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How to obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
General Qualifications to Drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle
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Disqualifying Criminal Offenses for Hazardous Materials Endorsement
Hours of Service Rules
Pre-Trip Inspection Information
A List of CDL Licensing Agencies for every State

YOUR LINK TO COMMERCIAL DRIVING SUCCESS!

COMBINATION VEHICLE EXAM STUDY GUIDE

COPYRIGHT

2011 by CDL Digest

Copyright law prohibits the reproduction, storage, or transmission in any form by any means of
any portion of this publication without the express written permission of CDL Digest, and of the
copyright holder (if different) of the part of the publication to be reproduced. The Guidelines for
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used to create, to replace, or to substitute for anthologies, compilations, or collective works.

Annual Edition
Cover image 2006 CDL Digest
Produced digitally in the United States of America.

To the Reader
In publishing the ANNUAL EDITION of this study guide we recognize the enormous role played by magazines,
newspapers, web sites, and journals of the public press in providing current, first-rate educational information in a
broad spectrum of interest areas. Many of these sources are appropriate for the general public and professionals
seeking accurate, current material to help bridge the gap between the information provided and the real world. This
study guide, however, becomes more useful for study when the information of lasting value is carefully collected,
organized, indexed, and reproduced in a low-cost format, which provides easy and permanent access when the
material is needed. That is the role played by this ANNUAL EDITION.

The demand for commercial, industrial, and consumer products has been steadily on the
rise as our population grows in the United States and abroad. This demand has created enormous
opportunities for those individuals and companies dedicated to the movement of materials across
this county by the use of commercial motor vehicles. This situation has created a huge demand
for professional drivers in the transportation industry.
Although the demand for professional drivers is great, there is still a shortage of them. In
recent years this countys economy has been shedding traditional blue-collar jobs at a
demoralizing rate, yet the transportation industry cannot seem to fill the thousands of
employment openings that exist or even meet their recruiting goals of obtaining qualified drivers.
In purchasing this study guide you have taken the first step towards becoming qualified
for one of the many employment openings in a high-paying, rewarding career as a professional
driver. Becoming a professional driver requires a lot of knowledge of the transportation industry,
commercial motor vehicles, and the federal regulations which govern the operation of
commercial motor vehicles.
CDL Digest has created this study guide in an effort to provide the reader with the
knowledge required to successfully pass the written exam required to obtain a commercial
drivers license. Our study guides have already helped thousands of people just like you to easily
pass their written exams. Our study guides are used by many of the leading driver training
facilities across the country and have been praised by people just like you, who have used our
study guides to successfully pass their written exams without ever setting foot in a driver training
facility, which has saved them hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars.

The Editor of CDL Digest

Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................... 7
DRIVING COMBINATION VEHICLES ................................................................................................ 9
COMBINATION VEHICLE AIR BRAKES.......................................................................................... 10
COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING ....................................................................................................... 12
INSPECTING A COMBINATION VEHICLE ...................................................................................... 14
COMBINATION VEHICLE PRACTICE TEST.................................................................................... 16
COMBINATION VEHICLE PRACTICE TEST ANSWERS ................................................................ 21
Pre-Trip Inspection Memory Aid - Combination Vehicle ....................................................................... 22

INTRODUCTION
This study guide contains information for those drivers who operate a combination of vehicles
with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in
excess of 10,000 pounds GVW, which includes ALL Class "A" license applicants.
49 CFR 383.111
Operators for the combination vehicle group shall have knowledge of:
Coupling and uncoupling The procedures for proper coupling and uncoupling a tractor to
semi-trailer.
Vehicle inspection The objectives and proper procedures that are unique for performing
vehicle safety inspections on combination vehicles.
The information used in this study guide has bee gathered from the following sources:
Motor vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements as contained in 49 CFR 393 and
49 CFR 396.
Procedures for safe vehicle operations as contained in 49 CFR 392.
The effects of fatigue, poor vision, hearing, and general health upon safe commercial motor
vehicle operation as contained in 49 CFR 391, 392, and 395.
The types of motor vehicles and cargoes subject to the requirements contained in 49 CFR 397.
The effects of alcohol and drug use upon safe commercial motor vehicle operations as contained
in 49 CFR 391 and 395, and
The commercial drivers license standards; required knowledge and skills as contained in 49
CFR 383.

