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Rhode Island CDL Handbook & Study Guide 2024
Rhode Island CDL Handbook & Study Guide 2024
Driver License
Manual
This material has been created for and provided to State Driver License Agencies (SDLAs) by AAMVA for the purpose of educating Driver
License applicants (Commercial or Non-Commercial). Permission to reproduce, use, distribute or sell this material has been granted to
SDLAs only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.
Any unauthorized reprint, use, distribution or sale of this material is prohibited.
GUIDELINES FOR CDL APPLICANTS
Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) are only issued at the main office in Cranston. (600 New London
Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920)
You must have a valid operator’s license for at least two years and be at least 18 years old for an
INTRASTATE CDL ONLY; 21 years old for a regular CDL
All applicants must submit an Affidavit for CDL History Check and a 10 year CDL history check will be
conducted, which may affect the applicant’s eligibility
All applicants must present a valid Medical Card, if non-excepted* to obtain a CLP
All applicants must present a valid Social Security card
All applicants must present a valid Identity Document (please see below for acceptable identity documents)
All CDL drivers must provide Proof of Status as a “U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident as well as proof of
Rhode Island residency when transferring their CDL from another state beginning January 16, 2016
If you are unable to prove status as a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Residence you must provide:
All CDL drivers and applicants domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction must provide:
Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) issued by USCIS (or) an unexpired foreign
passport accompanied by an approved I-94 form documenting the applicant’s most recent admittance
into the United States.
49 CFR 383.71(f)(2)(i)
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FORMS, PLEASE VISIT THE OUR WEBSITE AT www.dmv.ri.gov
MEDICAL CERTIFICATION
Medical Qualifications: Unless specifically exempted, you must possess a valid medical examiner’s certificate in
order to operate a commercial motor vehicle (49 CFR 391.41). Government employees (e.g., federal, state,
country or city employees), while operating government owned vehicles, are exempt from the medical
requirement. Failure to comply will result in a downgrade of your license.
YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR NEW MEDICAL CARD TO THE DMV WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) DAYS OF
ISSUANCE.
SELF-CERTIFICATION
Please read the following information carefully as failure to comply could result in a downgrade of your CDL.
You will be asked to certify that you are one of the following:
● Interstate Commerce Excepted ● Interstate Commerce Non-excepted *
● Intrastate Commerce Excepted ● Intrastate Commerce Non-Excepted *
* Interstate and Intrastate non-excepted CDL holders will be required to present a current valid medical card (49
CFR 391.45) to the RI DMV.
Road Tests
o Road tests are given by and must be scheduled with the Community College of Rhode Island
(CCRI). To schedule an appointment please call the CCRI at (401) 825-1146. You must have in your
possession your valid RI license and CDL permit. In addition, you must supply a motor vehicle which
is representative of the type of motor vehicle that you operate or expect to operate, and this vehicle
must be properly registered, inspected and insured. You must also be accompanied by a driver with
the license class and endorsement(s) required to operate this vehicle.
All other fees can be found on the DMV web site - www. dmv.ri.gov
LICENSE CLASSES: The following describes the requirements for applying for each class of CDL.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
H - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Required on ANY LICENSE CLASS when the operator is transporting hazardous materials,
in any quantity, requiring placarding by Federal DOT regulations.
P - PASSENGER: Required on ANY LICENSE CLASS when the vehicle being operated is designed to seat
more than 16 passengers including the operator. A Class B license is needed with this
endorsement if the vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds GVWR. Green application for chauffeur
license must be completed.
S - SCHOOL BUS: Required for Class A, B and C operators who drive a school bus vehicle. Operators must first
obtain a RI School Bus Certificate through the DMV School Bus Safety Office.
N - TANK VEHICLES: Required on ANY LICENSE CLASS when transporting liquid or gaseous material in a tank
vehicle, or any portable tank having a rating capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
X - HAZMAT/TANK VEHICLE This endorsement combines endorsements H and N. Both examinations must be taken.
COMBINATION:
T – DOUBLE/TRIPLE TRAILERS: Required for Class A operators who haul Double/Triple trailers (where operation is permitted
by law).
NOTE: The above classes/endorsements do not include the operation of motorcycles or motor driven cycles.
This is a test of the knowledge required to safely drive TYPE OF TEST OR VEHICLE. There are XX questions on the test. There are
time limits for the tests ranging from 60 minutes to 120 minutes.
Electronic testing: Read each question. Make sure you read all the possible answers. Decide which answer is best. There is only one
best answer to each question. You can choose to touch the screen or use a mouse to make your selection.
Example: A solid yellow line on your side of the center line of a street or highway means:
Answer “c” is the best answer to this question. To mark the answer you would select the answer “c” on the touch screen or click on the
answer with your mouse. Besides the three choices: A, B or C, there is a “submit answer” button that allows you to finalize your answer.
You can choose to go back and change your answer at any time before submitting it, but once you submit your answer you
cannot go back and change your answer.
Manual testing: Read each question. Make sure that you read all the possible answers. Decide which answer is best. There is only one
best answer to each question. Mark the best answer on your answer sheet by completely blackening in the circle containing the letter for
that answer. You must blacken in the circle completely. If you change your mind once you have marked an answer, be sure to completely
erase the old answer. Any unmarked questions will BE COUNTED AS A WRONG ANSWER.
NOTE: All tests will be given electronically. Manual (written) tests will only be the optional format for
testing in case of a power failure or system network failure.
NOTE: As of April 1, 2016 you must provide Proof of Status as a U.S. Citizen or Lawful
Permanent Resident as well as proof of Rhode Island residency or a unexpired employment
authorization document issued by USCIS or a valid foreign passport accompanied by an
approved I-94 form.
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Traffickers use force, fraud and coercion to control their
victims. Any minor engaged in commercial sex is a victim of human trafficking. Trafficking can
occur in many locations, including truck stops, restaurants, rest areas, brothels, strip clubs,
private homes, etc. Truckers are the eyes and the ears of our nation’s highways. If you see a
minor working any of those areas or suspect pimp control, call the National Hotline and report
your tip:
1-888-3737-888 (US)
1-800-222-TIPS (Canada)
For law enforcement to open an investigation on your tip, they need “actionable information.”
Specific tips helpful when reporting to the hotline would include:
Descriptions of cars (make, model, color, license plate number, etc.) and people (height,
weight, hair color, eye color, age, etc.)
Take a picture if you can.
Specific times and dates (When did you see the event in question take place? What day was
it?)
Addresses and locations where suspicious activity took place
Warning: Please do not approach traffickers. Call the hotline, and they will call the FBI and local
police to deal with them and rescue the victims. Approaching traffickers is not only dangerous for
you and their victims but could lead to problems in the eventual prosecution of traffickers. Go to
www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org for more information.
Section 1
INTRODUCTION
This Section Covers
To get a CDL, you must pass knowledge and skills NOTE: A bus may be Class A, B, or C depending on whether
the GVWR is over 26,001 pounds or is a combination
tests. This manual will help you pass the tests, vehicle.
however, it is not a substitute for a truck driver
training class or program. Formal training is the
most reliable way to learn the many special skills
required for safely driving a large commercial
vehicle and becoming a professional driver in the
trucking industry. Figure 1.1 helps you determine if
you need a CDL
1.1 – Commercial Driver License Tests situations. The situations may include left and right
turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, up
1.1.1 – Knowledge Tests and down grades, single or multi-lane roads,
streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you
You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, where to drive.
depending on what class of license and what
endorsements you need. The CDL knowledge Figure 1.2 details which sections of this manual
tests include: you should study for each particular class of
The general knowledge test, taken by all license and for each endorsement.
applicants.
The passenger transport test, taken by all bus What Sections Should You Study?
driver applicants. LICENSE
The air brakes test, which you must take if your ENDORSEMENT
TYPE
vehicle has air brakes, including air over hydraulic
Class A
Class B
Class C
Materials
Hazardous
Double / Triple
Tank Vehicles
Passenger
School Bus
brakes.
The combination vehicles test, which is required
if you want to drive combination vehicles.
The hazardous materials test, required if you
want to haul hazardous materials as defined in 49
CFR 383.5. In order to obtain this endorsement
Sections to Study
you are also required to pass a Transportation
1 X X X
Security Administration (TSA) background check.
The tank vehicle test, required if you want to haul
any liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks 2 X X X X X X
having an individual rated capacity of more than
119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 3 X X X
1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or
temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis 4 X
The doubles/triples test, required if you want to
pull double or triple trailers. 5* X X X X
The School Bust test, required if you want to
drive a school bus. 6 X X X
On-road Test. You will be tested on your skill to Starting January 30, 2012 and no later than
safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic January 30, 2014, if you are applying for a CDL
If you operate in both intrastate commerce and If you answered yes to one or more of the above
interstate commerce, you must choose interstate activities as the only operation in which you drive,
commerce. you operate in excepted interstate commerce
and do not need a Federal medical examiner’s
certificate.
Intrastate Commerce:
1.3 - CDL Disqualifications
You operate in excepted Intrastate commerce
when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce 1.3.1 – General
activities for which your State of licensure has
determined do not require you to meet the State’s You may not drive a commercial motor vehicle if
medical certification requirements. (contact your you are disqualified for any reason.
SDLA about their requirements).
1.3.2 – Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of an
You operate in non-excepted intrastate Accident, and Commission of a Felony
commerce when you drive a CMV only in
intrastate commerce and are required to meet your
It is illegal to operate a CMV if your blood alcohol
State of licensure’s medical certification
concentration (BAC) is .04% or more. If you
requirements (contact your SDLA about their
operate a CMV, you shall be deemed to have
requirements).
given your consent to alcohol testing.
If you operate in both excepted intrastate
commerce and non-excepted intrastate You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a
commerce, you must choose non-excepted first offense for:
intrastate commerce. Driving a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration
is .04% or higher.
1.2.3 – Self-Certification Statements Driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol.
Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing.
When completing an application for your CDL, you Driving a CMV while under the influence of a
will be required to check the box next to the controlled substance.
statement that describes your status. The actual Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV.
statements on your application may vary from Committing a felony involving the use of a CMV.
those shown below: Driving a CMV when the CDL is suspended.
Causing a fatality through negligent operation of a
Interstate non-excepted: I certify that I CMV.
operate or expect to operate in interstate
commerce, that I am subject to and meet the You will lose your CDL for at least three years if
Federal DOT medical card requirements under the offense occurs while you are operating a CMV
49 CFR part 391; and that I am required to that is placarded for hazardous materials.
obtain a medical examiner’s certificate.
You will lose your CDL for life for a second offense.
Interstate excepted: I certify that I operate or
expect to operate in interstate commerce, but You will lose your CDL for life if you use a CMV to
engage exclusively in transportation or commit a felony involving controlled substances.
operations excepted under 49 CFR §§390.3(f),
391.2, 391.68 or 398.3 from all or parts of the You will be put out-of-service for 24 hours if you
qualification requirements of 49 CFR part 391; have any detectable amount of alcohol under
and that I am not required to obtain a medical .04%.
examiner’s certificate.
