Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

3 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Vehicles built since which year come equipped with automatic slack adjusters?

   Correct answer: 1994

   Since 1994, every vehicle has come with automatic slack adjusters, though they still must be checked rather than routinely adjusted by hand.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 5.3.2: Walk-around Inspection

2. 2. According to the manual, what is the most common defect found during roadside inspections?

   Correct answer: Brakes that are out of adjustment

   Roadside inspections turn up out-of-adjustment brakes more than any other defect, which is why the slack adjusters deserve a careful look.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 5.3.2: Walk-around Inspection

3. 3. Federal rules require which feature on air-brake truck tractors manufactured on or after March 1, 1997?

   Correct answer: Antilock braking systems (ABS)

   ABS is mandated on air-brake truck tractors made on or after March 1, 1997; other air-brake vehicles are covered when made on or after March 1, 1998.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 5.1.16: Antilock Braking Systems (ABS)