What should you do with the parking brake when you leave your vehicle?

Leave it as it was while driving

In a manual transmission vehicle, how do you keep from rolling back when you start?

Partly engage the clutch before taking your right foot off the brake

Release the brake first, then engage the clutch

Using the parking brake to keep from rolling back, when should you release it?

Only when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back

Before you press the accelerator

How should you speed up when traction is poor, as in rain or snow?

Quickly, to get through the slippery area

The drive wheels begin to spin as you accelerate. What should you do?

Take your foot off the accelerator

How should you hold the steering wheel?

Firmly, with both hands on opposite sides of the wheel

Lightly, with one hand at the top

With both hands close together at the bottom

Why do you need a firm hold on the steering wheel?

Hitting a curb or pothole could pull the wheel from your hands

It keeps the power steering from failing

With a manual transmission, when should you push in the clutch while stopping?

When the engine is close to idle

Only after the vehicle has stopped

Why is backing always dangerous?

You cannot see everything behind your vehicle

Reverse gear is weaker than forward gears

Brakes do not work well in reverse

How should you park to reduce the need for backing?

So you can pull forward when you leave

As close to the building as possible

Before you begin backing, what should you do to check your path?

Get out and walk around the vehicle

While backing, which mirrors should you check?

The outside mirrors on both sides, frequently

Only the mirror on the driver’s side

Only the inside rearview mirror

Which gear should you use when backing?

Any gear that keeps the engine quiet

Is it worth going around the block to back toward the driver’s side?

Yes, the added safety is worth it

No, backing to the right is just as safe

Where should a helper stand when guiding you as you back?

Near the back of the vehicle where you can see the helper

Directly behind the vehicle out of your view

What hand signal must you and your backing helper agree on?

A signal for "turn on the lights"

Why does correct shifting matter?

If you cannot get into the right gear while driving, you have less control

It is required for the vehicle’s warranty

When double clutching to shift up, what is the first step?

Release the accelerator, push in the clutch, and shift to neutral at the same time

Shift directly into the next gear

Press the accelerator and release the clutch

When shifting up, what do you do after releasing the clutch in neutral?

Let the engine and gears slow down to the rpm needed for the next gear

Speed the engine up to the governed rpm

You stay in neutral too long and cannot get into the next gear. What should you do?

Return to neutral, release the clutch, match engine speed to road speed, and try again

Force the shift lever into gear

What are the two ways to know when to shift up?

Engine speed (rpm) and road speed (mph)

Fuel level and engine temperature

Using engine speed, when should you shift up?

When the engine reaches the top of its operating rpm range

When the engine reaches the bottom of its range

In "progressive" shifting, how does the shift rpm change?

It becomes higher as you move up in the gears

It becomes lower as you move up in the gears

It stays the same in every gear

When double clutching to shift down, what do you do while in neutral with the clutch released?

Press the accelerator to raise engine and gear speed to the rpm of the lower gear

Why should you downshift before starting down a hill?

So you can control speed without using the brakes hard

So you can pass slower vehicles

Why downshift before entering a curve?

To use some power through the curve for stability and speed up after it

To coast through the curve in neutral

To be able to brake hard in the curve

What do retarders do?

Help slow the vehicle and reduce the need for the brakes

Help the vehicle accelerate on hills

Keep the wheels from skidding on ice

What are the four basic types of retarders?

Exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric

Manual, automatic, front, and rear

Why should you know where retarder use is permitted?

Retarders damage some road surfaces

When should you turn the retarder off?

Whenever the road is wet, icy, or snow covered

Does looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead mean ignoring things close to you?

No, good drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and far

Yes, closer things are handled by mirrors

A traffic light ahead has been green for a long time. What should you do?

Start slowing down and be ready to stop

Speed up to get through before it changes

Keep your speed and watch the mirrors

When can mirror adjustment be checked accurately?

When the trailer or trailers are straight

How should each mirror be adjusted?

To show some part of the vehicle as a reference point

To show only the lane next to you

To show the sky for night driving

How should you use your mirrors while driving?

Check them quickly, looking back and forth between the mirrors and the road ahead

Watch them steadily for several seconds

Check them only when changing lanes

Besides watching traffic, what can you check on your vehicle with the mirrors?

Your tires, to help spot a tire fire

How do things look in a convex mirror compared with looking at them directly?

Smaller and farther away than they really are

Larger and closer than they really are

Exactly the same size and distance

Control, shifting and seeing

Practice this topic54 questions

Questions and answers

What should you do with the parking brake when you leave your vehicle?

Apply it

Always apply the parking brake when you leave the vehicle, and wear your seatbelt on the road.
Section 2 · 2.2 – Basic Control of Your Vehicle ↗PDF, 41 MB
Why must you avoid rolling back when you start?