1.3.3 – Serious Traffic Violations
Intrastate non-excepted: I certify that I
operate or expect to operate entirely in Serious traffic violations are excessive speeding
intrastate commerce, that I am subject to and (15 mph or more above the posted limit), reckless
It is the base jurisdiction's responsibility to remit If the vehicle you operate is registered under IRP
the taxes collected to other member jurisdictions and you are a motor carrier licensed under IFTA,
and to represent the other member jurisdictions in then you are required to comply with the
the tax collection process, including the mandatory record keeping requirements for
performance of audits. operating the vehicle. A universally accepted
method of capturing this information is through the
An IFTA licensee must retain records to support completion of an Individual Vehicle Distance
the information reported on the IFTA quarterly tax Record (IVDR), sometimes times referred to as a
return Driver Trip Report. This document reflects the
distance traveled and fuel purchased for a vehicle
The IRP registran t and the IFTA licensee may that operates interstate under apportioned (IRP)
be the vehicle owner or the vehicle operator. registration and IFTA fuel tax credentials.
The requirement for acquiring IRP plates for a Although the actual format of the IVDR may vary, the
vehicle and IFTA license for a motor carrier is information that is required for proper record keeping
determined by the definitions from the IRP Plan does not.
and the IFTA for Qualified Vehicle and Qualified
Motor Vehicle:
In order to satisfy the requirements for Individual
Vehicle Distance Records, these documents must
For purposes of IRP:
include the following information:
A Qualified Vehicle is (except as provided below)
any Power Unit that is used or Distance
intended for use in two or more Member
Per Article IV of the IRP Plan
Jurisdictions and that is used for the transportation
(i) Date of trip (starting and ending)
of persons for hire or designed, used, or
(ii) Trip origin and destination – City and State
maintained primarily for the transportation of
or Province
property, and:
(iii) Route(s) of travel
(i) has two Axles and a gross Vehicle weight or (iv) Beginning and ending odometer or
registered gross Vehicle weight in hubometer reading of the trip
(ii) excess of 26,000 pounds (11,793.401 (v) Total distance traveled
kilograms), or (vi) In-Jurisdiction distance
(iii) has three or more Axles, regardless of weight, (vii) Power unit number or vehicle identification
or number.
(iv) is used in combination, when the gross
Vehicle weight of such combination exceeds Fuel
26,000 pounds (11,793.401 kilograms).
Per Section P560 of the IFTA Procedures Manual
While similar, the Qualified Motor Vehicle in IFTA .300 An acceptable receipt or invoice must
means a motor vehicle used, designed, or include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
maintained for transportation of persons or .005 Date of purchase
property and: .010 Seller's name and address
.015 Number of gallons or liters purchased;
1) Having two axles and a gross vehicle weight .020 Fuel type
or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding .025 Price per gallon or liter or total amount of
26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms; or sale
.030 Unit number or other unique vehicle
2) Is used in combination, when the weight of identifier
such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds or .035 Purchaser's name
11,797 kilograms gross vehicle or registered An example of an IVDR that must be completed in
gross vehicle weight. Qualified Motor its entirety for each trip can be found in Figure 1
Vehicle does not include recreational below. Each individual IVDR should be filled out
vehicles. for only one vehicle. The rules to follow when
trying to determine how and when to log an
odometer reading are the following:
At the beginning of the day
When leaving the state or province
At the end of the trip/day
Not only do the trips need to be logged, but the fuel these original records must be maintained for a
purchases need to be documented as well. You minimum of four years.
must obtain a receipt for all fueling and include it with
your completed IVDR. In addition, these records are subject to audit by
the taxing jurisdictions. Failure to maintain
Make sure that any trips that you enter are always complete and accurate records could result in
filled out in descending order and that your trips fines, penalties and suspension or revocation of
include all state/provinces that you traveled through IRP registrations and IFTA licenses.
on your route.
For additional information on the IRP and the
There are different routes that a driver may take, requirements related to the IRP, contact your base
and most of the miles may be within one state or jurisdiction motor vehicle department or IRP, Inc.
province. Whether or not the distance you travel is the official repository for the IRP. Additional
primarily in one jurisdiction or spread among information can be found on the IRP, Inc. website
several jurisdictions, all information for the trip at www.irponline.org. There is a training video on
must be recorded. This includes the dates, the the website home page available in English,
routes, odometer readings and fuel purchases. Spanish and French
By completing this document in full and keeping all
records required by both the IRP and the IFTA, you For additional information on IFTA and the
will have ensured that you and your company are requirements related to IFTA, contact the
in compliance with all State and Provincial laws appropriate agency in your base jurisdiction. You
surrounding fuel and distance record keeping will also find useful information about the
requirements. Agreement at the official repository of IFTA at
http://www.iftach.org/index.php.
The IVDR serves as the source document for the
calculation of fees and taxes that are payable to
the jurisdictions in which the vehicle is operated, so
Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs means Suspension System Defects. The suspension
danger. system holds up the vehicle and its load. It keeps
Mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings are the axles in place. Therefore, broken suspension
dangerous. parts can be extremely dangerous. Look for:
Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs are Spring hangers that allow movement of axle from
not safe. proper position. See Figure 2.2.
Figure 2.2
Bad Brake Drums or Shoes
Cracked drums.
Shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on
them.
Shoes worn dangerously thin, missing, or broken.
Figure 2.1
Figure 2.3
Figure 2.3
Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what
have shifted so they might hit a tire or other part. you would inspect and why. The following seven-
Leaking shock absorbers. step inspection method should be useful.
Torque rod or arm, u-bolts, spring hangers, or
other axle positioning parts that are cracked, 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method
damaged, or missing.
Air suspension systems that are damaged and/or Method of Inspection. You should do a Vehicle
leaking. See Figure 2.4. inspection the same way each time so you will
learn all the steps and be less likely to forget
something.
Curbside cargo compartment doors in good Canvas or tarp (if required) properly secured to
condition, securely closed, latched/locked and prevent tearing, billowing, or blocking of either the
required security seals in place. rearview mirrors or rear lights.
If over-length, or over-width, make sure all signs
Right Rear and/or additional lights/flags are safely and
Condition of wheels and rims--no missing, bent, or properly mounted and all required permits are in
broken spacers, studs, clamps, or lugs. driver's possession.
Condition of tires--properly inflated, valve stems Rear doors securely closed, latched/locked.
and caps OK, no serious cuts, bulges, tread wear,
tires not rubbing each other, and nothing stuck Left Side
between them. Check all items as done on right side, plus:
Tires same type, e.g., not mixed radial and bias Battery(ies) (if not mounted in engine
types. compartment).
Tires evenly matched (same sizes).
Battery box(es) securely mounted to vehicle.
Wheel bearing/seals not leaking.
Suspension. Box has secure cover.
Condition of spring(s), spring hangers, shackles, Battery(ies) secured against movement.
and u-bolts. Battery(ies) not broken or leaking.
Axle secure. Fluid in battery(ies) at proper level (except
Powered axle(s) not leaking lube (gear oil). maintenance-free type).
Condition of torque rod arms, bushings. Cell caps present and securely tightened (except
maintenance-free type).
Condition of shock absorber(s).
Vents in cell caps free of foreign material (except
If retractable axle equipped, check condition of lift
maintenance-free type).
mechanism. If air powered, check for leaks.
Condition of air ride components. Step 6: Check Signal Lights
Brakes.
Get In and Turn Off Lights
Brake adjustment.
Turn off all lights.
Condition of brake drum(s) or discs. Turn on stop lights (apply trailer hand brake or
Condition of hoses--look for any wear due to have a helper put on the brake pedal).
rubbing. Turn on left turn signal lights.
Lights and reflectors.
Side-marker lights clean, operating, and proper Get Out and Check Lights
color (red at rear, others amber). Left front turn signal light clean, operating and
proper color (amber or white on signals facing the
Side-marker reflectors clean and proper color (red
front).
at rear, others amber).
Left rear turn signal light and both stop lights clean,
operating, and proper color (red, yellow, or amber).
Rear
Lights and reflectors.
Get In Vehicle
Rear clearance and identification lights clean, Turn off lights not needed for driving.
operating, and proper color (red at rear). Check for all required papers, trip manifests,
Reflectors clean and proper color (red at rear). permits, etc.
Taillights clean, operating, and proper color (red at Secure all loose articles in cab (they might interfere
rear). with operation of the controls or hit you in a crash).
Start the engine.
Right rear turn signal operating, and proper color
(red, yellow, or amber at rear).
Step 7: Start the Engine and Check
License plate(s) present, clean, and secured.
Splash guards present, not damaged, properly Test for Hydraulic Leaks. If the vehicle has
fastened, not dragging on ground, or rubbing tires. hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three
Cargo secure (trucks). times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and
Cargo properly blocked, braced, tied, chained, etc. hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move.
Tailboards up and properly secured. If it does, there may be a leak or other problem.
End gates free of damage, properly secured in Get it fixed before driving. If the vehicle has air
stake sockets. brakes, do the checks described in Sections 5 and
6 of this manual.
Brake System
Subsection 2.1
Test Parking Brake(s)
Test Your Knowledge
Fasten safety belt
Set parking brake (power unit only). The vehicle inspection report tells the motor carrier
Release trailer parking brake (if applicable). about problems that may need fixing. Keep a copy
Place vehicle into a low gear. of your report in the vehicle for one day. That way,
Gently pull forward against parking brake to make the next driver can learn about any problems you
sure the parking brake holds. have found.
Repeat the same steps for the trailer with trailer 1. What is the most important reason for
parking brake set and power unit parking brakes doing a vehicle inspection?
released (if applicable).
If it doesn't hold vehicle, it is faulty; get it fixed. 2. What things should you check during a
trip?
Test Service Brake Stopping Action 3. Name some key steering system parts.
Go about five miles per hour. 4. Name some suspension system defects.
Push brake pedal firmly 5. What three kinds of emergency equipment
"Pulling" to one side or the other can mean brake must you have?
trouble.
Any unusual brake pedal "feel" or delayed stopping 6. What is the minimum tread depth for front
action can mean trouble. tires? For other tires?
7. Name some things you should check on
If you find anything unsafe during the Vehicle the front of your vehicle during the walk around
inspection, get it fixed. Federal and state laws inspection.
forbid operating an unsafe vehicle.
8. What should wheel bearing seals be
checked for?
2.1.6 – Inspection during a Trip
9. How many red reflective triangles should
Check Vehicle Operation Regularly you carry?
You should check: 10. How do you test hydraulic brakes for
Instruments. leaks?
Air pressure gauge (if you have air brakes). 11. Why put the starter switch key in your
Temperature gauges. pocket during the Vehicle inspection?
Pressure gauges. These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
Ammeter/voltmeter. answer them all, re-read subsection 2.1.
Mirrors.
Tires.
Cargo, cargo covers.
Lights. 2.2 – Basic Control of Your Vehicle
Etc.
