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: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 28: Tires ↗
What is the principal method for controlling speed on a long downgrade?
Correct answer: Use the engine’s braking effect in a suitable low gear
Selecting a low gear before descending lets engine braking control speed while preserving the service brakes.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 43: Speed management ↗
How should a commercial driver respond to a vehicle following too closely?
Correct answer: Increase the space ahead and avoid sudden changes
More room ahead reduces the need for sudden braking and gives the tailgater an opportunity to pass.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 44: Tailgaters ↗
After the initial check of an accessible, unsealed truck load, when is the next cargo reinspection required?
Correct answer: At a duty-status change, 3 hours of driving, or 150 miles, whichever occurs first
Recheck securement at the first of these events: a change of duty status, three driving hours, or 150 miles. Make needed adjustments before continuing.
Source: 49 CFR 392.9(b): inspection intervals and sealed/inaccessible-load exceptions ↗
Under the general federal tie-down rule, a 7-foot article is not blocked against forward movement. What is the minimum number of tie-downs?
Correct answer: Two
An unblocked article longer than 5 feet but shorter than 10 feet needs at least two tie-downs under the general rule. Required working load limit and any cargo-specific rules still apply.
Source: FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules: Minimum Number of Tiedowns ↗
The drive wheels begin spinning as you accelerate from a stop on a snowy road. What response does the handbook recommend?
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator to stop the wheel spin
Too much power on a low-traction surface can make the drive wheels spin and cause loss of control. Remove your foot from the accelerator and use gradual acceleration suited to the available traction.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 35: Traction during acceleration ↗
What is the safest way to make routine mirror checks while traveling?
Correct answer: Use brief checks and return attention to the road ahead
Frequent, brief mirror checks help you monitor surrounding traffic without traveling a long distance while looking away from the road ahead.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 38: Mirror use while driving ↗
A truck stops beside a straight two-way road with clear sightlines. Why are warning devices needed both ahead and behind?
Correct answer: Traffic can approach the stopped vehicle from either direction
The two-way layout includes warnings about 100 feet in each direction plus one close to the vehicle.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 40: Roadside warning ↗
An aggressive driver tries to provoke you. What is the safer response?
Correct answer: Create separation and avoid challenging the driver
Do not turn another driver’s aggression into a contest.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 51: Road rage ↗
During a hot-weather stop, a tire is too hot to touch. What does the handbook direct you to do?
Correct answer: Remain stopped until it cools
Continuing with an overheated tire increases the risk of failure or fire.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 56: Hot tires ↗
A railroad crossing has no active lights or gates. What does that mean for your decision?
Correct answer: You must look and listen and determine that crossing is safe
The absence of active warning equipment is not evidence that no train is coming.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 57: Railroad crossings ↗
You stop to help at a collision in which your truck was not involved. Where should you park?
Correct answer: Away from the immediate scene so emergency vehicles have space
Helping should not obstruct rescuers or create a second hazard.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 65: Accident procedures ↗
You do not know which extinguishing agent is safe for the burning cargo. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stay clear and wait for trained firefighters
An unsuitable agent can worsen a fire, especially when hazardous materials are involved.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 66: Fire response ↗
You are ordered not to open a sealed load. Which duty still remains?
Correct answer: Check compliance with gross and axle weight limits
A sealed-load inspection exception does not make an overweight vehicle lawful.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 75: Sealed loads ↗
What does axle weight measure?
Correct answer: Weight transmitted to the ground by an axle or axle group
Axle loading is a separate limit from the vehicle’s total gross weight.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 73: Axle loading ↗
Why clean both sides of the windshield before a night trip?
Correct answer: Dirt can scatter light and worsen glare
Interior film as well as exterior dirt can obscure the road under bright lights.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 54: Night visibility ↗
Which combination matters when selecting a safe descent speed?
Correct answer: Vehicle weight, grade length and steepness, road and weather
Different loads and grades can demand different descent speeds even under the same posted limit.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 59: Downgrade planning ↗
You become too ill to operate your truck safely. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop safely rather than continue the scheduled trip
Illness can make continued driving unsafe even without alcohol or medication.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 69: Illness ↗
In its basic steering-defect guidance, what amount of steering-wheel free play does the Texas CDL handbook warn can make steering difficult?
Correct answer: More than 10 degrees
This is the handbook’s inspection warning, not a universal federal out-of-service limit. Federal steering-lash limits depend on wheel size and manual or power steering under 49 CFR 393.209.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 29: Steering inspection guidance ↗
Two legal parking spaces are equally suitable for your truck. One allows a forward exit; the other requires backing into traffic. Which is preferable?
Correct answer: The space that allows you to pull forward when leaving
Plan parking to avoid reversing when possible because you cannot see everything behind a large vehicle.
Source: Texas DL-7C, March 2026, section 2–3, PDF page 35: Parking to avoid backing ↗
