New Hampshire CDL Practice Test

A logging tractor and trailer have a combined rating of 28,600 pounds. The trailer alone is rated at 11,200 pounds. Which CDL group applies?

1. AClass A, since both the combination threshold and the over-10,000-pound towed threshold are metCorrect
2. BClass B, since a logging trailer is always counted as part of a single vehicle
3. CClass C, since the trailer weighs less than the tractor
4. DNo CDL group, since Class A begins only at a 50,000-pound combination rating

Why: Class A, since both the combination threshold and the over-10,000-pound towed threshold are met is the appropriate conclusion. Class A covers a combination rated at least 26,001 pounds when the towed vehicle or vehicles have a gross vehicle weight rating above 10,000 pounds.

A sedan appears unusually distant in a convex mirror just before a proposed lane change. What should the truck driver remember?

1. AConvex glass makes traffic look smaller and farther away, so actual spacing must be judged cautiouslyCorrect
2. BConvex glass magnifies vehicles and always makes them look closer than they are
3. CThe mirror gives a precise distance reading that needs no judgment
4. DThe driver should watch the mirror continuously and stop scanning forward

Why: Convex glass makes traffic look smaller and farther away, so actual spacing must be judged cautiously is the appropriate conclusion. Mirror checks should be brief, and convex mirrors require judgment because they make objects appear smaller and farther away than they are.

A shipper loads a sealed trailer and says the driver does not need to think about securement. Is that correct?

1. ANo, the driver still carries responsibility for safe cargo and securementCorrect
2. BYes, a seal permanently shifts every cargo duty to the shipper
3. CYes, but only until the first state border is crossed
4. DNo, because sealed trailers are never allowed on a public highway

Why: No, the driver still carries responsibility for safe cargo and securement is the appropriate conclusion. Even when another person loads the vehicle, the driver remains responsible for inspection, overload and balance recognition, securement, clear visibility, and access to emergency equipment.

An incoming coach driver receives yesterday's condition report with two defects listed. What must be established before using the coach?

1. AStarting the engine automatically clears every defect on the report
2. BPassengers, rather than the carrier or driver, must decide whether repair was needed
3. CEach defect was repaired or certified as not needing repair, with the required driver acknowledgmentCorrect
4. DThe report can be ignored because only the driver who wrote it may read it

Why: Each defect was repaired or certified as not needing repair, with the required driver acknowledgment is the appropriate conclusion. A bus driver signs the previous driver's inspection report only after listed defects have been certified as repaired or certified as not requiring repair.

Where should high-density freight be arranged across a semitrailer to limit rollover tendency?

1. AAt the extreme upper rear corner regardless of axle weights
2. BSuspended loosely above the floor so it can swing
3. CNear the floor and centered from side to sideCorrect
4. DAgainst the roof and concentrated along one wall

Why: Near the floor and centered from side to side is the appropriate conclusion. Combination cargo should be kept low, centered, and distributed because a high or side-biased center of gravity increases rollover risk.

Before loading, a hazmat driver notices damaged packaging and missing documentation. Who must prevent that shipment from moving?

1. ANo one, because the shipper's offer removes every driver responsibility
2. BThe driver should hide the damage and replace the shipping name with a nickname
3. CThe driver must refuse it until packaging, papers, markings, and placards meet the transport requirementsCorrect
4. DThe driver must carry it and wait for the consignee to repair the package

Why: The driver must refuse it until packaging, papers, markings, and placards meet the transport requirements is the appropriate conclusion. The hazardous-material driver rejects leaking or improperly prepared packages, maintains required placards and papers, and transports the shipment safely after shipper and carrier checks.