To drive a vehicle safely, you must be able to
If you see, hear, smell, or feel anything that might control its speed and direction. Safe operation of a
mean trouble, check it out. commercial vehicle requires skill in:
Accelerating.
Safety Inspection. Drivers of trucks and truck Steering.
tractors when transporting cargo must inspect the Stopping.
securement of the cargo within the first 50 miles of Backing safely.
a trip and every 150 miles or every three hours
(whichever comes first) after. Fasten your seatbelt when on the road. Apply the
parking brake when you leave your vehicle.
2.1.7 – After-trip Inspection and Report
You may have to make a written report each day 2.2.1 – Accelerating
on the condition of the vehicle(s) you drove. Report Don't roll back when you start. You may hit
anything affecting safety or possibly leading to someone behind you. If you have a manual
mechanical breakdown. transmission vehicle, partly engage the clutch
before you take your right foot off the brake. Put on
the parking brake whenever necessary to keep
from rolling back. Release the parking brake only
when you have applied enough engine power to Use Mirrors on Both Sides. Check the outside
keep from rolling back. On a tractor-trailer mirrors on both sides frequently. Get out of the
equipped with a trailer brake hand valve, the hand vehicle and check your path if you are unsure.
valve can be applied to keep from rolling back.
Back Slowly. Always back as slowly as possible.
Speed up smoothly and gradually so the vehicle
Use the lowest reverse gear. That way you can
does not jerk. Rough acceleration can cause
more easily correct any steering errors. You also
mechanical damage. When pulling a trailer, rough
can stop quickly if necessary.
acceleration can damage the coupling.
Back and Turn Toward the Driver's Side. Back
Speed up very gradually when traction is poor, as
to the driver's side so that you can see better.
in rain or snow. If you use too much power, the
Backing toward the right side is very dangerous
drive wheels may spin. You could lose control. If
because you can't see as well. If you back and turn
the drive wheels begin to spin, take your foot off
toward the driver's side, you can watch the rear of
the accelerator.
your vehicle by looking out the side window. Use
driver-side backing--even if it means going around
2.2.2 – Steering the block to put your vehicle in this position. The
Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands. added safety is worth it.
Your hands should be on opposite sides of the
wheel. If you hit a curb or a pothole (chuckhole), Use a Helper. Use a helper when you can. There
the wheel could pull away from your hands unless are blind spots you can't see. That's why a helper
you have a firm hold. is important. The helper should stand near the
back of your vehicle where you can see the helper.
2.2.3 – Stopping Before you begin backing, work out a set of hand
signals that you both understand. Agree on a
Push the brake pedal down gradually. The amount signal for "stop."
of brake pressure you need to stop the vehicle will
depend on the speed of the vehicle and how 2.3 – Shifting Gears
quickly you need to stop. Control the pressure so
the vehicle comes to a smooth, safe stop. If you Correct shifting of gears is important. If you can't
have a manual transmission, push the clutch in get your vehicle into the right gear while driving,
when the engine is close to idle. you will have less control.
Use Engine Speed (rpm). Study the driver's 2.3.3 – Automatic Transmissions
manual for your vehicle and learn the operating Some vehicles have automatic transmissions. You
rpm range. Watch your tachometer, and shift up can select a low range to get greater engine
when your engine reaches the top of the range. braking when going down grades. The lower
(Some newer vehicles use "progressive" shifting: ranges prevent the transmission from shifting up
the rpm at which you shift becomes higher as you beyond the selected gear (unless the governor rpm
move up in the gears. Find out what's right for the is exceeded). It is very important to use this
vehicle you will operate.) braking effect when going down grades.
Use Road Speed (mph). Learn what speeds each 2.3.4 – Retarders
gear is good for. Then, by using the speedometer, Some vehicles have "retarders." Retarders help
you'll know when to shift up. slow a vehicle, reducing the need for using your
With either method, you may learn to use engine brakes. They reduce brake wear and give you
sounds to know when to shift. another way to slow down. There are four basic
types of retarders (exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and
Basic Procedures for Shifting Down electric). All retarders can be turned on or off by
Release accelerator, push in clutch, and shift to the driver. On some vehicles the retarding power
neutral at the same time. can be adjusted. When turned "on," retarders apply
Release clutch. their braking power (to the drive wheels only)
Press accelerator, increase engine and gear speed whenever you let up on the accelerator pedal all
to the rpm required in the lower gear. the way.
Push in clutch and shift to lower gear at the same
time. Because these devices can be noisy, be sure you
Release clutch and press accelerator at the same know where their use is permitted.
time.
Downshifting, like upshifting, requires knowing Caution. When your drive wheels have poor
when to shift. Use either the tachometer or the traction, the retarder may cause them to skid.
speedometer and downshift at the right rpm or Therefore, you should turn the retarder off
road speed. whenever the road is wet, icy, or snow covered.
2.4 – Seeing
Mirror Adjustment. Mirror adjustment should be
To be a safe driver you need to know what's going checked prior to the start of any trip and can only
on all around your vehicle. Not looking properly is a be checked accurately when the trailer(s) are
major cause of accidents. straight. You should check and adjust each mirror
to show some part of the vehicle. This will give you
2.4.1 – Seeing Ahead a reference point for judging the position of the
other images.
All drivers look ahead; but many don't look far
enough ahead.
Regular Checks. You need to make regular
checks of your mirrors to be aware of traffic and to
Importance of Looking Far Enough Ahead.
check your vehicle.
Because stopping or changing lanes can take a lot
Traffic. Check your mirrors for vehicles on either
of distance, knowing what the traffic is doing on all
side and in back of you. In an emergency, you may
sides of you is very important. You need to look
need to know whether you can make a quick lane
well ahead to make sure you have room to make
change. Use your mirrors to spot overtaking
these moves safely.
vehicles. There are "blind spots" that your mirrors
How Far Ahead to Look. Most good drivers look cannot show you. Check your mirrors regularly to
at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. That means know where other vehicles are around you, and to
looking ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to see if they move into your blind spots.
15 seconds. At lower speeds, that's about one
block. At highway speeds it's about a quarter of a Check Your Vehicle. Use the mirrors to keep an
mile. If you're not looking that far ahead, you may eye on your tires. It's one way to spot a tire fire. If
have to stop too quickly or make quick lane you're carrying open cargo, you can use the
changes. Looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead doesn't mirrors to check it. Look for loose straps, ropes, or
mean not paying attention to things that are closer. chains. Watch for a flapping or ballooning tarp.
Good drivers shift their attention back and forth,
near and far. Figure 2.6 illustrates how far to look Special Situations. Special situations require
ahead. more than regular mirror checks. These are lane
changes, turns, merges, and tight maneuvers.
When It's Hard to See. At dawn, dusk, in rain, or If you stop on a two-lane road carrying traffic in
snow, you need to make yourself easier to see. If both directions or on an undivided highway,
you are having trouble seeing other vehicles, other place warning devices within 10 feet of the front
drivers will have trouble seeing you. Turn on your or rear corners to mark the location of the
lights. Use the headlights, not just the identification vehicle and 100 feet behind and ahead of the
or clearance lights. Use the low beams; high vehicle, on the shoulder or in the lane you
beams can bother people in the daytime as well as stopped in. See Figure 2.9.
at night.
Figure 2.9
Figure 2.8
Figure 2.10
to work best when the vehicle is fully loaded. It does not take a lot of water to cause
Empty trucks require greater stopping distances hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur at speeds
because an empty vehicle has less traction. as low as 30 mph if there is a lot of water.
Hydroplaning is more likely if tire pressure is low,
2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road or the tread is worn. (The grooves in a tire carry
Surface away the water; if they aren't deep, they don't work
well.)
You can't steer or brake a vehicle unless you have
traction. Traction is friction between the tires and Road surfaces where water can collect can create
the road. There are some road conditions that conditions that cause a vehicle to hydroplane.
reduce traction and call for lower speeds. Watch for clear reflections, tire splashes, and
Slippery Surfaces. It will take longer to stop, and raindrops on the road. These are indications of
it will be harder to turn without skidding, when the standing water.
road is slippery. Wet roads can double stopping
distance. You must drive slower to be able to stop
in the same distance as on a dry road. Reduce
speed by about one-third (e.g., slow from 55 to 2.6.3 – Speed and Curves
about 35 mph) on a wet road. On packed snow, Drivers must adjust their speed for curves in the
reduce speed by a half, or more. If the surface is road. If you take a curve too fast, two things can
icy, reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as happen. The tires can lose their traction and
soon as you can safely do so. continue straight ahead, so you skid off the road.
Identifying Slippery Surfaces. Sometimes it's Or, the tires may keep their traction and the vehicle
hard to know if the road is slippery. Here are some rolls over. Tests have shown that trucks with a high
signs of slippery roads: center of gravity can roll over at the posted speed
Shaded Areas. Shady parts of the road will remain limit for a curve.
icy and slippery long after open areas have melted.
Bridges. When the temperature drops, bridges will Slow to a safe speed before you enter a curve.
freeze before the road will. Be especially careful Braking in a curve is dangerous because it is
when the temperature is close to 32 degrees easier to lock the wheels and cause a skid. Slow
Fahrenheit. down as needed. Don't ever exceed the posted
Melting Ice . Slight melting will make ice wet. Wet speed limit for the curve. Be in a gear that will let
ice is much more slippery than ice that is not wet. you accelerate slightly in the curve. This will help
Black Ice . Black ice is a thin layer that is clear you keep control.
enough that you can see the road underneath it. It
makes the road look wet. Any time the temperature 2.6.4 – Speed and Distance Ahead
is below freezing and the road looks wet, watch out You should always be able to stop within the
for black ice. distance you can see ahead. Fog, rain, or other
Vehicle Icing . An easy way to check for ice is to conditions may require that you slowdown to be
open the window and feel the front of the mirror, able to stop in the distance you can see. At night,
mirror support, or antenna. If there's ice on these, you can't see as far with low beams as you can
the road surface is probably starting to ice up. with high beams. When you must use low beams,
Just After Rain Begin s. Right after it starts to slow down.
rain, the water mixes with oil left on the road by
vehicles. This makes the road very slippery. If the 2.6.5 – Speed and Traffic Flow
rain continues, it will wash the oil away.
Hydroplaning. In some weather, water or slush When you're driving in heavy traffic, the safest
collects on the road. When this happens, your speed is the speed of other vehicles. Vehicles
vehicle can hydroplane. It's like water skiing--the going the same direction at the same speed are
tires lose their contact with the road and have little not likely to run into one another. In many states,
or no traction. You may not be able to steer or speed limits are lower for trucks and buses than for
brake. You can regain control by releasing the cars. It can vary as much as 15 mph. Use extra
accelerator and pushing in the clutch. This will slow caution when you change lanes or pass on these
your vehicle and let the wheels turn freely. If the roadways. Drive at the speed of the traffic, if you
vehicle is hydroplaning, do not use the brakes to can without going at an illegal or unsafe speed.
slow down. If the drive wheels start to skid, push in Keep a safe following distance.
the clutch to let them turn freely.