You may hit someone behind you

Rolling back when starting can cause you to hit someone behind you.
Section 2 · 2.2.1 – Accelerating ↗PDF, 41 MB
In a manual transmission vehicle, how do you keep from rolling back when you start?

Partly engage the clutch before taking your right foot off the brake

Partly engage the clutch before you lift your right foot off the brake.
Section 2 · 2.2.1 – Accelerating ↗PDF, 41 MB
Using the parking brake to keep from rolling back, when should you release it?

Only when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back

Release the parking brake only after there is enough engine power to hold the vehicle.
Section 2 · 2.2.1 – Accelerating ↗PDF, 41 MB
On a tractor-trailer with a trailer brake hand valve, how can you keep from rolling back?

Apply the hand valve

The trailer brake hand valve can be applied to keep the rig from rolling back.
Section 2 · 2.2.1 – Accelerating ↗PDF, 41 MB
When pulling a trailer, what can rough acceleration damage?

The coupling

Speed up smoothly. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage, including to the coupling.
Section 2 · 2.2.1 – Accelerating ↗PDF, 41 MB
How should you speed up when traction is poor, as in rain or snow?

Very gradually

Use very gradual acceleration, because too much power can make the drive wheels spin.
Section 2 · 2.2.1 – Accelerating ↗PDF, 41 MB
The drive wheels begin to spin as you accelerate. What should you do?

Take your foot off the accelerator

If the drive wheels spin, take your foot off the accelerator to regain control.
Section 2 · 2.2.1 – Accelerating ↗PDF, 41 MB
How should you hold the steering wheel?

Firmly, with both hands on opposite sides of the wheel

Hold firmly with both hands on opposite sides, so a curb or pothole cannot pull the wheel away.
Section 2 · 2.2.2 – Steering ↗PDF, 41 MB
Why do you need a firm hold on the steering wheel?

Hitting a curb or pothole could pull the wheel from your hands

Without a firm hold, hitting a curb or pothole could pull the wheel away from your hands.
Section 2 · 2.2.2 – Steering ↗PDF, 41 MB
How should you push the brake pedal for a normal stop?

Down gradually

Push the pedal down gradually and control the pressure for a smooth, safe stop.
Section 2 · 2.2.3 – Stopping ↗PDF, 41 MB
With a manual transmission, when should you push in the clutch while stopping?

When the engine is close to idle

Push the clutch in as the engine gets close to idle.
Section 2 · 2.2.3 – Stopping ↗PDF, 41 MB
Why is backing always dangerous?

You cannot see everything behind your vehicle

You cannot see everything behind you, so avoid backing whenever you can.
Section 2 · 2.2.4 – Backing Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB
How should you park to reduce the need for backing?

So you can pull forward when you leave

Try to park so you can pull forward when you leave.
Section 2 · 2.2.4 – Backing Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB
Before you begin backing, what should you do to check your path?

Get out and walk around the vehicle

Look at your line of travel by getting out and walking around to check side and overhead clearance.
Section 2 · 2.2.4 – Backing Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB
While backing, which mirrors should you check?

The outside mirrors on both sides, frequently

Check the outside mirrors on both sides often, and get out to check if unsure.
Section 2 · 2.2.4 – Backing Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB
Which gear should you use when backing?

The lowest reverse gear

Back as slowly as possible in the lowest reverse gear so you can correct errors and stop quickly.
Section 2 · 2.2.4 – Backing Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB
Toward which side should you back and turn whenever possible?

The driver’s side

Backing toward the driver’s side lets you see better. Backing toward the right is very dangerous.
Section 2 · 2.2.4 – Backing Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB
Is it worth going around the block to back toward the driver’s side?

Yes, the added safety is worth it

Use driver-side backing even if it means going around the block.
Section 2 · 2.2.4 – Backing Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB
Where should a helper stand when guiding you as you back?

Near the back of the vehicle where you can see the helper

The helper stands near the back of the vehicle where you can see them.
Section 2 · 2.2.4 – Backing Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB
What hand signal must you and your backing helper agree on?

A signal for "stop"

Before backing, work out hand signals and agree on a signal for stop.
Section 2 · 2.2.4 – Backing Safely ↗PDF, 41 MB
Why does correct shifting matter?

If you cannot get into the right gear while driving, you have less control

Being in the wrong gear while driving reduces control of the vehicle.
Section 2 · 2.3 – Shifting Gears ↗PDF, 41 MB
What type of manual transmission requires double clutching?

Unsynchronized

Most heavy vehicles with unsynchronized manual transmissions require double clutching. Synchronized ones do not.
Section 2 · 2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
When double clutching to shift up, what is the first step?

