Virginia CDL DMV Knowledge Test Class B 2

When doing a pre-trip inspection during the winter, you should pay extra attention to the coolant level and amount of antifreeze; the defrosting and heating equipment; the wiper blades and windshield washer; the tires and tire chains; the lights and reflectors; the windows and mirrors; the hand holds, steps, and deck plates; the radiator shuttles and winterfront; and exhaust system.

Strong winds can make it difficult for a driver to maintain control of their vehicle. Usually, this is especially true for drivers of lighter CMVs.

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

The shifting of cargo in transit can make steering and handling difficult for the driver, so cargo should be blocked to prevent it from moving. Blocking should be used in front of, behind, and/or to the sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding.

During a trip, you should regularly make checks to ensure that your vehicle is operating properly. Check the instrument panel and gauges; look at your mirrors; and examine the tires, cargo, and lights. Use all of your senses and be alert for anything that could be an early indication of trouble.

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.

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.

The safety relief valve in an air brake system releases air if necessary to prevent pressure in the system from becoming too high. If the valve starts releasing air, there is something wrong. Have a mechanic fix the problem.

If you begin to feel tired while driving, you should stop to get some sleep. Trying to push on to reach your destination while tired is dangerous. You should not rely on caffeine to keep you awake.

When performing a static leakage test on a single vehicle with air brakes, the leakage rate should be no more than 2 psi in a minute. If the air leaks from the air brake system at a quicker rate, the vehicle should not be driven because something likely needs to be repaired.

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.

Explosives are placed in hazardous materials Class 1.

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

On flatbed trailers and trailers without sides, cargo must be tied down. There should be at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo. Regardless of the size of the cargo, at least two tie-downs must be used.

When asked to make a turn during the on-road driving test, you must check traffic in all directions and use your turn signal.

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.

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

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 of oil, grease, or fuel. Check around the vehicle for hazards to movement, such as people, other vehicles, or low-hanging wires or tree limbs.

Front-end header boards, also known as "headache racks," protect the driver from cargo moving in the event of a crash or emergency stop.

When inspecting your vehicle, you should check the wiper blades for damage, stiff rubber, and proper securement.

To obtain a CDL, you must take a vehicle inspection test, during which you will inspect a vehicle under the supervision of an examiner.

Always observe posted speed limits for work zones. Slow down if road or weather conditions are adverse, and slow down even more if workers are on or near the road.

Always speed up smoothly and gradually so that your vehicle does not jerk. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage.

If confronted by an aggressive driver, it is most important to get out of their way, if possible. Do not make eye contact with the driver, as doing so could provoke them. Do not let them provoke you with their actions.

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

Before slowing down, it can be a good idea to lightly tap your brakes. This will cause your brake lights to flash, providing a warning to motorists behind you.

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.

Cargo and its securing devices must be inspected before starting a trip. After beginning a trip, the driver should check the load and securing devices within the first 50 miles on the road, every three hours or 150 miles traveled, and after every break.

Be cautious when driving near people who are working on a disabled vehicle on the side of the road. They may be focused on the repair and not paying attention to nearby traffic.

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.

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.

If your brakes fail on a downgrade, you will need to quickly find something outside that can stop your vehicle. An escape ramp is the best option. If no escape ramp is available, use the least hazardous available option, such as driving into an open field or side road that flattens out or turns uphill.

When driving, you should regularly check your mirrors, both to be aware of traffic and to check for problems on your own vehicle.

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