The main reason drivers exceed speed limits is to
save time. But, anyone trying to drive faster than
the speed of traffic will not be able to save much 4. What does "communicating" mean in safe
time. The risks involved are not worth it. If you go driving?
faster than the speed of other traffic, you'll have to 5. Where should you place reflectors when
keep passing other vehicles. This increases the stopped on a divided highway?
chance of a crash, and it is more tiring. Fatigue 6. What three things add up to total stopping
increases the chance of a crash. Going with the distance?
flow of traffic is safer and easier. 7. If you go twice as fast, will your stopping
distance increase by two or four times?
2.6.6 – Speed on Downgrades 8. Empty trucks have the best braking. True
or False?
Your vehicle's speed will increase on downgrades 9. What is hydroplaning?
because of gravity. Your most important objective 10. What is "black ice”?
is to select and maintain a speed that is not too
These questions may be on the test. If you can't
fast for the:
answer them all, re-read subsections 2.4, 2.5, and
Total weight of the vehicle and cargo.
2.6.
Length of the grade.
Steepness of the grade.
Road conditions. 2.7 – Managing Space
Weather.
If a speed limit is posted, or there is a sign To be a safe driver, you need space all around
indicating "Maximum Safe Speed," never exceed your vehicle. When things go wrong, space gives
the speed shown. Also, look for and heed warning you time to think and to take action.
signs indicating the length and steepness of the
grade. You must use the braking effect of the To have space available when something goes
engine as the principal way of controlling your wrong, you need to manage space. While this is
speed on downgrades. The braking effect of the true for all drivers, it is very important for large
engine is greatest when it is near the governed vehicles. They take up more space and they
rpms and the transmission is in the lower gears. require more space for stopping and turning.
Save your brakes so you will be able to slow or
stop as required by road and traffic conditions. 2.7.1 – Space Ahead
Shift your transmission to a low gear before
starting down the grade and use the proper Of all the space around your vehicle, it is the area
braking techniques. Please read carefully the ahead of the vehicle--the space you're driving into -
section on going down long, steep downgrades -that is most important.
safely in "Mountain Driving."
The Need for Space Ahead. You need space
2.6.7 – Roadway Work Zones ahead in case you must suddenly stop. According
to accident reports, the vehicle that trucks and
Speeding traffic is the number one cause of injury buses most often run into is the one in front of
and death in roadway work zones. Observe the them. The most frequent cause is following too
posted speed limits at all times when approaching closely. Remember, if the vehicle ahead of you is
and driving through a work zone. Watch your smaller than yours, it can probably stop faster than
speedometer, and don’t allow your speed to creep you can. You may crash if you are following too
up as you drive through long sections of road closely.
construction. Decrease your speed for adverse
weather or road conditions. Decrease your speed How Much Space? How much space should you
even further when a worker is close to the keep in front of you? One good rule says you need
roadway. at least one second for each 10 feet of vehicle
length at speeds below 40 mph. At greater speeds,
you must add 1 second for safety. For example, if
Subsections 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6 you are driving a 40-foot vehicle, you should leave
4 seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. In
Test Your Knowledge a 60-foot rig, you'll need 6 seconds. Over 40 mph,
1. How far ahead does the manual say you you'd need 5 seconds for a 40-foot vehicle and 7
should look? seconds for a 60-foot vehicle. See Figure 2.12.
2. What are two main things to look for
ahead? To know how much space you have, wait until the
3. What's your most important way to see the vehicle ahead passes a shadow on the road, a
sides and rear of your vehicle? pavement marking, or some other clear landmark.
2.7.4 – Space Overhead Don't turn wide to the left as you start the turn. A
following driver may think you are turning left and
Hitting overhead objects is a danger. Make sure try to pass you on the right. You may crash into the
you always have overhead clearance. other vehicle as you complete your turn.
Don't assume that the heights posted at bridges If you must cross into the oncoming lane to make a
and overpasses are correct. Re-paving or packed turn, watch out for vehicles coming toward you.
snow may have reduced the clearances since the Give them room to go by or to stop. However, don't
heights were posted. back up for them, because you might hit someone
The weight of a cargo van changes its height. An behind you. See Figure 2.13.
empty van is higher than a loaded one. That you
got under a bridge when you were loaded does not
mean that you can do it when you are empty.
If you doubt you have safe space to pass under an
object, go slowly. If you aren't sure you can make
it, take another route. Warnings are often posted
on low bridges or underpasses, but sometimes
they are not.
Some roads can cause a vehicle to tilt. There can
be a problem clearing objects along the edge of
the road, such as signs, trees, or bridge supports.
Where this is a problem, drive a little closer to the
center of the road.
Before you back into an area, get out and check
for overhanging objects such as trees, branches,
Figure 2.13
or electric wires. It's easy to miss seeing them
while you are backing. (Also check for other Left Turns. On a left turn, make sure you have
hazards at the same time.) reached the center of the intersection before you
start the left turn. If you turn too soon, the left side
2.7.5 – Space Below of your vehicle may hit another vehicle because of
off-tracking.
Many drivers forget about the space under their
vehicles. That space can be very small when a If there are two turning lanes, always take the right
vehicle is heavily loaded. This is often a problem turn lane. Don't start in the inside lane because
on dirt roads and in unpaved yards. Don't take a you may have to swing right to make the turn.
chance on getting hung up. Drainage channels Drivers on your left can be more readily seen. See
across roads can cause the ends of some vehicles Figure 2.14.
to drag. Cross such depressions carefully.
2.7.7 – Sp ace Needed to Cross or Ente r emergency vehicle. Signs are posted on roadways
Traffic in states that have such laws].
[When approaching an authorized emergency
Be aware of the size and weight of your vehicle
vehicle stopped on the roadside or a work zone,
when you cross or enter traffic. Here are some
you should proceed with caution by slowing and
important things to keep in mind.
yielding the right-of-way by making a lane change
Because of slow acceleration and the space large
into a lane not next to that of the authorized
vehicles require, you may need a much larger gap
emergency vehicle or work zone if safety and
to enter traffic than you would in a car.
traffic conditions permit. If a lane change is
Acceleration varies with the load. Allow more room
unsafe, slow down and proceed with caution while
if your vehicle is heavily loaded.
maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions].
Before you start across a road, make sure you can
get all the way across before traffic reaches you.
Slow down and be very careful if you see any of
the following road hazards.
2.8 – Seeing Hazards
Work Zones. When people are working on the
2.8.1 – Importance of Seeing Hazards road, it is a hazard. There may be narrower lanes,
What Is a Hazard? A hazard is any road condition sharp turns, or uneven surfaces. Other drivers are
or other road user (driver, bicyclist, pedestrian) that often distracted and drive unsafely. Workers and
is a possible danger. For example, a car in front of construction vehicles may get in the way. Drive
you is headed toward the freeway exit, but his slowly and carefully near work zones. Use your
brake lights come on and he begins braking hard. four-way flashers or brake lights to warn drivers
This could mean that the driver is uncertain about behind you.
taking the off ramp. He might suddenly return to
the highway. This car is a hazard. If the driver of Drop Off. Sometimes the pavement drops off
the car cuts in front of you, it is no longer just a sharply near the edge of the road. Driving too near
hazard; it is an emergency. the edge can tilt your vehicle toward the side of the
road. This can cause the top of your vehicle to hit
Seeing Hazards Lets You Be Prepared. You will roadside objects (signs, tree limbs). Also, it can be
have more time to act if you see hazards before hard to steer as you cross the drop off, going off
they become emergencies. In the example above, the road, or coming back on.
you might make a lane change or slow down to
prevent a crash if the car suddenly cuts in front of Foreign Objects. Things that have fallen on the
you. Seeing this hazard gives you time to check road can be hazards. They can be a danger to
your mirrors and signal a lane change. Being your tires and wheel rims. They can damage
prepared reduces the danger. A driver who did not electrical and brake lines. They can be caught
see the hazard until the slow car pulled back on between dual tires and cause severe damage.
the highway in front of him would have to do Some obstacles that appear to be harmless can be
something very suddenly. Sudden braking or a very dangerous. For example, cardboard boxes
quick lane change is much more likely to lead to a may be empty, but they may also contain some
crash. solid or heavy material capable of causing
damage. The same is true of paper and cloth
Learning to See Hazards. There are often clues sacks. It is important to remain alert for objects of
that will help you see hazards. The more you drive, all sorts, so you can see them early enough to
the better you can learn to see hazards. This avoid them without making sudden, unsafe moves.
section will talk about hazards that you should be
aware of. Off Ramps/On Ramps. Freeway and turnpike
exits can be particularly dangerous for commercial
2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads vehicles. Off ramps and on ramps often have
speed limit signs posted. Remember, these speeds
[Move-Over Laws] may be safe for automobiles, but may not be safe
[The incidents of law enforcement officers, for larger vehicles or heavily loaded vehicles. Exits
emergency medical services, fire department that go downhill and turn at the same time can be
personnel and people working on the road are especially dangerous. The downgrade makes it
being struck while performing duties at the difficult to reduce speed. Braking and turning at the
roadside are increasing at a frightening pace. To same time can be a dangerous practice. Make
lessen the problem, move-over laws have been sure you are going slowly enough before you get
enacted, which require drivers to slow and change on the curved part of an off ramp or on ramp.
lanes when approaching a roadside incident or
Section 2 – Driving Safely Page 18
Version: July 2014
2005 Commercial Driver’s License Manual
2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards Children. Children tend to act quickly without
checking traffic. Children playing with one another
In order to protect yourself and others, you must may not look for traffic and are a serious hazard.
know when other drivers may do something
hazardous. Some clues to this type of hazard are
Talkers. Drivers or pedestrians talking to one
discussed below.
another may not be paying close attention to the
traffic.
Blocked Vision. People who can't see others are
a very dangerous hazard. Be alert for drivers
Workers. People working on or near the roadway
whose vision is blocked. Vans, loaded station
are a hazard clue. The work creates a distraction
wagons, and cars with the rear window blocked are
for other drivers and the workers themselves may
examples. Rental trucks should be watched
not see you.
carefully. Their drivers are often not used to the
limited vision they have to the sides and rear of the
Ice Cream Trucks. Someone selling ice cream is
truck. In winter, vehicles with frosted, ice-covered,
a hazard clue. Children may be nearby and may
or snow-covered windows are hazards.
not see you.
Vehicles may be partly hidden by blind
Disabled Vehicles. Drivers changing a tire or
intersections or alleys. If you only can see the rear
fixing an engine often do not pay attention to the
or front end of a vehicle but not the driver, then he
danger that roadway traffic is to them. They are
or she can't see you. Be alert because he/she may
often careless. Jacked up wheels or raised hoods
back out or enter into your lane. Always be
are hazard clues.
prepared to stop.
Accidents. Accidents are particularly hazardous.
Delivery Trucks Can Present a Hazard.
