1. Chapter 9 General Information for Class D “Chauffeur’s” License

2. Class “D” Chauffeur’s License This license permits the operation of any single vehicle used in commerce if the vehicle… This license permits the operation of any single vehicle used in commerce if the vehicle… Has a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 or more lbs but less than 26,001 Has a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 or more lbs but less than 26,001 Has a combination of vehicles if they have a combined gross weight of 10,001 or more lbs but less than 26,001 lbs inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 lbs and not utilized in the transportation of hazardous materials. Has a combination of vehicles if they have a combined gross weight of 10,001 or more lbs but less than 26,001 lbs inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 lbs and not utilized in the transportation of hazardous materials.

3. Class “D” Chauffeur’s License This license may be used for transportation of passengers for hire or fee provided the usage thereof does not fall within the definition of vehicles in classes “A”, “B”, or “C”. This license may be used for transportation of passengers for hire or fee provided the usage thereof does not fall within the definition of vehicles in classes “A”, “B”, or “C”. A class “D” license allows for operation of those vehicles in the class “E” category. A class “D” license allows for operation of those vehicles in the class “E” category. You must be at least 17 years of age to obtain a Class “D” license. You must be at least 17 years of age to obtain a Class “D” license.

4. Vehicle Size Maximum width: Maximum width: 8 feet (ft.) for most vehicles. The load will not project more than 6 inches (in.) beyond the width of the body. 8 feet (ft.) for most vehicles. The load will not project more than 6 inches (in.) beyond the width of the body. 8 ft. 6 in. for buses. 8 ft. 6 in. for buses. Maximum height: Maximum height: 13 ft. 6 in. for all vehicles (Some overpasses or other structures have clearance of LESS than 13’6”). 13 ft. 6 in. for all vehicles (Some overpasses or other structures have clearance of LESS than 13’6”). Maximum length: Maximum length: 40 ft. for any single vehicle (including the load). 40 ft. for any single vehicle (including the load). 65 ft. for truck-tractor and trailer combination. 65 ft. for truck-tractor and trailer combination. These limits do not apply to auto carriers, trailers hauling poles or pilings, or trailers hauling logs when operating during daylight hours. These limits do not apply to auto carriers, trailers hauling poles or pilings, or trailers hauling logs when operating during daylight hours.

5. Loads Securing loads: Securing loads: Contents must not be allowed to drop, shift, leak or otherwise escape. Contents must not be allowed to drop, shift, leak or otherwise escape. The load must be securely fastened so the covering or load does not come loose, or in any manner become a hazard to other motorists. The load must be securely fastened so the covering or load does not come loose, or in any manner become a hazard to other motorists. Loads must not extend more than 4 ft. to the front of the vehicle or more than 8 ft. beyond the rear of the vehicle except poles, pilings and logs may project 15 ft. beyond the rearmost part of the trailer. If it does extend past 4 ft., a red flag 12 in. square must be attached during daylight hours. At night, a red light must be attached, visible from at least 500 ft. away. Loads must not extend more than 4 ft. to the front of the vehicle or more than 8 ft. beyond the rear of the vehicle except poles, pilings and logs may project 15 ft. beyond the rearmost part of the trailer. If it does extend past 4 ft., a red flag 12 in. square must be attached during daylight hours. At night, a red light must be attached, visible from at least 500 ft. away.

6. Driving Maximum speed for any vehicle in LA is 70 mph except: Maximum speed for any vehicle in LA is 70 mph except: When pulling or towing another motor vehicle the sped limit is 45 mph. When pulling or towing another motor vehicle the sped limit is 45 mph. School buses are limited to 35 mph when frequently stopping to load or unload children. School buses are limited to 35 mph when frequently stopping to load or unload children. Where a lower speed limit is posted. Where a lower speed limit is posted.

7. Following Distance On rural highways outside business or residential areas, drivers of motor trucks must not follow within 400 ft. of one another except to pass On rural highways outside business or residential areas, drivers of motor trucks must not follow within 400 ft. of one another except to pass Also, high beam headlights must be dimmed no less than 500 ft. from oncoming traffic and 200 ft. of a vehicle being followed. Also, high beam headlights must be dimmed no less than 500 ft. from oncoming traffic and 200 ft. of a vehicle being followed.

8. Coasting You must not let your vehicle coast downhill with the clutch disengaged. You must not let your vehicle coast downhill with the clutch disengaged. You must not let your vehicle coast downhill with the gear in neutral You must not let your vehicle coast downhill with the gear in neutral

9. Railroad Stops You must stop within 50 ft. but not closer than 15 ft. from the nearest rail. You must stop within 50 ft. but not closer than 15 ft. from the nearest rail. You must not change gears until you have completely crossed over the tracks. You must not change gears until you have completely crossed over the tracks. This will not apply to street-rail crossings within a business or residential district. This will not apply to street-rail crossings within a business or residential district.

