West Virginia CDL Test 2

A load places too little weight on the truck’s steering axle. What operating problem can result?

Correct answer: The front tires may have too little traction for safe steering.

An underloaded front axle can make steering unsafe. Balance cargo so neither total weight nor individual axle loading creates a control problem.

Source: West Virginia Commercial Driver's License Manual, Rev. 08/2023, 3.2.4 Balance the Weight; physical PDF page 103. ↗

You are not allowed to open a sealed container to inspect its contents. Which responsibility still remains?

Correct answer: Make sure applicable gross and axle weight limits are not exceeded.

The manual recognizes that sealed cargo may not be open to inspection, but the driver still has weight-limit responsibilities. A seal is not a weight certificate.

Source: West Virginia Commercial Driver's License Manual, Rev. 08/2023, 3.3.5 Sealed and Containerized Loads; physical PDF page 104. ↗

A heavy crate can slide sideways even though it cannot move toward the cab. Is the securement problem solved?

Correct answer: No; the load must also be protected against other movement during transport.

Blocking and bracing keep cargo from shifting in directions that can damage the vehicle or affect control. Preventing movement in one direction alone may be inadequate.

Source: West Virginia Commercial Driver's License Manual, Rev. 08/2023, 3.3.1 Blocking and Bracing; physical PDF page 103. ↗

A flatbed has a front-end header board behind the cab. Which cargo movement is it intended to help resist?

Correct answer: Cargo moving forward during a sudden stop or crash.

A header board helps protect the cab from freight shifting forward. It does not eliminate the need for proper securement of the whole load.

Source: West Virginia Commercial Driver's License Manual, Rev. 08/2023, 3.3.3 Header Boards; physical PDF page 104. ↗