Commercial Driving Vehicle Operation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the proper technique for backing a commercial vehicle?
- Use mirrors only and back quickly
- Use a spotter when possible, back slowly, and check mirrors frequently while using the horn (Correct answer)
- Back up without stopping to maintain momentum
- Only back up at night when there is less traffic
Correct answer: Use a spotter when possible, back slowly, and check mirrors frequently while using the horn
Safe backing involves using a spotter, going slowly, frequently checking all mirrors, and using the horn to alert others. Backing accidents are extremely common with commercial vehicles.
Question 2: What should you do if your brakes fail while driving downhill?
- Turn off the engine
- Look for an escape ramp, pump the brakes, and downshift to use engine braking (Correct answer)
- Jump out of the vehicle
- Steer into the hillside immediately
Correct answer: Look for an escape ramp, pump the brakes, and downshift to use engine braking
Escape ramps are designed for runaway vehicles. Pumping brakes may restore pressure, and downshifting provides engine braking to slow the vehicle.
Question 3: Why is it dangerous to coast downhill in neutral or with the clutch depressed?
- It saves too much fuel
- You lose the ability to use engine braking to control speed, requiring more brake use (Correct answer)
- It is only dangerous in winter
- It makes too much noise
Correct answer: You lose the ability to use engine braking to control speed, requiring more brake use
Coasting eliminates engine braking, forcing the driver to rely entirely on wheel brakes which can overheat and fade on long downgrades, leading to loss of control.
Question 4: What is the proper way to handle a tire blowout on a commercial vehicle?
- Brake hard immediately
- Hold the steering wheel firmly, stay off the brakes, and gradually slow down using engine braking (Correct answer)
- Accelerate to maintain control
- Pull the steering wheel in the direction of the blowout
Correct answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly, stay off the brakes, and gradually slow down using engine braking
Holding the wheel firmly counteracts the pull from the blown tire. Staying off brakes and gradually slowing prevents loss of control that sudden braking could cause.
Question 5: What is the 'rock and roll' method for getting unstuck?
- Playing music loudly
- Gently rocking the vehicle between forward and reverse to gain traction (Correct answer)
- Rocking the steering wheel back and forth
- Rolling down a hill to gain speed
Correct answer: Gently rocking the vehicle between forward and reverse to gain traction
Gently alternating between forward and reverse while gradually increasing momentum can help free a stuck commercial vehicle, though excessive spinning should be avoided.
Question 6: What is the effect of high winds on a commercial vehicle, especially when empty?
- No effect on large vehicles
- High winds can push the vehicle sideways, with empty or lightly loaded vehicles being especially vulnerable to rollover (Correct answer)
- Winds only affect vehicles over 80,000 lbs
- Winds improve fuel efficiency
Correct answer: High winds can push the vehicle sideways, with empty or lightly loaded vehicles being especially vulnerable to rollover
High-sided commercial vehicles act as large sails. Empty or lightly loaded vehicles are most vulnerable because they have less weight for stability against lateral wind forces.
Commercial Driving Vehicle Operation 2
What is the proper technique for backing a commercial vehicle?