10. Equipment Fire Extinguisher Fire Extinguisher Fenders and Mudguards Fenders and Mudguards Warning Equipment Warning Equipment

11. Fire Extinguishers Vehicles transporting passengers for hire must be equipped with at least a 2-BC fire extinguisher, completely filled and in working condition. Vehicles transporting passengers for hire must be equipped with at least a 2-BC fire extinguisher, completely filled and in working condition. Tow trucks must be equipped with at least one 4- BC fire extinguisher capable of extinguishing flammable liquid fires, completely filled and in working condition. Tow trucks must be equipped with at least one 4- BC fire extinguisher capable of extinguishing flammable liquid fires, completely filled and in working condition. Motor vehicles transporting explosives must be equipped with at least 1 fire extinguisher with a rating of at least 10-BC, completely filled and in working condition. Motor vehicles transporting explosives must be equipped with at least 1 fire extinguisher with a rating of at least 10-BC, completely filled and in working condition.

12. Fenders and Mudguards Every truck must have a device (“mud flap”) to minimize the spray or splash of water or mud or loose road surface material to the rear. Every truck must have a device (“mud flap”) to minimize the spray or splash of water or mud or loose road surface material to the rear.

13. Warning Equipment Freight carrying vehicles and passenger buses must carry: Freight carrying vehicles and passenger buses must carry: Three (3) flares, 3 electric red lanterns OR 3 red portable reflectors. Three (3) flares, 3 electric red lanterns OR 3 red portable reflectors. Two (2) 12-inch square red cloth flags with standards. Two (2) 12-inch square red cloth flags with standards. Trucks carrying explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gasses or using compressed gas as a fuel must use red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors only. Flares or fuses are not allowed. Trucks carrying explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gasses or using compressed gas as a fuel must use red electric lanterns or red emergency reflectors only. Flares or fuses are not allowed. Use equipment immediately when you break down. Use equipment immediately when you break down. Place 1 signal 100 ft. behind and 100 ft. forward of the truck in the center of the lane or shoulder. Place 1 signal 100 ft. behind and 100 ft. forward of the truck in the center of the lane or shoulder. The 3 rd signal must be on the traffic side of the truck 10 ft. to the front or rear. The 3 rd signal must be on the traffic side of the truck 10 ft. to the front or rear.

14. Trailers and Towed Vehicles When towing another vehicle, the draw bar or other connection will be of sufficient strength to pull all towed weight and will not exceed 15 ft. When towing another vehicle, the draw bar or other connection will be of sufficient strength to pull all towed weight and will not exceed 15 ft. An exception: An exception: Distance can exceed 15 ft. when transporting poles, pipes, machinery or other objects which cannot be readily dismembered. Distance can exceed 15 ft. when transporting poles, pipes, machinery or other objects which cannot be readily dismembered.

15. Mirrors A rear view mirror must reflect a view of the highway for a distance of 200 ft. to the rear. A rear view mirror must reflect a view of the highway for a distance of 200 ft. to the rear. This is regardless of the load of the vehicle. This is regardless of the load of the vehicle.

16. Lights No motor vehicle will be driven when any of the required lamps or reflectors are obscured by the tailboard, by any part of the load, by dirt or otherwise. No motor vehicle will be driven when any of the required lamps or reflectors are obscured by the tailboard, by any part of the load, by dirt or otherwise. Tail lights must be visible for 1000 ft. to the rear. Tail lights must be visible for 1000 ft. to the rear. Reflectors must be visible from 600 ft. Reflectors must be visible from 600 ft. Clearance lights must be visible from 500 ft. Clearance lights must be visible from 500 ft.

17. Brakes All trailers or semi-trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 3000 lbs or more must be equipped with brakes adequate to stop and hold it. All trailers or semi-trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 3000 lbs or more must be equipped with brakes adequate to stop and hold it. Care should be used to avoid excessive use of brakes on long downgrades. Care should be used to avoid excessive use of brakes on long downgrades. Drivers should use engine compression as the principal means of controlling speed on long grades. Drivers should use engine compression as the principal means of controlling speed on long grades. If your brakes should fail on a level road, you should downshift and use engine compression to slow down. If your brakes should fail on a level road, you should downshift and use engine compression to slow down.

18. Air Brakes Air brakes use compressed air to make the brakes work. Air brakes use compressed air to make the brakes work. They are a safe way of stopping large vehicles and are 3 braking systems combined: They are a safe way of stopping large vehicles and are 3 braking systems combined: The service brake system refers to the use of the brake pedal during normal driving. The service brake system refers to the use of the brake pedal during normal driving. The parking brake system refers to the use of the parking brakes control. The parking brake system refers to the use of the parking brakes control. The emergency brake system refers to the use of part of the service and parking brake’s system to stop the vehicle in the event of a brake system failure. The emergency brake system refers to the use of part of the service and parking brake’s system to stop the vehicle in the event of a brake system failure.