There is a federal requirement that each state have minimum standards for the licensing of
commercial drivers. This study guide provides driver license testing information for drivers who
wish to operate a combination vehicle with their Commercial Driver License (CDL).
You must have a CDL to operate:
Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), actual weight, or
registered weight over 26,000 lbs. or such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR,
actual weight, or registered weight of 10,000 lbs. or less.
Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), actual weight,
or registered weight over 26,000 lbs. provided the GVWR, actual weight, or
registered weight of the towed vehicle(s) is more than 10,000 lbs.
A vehicle transporting hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.
A vehicle that is designed OR used to transport 16 or more passengers, including the
driver.
Any vehicle for which a CDL is required is considered a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).
To get a CDL, you must pass knowledge and skills tests.
This study guide contains general knowledge and safe driving information for operating
combination vehicles. You must pass a test on this information to get a Class A CDL.
CDL Digest strongly recommends that you use this study guide along with the CDL manual
from the CDL licensing agency of the state you live in.
If you do not yet have a copy of the CDL manual from your state, you can download it for free at
http://www.cdldigest.com/cdl/manuals.html Using the CDL manual and this study guide will
provide the best chances of success when you take the CDL license combination vehicle
knowledge exam.

DRIVING COMBINATION VEHICLES

Rollover Prevention
The following two things will help you prevent rollover:
Keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible
Drive slowly around turns.
Trucks with trailers have a dangerous crack-the-whip effect. When you make a quick lane
change, the crack-the-whip effect can turn the trailer over. Rearward amplification
causes the crack-the-whip effect.
Stopping a Trailer Skid
Do not use the trailer hand brake (if you have one) to straighten out the rig. This is the wrong
thing to do since the brakes on the trailer wheels caused the skid in the first place.
The procedure for stopping a trailer skid is as follows:

Recognize the skid. The earliest and best way to recognize the trailer has started to
skid is by seeing it in your mirrors. Any time you apply the brakes hard, check the
mirrors to make sure the trailer is staying where it should be.
Stop using the brake. Release the brakes to get traction back. Once the trailer wheels
grip the road again, the trailer will start to follow the tractor and straighten out.

Off Tracking
When a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear wheels follow a different path than the front
wheels. Off tracking causes the path followed by a tractor-semi to be wider than the rig itself.
Longer vehicles will off track more. The rear wheels of the powered unit (truck or tractor) will
off track some, and the rear wheels of the trailer will off track even more. If there is more than
one trailer, the rear wheels of the last trailer will off track the most.
Completing Turns
If you cannot complete your turn without entering another traffic lane, turn wide as you
complete the turn. This is better than swinging wide to the left before starting the turn because
it will keep other drivers from passing you on the right. If drivers pass on the right, you could
collide with them when you turn.

COMBINATION VEHICLE AIR BRAKES

Use of the Trailer Hand Valve while Driving
The trailer hand valve should be used only to test the trailer brakes. Do not use it while driving
because of the danger of making the trailer skid.
Trailer Air Supply Control
The trailer air supply control on newer vehicles is a red 8-sided knob which you use to control
the tractor protection valve. You push it in to supply the trailer with air, and pull it out to shut the
air off and put on the trailer emergency brakes.
Service Line
The service line (also called the control line or signal line) carries air which is controlled by the
foot brake or the trailer hand brake. Depending on how hard you press the foot brake or hand
valve, the pressure in the service line will similarly change. The service line is connected to relay
valves. These valves allow the trailer brakes to be applied more quickly than would otherwise be
possible.
Emergency Air Line
The emergency line (also called the supply line) has two purposes. First, it supplies air to the
trailer air tanks. Second, the emergency line controls the emergency brakes on combination
vehicles. Loss of air pressure in the emergency line causes the trailer emergency brakes to come
on.
Using Wheel Chocks when Parking Trailer without Spring Brakes
Newer trailers have spring brakes just like trucks and truck tractors. However, converter dollies
and trailers built before 1975 are not required to have spring brakes. Those that do not have
spring brakes have emergency brakes which work from the air stored in the trailer air tank. The
emergency brakes come on whenever air pressure in the emergency line is lost. These trailers
have no parking brake. The emergency brakes come on whenever the air supply knob is pulled
out or the trailer is disconnected. But the brakes will hold only as long as there is air pressure in
the trailer air tank. Eventually, the air will leak away and there will be no brakes. Therefore, it is
very important for safety that you use wheel chocks when you park trailers without spring
brakes.

