General Knowledge I

1. When preparing to do a pre-trip inspection you must check to see that the parking brakes are on and/or chocked.

A. True
B. False

2. When getting in to start the engine and inspect inside the cab you must

A. Make sure the parking brake is on.
B. Put gearshift in neutral (or park if automatic).
C. Start engine and listen for unusual noises.
D. All of the above.

3. Look at the guages - the oil pressure gauge should come up to normal within how long after starting the engine?

A. Minutes
B. Seconds
C. It does not matter.

4. You should check the following for looseness, sticking, damage or improper settings:

A. Steering wheel
B. Accelerator, brake and clutch pedals
C. Transmission controls
D. All of the above

5. After inspecting mirrors and windshilds for cracks, dirt, illigal stickers or other obstructions to see, you should:

A. Look in the mirror to see if you look good.
B. Clean and adjust as necessary.
C. Not worry about any of it.

6. When checking lights you should:

A. Make sure that the parking brake is set.
B. Turn off the engine and take the key with you.
C. Turn on the headlights and four way flashers.
D. All of the above.

7. What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?

A. Color of paint used on cover
B. Cleanliness
C. Hub oil level and no leaks

8. How many red reflective triangles should you carry?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

9. How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?

A. Pump the brake pedal three times, then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move.
B. Drive 20 mph and slam on the brakes.
C. Drive slowly and pump the brake pedal. Make sure it doesn't hit the floor.

10. Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?

A. So you don't lose it
B. So no one moves the vehicle
C. For your safety

11. To avoid roll backs when you start, you should:

A. Stop on a flat area
B. Engage the clutch very quickly
C. Press the accelerator
D. Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake

12. What is the proper way to hold the steering wheel?

A. Firmly with both hands on opposite sides of the wheel
B. With your right hand on the wheel
C. Firmly with one hand at the top of the wheel and the other at the bottom

13. Why should you back toward the driver's side?

A. Backing roward the right side is dangerous
B. So you can see better
C. A and B

14. When backing, why is it important to use a helper?

A. It makes people think you are a better driver.
B. There are blind spots you can't see.
C. It's more fun when you have help.

15. What is the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?

A. Stop
B. Go
C. Right
D. Left

16. What are two special conditions where you should downshift?

A. When starting off fast and speed shifting
B. Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve
C. Before starting up a hill and before entering a curve

17. When should you downshift automatic transmissions?

A. When going down grades
B. When going up grades
C. when going around curves
D. None of the above

18. Retarders keep you from skidding where the road is slippery.

A. True
B. False

19. What are the two ways to know when to shift?

A. Use engine speed (rpm) and road signs
B. Use your watch and engine sound
C. Use engine speed (rpm) and use road speed (mph)

20. How far ahead should you look?

A. Most good drivers look 20 to 30 seconds ahead
B. Most good drivers look 5 to 10 seconds ahead
C. Most good drivers look 2 to 4 seconds ahead
D. Most good drivers look 12 to 15 seconds ahead

Answer Key
1. A
2. D
3. B
4. D
5. B
6. D
7. C
8. C
9. A
10. C
11. D
12. A
13. C
14. B
15. A
16. B
17. A
18. B
19. C
20. D