People involved in the accident may not look for
Packages or vehicle doors often block the driver’s
traffic. Passing drivers tend to look at the accident.
vision. Drivers of step vans, postal vehicles, and
People often run across the road without looking.
local delivery vehicles often are in a hurry and may
Vehicles may slow or stop suddenly.
suddenly step out of their vehicle or drive their
vehicle into the traffic lane.
Shoppers. People in and around shopping areas
are often not watching traffic because they are
Parked Vehicles Can Be Hazards, especially
looking for stores or looking into store windows.
when people start to get out of them. Or, they may
suddenly start up and drive into your way. Watch
Confused Drivers. Confused drivers often change
for movement inside the vehicle or movement of
direction suddenly or stop without warning.
the vehicle itself that shows people are inside.
Confusion is common near freeway or turnpike
Watch for brake lights or backup lights, exhaust,
interchanges and major intersections. Tourists
and other clues that a driver is about to move.
unfamiliar with the area can be very hazardous.
Clues to tourists include car-top luggage and out-
Be careful of a stopped bus. Passengers may
of-state license plates. Unexpected actions
cross in front of or behind the bus, and they often
(stopping in the middle of a block, changing lanes
can't see you.
for no apparent reason, backup lights suddenly
going on) are clues to confusion. Hesitation is
Pedestrians and Bicyclists Can Also Be another clue, including driving very slowly, using
Hazards. Walkers, joggers, and bicyclists may be brakes often, or stopping in the middle of an
on the road with their back to the traffic, so they intersection. You may also see drivers who are
can't see you. Sometimes they wear portable looking at street signs, maps, and house numbers.
stereos with headsets, so they can't hear you These drivers may not be paying attention to you.
either. This can be dangerous. On rainy days,
pedestrians may not see you because of hats or Slow Drivers. Motorists who fail to maintain
umbrellas. They may be hurrying to get out of the normal speed are hazards. Seeing slow moving
rain and may not pay attention to the traffic. vehicles early can prevent a crash. Some vehicles,
by their nature, are slow and seeing them is a
Distractions. People who are distracted are hazard clue (mopeds, farm machinery,
hazards. Watch for where they are looking. If they construction machinery, tractors, etc.). Some of
are looking elsewhere, they can't see you. But be these will have the "slow moving vehicle" symbol to
alert even when they are looking at you. They may warn you. This is a red triangle with an orange
believe that they have the right of way. center. Watch for it.
Drivers Signaling a Turn May Be a Hazard. You should always be looking for hazards.
Drivers signaling a turn may slow more than Continue to learn to see hazards on the road.
expected or stop. If they are making a tight turn However, don't forget why you are looking for the
into an alley or driveway, they may go very slowly. hazards--they may turn into emergencies. You look
If pedestrians or other vehicles block them, they for the hazards in order to have time to plan a way
may have to stop on the roadway. Vehicles turning out of any emergency. When you see a hazard,
left may have to stop for oncoming vehicles. think about the emergencies that could develop
and figure out what you would do. Always be
Drivers in a Hurry. Drivers may feel your prepared to take action based on your plans. In
commercial vehicle is preventing them from getting this way, you will be a prepared, defensive driver
where they want to go on time. Such drivers may who will improve your own safety as well as the
pass you without a safe gap in the oncoming safety of all road users.
traffic, cutting too close in front of you. Drivers
entering the road may pull in front of you in order to
avoid being stuck behind you, causing you to
brake. Be aware of this and watch for drivers who Subsections 2.7 and 2.8
are in a hurry. Test Your Knowledge
Impaired Drivers. Drivers who are sleepy, have 1. How do you find out how many seconds of
had too much to drink, are on drugs, or who are ill following distance space you have?
are hazards. Some clues to these drivers are: 2. If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55
Weaving across the road or drifting from one side mph, how many seconds of following
to another. distance should you allow?
Leaving the road (dropping right wheels onto the 3. You should decrease your following
shoulder, or bumping across a curb in a turn). distance if somebody is following you too
Stopping at the wrong time (stopping at a green closely. True or False?
light, or waiting for too long at a stop). 4. If you swing wide to the left before turning
Open window in cold weather. right, another driver may try to pass you on
Speeding up or slowing down suddenly, driving too the right. True or False?
fast or too slow. 5. What is a hazard?
Be alert for drunk drivers and sleepy drivers late at 6. Why make emergency plans when you see
night. a hazard?
Driver Body Movement as a Clue. Drivers look in These questions may be on the test. If you can’t
the direction they are going to turn. You may answer them all, re-read subsections 2.7 and 2.8
sometimes get a clue from a driver's head and
body movements that a driver may be going to
make a turn, even though the turn signals aren't 2.9 – Distracted Driving
on. Drivers making over-the-shoulder checks may
be going to change lanes. These clues are most A driver distraction is anything that takes your
easily seen in motorcyclists and bicyclists. Watch attention away from driving. Whenever you are
other road users and try to tell whether they might driving a vehicle and your full attention is not on
do something hazardous. the driving task, you are putting yourself, your
passengers, other vehicles, and pedestrians in
Conflicts. You are in conflict when you have to danger. Distracted driving can cause collisions,
change speed and/or direction to avoid hitting resulting in injury, death or property damage.
someone. Conflicts occur at intersections where
Activities inside of the vehicle that can distract your
vehicles meet, at merges (such as turnpike on
attention include: talking to passengers; adjusting
ramps) and where there are needed lane changes
the radio, CD player or climate controls; eating,
(such as the end of a lane, forcing a move to
drinking or smoking; reading maps or other
another lane of traffic). Other situations include
literature; picking up something that fell; talking on
slow moving or stalled traffic in a traffic lane, and
a cell phone or CB radio; reading or sending text
accident scenes. Watch for other drivers who are
messages; using any type of telematic or electronic
in conflict because they are a hazard to you. When
devices (such as navigation systems, pagers,
they react to this conflict, they may do something
personal digital assistant, computers, etc.);
that will put them in conflict with you.
daydreaming or being occupied with other mental
2.8.4 – Always Have a Plan distractions; and many others.
Note that hands-free devices are no less likely than for CMV drivers who engage in texting while
hand-held cell phones to cause you to become driving than for those who do not. Sending or
distracted. Attention is diverted from the driving receiving text takes your eyes from the road for an
task while using either device. average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, you would
travel 371 feet, or the length of an entire football
2.9.5 –Texting field – without looking at the roadway.
49 CFR Part 383, 384, 390, 391, 392, the Federal
2.9.6 – Don’t Drive Distracted
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
prohibits texting by commercial motor vehicle Your goal should be to eliminate all in-vehicle
(CMV) drivers while operating in interstate distractions before driving begins. Accomplishing
commerce; and implements new driver this goal can be done by:
disqualification sanctions for drivers of CMVs who Assessing all potential in-vehicle distractions
fail to comply with this Federal prohibition; or who before driving
have multiple convictions for violating a State or
local law or ordinance on motor vehicle traffic Developing a preventative plan to reduce/eliminate
control that prohibits texting while driving. possible distractions
Additionally, motor carriers are prohibited from Expecting distractions to occur
requiring or allowing their drivers to engage in
texting while driving. Discussing possible scenarios before getting
behind the wheel
Texting means manually entering text into, or
reading text from, an electronic device. This Based on the assessment of potential distractions,
includes, but is not limited to, short message you can formulate a preventative plan to
service, e-mailing, instant messaging, a command reduce/eliminate possible distractions.
or request to access a World Wide Web page, or If drivers react a half-second slower because of
engaging in any other form of electronic text distractions, crashes double. Some tips to follow so
retrieval or entry, for present or future you won’t become distracted:
communication. Turn off all communication devices.
Electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a If you must use a mobile phone, make sure it is
cellular telephone; personal digital assistant; within close proximity, that it is operable while you
pager; computer; or any other device used to are restrained, use an earpiece or the speaker
enter, write, send, receive, or read text. phone function, use voice-activated dialing; or use
the hands-free feature. Drivers are not in
Your CDL will be disqualified after two or more compliance if they unsafely reach for a mobile
convictions of any state law on texting while phone, even if they intend to use the hands-free
operating a CMV. Disqualification is 60 days for the function.
second offense within 3 years and 120 days for Do not type or read a text message on a mobile
three or more offenses within 3 years. In addition,
device while driving.
the first and each subsequent violation of such a
prohibition are subject to civil penalties imposed on Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s features
such drivers, in an amount up to $2,750. No motor and equipment, before you get behind the wheel.
carrier shall allow or require its drivers to engage in
texting while driving. There is an emergency Adjust all vehicle controls and mirrors to your
exception that allows you text if necessary to preferences prior to driving.
communicate with law enforcement officials or Pre-program radio stations and pre-load your
other emergency services. favorite CDs.
Evidence suggests that text messaging is even Clear the vehicle of any unnecessary objects and
riskier than talking on a cell phone because it secure cargo.
requires you to look at a small screen and Review maps, program the GPS and plan your
manipulate the keypad with one’s hands. Texting
route before you begin driving.
is the most alarming distraction because it involves
both physical and mental distraction Don’t attempt to read or write while you drive.
simultaneously. Avoid smoking, eating and drinking while you drive.
Leave early to allow yourself time to stop to eat.
Research shows that the odds of being involved in
a safety-critical event (e.g., crash, near-crash, Don’t engage in complex or emotionally intense
unintentional lane deviation) is 23.2 times greater conversations with other occupants.
Section 2 – Driving Safely Page 22
Version: July 2014
2005 Commercial Driver’s License Manual
Secure commitment from other occupants to Give the drive your full attention. Don’t allow
behave responsibly and to support the driver in yourself to become distracted by talking on your
reducing distractions. cell phone, eating, etc.
Be realistic about your travel time. Expect delays
because of traffic, construction, or bad weather
2.9.7 – Watch Out for Other Distracted and make allowances.
Drivers If you’re going to be later than you expected – deal
You need to be able to recognize other drivers who with it. Take a deep breath and accept the delay.
are engaged in any form of driving distraction. Not Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Try to
recognizing other distracted drivers can prevent imagine why he or she is driving that way.
you from perceiving or reacting correctly in time to Whatever their reason, it has nothing to do with
prevent a crash. Watch for: you.
Slow down and keep your following distance
Vehicles that may drift over the lane divider lines or
reasonable.
within their own lane. Don’t drive slowly in the left lane of traffic.
Vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds. Avoid gestures. Keep your hands on the wheel.
Avoid making any gestures that might anger
Drivers who are preoccupied with maps, food,
another driver, even seemingly harmless
cigarettes, cell phones, or other objects. expressions of irritation like shaking your head.
Drivers who appear to be involved in conversations Be a cautious and courteous driver. If another
with their passengers. driver seems eager to get in front of you, say, “Be
my guest.” This response will soon become a habit
Give a distracted driver plenty of room and and you won’t be as offended by other drivers’
maintain your safe following distance. actions.
Be very careful when passing a driver who seems
to be distracted. The other driver may not be aware 2.10.3 – What You Should Do When
of your presence, and they may drift in front of you. Confronted by an Aggressive Driver
First and foremost, make every attempt to get out
of their way.
