safe and effective way to stop large, heavy vehicles.

It is essential that exhaust system parts are not leaking or otherwise broken. A faulty exhaust system can let poisonous fumes into the cab or sleeper berth.

While regular mirror checks should be part of your normal driving routine, checking your mirrors is especially important when turning, changing lanes, merging, and performing tight maneuvers.

Because you can't see everything behind you, driving in reverse is always dangerous and should be done only when necessary. Before backing into an area, you should exit your vehicle and inspect the path of travel to check for potential hazards, especially overhanging objects that would otherwise be difficult to spot in a mirror.

When inspecting a vehicle, you should verify that your dual tires do not come into contact with one another, or with any other part of the vehicle.

If a tractor-trailer is so equipped, the trailer brake hand valve can be used to stop the vehicle from rolling back when being started from a stop.