Basic Vehicle Control Skills and Backing Flashcards
7 cards from real CDL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Basic Vehicle Control Skills and Backing flashcards as text
How can you keep a vehicle with a manual transmission from rolling back when you start on a hill?
Answer: Partly engage the clutch before taking your right foot off the brake
Partly engaging the clutch before you release the brake gives enough power to hold the vehicle as you start.
On a grade, when should you use the parking brake to keep from rolling back?
Answer: Apply it whenever needed and release it only once the engine has enough power
Hold the vehicle with the parking brake and release it only when you have engaged enough engine power to keep from rolling back.
How should you hold the steering wheel for best control?
Answer: Firmly with both hands, on opposite sides of the wheel
Two hands on opposite sides of the wheel give the most control if you hit a bump or a tire blows.
How should you brake when stopping normally?
Answer: Push the brake pedal down gradually, using a controlled amount of pressure
Smooth, gradual pressure brings the vehicle to a safe stop without skids or shifting the load.
Which two ways can you tell it is time to shift gears in a manual transmission?
Answer: Engine speed (rpm) and road speed (mph)
Drivers time shifts by watching engine rpm against the right range and by learning the road speed for each gear.
What is a key step in double clutching when upshifting?
Answer: Release the accelerator, push in the clutch and shift to neutral, then release the clutch
Double clutching includes shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch so engine and gear speeds can match before you shift up.
Why should you avoid using a retarder on wet or slippery roads?
Answer: It can cause the drive wheels to skid when they have poor traction
Retarders apply braking force to the drive wheels, which can lock them and cause a skid on slick roads.
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