2.10 – Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage Put your pride in the back seat. Do not challenge
2.10.1 – What Is It? them by speeding up or attempting to hold-your-
own in your travel lane.
Aggressive driving and road rage is not a new Avoid eye contact.
problem. However, in today’s world, where heavy Ignore gestures and refuse to react to them.
and slow-moving traffic and tight schedules are the Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate
norm, more and more drivers are taking out their authorities by providing a vehicle description,
anger and frustration in their vehicles. license number, location and, if possible, direction
of travel.
Crowded roads leave little room for error, leading If you have a cell phone, and can do it safely, call
to suspicion and hostility among drivers and the police.
encouraging them to take personally the mistakes If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther
of other drivers. down the road, stop a safe distance from the crash
scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the
Aggressive driving is the act of operating a motor driving behavior that you witnessed.
vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without
regard for the rights or safety of others.
Subsections 2.9 and 2.10 Avoid using dark or tinted corrective lenses at
night, even if you think they help with glare. Tinted
Test Your Knowledge
lenses cut down the light that you need to see
1. What are some tips to follow so you won’t clearly under night driving conditions.
become a distracted driver?
Glare. Drivers can be blinded for a short time by
2. How do you use in-vehicle bright light. . It can take several seconds to recover
communications equipment cautiously? from glare. Even two seconds of glare blindness
3. How do you recognize a distracted driver? can be dangerous. A vehicle going 55 mph will
4. What is the difference between aggressive travel more than half the distance of a football field
driving and road rage? during that time.
5. What should you do when confronted with Fatigue and Lack of Alertness. Fatigue is
an aggressive driver? physical or mental tiredness that can be caused by
6. What are some things you can do to physical or mental strain, repetitive tasks, illness or
reduce your stress before and while you drive? lack of sleep. Just like alcohol and drugs, it
impairs your vision and judgment.
These questions may be on the test. If you can’t
answer them all, re-read subsections 2.9 and 2.10. Fatigue causes errors related to speed and
distance, increases your risk of being in a crash,
causes you to not see and react to hazards as
quickly; and affects your ability to make critical
2.11 – Driving at Night decisions. When you are fatigued, you could fall
asleep behind the wheel and crash, injuring or
2.11.1 – It's More Dangerous killing yourself or others.
You are at greater risk when you drive at night. Fatigued or drowsy driving is one of the leading
Drivers can't see hazards as quickly as in daylight, causes of traffic collisions. NHTSA estimates that
so they have less time to respond. Drivers caught 100,000 police-reported crashes a year are the
by surprise are less able to avoid a crash. result of drowsy driving. According to the National
The problems of night driving involve the driver, the Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America poll, 60% of
roadway, and the vehicle. Americans have driven while feeling sleepy and
more than one third (36 percent or 103 million
people) admit to having actually fallen asleep at
2.11.2 – Driver Factors the wheel. Drivers may experience short bursts of
Vision. Good vision is critical for safe driving. sleep lasting only a few seconds or fall asleep for
Your control of the brake, accelerator, and steering longer periods of time. Either way, the chance of a
wheel is based on what you see. If you cannot see collision increases dramatically.
clearly, you will have trouble identifying traffic and
roadway conditions, spotting potential trouble or At-Risk Groups
responding to problems in a timely manner. The risk of having a crash due to drowsy driving is
Because seeing well is so critical to safe driving, not uniformly distributed across the population.
you should have your eyes checked regularly by Crashes tend to occur at times when sleepiness is
an eye specialist. You may never know you have most pronounced, for example, during the night
poor vision unless your eyes are tested. If you and in the mid-afternoon. Most people are less
need to wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, alert at night, especially after midnight. This is
remember to: particularly true if you have been driving for a long
time. Thus individuals who drive at night are much
Always wear them when driving, even if driving more likely to have fall-asleep crashes.
short distances. If your driver license says
corrective lenses are required, it is illegal to move Research has identified young males, shift
a vehicle without using corrective lenses. workers, commercial drivers, especially long-haul
drivers and people with untreated sleep disorders
Keep an extra set of corrective lenses in your or with short-term or chronic sleep deprivation as
vehicle. If your normal corrective lenses are being at increased risk for having a fall-asleep
broken or lost, you can use the spare lenses to crash. At least 15% of all heavy truck crashes
drive safely. involve fatigue.
A congressionally mandated study of 80 long-haul
truck drivers in the United States and Canada
found that drivers averaged less than 5 hours of
to see against a background of signs, shop people have experienced driving toward the sun
windows, and other lights. just as it has risen or is about to set, and found that
Drive slower when lighting is poor or confusing.
Drive slowly enough to be sure you can stop in the they can barely see through a windshield that
distance you can see ahead. seemed to look OK in the middle of the day. Clean
your windshield on the inside and outside for safe
Drunk Drivers. Drunk drivers and drivers under driving at night.
the influence of drugs are a hazard to themselves
and to you. Be especially alert around the closing 2.11.5 – Night Driving Procedures
times for bars and taverns. Watch for drivers who
have trouble staying in their lane or maintaining Vehicle Procedures. Make sure you are rested
speed, who stop without reason, or show other and alert. If you are drowsy, sleep before you
signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drive! Even a nap can save your life or the lives of
drugs. others. If you wear eyeglasses, make sure they are
clean and unscratched. Don't wear sunglasses at
2.11.4 – Vehicle Factors night. Do a complete Vehicle inspection of your
vehicle. Pay attention to checking all lights and
Headlights. At night your headlights will usually be reflectors, and cleaning those you can reach.
the main source of light for you to see by and for
others to see you. You can't see nearly as much Avoid Blinding Others. Glare from your
with your headlights as you see in the daytime. headlights can cause problems for drivers coming
With low beams you can see ahead about 250 feet toward you. They can also bother drivers going in
and with high beams about 350-500 feet. You must the same direction you are, when your lights shine
adjust your speed to keep your stopping distance in their rearview mirrors. Dim your lights before
within your sight distance. This means going slowly they cause glare for other drivers. Dim your lights
enough to be able to stop within the range of your within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and when
headlights. Otherwise, by the time you see a following another vehicle within 500 feet.
hazard, you will not have time to stop.
Avoid Glare from Oncoming Vehicles. Do not
Night driving can be more dangerous if you have look directly at lights of oncoming vehicles. Look
problems with your headlights. Dirty headlights slightly to the right at a right lane or edge marking,
may give only half the light they should. This cuts if available. If other drivers don't put their low
down your ability to see, and makes it harder for beams on, don't try to "get back at them" by putting
others to see you. Make sure your lights are clean your own high beams on. This increases glare for
and working. Headlights can be out of adjustment. oncoming drivers and increases the chance of a
If they don't point in the right direction, they won't crash.
give you a good view and they can blind other
drivers. Have a qualified person make sure they Use High Beams When You Can. Some drivers
are adjusted properly. make the mistake of always using low beams. This
seriously cuts down on their ability to see ahead.
Other Lights. In order for you to be seen easily, Use high beams when it is safe and legal to do so.
the following must be clean and working properly: Use them when you are not within 500 feet of an
Reflectors. approaching vehicle. Also, don't let the inside of
Marker lights. your cab get too bright. This makes it harder to see
Clearance lights. outside. Keep the interior light off, and adjust your
Taillights. instrument lights as low as you can to still be able
Identification lights. to read the gauges.
Turn Signals and Brake Lights. At night your turn If You Get Sleepy, Stop at the Nearest Safe
signals and brake lights are even more important Place. People often don't realize how close they
for telling other drivers what you intend to do. Make are to falling asleep even when their eyelids are
sure you have clean, working turn signals and stop falling shut. If you can safely do so, look at yourself
lights. in a mirror. If you look sleepy, or you just feel
sleepy, stop driving! You are in a very dangerous
Windshield and Mirrors. It is more important at condition. The only safe cure is to sleep.
night than in the daytime to have a clean
windshield and clean mirrors. Bright lights at night
can cause dirt on your windshield or mirrors to
create a glare of its own, blocking your view. Most
2.12 – Driving in Fog the windshield washer works and there is washing
fluid in the washer reservoir.
Fog can occur at any time. Fog on highways can
be extremely dangerous. Fog is often unexpected, Use windshield washer antifreeze to prevent
and visibility can deteriorate rapidly. You should freezing of the washer liquid. If you can't see well
watch for foggy conditions and be ready to reduce enough while driving (for example, if your wipers
your speed. Do not assume that the fog will thin fail), stop safely and fix the problem.
out after you enter it.
Tires. Make sure you have enough tread on your
The best advice for driving in fog is don’t. It is tires. The drive tires must provide traction to push
preferable that you pull off the road into a rest area the rig over wet pavement and through snow. The
or truck stop until visibility is better. If you must steering tires must have traction to steer the
drive, be sure to consider the following: vehicle. Enough tread is especially important in
Obey all fog-related warning signs. winter conditions. You must have at least 4/32 inch
Slow down before you enter fog. tread depth in every major groove on front tires
Use low-beam headlights and fog lights for best and at least 2/32 inch on other tires. More would
visibility even in daytime, and be alert for other be better. Use a gauge to determine if you have
drivers who may have forgotten to turn on their enough tread for safe driving.
lights.
Turn on your 4-way flashers. This will give vehicles Tire Chains. You may find yourself in conditions
approaching you from behind a quicker opportunity where you can't drive without chains, even to get to
to notice your vehicle. a place of safety. Carry the right number of chains
Watch for vehicles on the side of the roadway. and extra cross-links. Make sure they will fit your
Seeing taillights or headlights in front of you may drive tires. Check the chains for broken hooks,
not be a true indication of where the road is ahead worn or broken cross-links, and bent or broken
of you. The vehicle may not be on the road at all. side chains. Learn how to put the chains on before
Use roadside highway reflectors as guides to you need to do it in snow and ice.
determine how the road may curve ahead of you.
Listen for traffic you cannot see. Lights and Reflectors. Make sure the lights and
Avoid passing other vehicles. reflectors are clean. Lights and reflectors are
Don’t stop along the side of the road, unless especially important during bad weather. Check
absolutely necessary. from time to time during bad weather to make sure
they are clean and working properly.
