CDL General Knowledge

You are driving a placarded hazardous materials load and approach an unguarded railroad crossing. What must you do?

1. ASound the horn and cross at normal speed
2. BStop directly on the first rail to get the best view
3. CProceed without stopping if no train is visible
4. DStop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, look and listen, then cross without shifting gearsCorrect

Why: Placarded hazmat vehicles, most buses, and cargo tanks must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail, check both directions, and cross in a gear that will not require shifting. Rolling through, relying on the horn, or stopping on the tracks all defeat the purpose of the required stop.49 CFR §392.10

You arrive for your shift and the tractor was driven by another driver yesterday. Before you move the vehicle, what does the federal rule require you to do first?

1. ARoad test the vehicle for at least two miles before loading
2. BReview the last driver vehicle inspection report and be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating conditionCorrect
3. CWeigh the loaded vehicle at the nearest certified scale
4. DDrain the air tanks and rebuild pressure from zero

Why: A driver must review the previous driver's inspection report and sign it if defects were noted and certified as repaired, then be satisfied the vehicle is safe to operate. Draining tanks completely and rebuilding pressure is not a required daily step, weighing is a cargo issue rather than a pre-trip requirement, and no minimum road-test distance is required before loading.49 CFR §396.13