Release the accelerator, push in the clutch, and shift to neutral at the same time

Start by releasing the accelerator, pushing in the clutch, and shifting to neutral together.
Section 2 · 2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
When shifting up, what do you do after releasing the clutch in neutral?

Let the engine and gears slow down to the rpm needed for the next gear

When upshifting, let the engine and gears slow to the rpm of the next gear.
Section 2 · 2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
You stay in neutral too long and cannot get into the next gear. What should you do?

Return to neutral, release the clutch, match engine speed to road speed, and try again

Do not force it. Return to neutral, release the clutch, raise engine speed to match road speed, and try again.
Section 2 · 2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
What are the two ways to know when to shift up?

Engine speed (rpm) and road speed (mph)

Use the tachometer for engine speed or the speedometer for road speed.
Section 2 · 2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
Using engine speed, when should you shift up?

When the engine reaches the top of its operating rpm range

Watch the tachometer and shift up at the top of the operating rpm range.
Section 2 · 2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
In "progressive" shifting, how does the shift rpm change?

It becomes higher as you move up in the gears

With progressive shifting, the rpm at which you shift rises as you go up through the gears.
Section 2 · 2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
When double clutching to shift down, what do you do while in neutral with the clutch released?

Press the accelerator to raise engine and gear speed to the rpm of the lower gear

When downshifting, speed up the engine to match the rpm needed in the lower gear.
Section 2 · 2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
Why should you downshift before starting down a hill?

So you can control speed without using the brakes hard

Downshift to a controllable speed first, or the brakes may overheat and lose braking power.
Section 2 · 2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
Compared with the gear needed to climb a hill, what gear do you usually need to go down it?

A lower gear

The right gear for going down is usually lower than the gear required to climb the same hill.
Section 2 · 2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
Why downshift before entering a curve?

To use some power through the curve for stability and speed up after it

Being in the right gear lets you use power through the curve and accelerate as you leave it.
Section 2 · 2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
What do multi-speed rear axles and auxiliary transmissions provide?

Extra gears

They provide extra gears, usually controlled by a knob or switch on the main gearshift lever.
Section 2 · 2.3.2 – Multi-speed Rear Axles and Auxiliary ↗PDF, 41 MB
With an automatic transmission, how do you get greater engine braking on a downgrade?

Select a low range

Selecting a low range keeps the transmission from shifting up and gives more engine braking.
Section 2 · 2.3.3 – Automatic Transmissions ↗PDF, 41 MB
What do retarders do?

Help slow the vehicle and reduce the need for the brakes

Retarders help slow the vehicle, reducing brake use and brake wear.
Section 2 · 2.3.4 – Retarders ↗PDF, 41 MB
What are the four basic types of retarders?

Exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric

The four basic types are exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric.
Section 2 · 2.3.4 – Retarders ↗PDF, 41 MB
When turned on, to which wheels do retarders apply braking power?

The drive wheels only

Retarders brake the drive wheels only, whenever you let up on the accelerator all the way.
Section 2 · 2.3.4 – Retarders ↗PDF, 41 MB
Why should you know where retarder use is permitted?

Retarders can be noisy

Because retarders can be noisy, their use is not permitted everywhere.
Section 2 · 2.3.4 – Retarders ↗PDF, 41 MB
When should you turn the retarder off?

Whenever the road is wet, icy, or snow covered

With poor traction the retarder may make the drive wheels skid, so turn it off on slippery roads.
Section 2 · 2.3.4 – Retarders ↗PDF, 41 MB
What is a major cause of accidents related to seeing?

Not looking properly

Not looking properly is a major cause of accidents. Know what is happening all around you.
Section 2 · 2.4 – Seeing ↗PDF, 41 MB
How far ahead do most good drivers look?

At least 12 to 15 seconds

Look ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to 15 seconds.
Section 2 · 2.4.1 – Seeing Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB
At lower speeds, about how far is 12 to 15 seconds ahead?

About one block

At lower speeds, 12 to 15 seconds ahead is about one block.
Section 2 · 2.4.1 – Seeing Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB
At highway speeds, about how far is 12 to 15 seconds ahead?

About a quarter of a mile

At highway speeds, 12 to 15 seconds ahead is about a quarter of a mile.
Section 2 · 2.4.1 – Seeing Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB
Does looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead mean ignoring things close to you?

No, good drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and far

Good drivers keep shifting their attention between near and far.
Section 2 · 2.4.1 – Seeing Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB
A traffic light ahead has been green for a long time. What should you do?

Start slowing down and be ready to stop

A light that has been green a long time will probably change, so slow down and be ready to stop.
Section 2 · 2.4.1 – Seeing Ahead ↗PDF, 41 MB
When can mirror adjustment be checked accurately?

