North Dakota CDL Practice Test

A farm-support combination has a 27,800-pound combined rating and an 11,600-pound towed unit. Which commercial class describes it?

1. AClass A, based on the combination threshold and a towed unit above 10,000 poundsCorrect
2. BClass B, because a trailer can never place a vehicle in Class A
3. CClass C, because the towed unit is lighter than the power unit
4. DNo CDL, because the combined rating must exceed 40,000 pounds

Why: Class A, based on the combination threshold and a towed unit above 10,000 pounds is the sound response here. 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 vehicle in the convex mirror seems tiny, yet it quickly reaches the truck's side. What judgment should the driver remember?

1. AThe wider convex image makes traffic look smaller and more distant than it really isCorrect
2. BThe image makes all traffic look larger and nearer than reality
3. CConvex mirrors provide exact range without any comparison or judgment
4. DThe mirror cannot show vehicles beside or behind a commercial vehicle

Why: The wider convex image makes traffic look smaller and more distant than it really is is the sound response here. Mirror checks should be brief, and convex mirrors require judgment because they make objects appear smaller and farther away than they are.

Another employee arranges and straps a load of pipe. Before driving, what must the CDL holder still determine?

1. AThat the cargo is safely distributed and secured, because the driver retains responsibilityCorrect
2. BThat the loader signed away all responsibility to the customer
3. COnly that the delivery address is printed correctly
4. DNothing, since touching a tiedown is required before a driver can be responsible

Why: That the cargo is safely distributed and secured, because the driver retains responsibility is the sound response here. 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.

A prior bus report identifies a heater defect near passenger seats. What must be resolved before the next driver signs it?

1. AThe report was written by a different driver and can be discarded
2. BA passenger accepts responsibility for sitting near the heater
3. CThe defect was repaired or the carrier documented that immediate repair was not necessaryCorrect
4. DThe route is short enough that passengers will not notice

Why: The defect was repaired or the carrier documented that immediate repair was not necessary is the sound response here. 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.

A semitrailer's heaviest freight is stacked above shoulder height and offset toward the shoulder side. What is the stability correction?

1. ALeave it high and counter every lean with fast steering
2. BMove it entirely to the rear while keeping the same height
3. CLower, center, and distribute the heavy freight to reduce the elevated side-biased center of gravityCorrect
4. DRaise more freight on the same side to balance the tractor

Why: Lower, center, and distribute the heavy freight to reduce the elevated side-biased center of gravity is the sound response here. Combination cargo should be kept low, centered, and distributed because a high or side-biased center of gravity increases rollover risk.

The shipper presents a bulging hazmat drum and asks the driver to add the placard later. Which duty controls acceptance?

1. ALoad it first and remove any existing hazardous-material identification
2. BCarry it without papers whenever the drum still fits inside the trailer
3. CReject the improperly prepared package and require correct papers and placarding before safe transportCorrect
4. DAccept the drum because the shipper alone bears all in-transit responsibility

Why: Reject the improperly prepared package and require correct papers and placarding before safe transport is the sound response here. 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.