Mississippi CDL General Knowledge Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is the purpose of an escape ramp?
• When selecting speed for mountain driving, what must you consider?
• On which valves should the towing trailer valves be and the trailer in-tow valves be?
• While driving a bus, how far should you be able to see behind the bus?
• Where should reflectors be placed when a vehicle is stopped on a divided highway?
• If your placarded trailer has dual tires, how often must you check the tires?
• Which statement is true about vehicle maintenance on hot days?
• How do you brake when driving a tractor-trailer combination with ABS?
• What should you check on the front of your vehicle during a walk-around inspection?
• In which situations may legal maximum weights not be safe?
• What is the proper procedure for handling cargo tanks?
• What are some hazardous materials you CANNOT transport by bus?
• What should be done to maintain control while stopping tank vehicles?
• What does the term "No Zone" refer to?
• How far from a railroad crossing should you stop?
• For a 20' load, what is the minimum number of tiedowns needed?
• What is the effect of payload weight on braking distance?
• If a tire blows out, what should you do?
• When stopped, what critical items should you check on your vehicle?
• Which of the following tasks is a driver not responsible for regarding cargo?
• Why is it important to check for missing or broken leaves in a leaf spring?
• What is the most important hand signal that you and your helper should agree on?
• Which type of tanker is typically used to transport food products?
• In what situation might draining air tanks be particularly critical?
• True or False: Retarders are used to slow the vehicle in replacement of the brakes.
• What should you watch for during a trip to check for problems?
• What do two sets of solid, double white lines signify?
• What is considered dangerous regarding load overhang or tailgating?
• How is a portable tank different from a cargo tank?
• Where are the shut-off valves located on a trailer?
• What is a recommended technique to help control “surge” in a tank vehicle?
• What is the correct position of the emergency shut-off valve on the last trailer of a set?
• Which three hazard classes should not be loaded into a trailer that has a heater/air conditioner unit?
• What is the correct method to test the low-pressure warning signal?
• How much space should be between the upper and lower fifth wheel after coupling?
• If your engine runs a pump used during the delivery of compressed gas, when should you turn off the engine?
• What is the purpose of a converter dolly?
• What should you do if your brakes are overheating on a long descent?
• What is the procedure to test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
• What action should be taken after exiting flowing water to maintain brake efficiency?
• What should you do after unloading at school?
• What should be done if a student driver is not following instructions?
• In which scenario should the engine remain on during cargo loading?
• Where should you look while driving at night?
• What is one reason to evacuate the bus?
• What should you do if you notice air escaping from the service line?
• True or False: The use of brakes on a long, steep downgrade is only a supplement to the engine braking effect?
• What should you NOT do in the event of a hydraulic brake failure?
• What does "outage" refer to in tank vehicles?
• Which of the following is a consequence of too much slack in the air brake system?
• What can occur if there is not enough weight on the front axle of a vehicle?
• How can a driver ensure they comply with weight regulations before transporting a load?
• Which of the following types of fires can you use water to extinguish?
• What is the minimum number of tiedowns required for any flatbed load?
• What is a crucial factor in maintaining safe driving conditions in heavy rain?
• What is a common defect found in suspension systems?
• True or False: Front wheel brakes are effective under all driving conditions.
• What should be done to ensure the trailer emergency brakes are functioning?
• What is the purpose of a hazardous materials placard?
• How often should air tanks be drained?
• Which of the following behaviors might indicate a driver is distracted?
• What does a red sign that says "4-Way" or "All Way" indicate?
• What is a primary factor that can cause brakes to fade or fail?
• Where should students walk to after exiting the bus?
• Why is using the trailer hand brake not advisable when trying to straighten out a jackknifing trailer?
• What is a key difference between bulkheads and baffles in tank vehicles?
• Why is it important to keep the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?
• When should you downshift in automatic transmissions?
• What is the warning indicated by a yellow highway sign?
• What action should you take if you see a road hazard?
• What signifies that you should yield to traffic when driving a bus?
• In safe driving, what does "communicating" refer to?
• What is the maximum leakage rate for combination vehicles?
• Under what condition may you allow someone else to watch your vehicle while transporting Class A or B Explosives?
• What does "Gross Combination Weight" refer to?
