New York CDL Knowledge Test Sample Questions
Real, New York-specific sample questions from our practice question bank, with the correct answer, a full explanation, and a source reference for each. See our national sample questions for topics that apply to every state, or take the full New York cdl practice test to test yourself instead of just reading the answers.
More Questions
1. What is the purpose of the air brake system's spring brakes?
Spring brakes are held back by air pressure; if pressure drops too low, springs automatically apply the brakes to prevent a runaway vehicle.
Source: NY DMV, Commercial Driver's Manual, Air Brakes
2. What is the safest way to handle a drive-wheel skid caused by over-acceleration on a slippery road?
Easing off the accelerator lets the drive wheels regain traction; hard braking or sharp steering can make a skid worse.
Source: NY DMV, Commercial Driver's Manual, Skid Control
3. How often should a driver check cargo securement devices during a trip?
Federal rules call for checking cargo securement within the first 50 miles of a trip, then again about every 150 miles or 3 hours after that.
Source: NY DMV, Commercial Driver's Manual, Cargo Securement
4. Under federal hours-of-service rules, what is the maximum driving time typically allowed after 10 consecutive hours off duty?
Under FMCSA hours-of-service rules, most property-carrying drivers may drive up to 11 hours after being off duty for 10 consecutive hours.
Source: NY DMV, Commercial Driver's Manual, Hours of Service
5. How far from the nearest rail must a commercial vehicle stop at a railroad crossing when required to stop?
When required to stop, a commercial vehicle should stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail.
Source: NY DMV, Commercial Driver's Manual, Railroad-Highway Crossings
6. Why do large commercial vehicles need a longer following distance than passenger cars?
The added weight and size of a commercial vehicle increase the distance needed to stop safely, so more following distance is needed.
Source: NY DMV, Commercial Driver's Manual, Space Management
7. Why must a commercial driver perform a pre-trip inspection before operating the vehicle?
A thorough pre-trip inspection catches mechanical problems before they cause a breakdown or crash on the road.
Source: NY DMV, Commercial Driver's Manual, Vehicle Inspection