10

Shut-Off Valves
Shut-off valves (also called cut-out cocks) are used in the service and supply air lines at the back
of trailers used to tow other trailers. These valves permit closing the air lines off when another
trailer is not being towed. You must check that all shut-off valves are in the open position except
the ones at the back of the last trailer, which must be closed.

11

COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING

The 16 Steps for Coupling Tractor-Semi Trailers
Step 1. Inspect the Fifth Wheel
Step 2. Inspect Area and Chock Wheels
Step 3. Position the Tractor
Step 4. Back Slowly
Step 5. Secure the Tractor
Step 6. Check Trailer Height
Step 7. Connect the Air Lines to the Trailer
Step 8. Supply Air to the Trailer
Step 9. Lock the Trailer Brakes
Step 10. Back Under the Trailer
Step 11. Check the Connection for Security
Step 12. Secure the Vehicle
Step 13. Inspect the Coupling
Step 14. Connect the Electrical Cord and Check the Air Lines
Step 15. Raise the Front Trailer Supports (Landing Gear)
Step 16. Remove Trailer Wheel Chocks

Things to Remember
If the trailer is too high, it may not couple correctly.
Make sure there is no space between the upper and lower fifth wheel.
Go under the trailer and look into the back of the fifth wheel. Make sure the fifth wheel jaws
have closed around the shank of the kingpin.
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The 10 Steps for Uncoupling Tractor-Semi Trailers

Step 1. Position the Rig
Step 2. Ease Pressure on the Locking Jaws
Step 3. Chock the Trailer Wheels
Step 4. Lower the Landing Gear
Step 5. Disconnect the Air Lines and Electrical Cable
Step 6. Unlock the Fifth Wheel
Step 7. Pull the Tractor Partially Clear of the Trailer
Step 8. Secure the Tractor
Step 9. Inspect the Trailer Supports (Landing Gear)
Step 10. Pull the Tractor Clear of the Trailer

13

INSPECTING A COMBINATION VEHICLE

Which shut-off valves should be open and which should be closed?
The emergency line shut-off valve and the service line shut-off valve are both open when testing
air flow to all trailers and the shut-off valves on the trailer(s) and dolly(s) are both open.
Test Air Flow to All Trailers
Open the emergency line shut-off valve at the rear of the last trailer. You should hear air
escaping, showing the entire system is charged. Close the emergency line valve. Open the
service line valve to check that service pressure goes through all the trailers (this test assumes the
trailer handbrake or the service brake pedal is on), then close the valve. If you do NOT hear air
escaping from both lines, check that the shut-off valves on the trailer(s) and dolly(s) are in the
OPEN position. You MUST have air all the way to the back for all the brakes to work.
Test the Tractor Protection Valve
Charge the trailer air brake system. (That is, build up normal air pressure and push the air
supply knob in). Shut the engine off. Step on and off the brake pedal several times to reduce the
air pressure in the tanks. The trailer air supply control (also called the tractor protection valve
control) should pop out (or go from normal to emergency position) when the air pressure
falls into the pressure range specified by the manufacturer, usually within the range of 20 to 45
psi.
Test the Trailer Emergency Brakes
Charge the trailer air brake system and check that the trailer rolls freely. Then stop and pull out
the trailer air supply control (also called the tractor protection valve control or trailer emergency
valve) or place it in the emergency position. Pull gently on the trailer with the tractor to check
that the trailer emergency brakes are on.
Test the Trailer Service Brakes
Check for normal air pressure, release the parking brakes, move the vehicle forward slowly, and
apply the trailer brakes with the hand control (trolley valve), if so equipped. You should feel the
brakes come on. This tells you the trailer brakes are connected and working. (The trailer brakes
should be tested with the hand valve, but controlled in normal operation with the foot pedal,
which applies air to the service brakes at all wheels).