• How should the trailer height be adjusted before coupling?
• What aspect of the header board should be a primary focus during inspection?
• When should you activate your Alternating Flashing Amber Warning Lights while loading students?
• What is the average time it takes for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?
• During a turn, what is a likely consequence of improper steering with a trailer?
• What is the safest way to approach a deep puddle?
• What position should students be in front of the bus before they cross the roadway?
• What should you do after charging the air brake system?
• What is the primary concern when dealing with tailgate loads?
• A yellow highway sign is used for what purpose?
• What is the maximum leakage rate for single vehicles?
• Which type of vehicle has a lower maximum leakage rate?
• What is the purpose of engine brakes?
• At the shipper's dock, if you have 100lbs of Silver Cyanide on board, what precautions must you take when loading battery acid?
• What is the purpose of the emergency airline in a trailer?
• Why are smooth bore tankers more challenging to drive than those with baffles?
• An orange and red six-sided triangle on the back of a vehicle indicates that the vehicle:
• What tire problems could affect driving safety?
• A brown highway sign generally signifies what?
• What two actions are crucial to prevent a vehicle from rolling over?
• What is important to check on the converter dolly during inspection?
• Which of the following is NOT a part of the steering system?
• True or False: All vehicles with air brakes must have a low air pressure-warning signal.
• Why is it essential to have a low air pressure-warning signal?
• What action should be taken if rolling over a cargo tank?
• When backing a trailer, how should the vehicle be positioned for optimal maneuverability?
• What type of hazard is associated with underinflated tires?
• Why is it important to cover cargo on an open bed?
• What should a driver do if they start to feel sleepy while driving?
• What does a cracked or broken spring hanger indicate?
• What is one common misconception about trucks and stopping distances?
• When using a fire extinguisher, how close should you get to the fire?
• What is defined as "sleep debt"?
• What happens if one system of the Dual Air System loses pressure?
• Which of the following is NOT a cause of vehicle fires?
• Why should you pull a dolly out from under a trailer before disconnecting?
• How often should drivers stop to check their cargo during a trip?
• When testing the trailer service brakes, what is one of the first actions to take?
• What is one of the first actions to take at an accident scene to prevent further accidents?
• What indicates that the spring brakes have engaged?
• What is the potential danger of having water or oil in the air tanks?
• What is the benefit of performing a pre-trip inspection?
• How many red reflective triangles should you carry with you?
• What happens if the trailer does not move when gently pulling on it during an emergency brakes test?
• What should a driver do if they don’t remember driving the last few miles?
• What is a dual air brake system?
• What are two special conditions when you should downshift your vehicle?
• What speed should tank vehicles take on curves and ramps?
• When making a quick turn, which of the following is advised?
• What is the purpose of a standee line?
• What is a safe practice if leaving your vehicle unattended?
• Which trailer is most prone to turning over when making a sudden turn while pulling doubles?
• During a pre-trip inspection, which item should NOT be overlooked inside the bus?
• What is the primary danger of driving tank vehicles related to their physical characteristics?
• Why is it important to use a helper when backing up?
• What factors should you consider for a safe speed on a long, steep downgrade?
• What is one method to secure a second trailer before coupling?
• Which of the following is a prohibited practice described in the manual?
• Do converter dollies have spring brakes?
• Why is it important to make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
• What is the correct way to hold the steering wheel while driving?
• Why should the trailer hand valve not be used while the vehicle is in motion?
• Which types of emergency equipment must you have in your vehicle?
• How should convex mirrors be positioned on a bus?
• What happens to the trailer once the wheels grip the road during a jackknife?
• When must you stop before crossing a drawbridge?
• Why must air tanks be drained regularly?
• When must you stop when approaching a drawbridge?
• What is one of the responsibilities of drivers related to cargo?
• What is the primary function of a supply pressure gauge?
• How often must Medical Certificates be renewed?
• Which of the following is a critical part of the steering system?
• What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?
• What could happen if brakes are used excessively on a downhill?
• When taking a long steep downhill slope, what must you do with your gears?
• What does it mean to recognize overloads in cargo?
• Under what conditions must you evacuate the bus?
• What type of driving condition requires extra caution for tractor-trailer drivers?
• Which of the following is a critical component to inspect in the fifth wheel mechanism?
