Alabama ALEA CDL General Knowledge Practice Test 4
Test 4 of 5. Pick an answer for each question to see if it is right and why; your score appears at the end. You need 40 correct answers to pass, the same ratio as the real Alabama test.
- Questions50
- Correct to pass40
- Passing score80%
- Minimum age18 years
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1. When a helper guides you while backing, what should be agreed on before you start?
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Answer D: A set of hand signals, especially the signal that means stop
The driver and helper must agree on signals in advance, above all the stop signal, because they usually cannot hear each other.
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2. Who may remove an out-of-service sticker from a commercial vehicle?
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Answer B: Only an authorized person, and only after the defect that caused it has been repaired
The sticker stays on the vehicle until the repairs are made and an authorized person removes it, so nobody can simply peel it off and drive away.
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3. Why is backing toward the driver side preferred?
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Answer C: You can watch the rear of the vehicle directly through the side window
Backing to the left lets the driver look out the window and see the rear of the vehicle directly instead of relying on a mirror alone.
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4. How is free play in the steering wheel measured during the inspection?
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Answer B: By turning the wheel until the front wheels just start to move and noting the movement
Play is the movement at the rim that produces no movement at the road wheels, so it is measured by turning until the wheels first respond.
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5. What do the U-bolts on a leaf spring suspension do?
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Answer A: They clamp the spring assembly to the axle so it cannot move
U-bolts hold the spring pack tight against the axle, and a loose or broken U-bolt lets the axle slide out of place under load.
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6. How should a commercial driver treat the speed posted for a curve?
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Answer B: As a limit set for cars in good conditions, so a heavy or tall load calls for a lower speed
Posted curve speeds are based on passenger vehicles in good conditions, and a tall or heavy load can roll over well below that speed.
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7. How often must every commercial motor vehicle receive a periodic inspection?
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Answer C: At least once every twelve months
Federal rules require each commercial motor vehicle to pass a periodic inspection at least once in every twelve month period.
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8. What do you check about the fire extinguisher during the pre-trip?
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Answer C: That it is securely mounted, charged and that you know how to operate it
An extinguisher must be held in its bracket, show a charged gauge and be understood by the driver, because a fire leaves no time to learn.
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9. A delivery van is stopped in the right lane ahead with its flashers on. What should you expect?
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Answer C: Someone may step into your lane from in front of it
A stopped delivery vehicle hides the space in front of it, and that is exactly where a person carrying a package is likely to walk out.
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10. You are making a right turn and cannot complete it without swinging into the oncoming lane. An oncoming car is approaching. What should you do?
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Answer A: Wait and let the oncoming vehicle pass before completing the turn, and do not back up
The oncoming vehicle has the lane; backing up in traffic is dangerous, so hold your position and finish the turn once the way is clear.
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11. Loading heavy freight on top of lighter freight has what effect on the vehicle?
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Answer B: It raises the center of gravity and makes a rollover more likely
A high center of gravity lets the vehicle tip more easily in curves or during a sudden swerve.
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12. In the seven-step method, what comes immediately after starting the engine and inspecting inside the cab?
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Answer D: Turn off the engine and check the lights
Step four shuts the engine down and switches on the lamps needed for driving so the driver can leave the cab and confirm they actually work.
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13. Around a tractor-trailer, where are the blind areas that other drivers most often sit in unseen?
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Answer A: Along the right side and directly behind the trailer
The blind areas to the right of the cab and behind the trailer are the largest, which is why other drivers should never linger there.
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14. During the vehicle overview, what should the driver look for on the ground under the vehicle?
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Answer B: Fresh puddles of oil, coolant, grease or fuel
New stains on the ground are the earliest sign of a leak, so the overview includes a look underneath before anything is opened or started.
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15. Why does a cracked frame rail or cross member make a vehicle unsafe?
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Answer B: The frame carries the whole load, and a crack can spread until the structure fails
The frame is the backbone that supports the body, the load and the running gear, so a crack in it is a structural failure that grows with every mile.
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16. How long is an Alabama commercial learner permit valid, and can it be renewed?
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Answer B: 360 days, and it cannot be renewed
The Alabama CLP is valid for 360 days and is not renewable, so once it expires the applicant must retake all the written tests and be issued a new permit.
