Instructions

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 Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook. 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.

Number of Question 20

Passing Score 16

15. One way to prevent a rollover is to:

Move cargo to the left side of the rig.

Keep cargo centered on the rig.

Move cargo to the right side of the rig.

Keep cargo as far from the ground as possible.

A rollover is more likely if cargo is unevenly loaded in a rig. To help prevent a dangerous rollover, it is important to keep a load as centered on the rig as possible.

16. Driving a combination vehicle ____ than driving a single vehicle.

Is easier

Requires more driving skill

Is better for training

Is safer in inclement weather

Driving a combination vehicle usually requires more skill than driving a single vehicle. Combination vehicles are generally longer and heavier than single commercial vehicles.

17. Simply changing lanes can cause:

A “crack-the-whip” effect, resulting in a rollover.

A trailer to straighten out.

Confusion over which lane the driver is hoping to use.

Other drivers to reduce their speed.

Due to the "crack-the-whip" effect caused by rearward amplification, changing lanes too quickly in a combination vehicle can result in a rollover.

18. A trailer will be most likely to swing around when:

It is full.

Traveling in a straight line.

It is empty.

The wheels are rotating.

An empty trailer will require a longer stopping distance than a loaded trailer. Additionally, a trailer is most likely to swing out and strike other vehicles when it is lightly loaded or empty.

19. Proper coupling technique:

Is the same on all vehicles.

Is essential to the safe operation of a vehicle.

Includes ensuring that the fifth wheel plate is not greased.

Can be learned over time.

Knowing proper coupling and uncoupling technique is fundamental to the safe operation of combination vehicles. Improper coupling can be very dangerous.

20. When driving a tractor-trailer equipped with ABS, you should:

Stop harder than you would otherwise.

Use extra braking force to ensure the ABS kicks in.

Brake as you normally would.

Brake using less pressure than you would otherwise use.

When driving a tractor-trailer combination equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should brake in the same manner that you would in a vehicle without ABS.

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