CDL Steering, Shifting and Backing Practice Test

Slowing down and selecting the lower gear before a curve lets you apply some power through the bend, which keeps the vehicle stable, and lets you accelerate on the way out. On a downgrade you likewise shift down before the descent begins, and a double-clutch downshift calls for raising, not lowering, the rpm while in neutral.

The parking brake is what holds a parked vehicle in place, so set it every time you get out, even when the ground looks level. Turning the wheel hard left is not a general rule, and the engine should not be left running.

Backing toward the driver's side lets you look straight back along the vehicle from your own window. Backing toward the right, or blind, side is much riskier because you see far less.

Forcing an automatic transmission down a gear at high speed can damage it and leave you with no engine braking at all, which is especially dangerous on a downgrade. Select the lower range before starting down a grade, while your speed is still low.

Setting the parking brake keeps the vehicle from rolling while you are away from it; you should also turn off the engine and take your key with you.

From the driver's seat you can look out the side window and watch the rear of the vehicle as you back, a far better view than the mirrors alone give you when backing toward the right. It is a safety practice rather than a legal requirement, and using a helper is still recommended.

Most heavy vehicles with a manual transmission call for double clutching: press the clutch and shift to neutral, let the clutch out while engine speed adjusts to the next gear, then press the clutch again and move into that gear.

Abrupt starts strain the engine and driveline and, when you are pulling a trailer, the coupling as well, so speed up smoothly and gradually. A jerky feel is a sign of poor technique, and on slick surfaces extra power just makes the drive wheels spin.

When the drive wheels spin, they have broken loose from the road surface. Taking your foot off the pedal lets them slow down and bite again, whereas extra power just makes them spin faster and can send the vehicle sliding sideways.

A retarder adds slowing force without the service brakes, so you apply those brakes less often, which keeps them cooler and cuts down on wear.

The parking brake keeps the truck from rolling backward while you let the clutch out and give it power; release the parking brake once there is enough power to keep from rolling back. Riding the clutch wears it out quickly, and letting the truck roll back is dangerous.

Using the mirrors on both sides, not just one, lets you watch both sides of the bus and as much of the area behind it as the mirrors can show while you reverse. Back up slowly and, when possible, post a lookout outside the bus to warn you of people, vehicles, or obstacles.

Rolling back when starting can cause a collision with the vehicle behind you. With a manual transmission, start letting out the clutch before your foot leaves the brake, and leave the parking brake on until the engine is supplying enough power to hold the vehicle in place.

Tip When each technique listed is a sound one, the answer that covers all of them is generally the one to choose.

A firm grip with the hands on opposite sides of the rim, around the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, gives the most leverage for a quick, controlled turn. Hands bunched together cannot turn the wheel as far or as fast.

Mirrors cannot show everything around a large vehicle, so get out and look over the area yourself, checking for people, objects, and clearance overhead and to the sides before you back. Staring straight ahead or trusting the mirrors alone can leave hazards unseen.

A large vehicle has big blind spots, so a helper standing where you can see them can warn you about hazards you cannot see; agree on hand signals first, including one for stop. Back as slowly as possible and check both side mirrors often.

Securing an unattended vehicle takes several steps: set the parking brake so it cannot roll, turn off the engine, and take the keys so no one else can drive it away. Each of the listed actions is part of that routine.

Drivers judge shift points either by engine speed, watching the tachometer for the right rpm, or by road speed, knowing which mph range each gear covers. Traffic, following distance and weather affect how you drive, but they do not tell you when to shift.

Much of the area behind a heavy vehicle is hidden from view, which makes backing risky; plan routes and parking spots that let you pull forward whenever you can. When you must back, back toward the driver's side and use a helper who stays in sight and gives hand signals you both agreed on.

Reversing a big vehicle is risky even with someone guiding you, so the best plan is to arrange routes and parking so that you seldom need to back up. When backing cannot be avoided, keep your helper in view and back toward the driver's side, where you can see better.

Buckle up on every trip, no matter your speed, the distance, or your employer's rules. The belt holds you in the driver's seat so you can stay in control during a hard stop, a sudden swerve, or a crash.

Wheels that spin have lost traction, and adding power only makes the spin worse. Letting up on the accelerator allows the tires to stop spinning and grip again, while a lower gear would send even more turning force to the wheels.

You can time a shift by watching the tachometer for the right rpm or by learning which road speeds suit each gear. The oil pressure gauge warns you about engine lubrication and plays no part in choosing a gear.

While double clutching, the tachometer shows when engine rpm is in the right range to shift; you can also go by road speed. Double clutching is the normal way to shift a non-synchronized transmission, whatever the load or road surface.

Set the parking brake each time you park, on level ground or a slope, so the vehicle cannot roll away. It is not a tool for hard stops or for driving in bad weather.

A retarder is a separate device that holds the vehicle back, so it slows you down and lets you lean less on the service brakes, which means less brake wear and an extra way to control your speed.

A large vehicle has big blind spots behind it, so plan where you park and stop so that you can pull forward instead of backing. If you must reverse, curve toward the driver's side where you can see best, and use a helper who stays in view and gives hand signals you agreed on beforehand.

A belt protects you only when it is buckled, so wear it on every trip, short or long, at any speed and in any seat; it keeps you in place and in control and greatly lowers your risk of serious injury in a crash.

When you back toward the driver's side, you can see the back of your vehicle straight through the side window rather than depending on mirrors alone. You still need to back up slowly and keep checking both mirrors.