14

Additional Things to Check During your Walk Around Inspection

Coupling System Areas
Check the fifth wheel (upper & lower).
Air and electric lines to the trailer.
Sliding fifth wheel.
Landing Gear

15

COMBINATION VEHICLE PRACTICE TEST

1. To prevent rollovers, remember to:
A

Keep the load centered

Keep the load as low as possible

Go slow around turns

All of the above

2. Large combination vehicles take longer to stop:

A

When they are empty

When they are loaded

Than bobtail tractors

It takes the same time whether empty or loaded

3. When traveling under 40 mph, you should follow other vehicles:

A

Only during the day

With a distance of one second for every ten feet of your vehicle length

With a distance of one second for every twenty feet of your vehicle length

As close as possible so others dont cut in

4. The best way to notice a trailer skid is:

A

By feeling the pull on your steering wheel

By feeling a jerking in the back of the tractor

By seeing it in your mirrors

By hearing the squeal from the tires

16

5. If you start a trailer skid you should:

A

Step on the brakes quickly

Release the brakes to get traction back

Use the trailer hand brake

Slowly apply pressure to the brakes

6. "Off tracking" occurs when you go around a corner and:

A

The rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels

The rear trailer goes off the road

The rear wheels follow the front ones in a straight line

The front of the trailer pulls to the right

7. The trailer hand valve should be used:

A

Only at highway speeds

Only when parking

Only to test the trailer brakes

Both B & C above

8. Which one of the following statements about tractor protection valves is NOT true?:
A

It keeps air in the tractor in the event the trailer air leaks

It is controlled by the trailer air supply valve in the cab

When it closes it allows air to leak from the tractor line

It will close automatically if air pressure is low

9. The trailer air supply control:

A

Is a red, triangular-shaped knob

Is a yellow, square knob

Is a red, square knob

Is a red, eight sided knob

17

10. Which one of the following is controlled by the foot brake?

A

The service air line

The emergency air line

The shut off valve

The hose coupler

11. The service air line is controlled by:

A

The pressure applied to the line by the foot brake or the trailer hand brake

The relay valve which connects the trailer air tanks to the trailer air brakes

The relay valve which sends air pressure from the trailer air tank to the trailer
brake chambers

All of the above

12. A device which connects the service and emergency air lines from the truck to the
trailer is called:
A

Relay switch

Glad hands

Service couplers

Shut off valves

13. When coupling the glad hands, you should NOT do the following:
A

Clean the couplers before a connection is made

Press the two seals together at a 90 degree angle

Cross air supply lines to test them for leaks

Match the colors to each other, or read the tags before connecting

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14. If you cross connect the two air lines the following will result:
A

Nothing, the lines are interchangeable

You will not have air going to the trailer brakes

Your tractor brakes will lock up

You could not move the tractor

15. The fifth wheel should be checked to see if:

A

There is damage or missing parts

It is properly greased

The jaws are open

All of the above

16. When coupling the trailer, back up slowly until:

A

The load shifts inside the trailer

The fifth wheel just touches the trailer

You can see the rear wheels in the mirror

You hit the front of the trailer with the tractor

17. In order to supply air to the trailer, you must first:

A

Push in the tractor protection valve.

Pull out the "air supply' knob

Stop engine so you can hear the brakes

Cross the air lines to check for leaks

18. A king pin is:

A

The pin which locks the air brake lines together

A pin which locks the trailer to the tractor on the fifth wheel

A pin which holds the wheels on the axles

The pin a driver receives for safe driving

19

19. In order to inspect the coupling you should:

A

Make sure there is space between the upper and lower fifth wheel

Check that the locking lever is in the open position

Make sure the fifth wheel jaws are open

Use a flashlight if necessary

20. You should crank the landing gear until:

A

It is six inches off the ground

You can clear railroad tracks

The crank handle is loose

It is as far up as it will go

20

COMBINATION VEHICLE PRACTICE TEST ANSWERS

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

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Pre-Trip Inspection Memory Aid - Combination Vehicle

