Tennessee CDL Combination Practice Test (TN) 2

5 out of 5 (62 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
Enhance your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preparation with this Tennessee permit practice test, designed to boost your knowledge and confidence for the real test. This TN CDL combination test features 20 multiple-choice questions covering vital topics such as inspection procedures, safe driving practices, air brake systems, and more. You'll need to answer at least 16 questions correctly to pass. Each question on this Tennessee combination CDL test comes with immediate feedback and detailed explanations, ensuring you understand why an answer is right or wrong, which is crucial for your learning process. This practice permit test is tailored specifically to TN's rules and regulations, helping you become familiar with the local driving laws and road signs. Tennessee offers diverse driving conditions, from the bustling urban streets of Nashville to the winding mountain roads in the Great Smoky Mountains. Understanding how to navigate these varied terrains safely is essential for any commercial driver. For example, recognizing the risks of jackknifing is critical, especially when driving through the hilly areas of East TN. This situation occurs when the trailer swings out of alignment with the tractor, often due to sudden braking. Learning to avoid jackknifing through smooth braking and careful handling is vital for safe driving. The DMV permit test practice provides a stress-free environment where you can focus on learning without the pressure of the actual written permit test. This relaxed setting allows you to absorb the material at your own pace, making it easier to retain the information. By repeatedly taking this combination CDL practice test, you can track your progress and identify areas where you need more study, ultimately increasing your chances of passing the real test on your first try. Prepare yourself thoroughly with this Tennessee permit test practice and ensure you're well-equipped to handle the unique driving challenges across the state. Whether you're navigating the busy highways of Memphis or the rural roads of West TN, this Tennessee combination CDL test is your key to becoming a knowledgeable and confident commercial driver.
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Sample Tennessee Combination Test Questions

Question 1

When standard color coding is used on combination-vehicle air lines, which colors identify the emergency and service lines?

  1. A Emergency black; service yellow
  2. B Emergency blue; service red
  3. C Emergency red; service blue
  4. D Both lines are yellow

Correct answer: C – Emergency red; service blue

When air lines are color-coded, red identifies the emergency or supply line and blue identifies the service line. These colors help prevent the glad hands from being connected incorrectly. Some equipment may instead use metal tags stamped with “service” and “emergency,” so drivers must verify the line identification.

Source: Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.2.5, “Hose Couplers (Glad Hands)”

Question 2

Before backing a tractor fully under a semitrailer, when is the trailer at the proper height?

  1. A The fifth wheel will pass completely below the kingpin
  2. B The kingpin is several inches above the fifth wheel
  3. C The bottom of the kingpin is level with the fifth-wheel top
  4. D The tractor will raise the trailer slightly as it backs under

Correct answer: D – The tractor will raise the trailer slightly as it backs under

The trailer should be low enough that the tractor raises it slightly while backing underneath. If the trailer is too high, it may not couple correctly; if it is too low, the tractor may strike and damage the trailer nose. The Tennessee coupling procedure directs the driver to adjust the trailer height before connecting.

Source: Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.4.1, “Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers,” Step 6

Question 3

Before driving, it is sufficient to raise the landing gear only until it clears the pavement. True or false?

  1. A True
  2. B False

Correct answer: B – False

The landing gear must be raised all the way before the combination vehicle is driven. Landing gear left partly down may catch on railroad tracks or other objects. Once it is fully raised, secure the crank handle so it cannot swing or come loose.

Source: Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.4.1, “Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers,” Step 15

Question 4

What is the first listed step when coupling a tractor to a semitrailer?

  1. A Connect the trailer air lines
  2. B Inspect the fifth wheel
  3. C Back completely under the trailer
  4. D Raise the front of the trailer

Correct answer: B – Inspect the fifth wheel

The first coupling step is to inspect the fifth wheel. Check for damaged or missing parts, confirm that its mounting to the tractor is secure, and make sure the plate is properly greased. These checks must be completed before proceeding with the remaining coupling steps.

Source: Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.4.1, “Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers,” Step 1

Question 5

In a fifth-wheel coupling, what is the kingpin?

  1. A The trailer pin held by the fifth-wheel locking jaws
  2. B The fitting that joins the service and emergency air lines
  3. C The pin that fastens a wheel to its axle
  4. D The locking pin for the landing-gear crank

Correct answer: A – The trailer pin held by the fifth-wheel locking jaws

The kingpin is the trailer coupling pin that enters the fifth wheel. The fifth-wheel locking jaws must close around the kingpin's shank rather than its head. A proper coupling inspection also confirms that the kingpin is not damaged and that the locking mechanism is engaged.

Source: Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.5.1, “Additional Things to Check during a Walk-around Inspection”

Question 6

Why must the trailer hand valve not be used for parking, especially on a trailer without spring brakes?

  1. A Air can leak away and release the trailer brakes
  2. B The valve can permanently damage the trailer tires
  3. C The valve prevents the landing gear from operating
  4. D The valve disconnects the trailer air lines

Correct answer: A – Air can leak away and release the trailer brakes

Air may leak out when the trailer hand valve is used to hold a trailer without spring brakes, allowing the brakes to release. The Tennessee manual directs drivers to use the parking brakes when parking. If the trailer has no spring brakes, wheel chocks are also required to keep it from moving.

Source: Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.2.1, “Trailer Hand Valve”

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