2.13 – Driving in Winter
Windows and Mirrors. Remove any ice, snow,
2.13.1 – Vehicle Checks etc., from the windshield, windows, and mirrors
Make sure your vehicle is ready before driving in before starting. Use a windshield scraper, snow
winter weather. You should make a regular Vehicle brush, and windshield defroster as necessary.
inspection, paying extra attention to the following
items. Hand Holds, Steps, and Deck Plates. Remove all
ice and snow from hand holds, steps, and deck
Coolant Level and Antifreeze Amount. Make plates. This will reduce the danger of slipping.
sure the cooling system is full and there is enough
antifreeze in the system to protect against freezing. Radiator Shutters and Winterfront. Remove ice
This can be checked with a special coolant tester. from the radiator shutters. Make sure the
winterfront is not closed too tightly. If the shutters
Defrosting and Heating Equipment. Make sure freeze shut or the winterfront is closed too much,
the defrosters work. They are needed for safe the engine may overheat and stop.
driving. Make sure the heater is working, and that
you know how to operate it. If you use other Exhaust System. Exhaust system leaks are
heaters and expect to need them (e.g., mirror especially dangerous when cab ventilation may be
heaters, battery box heaters, fuel tank heaters), poor (windows rolled up, etc.). Loose connections
check their operation. could permit poisonous carbon monoxide to leak
into your vehicle. Carbon monoxide gas will cause
Wipers and Washers. Make sure the windshield you to be sleepy. In large enough amounts it can
wiper blades are in good condition. Make sure the kill you. Check the exhaust system for loose parts
wiper blades press against the window hard and for sounds and signs of leaks.
enough to wipe the windshield clean, otherwise
they may not sweep off snow properly. Make sure
Adjust Speed to Conditions. Don't pass slower Engine Oil. The engine oil helps keep the engine
vehicles unless necessary. Go slowly and watch cool, as well as lubricating it. Make sure there is
far enough ahead to keep a steady speed. Avoid enough engine oil. If you have an oil temperature
having to slow down and speed up. Take curves at gauge, make sure the temperature is within the
slower speeds and don't brake while in curves. Be proper range while you are driving.
aware that as the temperature rises to the point
where ice begins to melt, the road becomes even Engine Coolant. Before starting out, make sure
more slippery. Slow down more. the engine cooling system has enough water and
antifreeze according to the engine manufacturer's
Adjust Space to Conditions. Don't drive directions. (Antifreeze helps the engine under hot
alongside other vehicles. Keep a longer following conditions as well as cold conditions.) When
distance. When you see a traffic jam ahead, slow driving, check the water temperature or coolant
down or stop to wait for it to clear. Try hard to temperature gauge from time to time. Make sure
anticipate stops early and slow down gradually. that it remains in the normal range. If the gauge
Watch for snowplows, as well as salt and sand goes above the highest safe temperature, there
trucks, and give them plenty of room. may be something wrong that could lead to engine
failure and possibly fire. Stop driving as soon as
Wet Brakes. When driving in heavy rain or deep safely possible and try to find out what is wrong.
standing water, your brakes will get wet. Water in
the brakes can cause the brakes to be weak, to Some vehicles have sight glasses, see-through
apply unevenly, or to grab. This can cause lack of coolant overflow containers, or coolant recovery
braking power, wheel lockups, pulling to one side containers. These permit you to check the coolant
or the other, and jackknife if you pull a trailer. level while the engine is hot. If the container is not
part of the pressurized system, the cap can be
Avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing safely removed and coolant added even when the
water if possible. If not, you should: engine is at operating temperature.
Slow down and place transmission in a low gear. Never remove the radiator cap or any part of the
Gently put on the brakes. This presses linings pressurized system until the system has cooled.
against brake drums or discs and keeps mud, silt, Steam and boiling water can spray under pressure
sand, and water from getting in. and cause severe burns. If you can touch the
Increase engine rpm and cross the water while radiator cap with your bare hand, it is probably cool
keeping light pressure on the brakes. enough to open.
When out of the water, maintain light pressure on
the brakes for a short distance to heat them up and If coolant has to be added to a system without a
dry them out. recovery tank or overflow tank, follow these steps:
Make a test stop when safe to do so. Check Shut engine off.
behind to make sure no one is following, then Wait until engine has cooled.
apply the brakes to be sure they work well. If not, Protect hands (use gloves or a thick cloth).
dry them out further as described above.
Section 2 – Driving Safely Page 28
Version: July 2014
2005 Commercial Driver’s License Manual
Turn radiator cap slowly to the first stop, which 2.15 – Railroad-highway Crossings
releases the pressure seal.
Step back while pressure is released from cooling Railroad-highway grade crossings are a special
system. kind of intersection where the roadway crosses
When all pressure has been released, press down train tracks. These crossings are always
on the cap and turn it further to remove it. dangerous. Every such crossing must be
Visually check level of coolant and add more approached with the expectation that a train is
coolant if necessary. coming. It is extremely difficult to judge the
Replace cap and turn all the way to the closed distance of the train from the crossing as well as
position. the speed of an approaching train.
Engine Belts. Learn how to check v-belt tightness 2.15.1 – Types of Crossings
on your vehicle by pressing on the belts. Loose
belts will not turn the water pump and/or fan Passive Crossings. This type of crossing does
properly. This will result in overheating. Also, check not have any type of traffic control device. The
belts for cracking or other signs of wear. decision to stop or proceed rests entirely in your
Hoses. Make sure coolant hoses are in good hands. Passive crossings require you to recognize
condition. A broken hose while driving can lead to the crossing, search for any train using the tracks
engine failure and even fire. and decide if there is sufficient clear space to cross
safely..
2.14.2 – Driving
Active Crossings. This type of crossing has a
Watch for Bleeding Tar. Tar in the road pavement traffic control device installed at the crossing to
frequently rises to the surface in very hot weather. regulate traffic at the crossing. These active
Spots where tar "bleeds" to the surface are very devices include flashing red lights, with or without
slippery. bells and flashing red lights with bells and gates.
Figure 2.16
especially alert at crossings that do not have gates crossing using all identifiable landmarks, especially
or flashing red light signals. the DOT number, if posted.
2.15.6 – Special Situations You must use the braking effect of the engine as
the principal way of controlling your speed. The
Be Aware! These trailers can get stuck on raised braking effect of the engine is greatest when it is
crossings: near the governed rpms and the transmission is in
Low slung units (lowboy, car carrier, moving van, the lower gears. Save your brakes so you will be
possum-belly livestock trailer). able to slow or stop as required by road and traffic
Single-axle tractor pulling a long trailer with its conditions.
landing gear set to accommodate a tandem-axle
tractor. 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear before
Starting Down the Grade
If for any reason you get stuck on the tracks, get
out of the vehicle and away from the tracks. Check Shift the transmission to a low gear before starting
signposts or signal housing at the crossing for down the grade. Do not try to downshift after your
emergency notification information. Call 911 or speed has already built up. You will not be able to
other emergency number. Give the location of the shift into a lower gear. You may not even be able
to get back into any gear and all engine braking
effect will be lost. Forcing an automatic
Section 2 – Driving Safely Page 31
Version: July 2014
2005 Commercial Driver’s License Manual
transmission into a lower gear at high speed could Escape ramps have been built on many steep
damage the transmission and also lead to loss of mountain downgrades. Escape ramps are made to
all engine braking effect. stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring
drivers and passengers. Escape ramps use a long
With older trucks, a rule for choosing gears is to bed of loose, soft material to slow a runaway
use the same gear going down a hill that you vehicle, sometimes in combination with an
would need to climb the hill. However, new trucks upgrade.
have low friction parts and streamlined shapes for
fuel economy. They may also have more powerful Know escape ramp locations on your route. Signs
engines. This means they can go up hills in higher show drivers where ramp are located. Escape
gears and have less friction and air drag to hold ramps save lives, equipment and cargo.
them back going down hills. For that reason,
drivers of modern trucks may have to use lower
gears going down a hill than would be required to
go up the hill. You should know what is right for Subsections 2.15 and 2.16
your vehicle. Test Your Knowledge
2.16.3 – Brake Fading or Failure 1. What factors determine your selection
of a "safe" speed when going down a long,
Brakes are designed so brake shoes or pads rub
steep downgrade?
against the brake drum or disks to slow the vehicle.
2. Why should you be in the proper gear
Braking creates heat, but brakes are designed to
before starting down a hill?
take a lot of heat. However, brakes can fade or fail
3. Describe the proper braking technique
from excessive heat caused by using them too
when going down a long, steep downgrade.
much and not relying on the engine braking effect.
4. What type of vehicles can get stuck on
Brake fade is also affected by adjustment. To
a railroad-highway crossing?
safely control a vehicle, every brake must do its
5. How long does it take for a typical
share of the work. Brakes out of adjustment will
tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?
stop doing their share before those that are in
adjustment. The other brakes can then overheat
These questions may be on the test. If you can’t
and fade, and there will not be enough braking
answer them all, re-read subsections 2.15 and
available to control the vehicle. Brakes can get out
2.16.
of adjustment quickly, especially when they are
used a lot; also, brake linings wear faster when
they are hot. Therefore, brake adjustment must be
checked frequently. 2.17 – Driving Emergencies
Traffic emergencies occur when two vehicles are
2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique about to collide. Vehicle emergencies occur when
Remember. The use of brakes on a long and/or tires, brakes, or other critical parts fail. Following
steep downgrade is only a supplement to the the safety practices in this manual can help
braking effect of the engine. Once the vehicle is in prevent emergencies. But if an emergency does
the proper low gear, the following are the proper happen, your chances of avoiding a crash depend
braking techniques: upon how well you take action. Actions you can
Apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite take are discussed below.
slowdown. 2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid a Crash
When your speed has been reduced to
approximately five mph below your "safe" speed, Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an
release the brakes. (This brake application should emergency. When you don't have enough room to
last for about three seconds.) stop, you may have to steer away from what's
When your speed has increased to your "safe" ahead. Remember, you can almost always turn to
speed, repeat steps 1 and 2. miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop.
(However, top-heavy vehicles and tractors with
For example, if your "safe" speed is 40 mph, you multiple trailers may flip over.)
would not apply the brakes until your speed
reaches 40 mph. You now apply the brakes hard Keep Both Hands on the Steering Wheel. In
enough to gradually reduce your speed to 35 mph order to turn quickly, you must have a firm grip on
and then release the brakes. Repeat this as often the steering wheel with both hands. The best way
as necessary until you have reached the end of the to have both hands on the wheel, if there is an
downgrade. emergency, is to keep them there all the time.
How to Turn Quickly and Safely. A quick turn Returning to the Road. If you are forced to return
can be made safely, if it's done the right way. Here to the road before you can stop, use the following
are some points that safe drivers use: procedure:
Do not apply the brake while you are turning. It's Hold the wheel tightly and turn sharply enough to
very easy to lock your wheels while turning. If that get right back on the road safely. Don't try to edge
happens, you may skid out of control. gradually back on the road. If you do, your tires
Do not turn any more than needed to clear might grab unexpectedly and you could lose
whatever is in your way. The more sharply you control.
turn, the greater the chances of a skid or rollover. When both front tires are on the paved surface,
Be prepared to "counter-steer," that is, to turn the counter-steer immediately. The two turns should
wheel back in the other direction, once you've be made as a single "steer-counter-steer" move.
passed whatever was in your path. Unless you are
prepared to counter-steer, you won't be able to do 2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely
it quickly enough. You should think of emergency
steering and counter-steering as two parts of one If somebody suddenly pulls out in front of you, your
driving action. natural response is to hit the brakes. This is a good
response if there's enough distance to stop, and
Where to Steer. If an oncoming driver has drifted you use the brakes correctly.
into your lane, a move to your right is best. If that
driver realizes what has happened, the natural You should brake in a way that will keep your
response will be to return to his or her own lane. vehicle in a straight line and allow you to turn if it
becomes necessary. You can use the "controlled
If something is blocking your path, the best braking" method or the "stab braking" method.
direction to steer will depend on the situation.
