Image: Kali9 / E+ / Getty Images
About This Quiz
Trucking can be an incredible experience. Who wouldn't want to cruise along down the open road? While that is an upside to the job, it's important to recognize that there is a lot more to it. If you want to ace this quiz, you've got to prove you know the ins and outs of the job!
Truckers have their own ways of communicating and getting things done which are different from your average, everyday driver. One listen to the CB radio can leave you wondering what was just said! If you know the slang, then you're one step ahead. But do you also know the laws? What about the unwritten rules of life on the road? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then get ready to prove that you know it all! From the tools, laws and things you'll have to do as part of the job, this quiz covers it all.
It's time to show the world that you can handle the life of driving a truck! If you consider yourself a trucker, or an honorary truck driver, then it's time to prove how much you know about the world of trucking. Take the quiz to see if you're prepared for the open road!
The abbreviation "CDL" means what?
Constant Driving License
Corrective Driver's License
Commercial Driver's License
A CDL is something that drivers must have in order to operate their rig legally in the United States. In order to get your CDL, you have to be at least 18 years old.
Community Driving Limits
Advertisement
Do you know what a "Kojak with a Kodak" refers to?
A cop with a radar gun
This is common truck driver lingo for a cop with a radar gun. Truckers have some fun and interesting language that they use often!
A traffic sign
A traffic camera
Someone with a dash camera
Advertisement
"Practical mileage" is what?
To take detours on the road
To send your employer your mileage each day
To be paid by the most efficient distance
If you're paid by practical mileage, it means that you'll receive pay for the most efficient route to your destination. Often, truckers will be paid by each mile they travel, and some can even be paid hourly.
To reset your mileage
Advertisement
What is one very difficult task a truck driver must learn?
How to drive on the highway
How to change lanes
How to back up
Backing up is one of the more difficult tasks that a truck driver must learn to do. Driving a vehicle so large and with many large blindspots can be nerve-racking, but there are some techniques that can help drivers complete the task easier.
How to drive in the countryside
Advertisement
It's important to think ahead. What item might you need while on the road?
A sun visor
A GPS
Sometimes you might have trouble finding your destination, so a GPS or map can make your life a little easier. Put it in your essentials to help yourself out and make life on the road a little easier!
A stove
A phone book
Advertisement
"ATA" stands for what?
Ask Truckers Anything
Avoiding Trouble in America
American Tailgaters Arrest
American Truckers Associations
This is the head of all of the truckers associations around the United States. They work to help truck drivers have better experiences and fight for them in matters of the road.
Advertisement
The abbreviation "OTR" stands for what?
On the run
Other run
On the road
Over the road
OTR stands for "Over the road" which is a term for drivers who are often on the road for longer periods of time. If you're starting out as a driver, it is likely that you might hold an OTR position until you have a bit more experience.
Advertisement
What must you go through in order to become a truck driver?
Truck Driving School
Just as we go through regular Driver's Education, truck drivers must go through their own course. Truck driving is a skill that is similar in some ways to regular driving, but in most ways is totally different. There are many more things that have to be learned about safety in a large vehicle that may not apply as much to a regular vehicle.
Off-road driver's training
A government screening
An IQ test
Advertisement
Is it true or false that you can take a mini-fridge with you on the road?
True
This is true. Many truckers try to eat as healthy as they can and prepare their own food and drink before leaving. Bringing a mini-fridge or cooler along makes it that much easier!
False
Advertisement
If something happens to your truck, what could be handy to have with you, especially in the dark?
A snow brush
A phone charger
A flashlight
If something happens to your truck, you'll need to see if you can find the problem. You'll be thankful that you have one with you, especially if your issue takes place at night.
A chain
Advertisement
Where are the blind spots on a rig?
Behind the truck
In front of the truck
On the side of the truck
All of the above
A truck has many blind spots to be aware of. In the very front of the truck, a driver typically can't see if there is a car there creating danger if a car cuts too close. Directly behind the truck is also a dangerous spot to be, while the same can be said for both sides.
Advertisement
As truckers have lots of different slang, what might a trucker call a cop?
A dog
A bear
If you hear a trucker talking about a bear, don’t be alarmed! They’re only talking about the police, not the large animal in the forest. Watch out for that bear in the air.
An eagle
A pelican
Advertisement
What is one downside to managing your rig?
Being able to make it your own
Having to bring it back to the shop when you're done with it
Having to fix it
In order to make sure your trips go smoothly, it's important to make sure your rig is in top shape. Unfortunately, this can take away from some of your work hours at times, meaning it's important to get things done as quickly as you can.
You have to keep it stocked
Advertisement
Of the following, what is a good habit to get into for truck drivers as well as regular drivers?
Check your mirrors.
Your mirrors help you to see places that you wouldn’t be able to normally. Utilize them! It can help you understand where everyone is positioned around you and help you avoid accidents before they have a chance to happen.
Drive with a friend.
Check your rearview.
Change lanes as much as possible.
Advertisement
While on the road, a trucker must have their meals and amenities. What might a company offer to pay for this?
Entertainment pay
Health expenses
Per diem pay
This is a form of allowance that some companies pay for. However, even if the company you work for doesn't pay for it, you're still in luck! You can deduct all of these expenses off your income tax at the end of the year.
Living expenses
Advertisement
How many hours can a driver operate a vehicle in a day?
8 hours
2 hours
11 hours
11 hours a day is the maximum that a driver can operate a vehicle. These limits are set to ensure the safety of the driver and to make sure that the items can make it to their destinations as well.
As many as they like.
Advertisement
Which of the following should you not do if you are on the road?
