RV and trailer law test (noncommercial Class A and B) · California DMV
RV types and equipment
Questions and answers
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What size range does the handbook give for conventional trailers?
13 to 35 feet
Conventional trailers vary in size from 13 to 35 feet.
Types of RVs · Types of RVs ↗ -
What length range does the handbook give for fifth-wheel trailers?
17 to 40 feet
Fifth-wheels vary in length from 17 to 40 feet.
Types of RVs · Types of RVs ↗ -
Where is the hitch for a fifth-wheel trailer placed on the towing vehicle?
Centered over the rear axle
A fifth-wheel is coupled to the towing vehicle, usually a pickup, with a hitch centered over the rear axle.
Types of RVs · Types of RVs ↗ -
What may a larger conventional trailer require as its towing vehicle?
A heavier pickup or van
Most conventional trailers can be towed by a small vehicle, but a larger model may need a heavier pickup or van.
Types of RVs · Types of RVs ↗ -
What sets a folding camping trailer apart?
Collapsible sides that fold down for travel
A folding camping trailer has collapsible sides that are folded down for travel and unfolded at the campsite.
Types of RVs · Types of RVs ↗ -
What is the larger type of motor home built on?
A truck chassis
The larger motor home is built on a truck chassis with a gasoline or diesel engine.
Types of RVs · Types of RVs ↗ -
What is a mini-motor home built on?
A modified van chassis
The smaller motor home is built on a modified van chassis and usually has a section over the cab.
Types of RVs · Types of RVs ↗ -
How does a van conversion differ from a van camper?
It is not as fully equipped for camping
A van conversion normally has a bed, dinette, sink and small water supply, but is less fully equipped than a van camper.
Types of RVs · Types of RVs ↗ -
What is a truck camper?
A detachable section carried on a pickup truck
A truck camper is a detachable section designed to be transported on a pickup truck. It is also called a pickup camper or cab over camper.
Types of RVs · Types of RVs ↗ -
What may the larger truck campers require?
A truck with dual-rear wheels
The larger varieties of truck camper may need trucks with dual-rear wheels.
Types of RVs · Types of RVs ↗ -
Between what times must your headlights be on?
From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise
Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Headlight use ↗ -
Headlights are required when you cannot clearly see a person or vehicle at what distance?
1,000 feet
Turn on headlights when visibility is not enough to clearly see a person or vehicle 1,000 feet away.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Headlight use ↗ -
It is raining hard enough that your wipers run continuously in daylight. What must you do?
Turn on your headlights
Weather that requires continuous use of the windshield wipers also requires headlights.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Headlight use ↗ -
May you drive with only your parking lights on?
No, never with only the parking lights
No vehicle may be driven with only parking lights on. They may be used as signals or together with the headlamps.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Headlight use ↗ -
When should you check tire pressure?
When the tires are cold
Tire pressure is checked when the tires are cold.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Tires and Wheels ↗ -
What does under-inflation do?
Reduces fuel economy and load carrying capacity
Under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy and load capacity, and can overheat and blow out.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Tires and Wheels ↗ -
What does over-inflation do?
Increases tire wear and affects handling
Over-inflation increases tire wear, affects handling and can also cause blowouts.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Tires and Wheels ↗ -
In what ways should all tires on the vehicle match?
Size, type and construction
All tires on the vehicle should be of the same size, type and construction.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Tires and Wheels ↗ -
What should you make sure of with dual tires?
That they do not touch each other
Make sure dual tires do not touch.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Tires and Wheels ↗ -
What can cause a tire fire on a vehicle with dual tires?
Running on a flat tire
Tire fires can be caused by running on a flat tire. They are very hard to put out, so inspect tires often.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Tires and Wheels ↗ -
When should a wheel be replaced?
When it is bent, heavily rusted, leaks air or its fasteners keep loosening
Replace wheels that are bent, heavily rusted, cause air leaks or have fasteners that continually loosen.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Tires and Wheels ↗ -
What do improperly balanced wheel and tire combinations cause?
Excessive vibration, tire wear and possible vehicle damage
Poor balance causes excessive vibrations, tire wear and possible damage to the vehicle.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Tires and Wheels ↗ -
Why are exhaust gases deadly?
They contain carbon monoxide
Exhaust gases are deadly because they contain carbon monoxide.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Exhaust System ↗ -
How should rear doors and rear windows be kept while driving?
Closed tightly
Keeping them closed tightly avoids drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Exhaust System ↗ -
You suspect exhaust fumes are entering the passenger compartment. What should you do?
Find the cause and have it corrected as soon as possible
Any time you suspect fumes inside, determine the cause and have it corrected as soon as possible.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Exhaust System ↗ -
When are both left- and right-hand outside mirrors required on the towing vehicle?
When the RV or trailer blocks the driver’s rear vision
Both outside mirrors are required if the RV or trailer obstructs the driver’s view to the rear.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Mirrors ↗ -
How far to the rear should your mirrors let you see?
At least 200 feet
Mirrors should be large enough and positioned for vision at least 200 feet to the rear.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Mirrors ↗ -
How should trailer towing mirrors be adjusted?
The inside edge of the mirror is further out than the outside edge of the trailer
Set towing mirrors so their inside edge is further out than the outside edge of the trailer.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Mirrors ↗ -
What should you be able to see in the convex mirrors?
The rear wheels of the RV or trailer
The rear wheels should be visible in the convex mirrors so you can check for correct tracking.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Mirrors ↗ -
Where is the separate convex mirror mounted?
Below the side mirror
Side mirrors should be as large as practical, with a separate convex mirror mounted below.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Mirrors ↗ -
How far apart should the mirrors be mounted?
As wide apart as possible
Mounting the mirrors as wide apart as possible gives maximum rear vision and easier backing.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Mirrors ↗ -
How should a rear-looking closed circuit TV system be used when backing?
Together with your mirrors
The closed circuit TV system should be used in conjunction with your mirrors.
Equipment and Operating Controls · Rear-Looking TV Systems ↗