A mechanic has repaired a defect. Before driving the commercial vehicle, who must still be satisfied that its required equipment is in safe working order?
Correct answer: The driver
The driver's before-driving responsibility remains even when a mechanic has carried out repairs. Do not operate with an unsafe defect.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.1.1; 2.1.5, printed pp. 2-1, 2-7, physical PDF pages 27, 33: Vehicle inspection and unsafe defects ↗
Which items should a commercial driver monitor during a trip for signs of trouble?
Correct answer: Gauges, sight, sound, smell, and feel
Trip inspection includes watching gauges and using the senses to detect developing problems.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.1.2, printed p. 2-1, physical PDF page 27: Inspection during a trip ↗
What minimum tread depth is required in the major grooves of the front tires on a commercial truck?
Correct answer: 4/32 inch
Front tires on buses, trucks and truck tractors need at least 4/32 inch in major grooves; the general minimum for other tires is 2/32 inch. Do not measure on tie bars, humps or fillets.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.1.3, printed p. 2-1, physical PDF page 27: Tire problems ↗
Which tire placement is prohibited on the front wheels of a bus?
Correct answer: Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires
A bus may not use regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on its front wheels.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.1.3, printed p. 2-1, physical PDF page 27: Tire problems — bus front tires ↗
What can rust around a commercial vehicle’s wheel nuts indicate?
Correct answer: The nuts may be loose
Rust trails around wheel nuts can be evidence of movement and looseness.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.1.3, printed p. 2-2, physical PDF page 28: Wheel and rim problems ↗
Why is excessive steering-wheel play a serious inspection defect?
Correct answer: It can make the vehicle difficult to steer
Excessive play can prevent precise steering control and must be investigated.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.1.3, printed p. 2-2, physical PDF page 28: Steering system defects ↗
Which warning equipment is a standard option for a parked commercial vehicle?
Correct answer: Three red reflective warning triangles
Commercial emergency equipment includes approved warning devices such as three red reflective triangles.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.1.5, printed p. 2-4, physical PDF page 30: Step 3 — emergency equipment ↗
During the CDL vehicle inspection test, what must an applicant do when identifying an item?
Correct answer: Point to or touch it, name it, and explain what you would inspect and why
Identify the component and explain the condition you would check and its safety purpose. Follow the instructions for the test format being administered.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.1.4, printed p. 2-3, physical PDF page 29: CDL vehicle inspection test ↗
What is the principal method for controlling speed on a long downgrade?
Correct answer: Engine braking in a suitable low gear
Selecting a low gear before descending lets engine braking control speed while preserving the service brakes.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.6.6, printed p. 2-15, physical PDF page 41: Speed on downgrades ↗
When should a commercial driver select the proper low gear for a downgrade?
Correct answer: Before starting down the grade
The gear must be selected before descending because shifting later may be unsafe or impossible.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.6.6, printed p. 2-15, physical PDF page 41: Speed on downgrades ↗
How should speed be chosen when fog or darkness limits the view ahead?
Correct answer: So the vehicle can stop within the visible distance
A driver must always be able to stop within the distance that can be seen clearly.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.6.4, printed p. 2-15, physical PDF page 41: Speed and distance ahead ↗
Under the handbook length rule below 40 mph, what is the minimum following time for a 50-foot commercial vehicle?
Correct answer: 5 seconds
The basic minimum is one second per 10 feet of vehicle length: five seconds for 50 feet. Leave more space when road, traffic, or weather conditions require it.
Source: Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2022), section 2.7.1, printed p. 2-16, physical PDF page 42: Space ahead ↗
