Montana: Signals and vehicle controls — Trailer Brakes, Clean Windows, Seat and Mirrors Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “A trailer, semi-trailer, or pole trailer with a gross weight in excess of how many pounds must have “break-away” brakes?” · “Which device may no vehicle be equipped with or use, except as permitted for authorized emergency vehicles?”
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Montana Driver Manual" (Revised April 2024), Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division.
All 17 questions in this practice test
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A trailer, semi-trailer, or pole trailer with a gross weight in excess of how many pounds must have “break-away” brakes?
- 1000 pounds
- 5000 pounds
- 8000 pounds
- 3000 pounds
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Correct answer: 3000 pounds
The manual says a trailer with air or vacuum brakes, or a gross weight in excess of 3000 pounds, must have break-away brakes.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 17
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When are “break-away” brakes on a trailer activated?
- If the driver exceeds the posted speed limit
- If the trailer separates from the towing vehicle
- If the trailer’s lights stop working
- If the load on the trailer shifts
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Correct answer: If the trailer separates from the towing vehicle
The manual says break-away brakes are activated if the vehicle is separated from the towing vehicle.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 17
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How must all brakes be adjusted?
- To operate on all wheels equally
- To operate on the rear wheels first
- To operate on the front wheels only
- So that the rear brakes lock first
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Correct answer: To operate on all wheels equally
The manual says all brakes must be adjusted to operate on all wheels equally.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 17
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Which device may no vehicle be equipped with or use, except as permitted for authorized emergency vehicles?
- A horn
- A fog lamp
- A siren
- A muffler
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Correct answer: A siren
The manual says no vehicle may be equipped with or use any siren, whistle, or bell except as permitted for authorized emergency vehicles.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 17
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The fenders, splash aprons, or flaps on the rearmost wheels must extend down to a point not more than how many inches above the highway when the vehicle is empty?
- 10 inches
- 20 inches
- 30 inches
- 40 inches
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Correct answer: 20 inches
The manual says the flaps must extend down to a point not more than 20 inches above the surface of the highway when the vehicle is empty.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 17
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What is the smallest diameter allowed for the safety chain or cable on the front of a trailer of 3000 pounds GVW or less?
- 1/8 inch
- 1/2 inch
- 3/4 inch
- 1/4 inch
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Correct answer: 1/4 inch
The manual says the chain or cable shall be no less than 1/4 inch in diameter.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 17
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What should you use in the window washer bottle in areas where the temperature could fall below freezing?
- Plain water
- Window cleaner with wax
- Antifreeze wash
- Soapy water
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Correct answer: Antifreeze wash
The manual says to use antifreeze wash in the window washer bottle where temperatures could fall below freezing.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 18
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Why should you keep the inside of your windows clean, especially if anyone has been smoking in the vehicle?
- Smoking leaves a film on the inside glass
- Smoke makes the windshield wipers stick
- Smoke fogs the outside of the headlights
- Smoke lowers the air pressure in the tires
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Correct answer: Smoking leaves a film on the inside glass
The manual says smoking causes a film to build up on the inside glass.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 18
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What makes it hard to see when bright sun or headlights hit your windshield?
- A tinted license plate
- A dirty windshield
- A clean rearview mirror
- A full washer bottle
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Correct answer: A dirty windshield
The manual says bright sun or headlights on a dirty windshield make it hard to see.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 18
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Why does the manual say not to hang things from your mirror or clutter up the windshield with decals?
- They could drain the battery
- They could jam the wipers
- They could break the mirror
- They could block your view
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Correct answer: They could block your view
The manual says things hung from the mirror and decals on the windshield could block your view.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 19
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By how much can dirt on the lenses of your headlights, backup, brake, and taillights cut the lights’ effectiveness?
- 50%
- 10%
- 25%
- 75%
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Correct answer: 50%
The manual says dirt on the lenses can cut the lights’ effectiveness by 50%.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 19
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If your seat does not put you high enough to clearly see the road, what does the manual suggest?
- Tilt the rearview mirror downward
- Move the seat as far back as possible
- Use a seat cushion
- Lean toward the steering wheel
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Correct answer: Use a seat cushion
The manual says to adjust the seat high enough to see the road clearly and, if necessary, use a seat cushion.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 19
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What does the manual say about moving the seat forward?
- Move it as far forward as it goes
- Move it forward until your knees touch the dashboard
- Do not move it so far forward that you cannot easily steer
- Seat position does not affect steering
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Correct answer: Do not move it so far forward that you cannot easily steer
The manual says not to move the seat so far forward that you cannot easily steer.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 19
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What should you be able to see with the rearview mirror when it is adjusted properly?
- Out the back window
- The side of your vehicle
- The lane to your left
- The hood of your vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Out the back window
The manual says you should be able to see out the back window with the rearview mirror, and to the sides with the side mirrors.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 19
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What is a good adjustment for the side mirrors?
- Set so you cannot see any part of your own vehicle at all times
- Set so you see only the lane right next to your vehicle
- Set so you must turn your head to see any traffic
- Set so you see the side of your vehicle when leaning forward slightly
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Correct answer: Set so you see the side of your vehicle when leaning forward slightly
The manual says a good adjustment is to set the side mirrors so that when you lean forward slightly, you can see the side of your vehicle.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 19
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How should head restraints be adjusted?
- So the head restraint touches only the neck
- So the head restraint contacts the back of the head
- So the head restraint is as low as it goes
- So the head restraint is a hand’s width behind the head
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Correct answer: So the head restraint contacts the back of the head
The manual says head restraints should be adjusted so they contact the back of the head.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 19
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What are head restraints designed to prevent?
- Whiplash if you are hit from behind
- Windshield glare in bright sun
- Injury from the airbag
- Seat belt burns
Show answer
Correct answer: Whiplash if you are hit from behind
The manual says head restraints are designed to prevent whiplash if you are hit from behind.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), page 19