Note: All drivers may use this aid during their pre-trip inspection test. Be prepared to point to or touch the
listed items and explain what you would look for.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
alternator mounted securely & belt *
water pump mounted securely & belt *
air compressor mounted securely & belt *
* if gear driven, mention to the examiner
coolant, oil and power steering levels
leaks and hoses

TRAILER SIDE
landing gear
reflectors
frame and deck
door and hinges
TRAILER REAR AXLE
springs or air bag
spring mounts or air bag mounts
shock absorber/torsion bar
brake hose or line
brake drum or rotor
tires and rim
spacer
lug nuts and hub oil seal
If air brake equipped
brake hose
slack adjustor
brake chamber

VEHICLE FRONT
steering box and steering linkage
springs and spring mounts
shock absorber
brake hose or line
brake drum or rotor
tire and rim
lug nuts and hub oil seal
If air brake equipped
brake hose
slack adjustor
brake chamber
VEHICLE SIDE
door and mirror
fuel tank mounted securely, leaks and cap
frame and drive shaft
exhaust
catwalk and steps

TRAILER REAR
doors and hinges
splash guards and reflectors
VEHICLE LIGHTS
headlights (high & low beam)
front signals and 4-way flashers
front and side clearance
rear tail
rear signals and 4-way flashers
rear brake and clearance lights

TRACTOR/TRUCK REAR
air hoses and electrical line
TRAILER FRONT
header board
air hoses and electrical line connection

COUPLING DEVICE
Fifth Wheel
mounting bolts
locking pins (for slider)
release arm
platform
kingpin & apron

Pintle Hook
pintle hook
locking pins, safety latch
safety chains
safety chain brackets
tow bar & tow bar eye

22

INSIDE VEHICLE
clutch (depressed) gearshift (neutral)
all gauges (oil, voltmeter, air/vacuum, etc.)
speedometer and light indicators
steering wheel play
horn(s)
mirrors adjusted and windshield condition
wipers, heater and defroster
safety/emergency equipment
parking brake
brake system check
service brake check

Note: All drivers are required to complete a brake system check correctly in order to pass their pre-trip
inspection. The correct process is listed below according to the vehicles braking system.
BRAKE SYSTEM CHECK FOR HYDRAULIC BRAKES
If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, with the engine running, apply firm pressure to the service (foot) brake
pedal and hold for five seconds. The brake pedal should not move.
BRAKE SYSTEM CHECK FOR AIR BRAKES
If the vehicle has air brakes, you will need to check for leaks (L), warning alarm/signal (A) and for the button
(B). This test is commonly referred to as the LAB inspection.
(L) - LEAKS
With a fully charged air system (typically 120 psi), turn off the engine, chock the
wheels, release (push in) the parking brake button. Apply firm pressure to the
service (foot) brake pedal. Watch the air supply gauge and listen for air leaks. After
the initial pressure drop, the loss rate for single vehicles should be no more than 3
psi in one minute. If the air loss rate exceeds that figure, your air brake system will
need to be repaired prior to continuing with the skills test.
(A) - ALARM/SIGNAL
Turn the key to the on position. Rapidly apply and release (fanning) the service
(foot) brake pedal to reduce air tank pressure. The low air pressure warning signal
(light, buzzer, etc.) must come on before the pressure drops to less than 60 psi in the
air tank.
(B) - BUTTON
Continue to rapidly apply and release (fanning) the service (foot) brake pedal to
further reduce air tank pressure. The parking brake button should pop out when the
air pressure falls to the manufacturers specification (usually between 20 to 40 psi).
This causes the spring brakes to come on.
TEST SERVICE (FOOT) BRAKES PRIOR TO OPERATING
If your vehicle has air brakes, build up your air pressure to normal operating range (typically 120 psi), release
(push in) the parking brake button. Move forward slowly (about 5 mph), and apply the service (foot) brake
pedal firmly. Note any vehicle Pulling to one side, unusual feel, or delayed stopping action.
If your vehicle has hydraulic brakes, move forward slowly (about 5 mph), and apply the service (foot) brake
pedal firmly. Note any vehicle Pulling to one side, unusual feel or delayed stopping action.
Note: If your vehicle is air brake equipped, you must locate and identify all air brake system components, test
your service brakes and correctly perform the LAB in order to pass the air brake portion of the pre-trip
inspection.
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