ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Shifting and Vehicle Control Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the recommended following distance for a CMV traveling at highway speed in normal conditions?

Answer: 1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length

FMCSA recommends one second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds up to 40 mph, plus one additional second above 40 mph.

What is the danger of 'riding the clutch' in a manual transmission CMV?

Answer: It generates excessive heat and premature clutch wear

Resting the foot on the clutch pedal causes partial disengagement and friction, generating heat that accelerates clutch wear.

What does it mean to 'fan the brakes' and when should it be avoided in a CMV?

Answer: Applying brakes in pulses; should be avoided on long downgrades to prevent air pressure loss

Fanning (rapidly cycling) the brakes on a long downgrade depletes air pressure faster than the compressor can replenish it, risking brake failure.

When is it safe to shift to a higher gear in a manual transmission truck?

Answer: When engine RPM reaches the top of the operating range and the vehicle is accelerating steadily

Upshift when the engine reaches the top of its power band (typically noted by manufacturer) and the vehicle has stable speed to accept the higher gear.

What is the primary cause of trailer jackknife during braking?

Answer: Locking the trailer wheels, causing the trailer to push and swing outward

Trailer jackknife occurs when the trailer wheels lock and the trailer continues to push forward, swinging the trailer around the pivot point of the fifth wheel.

What should a driver do if steering becomes heavy or unresponsive while driving a CMV?

Answer: Safely reduce speed, signal, and pull off the road to inspect

Heavy or unresponsive steering indicates a possible power steering failure or front-end problem — the driver must pull over safely and inspect immediately.