Mississippi DPS CDL warm-up test

  • Questions50
  • Correct to pass40
  • Passing score80%
  • Minimum age18 years

Minimum age: 18 years intrastate, 21 years interstate

10 questions. Pick an answer to see if it is right and why; you need 8 correct answers to pass.

  1. 1. A delivery van is stopped in the right lane ahead with its flashers on. What should you expect?

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    Answer C: Someone may step into your lane from in front of it

    A stopped delivery vehicle hides the space in front of it, and that is exactly where a person carrying a package is likely to walk out.

  2. 2. You are entering a freeway from a short ramp with a fully loaded trailer. What should you do?

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    Answer A: Begin building speed early and wait for a large gap

    A loaded vehicle accelerates slowly, so it needs both a running start and a much larger gap than a car would use.

  3. 3. What is checked about the engine cooling system during the engine compartment inspection?

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    Answer C: That the coolant level is adequate and the radiator and hoses are not leaking

    A low coolant level or a leaking hose leads to overheating, which can stop the vehicle in a place where stopping is dangerous.

  4. 4. At what time of day do drowsy driving crashes occur most often?

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    Answer A: Between midnight and 6 a.m.

    The body clock makes people sleepiest in the early morning hours, which is when most fatigue-related crashes happen.

  5. 5. When should mirror adjustment be checked, and what should each mirror show?

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    Answer B: Before every trip, with each mirror adjusted to show some part of the vehicle

    Checking the mirrors before each trip and keeping a small part of the vehicle in view gives a reference point for judging distance behind and beside you.

  6. 6. Which items belong to the in-cab part of the inspection?

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    Answer D: Gauges, controls, mirrors, windshield, wipers, horn, heater and defroster

    The in-cab step checks the instruments and controls the driver depends on, along with mirrors, glass, wipers, horn and the heater and defroster.

  7. 7. Your brakes have failed on a downgrade and there is no escape ramp in sight. What is the best choice?

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    Answer A: Steer into an open field or onto a side road that flattens out or climbs uphill

    A flat or uphill escape route uses gravity and rolling resistance to stop the vehicle; take it as soon as you see it, because the longer you wait the faster you go.

  8. 8. How are the extra gears of a multi-speed rear axle or auxiliary transmission usually controlled?

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    Answer D: With a selector knob or switch on the gearshift lever of the main transmission

    A range selector on the shift lever lets the driver choose the extra gear range while shifting the main transmission.

  9. 9. What does safe practice require of a commercial driver who wants to eat, drink or read a delivery note?

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    Answer B: Handle it before or after driving, not while moving

    Anything that takes hands, eyes or attention away from the task belongs outside the driving time, not inside it.

  10. 10. You are hauling an open box of loose gravel. What does that load require?

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    Answer A: A cover, so that material cannot blow off or spill onto the road

    Loose material that can be blown or spilled has to be covered so it does not come out of the body and strike traffic behind.