Ask X3What does 49 CFR 383.111 (Required knowledge) require?
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As a motor-carrier owner, you must ensure your commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators have the required knowledge across specific areas outlined in 49 CFR 383.111.
Depending on the type of vehicles your drivers operate, the required knowledge includes:
* All CMV Operators: Must have knowledge of 20 general areas, including safe operations regulations (parts 391–397), safe vehicle control and safety systems, basic control and shifting, backing, visual search, communication, speed and space management, night operation, extreme driving conditions, hazard perceptions, emergency maneuvers, skid control and recovery, cargo handling and weight distribution, vehicle inspections, hazardous materials requirements, mountain driving, and fatigue management/staying alert.
* Drivers of Vehicles with Air Brakes: Must also have knowledge of 7 specific air brake areas, including system nomenclature, dangers of contaminated air, implications of severed lines or low pressure, pre-trip/en-route/post-trip inspection procedures (including warning alarms and air loss tests), and general operating practices like proper braking techniques, antilock brakes, emergency stops, and parking brakes.
* Drivers of Combination Vehicles: Must also have knowledge of 3 specific combination vehicle areas: proper coupling and uncoupling procedures, unique vehicle safety inspection procedures for combination vehicles, and general operating practices (including safely operating combination vehicles and air brakes).