When the trailer or trailers are straight

Check mirror adjustment before every trip, with the trailer straight.
Section 2 · 2.4.2 – Seeing to the Sides and Rear ↗PDF, 41 MB
How should each mirror be adjusted?

To show some part of the vehicle as a reference point

Seeing part of your own vehicle gives a reference for judging other images.
Section 2 · 2.4.2 – Seeing to the Sides and Rear ↗PDF, 41 MB
How should you use your mirrors while driving?

Check them quickly, looking back and forth between the mirrors and the road ahead

Do not focus on the mirrors too long, or you travel a long way without seeing ahead.
Section 2 · 2.4.2 – Seeing to the Sides and Rear ↗PDF, 41 MB
Besides watching traffic, what can you check on your vehicle with the mirrors?

Your tires, to help spot a tire fire

Mirrors let you watch your tires and any open cargo for loose straps or a flapping tarp.
Section 2 · 2.4.2 – Seeing to the Sides and Rear ↗PDF, 41 MB
How do things look in a convex mirror compared with looking at them directly?

Smaller and farther away than they really are

Convex mirrors show a wider area, but objects look smaller and farther away.
Section 2 · 2.4.2 – Seeing to the Sides and Rear ↗PDF, 41 MB
When changing lanes, when should you check your mirrors after signaling?

To check that no one has moved into your blind spot

Check before the change, after signaling, right after starting the move, and after completing it.
Section 2 · 2.4.2 – Seeing to the Sides and Rear ↗PDF, 41 MB
Why check your mirrors during a turn?

To make sure the rear of your vehicle will not hit anything

In turns, use the mirrors to watch that the rear of the vehicle clears everything.
Section 2 · 2.4.2 – Seeing to the Sides and Rear ↗PDF, 41 MB
When merging, what should you use your mirrors to check?

That the gap in traffic is large enough to enter safely

Before merging, use the mirrors to confirm the gap is big enough.
Section 2 · 2.4.2 – Seeing to the Sides and Rear ↗PDF, 41 MB

Control, shifting and seeing

Questions and answers

What should you do with the parking brake when you leave your vehicle?

Why must you avoid rolling back when you start?

In a manual transmission vehicle, how do you keep from rolling back when you start?

Using the parking brake to keep from rolling back, when should you release it?

On a tractor-trailer with a trailer brake hand valve, how can you keep from rolling back?

When pulling a trailer, what can rough acceleration damage?

How should you speed up when traction is poor, as in rain or snow?

The drive wheels begin to spin as you accelerate. What should you do?

How should you hold the steering wheel?

Why do you need a firm hold on the steering wheel?

How should you push the brake pedal for a normal stop?

With a manual transmission, when should you push in the clutch while stopping?

Why is backing always dangerous?

How should you park to reduce the need for backing?

Before you begin backing, what should you do to check your path?

While backing, which mirrors should you check?

Which gear should you use when backing?

Toward which side should you back and turn whenever possible?

Is it worth going around the block to back toward the driver’s side?

Where should a helper stand when guiding you as you back?

What hand signal must you and your backing helper agree on?

Why does correct shifting matter?

What type of manual transmission requires double clutching?

When double clutching to shift up, what is the first step?

When shifting up, what do you do after releasing the clutch in neutral?

You stay in neutral too long and cannot get into the next gear. What should you do?

What are the two ways to know when to shift up?

Using engine speed, when should you shift up?

In "progressive" shifting, how does the shift rpm change?

When double clutching to shift down, what do you do while in neutral with the clutch released?

Why should you downshift before starting down a hill?

Compared with the gear needed to climb a hill, what gear do you usually need to go down it?

Why downshift before entering a curve?

What do multi-speed rear axles and auxiliary transmissions provide?

With an automatic transmission, how do you get greater engine braking on a downgrade?

What do retarders do?

What are the four basic types of retarders?

When turned on, to which wheels do retarders apply braking power?

Why should you know where retarder use is permitted?

When should you turn the retarder off?

What is a major cause of accidents related to seeing?

How far ahead do most good drivers look?

At lower speeds, about how far is 12 to 15 seconds ahead?

At highway speeds, about how far is 12 to 15 seconds ahead?

Does looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead mean ignoring things close to you?

A traffic light ahead has been green for a long time. What should you do?

When can mirror adjustment be checked accurately?

How should each mirror be adjusted?

How should you use your mirrors while driving?

Besides watching traffic, what can you check on your vehicle with the mirrors?

How do things look in a convex mirror compared with looking at them directly?

When changing lanes, when should you check your mirrors after signaling?

Why check your mirrors during a turn?

When merging, what should you use your mirrors to check?

Questions and answers by topic