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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Education

Master the Combination Vehicle Driver Knowledge Test

Brush Up on Articulated Truck Driving Theory

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting a trivia quiz on Combination Vehicle Driver Knowledge Test

Are you ready to conquer the Combination Vehicle Driver Knowledge Test and elevate your trucking skills? This practice quiz covers critical topics like coupling procedures, air brakes, and multi-axle truck operations in 15 multiple-choice questions. Perfect for learners prepping for the CDL exam or seasoned drivers seeking a refresher, this editable quiz integrates seamlessly with other Driver Training Knowledge Test modules and an engaging Driver Knowledge Test Quiz. Dive into our quizzes collection to tailor questions, track progress, and master every rig operation concept.

What component connects the tractor to the trailer and must be checked for security during a pre-trip inspection?
Fifth wheel
Brake shoe
Landing gear
Axle seal
The fifth wheel is the primary coupling device that joins the tractor to its trailer and must be inspected for proper engagement and security. Other components are important to inspect, but the fifth wheel is the critical connection. Ensuring it is locked prevents the trailer from separating while in motion.
During a pre-trip inspection of a combination vehicle, which of the following should you check for air leaks?
Fuel filter
Battery terminals
Air lines
Engine oil dipstick
Air lines carry compressed air to the brakes and must be checked for leaks to ensure proper brake function. Fuel filters and oil dipsticks are also inspected, but not for air leaks. A leak in the air lines can lead to brake failure or reduced braking power.
Which method ensures proper securement of the trailer's safety chains?
Leave them hanging loosely
Wrap around kingpin
Attach to the landing gear
Cross under the trailer tongue
Crossing the safety chains under the trailer tongue creates a cradle that can catch the tongue if separation occurs. Loose chains or attaching them incorrectly offers no backup in case the hitch fails. Proper chaining prevents the trailer from dropping to the road.
When inspecting the landing gear during a pre-trip check, you should verify that it is:
Free to rotate
Painted recently
Loosely dangling
Fully retracted and undamaged
Landing gear must be fully retracted and free from damage to avoid contact with the road. Dangling or loose gear can strike the pavement and cause a loss of control. Proper retraction protects both the equipment and others on the road.
What is the primary function of the tractor protection valve in a combination vehicle?
Prevent air loss if the trailer breaks away
Regulate engine oil pressure
Control the landing gear extension
Release air pressure to the trailer on braking
The tractor protection valve closes to isolate the tractor's air supply if the trailer line ruptures or breaks away, preventing loss of all braking capacity. It does not regulate engine oil or landing gear. This safety feature preserves tractor braking in an emergency.
What is the correct first step when coupling a tractor to a trailer?
Remove wheel chocks
Connect the electrical line
Raise the landing gear fully
Inspect and grease the fifth wheel
Before coupling, the fifth wheel must be inspected for damage and greased to ensure a proper lock. Raising the landing gear and connecting lines come after the tractor is aligned. Greasing helps prevent metal-to-metal wear and ensures smooth coupling.
Before uncoupling a trailer, which action must be taken to ensure safety?
Disconnect electrical power
Chock the trailer wheels
Release the landing gear
Deflate the tires slightly
Chocking the trailer wheels prevents unintended movement when the tractor is uncoupled. Electrical disconnection and landing gear retraction follow, but wheel chocks are the primary safeguard. Without chocks, the trailer could roll away.
Which color air line is designated as the emergency supply line on most combination vehicles?
Blue
Yellow
Green
Red
The emergency air line is typically red and supplies air to the trailer's emergency reservoir. The blue line is the service line used during normal braking. Standard color coding helps drivers quickly identify and connect lines correctly.
In a dual air brake system, if the secondary circuit fails, which brakes will still operate?
Parking brakes only
All brakes remain functional
Tractor spring brakes
Trailer service brakes
In a dual system, the secondary circuit generally controls the trailer brakes, while the primary handles the tractor brakes and spring brakes. If the secondary fails, the tractor spring brakes still engage, providing stopping power. The trailer service brakes would be lost.
What is the main purpose of an air dryer in a combination vehicle's brake system?
Control the parking brake timer
Remove moisture and contaminants from compressed air
Filter fuel before injection
Regulate brake chamber pressure
An air dryer removes water and oil particles from the compressed air system, preventing corrosion and freezing. It does not regulate brake pressure or handle fuel. Clean air ensures reliable brake operation under varying temperatures.
Which technique is recommended for safe backing of a combination vehicle?
Back at high speed to lessen steering input
Rely solely on mirrors without looking back
Turn the wheel fully and back quickly
Use small steering adjustments and walk around if needed
Small steering corrections reduce the risk of oversteering and jackknifing, and walking around improves visibility. Full turns or high speeds increase offtracking and blind spot risk. Regular checks ensure precise and safe backing maneuvers.
To verify axle weight compliance before a trip, a driver should:
Check tire pressure only
Adjust spring suspension manually
Estimate by feel of the cab ride
Weigh the vehicle on certified scales
Certified scales provide accurate axle and gross vehicle weight readings to ensure legal compliance. Estimations or tire pressure checks cannot determine precise weights. Accurate weighing prevents fines and unsafe handling.
According to general cargo securement rules, how many tie-downs are required for a 25-foot long general freight load?
3
1
2
5
Regulations require at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo or fraction thereof; a 25-foot load needs three tie-downs. Fewer than three would not meet the length rule, risking load shift. Proper tie-downs ensure load stability.
Which road sign specifically warns truck drivers of a steep downgrade ahead?
No overtaking zone sign
Road narrows sign
Truck descending grade sign
Slippery when wet sign
The truck descending grade sign indicates a steep downhill slope requiring lower gears and careful speed control. Other signs warn of different hazards. Recognizing this sign helps drivers prepare braking strategy.
In combination vehicle operations, a 'no-zone' refers to:
Off-limits maintenance zones
Zones where radio communication is restricted
Areas where parking is prohibited
Blind spots around the truck where cars disappear from view
No-zones are the large blind spots around trucks where smaller vehicles vanish from the driver's mirrors. These are the most dangerous areas for side and rear impacts. Staying out of no-zones improves safety for both truck drivers and other motorists.
If the air pressure in a combination vehicle reaches cut-out level but the compressor does not unload, which component is most likely faulty?
Slack adjuster
Compressor governor
Parking brake valve
Brake chamber diaphragm
The compressor governor controls cut-in and cut-out pressures and should unload the compressor at cut-out. If it fails, the compressor continues to build pressure. Other components do not regulate compressor unloading.
When inspecting slack adjusters on a combination vehicle, the maximum allowed pushrod stroke is:
4 inches
2 inches
3 inches
1 inch
A pushrod stroke exceeding one inch indicates the brakes are out of adjustment, which can reduce braking efficiency. Regular checks ensure compliance with safety standards. Larger stroke lengths require maintenance before operation.
A piece of machinery weighs 6,400 pounds and is 15 feet long. According to FMCSA cargo securement rules, what is the minimum number of tie-downs required?
5
3
7
2
FMCSA rules require one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo (2 for 15 feet) and one tie-down per 1,000 pounds or fraction thereof (7 for 6,400 pounds). You must satisfy both rules, so the higher number, seven, is required. This ensures secure and compliant transport.
Offtracking in a combination vehicle making a tight turn will increase most significantly when you:
Increase the coupling length between tractor and trailer
Slow down to a walking pace
Decrease the turning angle
Shorten the trailer
Longer coupling lengths allow the trailer to swing wider, increasing offtracking. A smaller turning angle or slower speed reduces offtracking. A shorter trailer also tracks closer to the tractor's path.
When the ABS malfunction indicator stays on in a combination vehicle but normal brakes still function, you should:
Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring
Have the system serviced at the nearest safe location
Continue normal operation without concern
Disable the spring brakes immediately
An ABS malfunction light means anti-lock braking is unavailable, so the system should be serviced promptly even though basic braking works. Continuing without repair risks loss of stability under hard braking. Disabling or disconnecting components is unsafe.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key pre-trip inspection requirements for combination vehicles
  2. Demonstrate proper coupling and uncoupling procedures for multi-unit rigs
  3. Analyze air brake system functions and troubleshoot common failures
  4. Apply safe backing techniques in combination vehicle scenarios
  5. Evaluate weight distribution and securement methods for trailers
  6. Interpret road signs and signals specific to large-vehicle operations