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17. A driver is tailgating you, honking and making gestures. What is the best response?
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Answer A: Do not make eye contact, ignore the gestures and give the driver room to get past
Engaging an aggressive driver only escalates the situation; the safest move is to stay calm, avoid eye contact and let the driver get by.
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18. Which of these is NOT on the federal list of parts and accessories the driver must be satisfied are in good working order before driving?
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Answer D: The seat cushion upholstery
The federal pre-trip rule names brakes, steering, lights and reflectors, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment; seat upholstery is not on that list.
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19. Which set of emergency equipment must be carried on a commercial motor vehicle?
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Answer D: A fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses unless the vehicle has circuit breakers, and warning devices
The required kit is a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher, spare fuses when the vehicle uses them, and warning devices for a stopped vehicle.
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20. On the Interstate System, what are the federal maximums for a tandem axle group and for gross vehicle weight?
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Answer B: 34,000 pounds and 80,000 pounds
The federal Interstate limits allow 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle group and 80,000 pounds gross.
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21. Where on the road are you most likely to find ice in cold weather?
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Answer B: On bridges, overpasses and shaded stretches, which freeze before the rest of the road
Bridges and overpasses lose heat from above and below, and shaded areas get no sun, so they ice over first and stay icy longest.
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22. A driver behind you wants to pass and you can see that the road ahead is clear. What should you do?
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Answer B: Do not signal the other driver to pass; let that driver decide when it is safe
Directing other drivers can cause a crash if you misjudge the gap, so leave the decision to the driver who is passing.
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23. The combined working load limit of the tiedowns on a load must equal at least what share of the cargo weight?
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Answer C: One half of the cargo weight
Federal securement rules set the aggregate working load limit at no less than half the weight of the article or group of articles being held.
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24. Where must a vehicle that is required to stop at an Alabama railroad grade crossing come to a halt?
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Answer B: Within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail
Alabama requires the driver of a vehicle covered by the rule to stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail before crossing.
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25. What should be done before a night trip to get the most from your headlights?
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Answer C: Clean the windshield, the mirrors and the lights
Dirt on glass and lenses cuts both the light you throw down the road and the light that reaches your eyes, so cleaning is the cheapest night safety measure there is.
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26. What are you looking for when you check the hubs and wheel seals during the walkaround?
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Answer B: Leaking oil or grease, which can also contaminate the brake linings
A leaking hub seal starves the bearing of lubricant and the escaping oil or grease can soak the brake linings and cut braking power.
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27. At the end of the day you find no defects on a property carrying vehicle. What does the federal rule require?
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Answer B: No written report is required, although the carrier may still ask for one
For property carrying vehicles the report is required only when a defect or deficiency is found or reported, although a carrier may impose a stricter policy.
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28. Rust streaks are running outward from the lug nuts on one wheel. What does this most likely indicate?
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Answer C: The lug nuts may be loose
Rust trails spreading from the nuts are a classic sign that the nuts have worked loose and the wheel has been moving on the studs.
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29. A hard frost has left your vehicle covered in ice. What must be cleared before you drive?
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Answer D: The windshield, mirrors, lights and reflectors
You must be able to see out and other drivers must be able to see your lights and reflectors, so all of those surfaces have to be cleared.
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30. How should a driver use brakes fitted with an antilock system during an emergency stop?
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Answer C: Brake as usual and keep enough pressure to stay in control while steering around the hazard
The system only works when the brakes are applied hard enough for it to act, so the driver keeps pressure on and steers while the system prevents lockup.
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31. Under the federal hours of service rules, when must a property-carrying driver take a 30 minute break?
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Answer C: After 8 cumulative hours of driving time
Driving is not allowed after 8 cumulative hours of driving time without at least a 30 consecutive minute interruption of driving.
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32. While checking the in-cab gauges after start-up, what should the coolant temperature gauge do?
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Answer C: Rise gradually to the normal operating range
A healthy cooling system warms the engine slowly; a gauge that shoots up or stays cold points to a problem with the thermostat, coolant or sensor.
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33. The car in the next lane still has snow covering most of its windows. What should you assume?
