Mississippi CDL General Knowledge Exam
Questions With Verified Answers
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection? - Answer Safety for
yourself and other road users.
What things should you check during a trip? - Answer Watch Gauges - Use senses to
check for problems
When stopped check critical items: - Answer Tires, wheels, and rims - Brakes - Lights and
Reflectors - Brake and Electrical connections to trailer - Trailer coupling devices - Cargo
securement devices
Name some key steering system parts. - Answer - Steering Wheel - Tie Rod - Steering
Shaft - Power Steering Cylinder - Steering Arm - Spindle - Steering Knuckle - Drag Link -
Pitman Arm - Gear Box - Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir
Name some suspension system defects. - Answer Spring Hangers that allow movement
of axel from proper position. - Cracked or broken spring hangers - Missing or broken
leaves in a leaf spring - Broken or shifted leaves in a multi-leaf spring - Leaking shock
absorbers - Axle positioning parts that are cracked, broken, or missing. - Air suspension
systems that are damaged and/or leaking. - Any loose, cracked, broken, or missing frame
members.
What three types of emergency equipment must you have? - Answer Fire Extinguisher -
Spare Electrical Fuses - Warning Devices for Parked Vehicles
What is the minimum tread depth for the front tires? - Answer 4/32"
What is the minimum tread depth for the other tires? - Answer 2/32"
Name some things that you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walk
around inspection. - Answer Condition of front axle - Condition of steering system -
Condition of windshield - Lights and reflectors
What should the wheel bearing seals be checked for? - Answer That they are not leaking.
How many red reflective triangles should you carry? - Answer 3
How do you test hydraulic breaks for leaks? - Answer Pump the brake pedal three times.
Then apply firmly for 5 seconds. If the pedal moves, there could be a leak.
,Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection? - Answer So
that the vehicle will not be moved.
Why should you back towards the driver's side? - Answer Because you can see better.
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling backwards? - Answer Put
slight pressure on the gas pedal to increase the RPMs before shifting into gear.
When backing, why is it important to use a helper? - Answer There are blind spots that
you cannot see.
What's the most important hand signal that you and your helper should agree on? -
Answer Stop
What are two special conditions when you should downshift? - Answer Before starting
downhill - Before entering a curve
When should you downshift automatic transmissions? - Answer When going down
grades
Retarders keep you from slipping when the road is slick. True or False? - Answer False.
Retarders are used to slow the vehicle in replacement of the brakes.
What are two ways you know when to shift? - Answer By using the Engine Speed (RPM) -
By using the Road Speed
How far ahead does the manual say you should look? - Answer 12 - 15 seconds ahead
What are two main things to look for ahead? - Answer Vehicles coming onto the highway
into your lane - Brake lights from slowing vehicles
What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle? - Answer
Checking your mirrors regularly
What does "communicating," mean in safe driving? - Answer Signaling what you intend
to do
, Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway? - Answer
10', 100', and 200'
What three things add up to total stopping distance? - Answer Perception Distance +
Reaction Distance + Braking Distance = Total Stop Distance
If you go twice and fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four? - Answer
Four.
Empty trucks have the best braking. True or False? - Answer False. Tractor brakes are
designed to work better with a full load
What is hydroplaning? - Answer When the tires loose most if not all of their traction and
skid across the road.
What is "Black Ice?" - Answer A thin layer of ice that is clear enough to see the road
underneath
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have? - Answer
Speed Below 40mph, One second for each 10' of vehicle length - Above 40mph, Use same
formula but add 1 second
If you are driving a 30' vehicle at 55mph, how many seconds of following distance should
you allow? - Answer 4 seconds
You should decrease your following distance if someone is following you too closely.
True or False? - Answer False. You should increase your following distance so you will
have more time to brake.
If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on
the right side. True or False? - Answer False. Keep the rear of the vehicle close to the
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