Cheat Sheet

  1. Master the Pre-Trip Inspection Process - Dive into the seven-step inspection routine and get hands-on with components like the fifth wheel, landing gear, and air & electrical lines. This quick check keeps your combination vehicle in top shape and prevents surprises down the highway. Consistent inspections build confidence and safety skills! TruckingTruth Inspection Guide
  2. Understand Coupling and Uncoupling Procedures - Learn the precise steps for hooking up and releasing trailers without breaking a sweat (or any parts!). A smooth coupling routine minimizes risks and keeps traffic moving. Practice makes perfect, so don't skip the safety checks. Roehl Pre-Trip Tips
  3. Analyze Air Brake System Functions - Become a detective of pressure gauges, valves, and lines to spot leaks and drops before they cause trouble. Understanding how the air brake system works is like having a superpower on the road. Troubleshoot like a pro and stay in control! Geotab Brake Checklist
  4. Apply Safe Backing Techniques - Backing a combo rig can feel like a game of Tetris - mirrors become your best friends and spotters your trusty sidekicks. Master mirror adjustments and hand signals to slip into those tight spots effortlessly. With practice, you'll back up like a boss! Smart-Trucking Backing Guide
  5. Evaluate Weight Distribution and Securement - Proper loading keeps your trailer balanced and your cargo snug, preventing shifts that can lead to jackknifes or rollovers. Learn how to position heavy items and use tie-downs like a puzzle expert. Safe load securement is your ticket to a smooth ride. Roehl Loading Tips
  6. Interpret Road Signs and Signals - Navigate weight limits, bridge heights, and special lane rules with the confidence of a GPS on steroids. Recognizing these signs early keeps you compliant and avoids costly detours. Think of them as your roadmap to success! Geotab Road Sign Guide
  7. Maintain Proper Documentation - Keep your paperwork in check by carrying separate inspection docs for each trailer, unless one covers them all under FMCSA rules. Organized records help you breeze through audits and roadside checks. A tidy logbook is a driver's best friend! FMCSA Documentation FAQ
  8. Check Tire Conditions Thoroughly - Inspect inflation, tread depth, and sidewall health to dodge blowouts and maintain maximum traction. A quick tire walkaround can save you big delays and repair bills. Make it a habit before every trip! Smart-Trucking Tire Tips
  9. Inspect Electrical and Air Lines - Verify that cables and hoses are secure, damage-free, and have enough slack for turns. Faulty connections can lead to brake failure or lost lighting - both big no-nos on the road. Keep those lines clear and clipped in! TruckingTruth Line Inspection
  10. Understand Emergency Equipment Requirements - Stock fire extinguishers, warning triangles, spare fuses, and first-aid kits to meet safety regulations and handle roadside surprises. Knowing where each item lives can make all the difference in an emergency. Be prepared and stay ahead of the curve! Smart-Trucking Emergency Kit Guide
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