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Answer C: That driver cannot see you and may move into your lane
A driver whose view is blocked cannot see the vehicles around, so you should assume you are invisible and stay out of that vehicle path.
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34. In hazard perception, what counts as a hazard?
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Answer C: Any road user or condition that could become a danger
A hazard is anything with the potential to create danger, which is why drivers are taught to spot them early rather than react to emergencies.
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35. What are you checking when you pull the engine oil dipstick during the pre-trip?
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Answer A: That the oil level is within the safe operating range marked on the stick
The dipstick shows whether there is enough oil to lubricate and cool the engine, and a level outside the safe range must be corrected before driving.
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36. Why must you never coast down a hill in neutral or with the clutch pushed in?
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Answer C: You lose the braking effect of the engine and your brakes may overheat and fail
Engine braking is what keeps a heavy vehicle in check on a grade; coasting throws it away and leaves the service brakes to do all the work until they overheat.
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37. What frame defects are you looking for during the walkaround?
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Answer A: Cracks, bends or broken cross members
The frame carries the whole load, so cracked or bent rails and broken cross members are serious structural defects.
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38. You are hauling an open box of loose gravel. What does that load require?
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Answer A: A cover, so that material cannot blow off or spill onto the road
Loose material that can be blown or spilled has to be covered so it does not come out of the body and strike traffic behind.
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39. Under the federal hours of service rules, how long may a property-carrying driver drive after 10 consecutive hours off duty?
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Answer D: Up to 11 hours, and only within a 14 hour window that starts when the driver comes on duty
The federal limit is 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and all of that driving has to fall inside a 14 hour window.
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40. The only way into a customer yard forces you to back toward the right, or blind, side of the vehicle. What should you do?
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Answer D: Use a helper and get out to check the path more often than you normally would
Blind side backing is allowed but far riskier, so it calls for a spotter you can see and for repeated checks of the path on foot.
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41. Besides slowing down, which technique most reduces the risk of a skid on a snow covered road?
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Answer B: Make every steering, braking and speed change gradual
Traction is limited on snow, and sudden inputs demand more grip than the surface can supply, so smoothness is what keeps the tires attached to the road.
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42. Where do you find the maximum weight a tire can safely carry?
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Answer D: Stamped on the sidewall of the tire itself
Each tire is marked with the greatest weight it can carry at a stated inflation pressure, and the load on an axle must stay within the total for its tires.
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43. Which windshield condition should be reported during the inspection?
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Answer B: Cracks or dirt that get in the way of your view of the road
The windshield must give a clear view; damage or grime in the driver line of sight is a safety defect.
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44. An oncoming vehicle at night has bright headlights that are making it hard to see. What should you do?
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Answer B: Look toward the right edge of your lane and avoid looking directly at the lights
Looking at the right edge of the road keeps your eyes off the glare while you stay in your lane; glare can leave you nearly blind for several seconds.
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45. What is normally required in order to move an over-width or over-length load?
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Answer B: A special permit along with warning devices such as flags and signs
Oversize movements need a permit plus marking devices, and travel is often limited to certain hours or routes.
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46. When should mirror adjustment be checked, and what should each mirror show?
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Answer B: Before every trip, with each mirror adjusted to show some part of the vehicle
Checking the mirrors before each trip and keeping a small part of the vehicle in view gives a reference point for judging distance behind and beside you.
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47. At highway speed, looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead means looking about how far down the road?
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Answer B: About a quarter of a mile
Twelve to fifteen seconds of travel is roughly a quarter of a mile at highway speed, while the same amount of time is about one block in slow city traffic.
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48. What are you checking on the mud flaps during the walkaround?
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Answer C: That they are securely attached, not torn and not dragging on the ground
A flap that is torn or hanging loose stops shielding following traffic from spray and stones, and a dragging flap can catch and tear away on the road.
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49. Which road users are hardest to see at night?
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Answer C: Pedestrians and cyclists in dark clothing
People on foot or on a bicycle carry no lights of their own in many cases, so they appear only when the headlights reach them.
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50. Why is a leaking exhaust system on a commercial vehicle dangerous to the driver?
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Answer B: It can let carbon monoxide reach the cab, where it can poison the occupants
Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, which has no smell and dulls the driver judgment long before it becomes obvious that anything is wrong.