• How can you determine if your trailer is equipped with antilock brakes?
• Why is it important to be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
• Does coffee and fresh air help a person sober up from alcohol consumption?
• What must a shipping paper for hazardous materials include?
• How far from the nearest rail should you stop at a highway-railroad crossing?
• What is essential to check when loading a cargo tank?
• True or False: If you are away from your vehicle for a short time, you do not need to use the parking brake?
• If you swing wide to the left before turning right, what may happen?
• True or False: The rear door of a transit bus has to be open to put on the parking brake.
• What must be inspected with the fifth wheel (Kingpin)?
• When parked on the side of a flat straight 2-lane road, where must warning triangles be placed?
• Should you decrease your following distance if someone is following you too closely?
• How can you prevent skidding on icy roads?
• Around which hazard classes must you never smoke?
• What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
• What is the correct braking technique for vehicles equipped with antilock brakes?
• What should you do if the brake pedal moves after a hydraulic brakes leak test?
• What is the recommended action if you feel drowsy while driving?
• What is the proper technique for braking when going down a long, steep downgrade?
• Is it safe to let air out of hot tires to normalize pressure?
• What should you check the wheel bearing seals for?
• What are two ways to determine when to shift gears in a vehicle?
• When the ABS is not functioning, what continues to work in a vehicle?
• What type of trailer is likely to become stuck on railroad-highway crossings?
• What is the function of slack adjusters in the air brake system?
• What is a common mistake drivers make when operating a tractor-trailer?
• Which of the following is a consequence of drifting off the road while driving?
• What are cargo tanks?
• What is the purpose of checking trailer coupling devices?
• Which situation requires extra caution at a highway-railroad crossing?
• If a bus cannot transport certain hazardous materials, what should the driver do?
• What is a good practice for using electronic devices while driving?
• What is one requirement for the trailer when checking the kingpin?
• How can you test that the spring brakes come on automatically?
• What three components add up to your total stopping distance?
• What is the primary function of the trailer air supply control?
• How often should you inspect your tires in very hot conditions?
• How should the valves on the first trailer in a set of doubles be positioned?
• What does a flashing red traffic light mean?
• Which of the following is an effective method for ensuring safety while backing?
• With low beams, you can see about how many feet ahead?
• What is the indication that air is flowing to all trailers?
• What should be ensured during a visual check of coupling?
• Does ABS compensate for bad brakes or poor brake maintenance?
• Which of the following is not a danger signal of drowsy driving?
• What is a consequence of not draining air tanks regularly?
• You are about to enter a long, steep downhill slope. What should you do?
• Which type of materials are classified as Class 1?
• In case of a loss of Hydraulic Pressure, what should your immediate action be?
• One of the causes of vehicle fires is improper use of which item?
• What is an important step before operating any trailer?
• If you double your speed, how will your stopping distance change?
• When backing up, why is it advisable to back towards the driver's side?
• Which class of materials is specifically associated with explosives?
• How can you properly check slack adjusters?
• What should you do if you are drowsy before driving?
• What is one requirement for bus drivers before stopping at a drawbridge?
• What should you do when entering a controlled intersection?
• Which of the following is a common cause of tire fires?
• What happens when pressure decreases in the spring brake system?
• Which condition is NOT typically associated with poor tire performance?
• In dense fog, what should you do?
• What is the best way to handle a tire blowout while driving?
• What is the term for when a vehicle's rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels while cornering?
• How can you identify vehicles equipped with antilock brakes?
• Which action helps prevent an aggressive response when driving?
• Which of the following is a sign of potential brake problems?
• Which of the following is a good practice to reduce stress while driving?
• How can you identify if a converter dolly is equipped with antilock brakes?
• What are spring brakes used for in vehicles with air brakes?
• What should be done if you smell fuel on the bus?
• If you are driving a 30' vehicle at 55mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?
• What is the true statement about alcohol and sobering up?
• What should you be cautious of when pulling long trailers?
• Why are placards used on vehicles carrying hazardous materials?
• How do antilock brakes benefit a driver?
• It is illegal to operate a CMV if you have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of what?
• What is the FIRST thing you should do if your brakes fail while going down a grade?
• What should be avoided to ensure safe driving in wet conditions?