Pick up hitchhikers.
Did you know that it is acceptable for truck drivers to travel with another person? This however does not apply to a hitchhiker. Anyone traveling with the driver must be approved by their company first.
Check your tires.
Look at the scenery.
Check your mirrors.
Advertisement
Who might a truck driver call a "bumper sticker"?
A bad driver
A truck with a large load
A tailgater
Coming from the fact that a car would be dangerously close to the bumper of the truck, drivers call tailgaters “bumper stickers”. It is not wise to tailgate a truck, as you cannot see around them when you are so close.
A cop
Advertisement
Sometimes you can't predict the elements. What can happen to a truck in bad weather?
The windshield can make things invisible.
The tires can become bald.
It can jackknife.
A truck is difficult to operate in good weather, let alone the bad weather. There is an added danger that the truck can jackknife due to the bad weather, meaning you should give the truck as much room as you can when driving near one.
Nothing
Advertisement
This is a trucking term used for a logging truck. What is it?
Timber
Tree trunks
A load of lumber
Toothpicks
When you look at a logging truck, you can probably see the resemblance to toothpicks! You can use this next time you’re on the road to describe one.
Advertisement
Is it true or false that in bad weather, truck drivers use chains around their tires?
True
This is true. The chains on the tires are helpful in bad weather, as they can allow for more traction. The chains can be life savers in times of snow, or when in the mountains.
False
Advertisement
What can driving a truck for a living put a strain on?
Relationships
When you drive a truck for a living, you're away from home quite a bit. That means you can miss a lot, such as birthdays and anniversaries. The truck driving life isn't for everyone.
Money
Time for yourself
Nothing
Advertisement
What is the start time for most truckers?
8 a.m.
10 a.m.
12 a.m.
Whenever you want
As a trucker, you don't necessarily have a set start time. You can choose when you drive yourself as the important part is to just make it to your destination on time and safely.
Advertisement
What might an employer do to regulate your speed?
Call the police
Install a dash camera
Put a cap on your speedometer
Some employers cap the speed that your truck can go for many reasons. Often, truckers will fight these caps in order to make roads safer.
Nothing
Advertisement
"Motion lotion" refers to what?
Oil
Car washes
Diesel fuel
Another trucker term, motion lotion is used to refer to diesel fuel. Truckers often use diesel fuel because it is often much cheaper than regular fuel. This type of fuel is also perfect for the purpose of hauling large loads.
Brake fluid
Advertisement
Can you name a trick that truckers use to help stay awake?
Spray their face with water
Sing
Turn on bright lights inside the cab
Take short naps when tired
Truckers will often pull over to get a few minutes of sleep in order to keep themselves from falling asleep at the wheel. It's worth the wait, as they can stay safe and keep others on the road safe as well by taking care of themselves.
Advertisement
In case of emergency, what should you bring on the road with you?
A sleeping bag
Extra clothes
Air pumps
A first aid kit
You never know when disaster could strike on the road, either for you or another driver. If you have a first aid kit on hand, you're that much more prepared with the basics to help yourself or others.
Advertisement
Your truck can be your home for short periods of time. What is one way that you can make your rig a little more comfortable for yourself?
Keep it clean.
As a truck driver, you spend a lot of time inside your truck. One way to make it a little more comfortable is to try and keep it clean by eliminating clutter every day and thoroughly cleaning it once a week.
Install a recliner.
Bring a television along.
Get seat warmers.
Advertisement
This a must have for a trucker while driving. What is it?
A cooler
A hat
A mounted cellphone holder
When you're on the road, you can't use your phone while driving, and might find it hard to keep in touch with family. With a mounted cellphone holder, you can speak with your loved ones back home hands-free, and safely.
A seat cover
Advertisement
While life on the road can be incredible, what is one downside to being a trucker?
It can be unhealthy.
Since you're always on the road, it can be difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle as a trucker. Sometimes you might have no choice but to eat at a fast food restaurant, and you'll find that you sit for a large majority of the day.
It isn't fun.
It involves waiting on others.
There is no compensation for a job well done.
Advertisement
When driving your rig, what is one thing you should do to try and keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe?
Stay in the right lane.
It's a good idea for truckers to try and stay in the right lane as much as possible in their travels. Sometimes, cars may try to pass on the right and they can be very difficult to see in your mirrors. This could easily cause an accident, so it's best to try and avoid this all together.
Drive very slow.
Take it easy on the highway.
Use a dash cam.
Advertisement
What is one thing to be prepared for when becoming a truck driver?
Long hours
The life of a truck driver consists of working long hours for smaller periods of time. Fortunately, as a driver you will get a nice little break to relax between trips that you will have to make.
Annoyed customers
Traffic
Lots of company
Advertisement
Someone who listens to the CB radio but never speaks is referred to as what?
Reading the mail
These drivers are known to be “reading the mail” by truckers terms! Maybe they’re just interested in what’s going on in the open road or maybe they are just shy and don't want to speak.
The bird watcher
The quiet one
Headphones
Advertisement
You need to have many skills as a trucker. Which of the following skills are very important while on the job?
Quick reaction time
Teamwork
Performance skills
Communication skills
Communication is extremely important as a truck driver. You have many people you'll have to communicate with including the customer, your dispatcher and fellow truck drivers on the road.
Advertisement
What is very important to keep an eye on while driving?
The cars behind you
The GPS
The tires
If you're a truck driver, you've likely purchased yourself a good tire monitoring system. This is great for monitoring the pressure in your tires to make sure that they are working at their peak performance for your trip.
Your laptop
Advertisement
You Got:
/35