19. Parts of an Air Brake System Air Compressor Air Compressor Air Compressor Governor Air Compressor Governor Air Storage Tanks Air Storage Tanks Air Tank Drains (2 types) Air Tank Drains (2 types) Safety Valve Safety Valve Brake Pedal Brake Pedal Supply Pressure Gauges Supply Pressure Gauges Application Pressure Gauge Application Pressure Gauge Low air Pressure Warning Low air Pressure Warning Spring Brakes Spring Brakes Parking Brake Controls Parking Brake Controls

20. Inspecting the Air Brake System The following 3 part air brake check must be performed: The following 3 part air brake check must be performed: Step 1: With the engine running, build the air pressure to governed cut-out (100-125 psi). Check the air gauge to see if the pressure drops more than 3 lbs in one minute. Step 1: With the engine running, build the air pressure to governed cut-out (100-125 psi). Check the air gauge to see if the pressure drops more than 3 lbs in one minute. Step 2: Turn the key to the “on” position (without starting the engine). Fan off the air pressure by rapidly applying and releasing the food brake. Low air warning devices should activate before pressure drops below 60 psi. Step 2: Turn the key to the “on” position (without starting the engine). Fan off the air pressure by rapidly applying and releasing the food brake. Low air warning devices should activate before pressure drops below 60 psi. Step 3: Continue o fan off the air pressure. At approximately 20-40 psi, the parking brake valve should close (pop out). Step 3: Continue o fan off the air pressure. At approximately 20-40 psi, the parking brake valve should close (pop out).

21. Inspecting the Air Brake System cont. The following items must also be inspected prior to operating a vehicle equipped with air brakes: The following items must also be inspected prior to operating a vehicle equipped with air brakes: Air compressor drive belt. Air compressor drive belt. Manual slack adjusters on S-cam brakes. Manual slack adjusters on S-cam brakes. Brake drums (or discs), linings and hoses. Brake drums (or discs), linings and hoses. Rate of air pressure buildup. Rate of air pressure buildup. Air compressor governor cut-in and cut-out pressures. Air compressor governor cut-in and cut-out pressures. Test parking brake Test parking brake Test service brake. Test service brake.

22. Using the Air Brakes Emergency Stops Emergency Stops Stopping Distance Stopping Distance Low Air Pressure Warning Low Air Pressure Warning Brake Fading or Failure Brake Fading or Failure Parking Brakes Parking Brakes

23. Emergency Stops Brake so your vehicle stays in a straight line. Use one of the following 2 methods: Brake so your vehicle stays in a straight line. Use one of the following 2 methods: Controlled braking – put on brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels (don’t turn wheel). Controlled braking – put on brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels (don’t turn wheel). Stab braking Stab braking Press the brake pedal as hard as you can. Press the brake pedal as hard as you can. Release the brakes when the wheels lock up. Release the brakes when the wheels lock up. As soon as the wheels start rolling, put on the brakes fully again. As soon as the wheels start rolling, put on the brakes fully again.

24. Stopping Distance Air brakes take a little more time (one half second or more) for the air to flow through the lines to the brakes. Air brakes take a little more time (one half second or more) for the air to flow through the lines to the brakes. The total stopping distance for vehicles with air brake systems is made up of 4 different factors: The total stopping distance for vehicles with air brake systems is made up of 4 different factors: Perception distance Perception distance Reaction distance Reaction distance Brake lag distance Brake lag distance Effective braking distance Effective braking distance

25. Low Air Pressure Warning If the low air pressure warning comes on… If the low air pressure warning comes on… Stop your vehicle Stop your vehicle Safely park your vehicle as soon as possible Safely park your vehicle as soon as possible

26. Brake Fading or Failure Brakes can fade or fail from excessive heat caused by using them too much and not relying on the engine braking effect or improper adjustment. Brakes can fade or fail from excessive heat caused by using them too much and not relying on the engine braking effect or improper adjustment.

27. Parking Brakes Any time you park, use the parking brakes unless: Any time you park, use the parking brakes unless: The brakes are vey hot (from having come down a steep grade). The brakes are vey hot (from having come down a steep grade). The brakes are very wet in freezing temperatures. The brakes are very wet in freezing temperatures. NOTE: For more complete and detailed information about air brakes, please refer to the Louisiana Driver’s Manual for Commercial Vehicle Driver Licensing. NOTE: For more complete and detailed information about air brakes, please refer to the Louisiana Driver’s Manual for Commercial Vehicle Driver Licensing.