Combination
All applicants who are applying for a Class A CDL should be prepared to take the Combination test. This test covers information found in Section 6 of the Commercial Driver License Manual. Section 6 provides the information needed to safely operate tractor-trailers, doubles, triples, and straight trucks with trailers. The test is made up of 20 multiple-choice questions, and applicants will need to correctly answer a minimum of 16 questions to pass. The Combination test is not a replacement for the Double/Triple endorsement test.
8. If a load is placed on one side of a trailer, the trailer:
If the weight of a load is placed primarily one side of a trailer, the trailer may lean, increasing the risk of a rollover.
9. When lightly loaded, combination vehicles:
When a combination vehicle is lightly loaded, it may have poor traction. It is very easy for wheels to lock up on lightly-loaded vehicles when they are being stopped.
10. A tractor protection valve is:
On combination vehicles with air brakes, the tractor protection valve keeps air in the tractor or truck brake system, should the trailer develop a bad leak or break away from the tractor.
11. Failure to keep the fifth wheel plate properly greased could:
Failure to keep the fifth wheel plate properly lubricated can create friction between the tractor and trailer, causing steering problems.
12. When a combination vehicle goes around a corner:
When a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels. This is called off-tracking. This effect is especially pronounced on vehicles with trailers.
13. What does the trailer air supply control look like?
On newer vehicles, the trailer air supply control is an eight-sided red knob. It's used to control the tractor protection valve.
14. What is a bobtail?
Tractors without semi-trailers are referred to as bobtail tractors. Operating a bobtail tractor requires drivers to exercise caution.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2025 Massachusetts DMV exam.
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