My Training instructor wants me to ask five drivers..

Quick answers are: NO and NO.
However I'd like to expand a bit. If you work conscienciously at it you can know enough to stay outta trouble and keep an acceptable record. Keep your eyes and ears open. Find good sources of info. Learn to know BS when you hear it. You can learn lots from other drivers but it isn't a good way to learn the rules. It can sometimes be a way to learn how to deal with the rules. However each of us as drivers have our own version of the rules and what they mean.
I'm a Canadian who has handled oversized loads in both countries since 1975. Each province and state has a different set of oversize rules. I tell drivers all the time "read your permit, don't ask me" cause they'll only learn my version of what to do.
I say the same to you. "Use official versions of the rules" no matter what you're doing. Other drivers can be very helpful but none of us can keep all the rules in our head. I love to help other drivers and give and get other drivers ideas but ya gotta be careful. What comes outta the CB ain't from the DOT!!!!!!

 

I agree, no and no, and ill add, the "rules" are always changing FMCSA publish the green book every year but as soon as they are printed they are out of date, every month there are rule proposals and changes, that wont be put in till next year, so its impossible to know them all...especially on that ASPEN DOT inspection that states "violation of state/local laws"

 

1. Yes, I know the common rules. Such as the HOS rules, highway laws, freight loading + securement + unloading, hazmat rules, route planning, tractor and trailer maintenance and other satefy things ..etc..

2. Not really. But that's why we carry the FMCSA book a long with telephone numbers of state agencies and/or Google for searching up more info.

 

The motor carrier officers don't even know them all and enforcement is their job. It would be impossible for a driver to know them ALL.

 

Yes

No, because some DOT officers make up their own rules.

 

Yup, first time you say "i did it legaly" and you hear "officers discretion, heres your ticket"

 

Yup just like trucking....wait until you deal with a dispatcher !!! :-0

 

yes because my students dont get crap