A truck's wipers fail during wintry precipitation, and the driver can no longer see well enough to continue safely. What should the driver do?
Correct answer: Stop safely and have the visibility problem corrected
When wiper failure or a similar problem prevents adequate vision, the manual calls for a safe stop and correction of the problem. Following another vehicle is not a substitute for seeing the road.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-28, physical 46 > 2.13.1 Vehicle Checks > Wipers and Washers ↗
A planned winter route may require tire chains. Which preparation should happen before the driver faces snow and ice along the route?
Correct answer: Check fit and condition, and learn installation beforehand
The manual calls for chains that fit the drive tires, checks for damaged components, and learning how to install them before they are needed. This does not state a jurisdiction's chain requirements or a mounting procedure.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-28, physical 46 > 2.13.1 Vehicle Checks > Tire Chains ↗
In freezing conditions, the roadway looks wet, but nearby vehicles have stopped throwing up spray. What should that observation suggest?
Correct answer: The surface may have frozen into ice
A lack of spray can indicate that water on the road has frozen. It is a warning to consider ice, not proof that the surface is dry or that traction has improved.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-29, physical 47 > 2.13.2 Driving > Check for Ice ↗
After heavy rain has wetted a truck's brakes, why should the driver be alert for more than simply a longer stop?
Correct answer: Wet brakes can also grab or apply unevenly
Water in the brakes can cause weakness, uneven application, or grabbing, with possible pulling or wheel lockup. This question identifies the hazard; it does not instruct the driver to enter water or provide a drying maneuver.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-29, physical 47 > 2.13.2 Driving > Wet Brakes ↗
A truck uses a winterfront over its radiator. Why should the driver avoid leaving it closed too tightly, even in cold weather?
Correct answer: Too little cooling airflow can overheat the engine
On a truck equipped with a winterfront or radiator shutters, excessive restriction can cause overheating. The setup must suit that vehicle and conditions; cold weather alone does not eliminate the need for cooling airflow.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-29, physical 47 > 2.13.1 Vehicle Checks > Radiator Shutters and Winterfront ↗
While driving, the coolant-temperature gauge rises above the highest safe temperature specified for this truck. What is the appropriate response?
Correct answer: Stop as safely and promptly as possible and investigate
An excessive coolant-temperature reading can signal a problem leading to engine failure or fire. The manual calls for stopping safely and finding the cause. This is not permission to open a hot pressurized cooling system.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-30, physical 48 > 2.14.1 Vehicle Checks > Engine Coolant (continued from printed 2-29) ↗
On a very hot day, patches of tar have risen to the road surface. What traction concern does the manual identify?
Correct answer: Those patches can be very slippery
The manual warns that tar bleeding to the surface in hot weather can be slippery. A lack of rain or ice does not guarantee good traction on those patches.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-30, physical 48 > 2.14.2 Driving > Watch for Bleeding Tar ↗
Before a long, steep descent, a driver plans to wait until the truck gains speed before selecting the needed lower gear. What is the concern with that plan?
Correct answer: The lower gear may become impossible to engage
Choose the appropriate low gear before starting down the grade. Waiting until speed builds can prevent engagement and lose engine braking; forcing an automatic transmission down at excessive speed can also damage it. This is not a full descent procedure.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-33, physical 51 > 2.16.2 Select the Right Gear before Starting Down the Grade ↗
A modern truck climbs a hill comfortably in a relatively high gear. Does that prove the same gear will provide enough control going down that hill?
Correct answer: No; that truck may need a lower gear for descent
Modern trucks may climb in higher gears while having less friction and aerodynamic drag to hold them back downhill. The correct descent gear depends on the actual vehicle and conditions, not a universal same-gear rule.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-33, physical 51 > 2.16.2 Select the Right Gear before Starting Down the Grade > older and modern truck differences ↗
On a long, steep downgrade with good traction, a truck is in the appropriate low gear. Why should engine braking carry much of the speed-control work?
Correct answer: It helps preserve the service brakes for needed slowing
Using the engine's braking effect reduces excessive work and heat at the service brakes, preserving their ability to slow or stop the truck when needed. Appropriate speed, gear, traction, and braking technique remain necessary.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-33, physical 51 > 2.16.1 Select a Safe Speed (continued from printed 2-32) > engine braking and preserving brakes; 2.16.4 Proper Braking Technique ↗
After a vehicle fire has been reported and people are clear, the driver is unsure whether the available extinguisher is suitable. What should the driver do?
Correct answer: Stay clear and wait for the firefighters
The manual says to wait for firefighters when unsure what to use. An unsuitable agent can make a fire more dangerous. This question gives no fire-class prescription or instruction to approach a fire.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-39, physical 57 > 2.21.3 Fire Fighting > Use the Right Fire Extinguisher > uncertainty and waiting for firefighters ↗
A box truck with a cargo fire is safely stopped, everyone is clear, and firefighters have been called. Why should the driver avoid opening the closed cargo doors to inspect the fire?
Correct answer: Fresh oxygen can make the cargo burn much faster
Opening the doors can supply oxygen and accelerate a cargo fire. The manual directs keeping the compartment closed. The scenario has people clear and help called; it is not an occupant-rescue or firefighting procedure.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 2, July 2017 footer, printed 2-39, physical 57 > 2.21.3 Fire Fighting > Keep the Fire from Spreading > cargo fire in a van or box trailer ↗
A cargo vehicle has a front-end header board, sometimes called a headache rack. What movement is that structure intended to resist during an emergency stop?
Correct answer: Cargo moving forward toward the driver
The front-end structure is intended to block forward cargo movement and protect the driver. It must be in good condition and does not replace the load's other necessary securement.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 3, July 2017 footer, printed 3-3, physical 66 > 3.3.3 Header Boards ↗
A load inside a closed cargo van can slide across the floor. A coworker says tie-downs matter only on open trailers. What is the sound correction?
Correct answer: Internal cargo movement can still affect vehicle handling
Tie-downs can be important in a closed van because shifting cargo can affect handling. Enclosing the load is not the same as securing it. This item does not prescribe a tie-down count or working-load limit.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 3, July 2017 footer, printed 3-2, physical 65 > 3.3.2 Cargo Tie-down > closed vans ↗
While driving, you notice the cargo cover flapping loose in a mirror. Why does it deserve attention even though the cargo beneath it has not moved?
Correct answer: It could tear loose and obstruct someone's view
A flapping cover can tear away, expose the cargo, and block your view or another driver's. Covers need monitoring during travel as well as secure attachment before departure; inspect or correct trouble only after stopping safely.
Source: New Jersey CDL Manual, March 2025 cover; Section 3, July 2017 footer, printed 3-3, physical 66 > 3.3.4 Covering Cargo > checking covers in mirrors ↗