• If the posted speed limit is 55mph and it is raining, what should you do?
• Are empty trucks more effective in braking than loaded ones?
• Why is it important to be in the proper gear before starting downhill?
• A blue highway sign indicates what types of services?
• What must you check before transporting a sealed load?
• Is it true that you should look into the back of the fifth wheel to check if it is locked into the kingpin?
• What should you do before driving through large puddles or flowing water?
• What is hydroplaning?
• What is the minimum length of mud flaps from the road?
• For safety checks, when should you check your vehicle's lights?
• What is the minimum tread depth for all other tires?
• How can a driver determine if their vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes?
• What should you do if you notice someone driving distracted?
• What three factors influence how much liquid can be loaded onto a tank vehicle?
• How should you prepare students for crossing in front of the bus?
• Which materials require special consideration when loading due to their hazardous nature?
• Can you safely remove the radiator cap if the engine is not overheated?
• During mountain driving, which factor is NOT relevant when selecting speed?
• What responsibilities do drivers have related to cargo?
• Is it true that common medicines for colds can make you sleepy?
• What can damaged air suspension systems lead to?
• What is defined as a hazard?
• What can occur if your trailer is too high during the coupling process?
• How far does the Danger Zone extend around the bus?
• What does the service line in a trailer do?
• When raising the landing gear before driving, how should it be lifted?
• What is the recommended action when confronted by an aggressive driver?
• What should be avoided when transporting Flammable Gases?
• Is stopping always the safest action to take in an emergency situation?
• What is "Black Ice"?
• Which action can help prevent a rear-end collision while driving a truck?
• What is a passive highway-railroad crossing?
• Define the "Danger Zone."
• Should the floor liner for Division 1.1 and 1.2 materials (Explosive A) be stainless steel?
• When should engine braking be utilized?
• What is an advantage of steering right instead of left when encountering an obstacle?
• How can you avoid weak brakes from wet conditions?
• What safety measure is associated with parking brakes on a bus?
• How far ahead should a driver look while driving according to the manual?
• What is a potential effect of wet brakes?
• What should be checked when inspecting the pintle hook?
• What type of materials is a B:C fire extinguisher ineffective against?
• The amount of liquid to load into a tank depends on what factors?
• How should you use your brakes if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes (ABS)?
• Which of the following is NOT part of the pre-trip inspection for a bus interior?
• What should you always check before hauling hazardous materials?
• What method can test if air flows to all trailers?
• What distance should you adjust your mirrors to see along the sides of the bus?
• What should you be prepared to do when making a quick turn?
• How can you recognize a distracted driver?
• What differentiates aggressive driving from road rage?
• If you load or unload a cargo tank, what is a necessary safety measure?
• What type of vehicles are lanes marked with a Diamond Symbol reserved for?
• Name a hazardous class that uses transport indexes to determine the amount that can be loaded in a single vehicle.
• If you are stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling backwards?
• What could be a possible consequence of not maintaining proper following distance?
• Which type of vehicles are more prone to getting stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?
• Where should a disruptive passenger be made to get off the bus?
• What must be inspected with the kingpin/apron/gap?
• What is the difference between "Gross Combination Weight Rating" and "Gross Combination Weight"?
• Why are chocks used when parking a trailer without spring brakes?
• What should you be able to see if the outside flat mirrors are adjusted properly?
• Which types of signs provide information about traffic laws?
• What are two reasons driving tank vehicles requires special care?
• What is a tip to avoid distracted driving?
• What is the first step to test the tractor protection valve?
• How should you use in-vehicle communications equipment cautiously?
• What are two main observations a driver should make ahead of them?
• What is the most important method for seeing the sides and rear of your vehicle?
• What should you do if the locking jaws on the kingpin are not closed?
• When inspecting the header board of a trailer, what should you check for?
• How do you determine the number of seconds of following distance?
• What is the most common cause of a skid?
• What is the main purpose of using a retarder?
• What action should be taken before downshifting when approaching a steep hill?
• What happens when a driver cannot stop yawning while driving?
• What is the responsibility of a driver when dealing with disruptive passengers?
• What should you check for when walking through the bus after unloading?
• What describes how you should use your brake pedal on a steep downward slope?