If you have been using your mirrors, you'll know Controlled Braking. With this method, you apply
which lane is empty and can be safely used. the brakes as hard as you can without locking the
If the shoulder is clear, going right may be best. No wheels. Keep steering wheel movements very
one is likely to be driving on the shoulder but small while doing this. If you need to make a larger
someone may be passing you on the left. You will steering adjustment or if the wheels lock, release
know if you have been using your mirrors. the brakes. Re-apply the brakes as soon as you
If you are blocked on both sides, a move to the can.
right may be best. At least you won't force anyone
into an opposing traffic lane and a possible head- Stab Braking. With this method, you apply your
on collision. brakes all the way and release brakes when
wheels lock up. As soon as the wheels start
Leaving the Road. In some emergencies, you rolling, apply the brakes fully again. (It can take up
may have to drive off the road. It may be less risky to one second for the wheels to start rolling after
than facing a collision with another vehicle. you release the brakes. If you re-apply the brakes
before the wheels start rolling, the vehicle won't
Most shoulders are strong enough to support the straighten out.)
weight of a large vehicle and, therefore, offer an
available escape route. Here are some guidelines, Don't Jam on the Brakes. Emergency braking
if you do leave the road. does not mean pushing down on the brake pedal
as hard as you can. That will only keep the wheels
Avoid Braking. If possible, avoid using the brakes locked up and cause a skid. If the wheels are
until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph. skidding, you cannot control the vehicle.
Then brake very gently to avoid skidding on a
loose surface. 2.17.3 – Brake Failure
Brakes kept in good condition rarely fail. Most
Keep One Set of Wheels on the Pavement, if hydraulic brake failures occur for one of two
Possible. This helps to maintain control. reasons: (Air brakes are discussed in Section 5.)
Loss of hydraulic pressure.
Stay on the Shoulder. If the shoulder is clear, Brake fade on long hills.
stay on it until your vehicle has come to a stop.
Signal and check your mirrors before pulling back Loss of Hydraulic Pressure. When the system
onto the road. won't build up pressure, the brake pedal will feel
spongy or go to the floor. Here are some things
you can do.
Downshift. Putting the vehicle into a lower gear remember what it is you're supposed to do can
will help to slow the vehicle. help you. The major signs of tire failure are:
Pump the Brakes. Sometimes pumping the brake Sound. The loud "bang" of a blowout is an easily
pedal will generate enough hydraulic pressure to recognized sign. Because it can take a few
stop the vehicle. seconds for your vehicle to react, you might think it
was some other vehicle. But any time you hear a
Use the Parking Brake. The parking or tire blow, you'd be safest to assume it is yours.
emergency brake is separate from the hydraulic Vibration. If the vehicle thumps or vibrates heavily,
brake system. Therefore, it can be used to slow the it may be a sign that one of the tires has gone flat.
vehicle. However, be sure to press the release With a rear tire, that may be the only sign you get.
button or pull the release lever at the same time Feel. If the steering feels "heavy," it is probably a
you use the emergency brake so you can adjust sign that one of the front tires has failed.
the brake pressure and keep the wheels from Sometimes, failure of a rear tire will cause the
locking up. vehicle to slide back and forth or "fishtail."
However, dual rear tires usually prevent this.
Find an Escape Route. While slowing the vehicle,
look for an escape route--an open field, side-street, Respond to Tire Failure. When a tire fails, your
or escape ramp. Turning uphill is a good way to vehicle is in danger. You must immediately:
slow and stop the vehicle. Make sure the vehicle
does not start rolling backward after you stop. Put Hold the Steering Wheel Firmly. If a front tire
it in low gear, apply the parking brake, and, if fails, it can twist the steering wheel out of your
necessary, roll back into some obstacle that will hand. The only way to prevent this is to keep a firm
stop the vehicle. grip on the steering wheel with both hands at all
times.
Brake Failure on Downgrades. Going slow Stay off the Brake. It's natural to want to brake in
enough and braking properly will almost always an emergency. However, braking when a tire has
prevent brake failure on long downgrades. Once failed could cause loss of control. Unless you're
the brakes have failed, however, you are going to about to run into something, stay off the brake until
have to look outside your vehicle for something to the vehicle has slowed down. Then brake very
stop it. gently, pull off the road, and stop.
Check the Tires. After you've come to a stop, get
Your best hope is an escape ramp. If there is one, out and check all the tires. Do this even if the
there'll be signs telling you about it. Use it. Ramps vehicle seems to be handling all right. If one of
are usually located a few miles from the top of the your dual tires goes, the only way you may know it
downgrade. Every year, hundreds of drivers avoid is by getting out and looking at it.
injury to themselves or damage to their vehicles by
using escape ramps. Some escape ramps use soft
gravel that resists the motion of the vehicle and 2.18 – Antilock Braking Systems (ABS)
brings it to a stop. Others turn uphill, using the hill
to stop the vehicle and soft gravel to hold it in ABS is a computerized system that keeps your
place. wheels from locking up during hard brake
applications.
Any driver who loses brakes going downhill should
use an escape ramp if it's available. If you don't ABS is an addition to your normal brakes. It does
use it, your chances of having a serious crash may not decrease or increase your normal braking
be much greater. capability. ABS only activates when wheels are
If no escape ramp is available, take the least about to lock up.
hazardous escape route you can--such as an open
field or a side road that flattens out or turns uphill. ABS does not necessarily shorten your stopping
Make the move as soon as you know your brakes distance, but it does help you keep the vehicle
don't work. The longer you wait, the faster the under control during hard braking.
vehicle will go, and the harder it will be to stop.
2.18.1 – How Antilock Braking Systems
2.17.4 – Tire Failure Work
Recognize Tire Failure. Quickly knowing you Sensors detect potential wheel lock up. An
have a tire failure will let you have more time to electronic control unit (ECU) will then decrease
react. Having just a few extra seconds to brake pressure to avoid wheel lockup.
Brake pressure is adjusted to provide the ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up and maintain
maximum braking without danger of lockup. control. You may or may not be able to stop faster
with ABS, but you should be able to steer around
ABS works far faster than the driver can respond to
an obstacle while braking, and avoid skids caused
potential wheel lockup. At all other times the brake
by over braking.
system will operate normally.
2.18.5 – ABS on the Tractor Only or Only
2.18.2 – Vehicles Required to Have
on the Trailer
Antilock Braking Systems
Having ABS on only the tractor, only the trailer, or
The Department of Transportation requires that
even on only one axle, still gives you more control
ABS be on:
over the vehicle during braking. Brake normally.
Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after
March 1, 1997.
When only the tractor has ABS, you should be able
Other air brake vehicles, (trucks, buses, trailers,
to maintain steering control, and there is less
and converter dollies) built on or after March 1,
chance of jackknifing. But keep your eye on the
1998.
trailer and let up on the brakes (if you can safely do
Hydraulically braked trucks and buses with a gross
so) if it begins to swing out.
vehicle weight rating of 10,000 lbs or more built on
or after March 1, 1999.
When only the trailer has ABS, the trailer is less
likely to swing out, but if you lose steering control
Many commercial vehicles built before these dates or start a tractor jackknife, let up on the brakes (if
have been voluntarily equipped with ABS. you can safely do so) until you regain control.
As a system check on newer vehicles, the There is only one exception to this procedure. If
malfunction lamp comes on at start-up for a bulb you drive a straight truck or combination with
check, and then goes out quickly. On older working ABS on all axles, in an emergency stop,
systems, the lamp could stay on until you are you can fully apply the brakes.
driving over five mph.
2.18.7 – Braking If ABS Is Not Working
If the lamp stays on after the bulb check, or goes Without ABS you still have normal brake functions.
on once you are under way, you may have lost Drive and brake as you always have.
ABS control.
Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps
In the case of towed units manufactured before it to tell you if something isn’t working.
was required by the Department of Transportation,
it may be difficult to tell if the unit is equipped with As a system check on newer vehicles, the
ABS. Look under the vehicle for the ECU and malfunction lamp comes on at start-up for a bulb
wheel speed sensor wires coming from the back of check and then goes out quickly. On older
the brakes. systems, the lamp could stay on until you are
driving over five mph.
2.18.4 – How ABS Helps You
When you brake hard on slippery surfaces in a If the lamp stays on after the bulb check, or goes
vehicle without ABS, your wheels may lock up. on once you are under way, you may have lost
When your steering wheels lock up, you lose ABS control on one or more wheels.
steering control. When your other wheels lock up,
you may skid, jackknife, or even spin the vehicle.
Remember, if your ABS malfunctions, you still Otherwise, the engine can keep the wheels from
have regular brakes. Drive normally, but get the rolling freely and regaining traction.)
system serviced soon.
Rear wheel braking skids occur when the rear
2.18.8 – Safety Reminders drive wheels lock. Because locked wheels have
ABS won’t allow you to drive faster, follow more less traction than rolling wheels, the rear wheels
closely, or drive less carefully. usually slide sideways in an attempt to "catch up"
ABS won’t prevent power or turning skids–ABS with the front wheels. In a bus or straight truck, the
should prevent brake-induced skids or jackknifes, vehicle will slide sideways in a "spin out." With
but not those caused by spinning the drive wheels vehicles towing trailers, a drive-wheel skid can let
or going too fast in a turn. the trailer push the towing vehicle sideways,
ABS won’t necessarily shorten stopping causing a sudden jackknife. See Figure 2.19.
distance. ABS will help maintain vehicle control,
but not always shorten stopping distance. 2.19.2 – Correcting a Drive-wheel Braking
ABS won’t increase or decrease ultimate Skid
stopping power–ABS is an “add-on” to your
normal brakes, not a replacement for them. Do the following to correct a drive-wheel braking
ABS won’t change the way you normally brake. skid.
Under normal brake conditions, your vehicle will
stop as it always stopped. ABS only comes into Stop Braking. This will let the rear wheels roll
play when a wheel would normally have locked up again, and keep the rear wheels from sliding.
because of over braking.
ABS won’t compensate for bad brakes or poor Counter-steer. As a vehicle turns back on course,
brake maintenance. it has a tendency to keep on turning. Unless you
Remember: The best vehicle safety feature is still turn the steering wheel quickly the other way, you
a safe driver. may find yourself skidding in the opposite direction.
Remember: Drive so you never need to use your
ABS. Learning to stay off the brake, turn the steering
Remember: If you need it, ABS could help to wheel quickly, push in the clutch, and counter-steer
prevent a serious crash. in a skid takes a lot of practice. The best place to
get this practice is on a large driving range or "skid
pad."
2.19 – Skid Control and Recovery
A skid happens whenever the tires lose their grip 2.19.3 – Front-wheel Skids
on the road. This is caused in one of four ways:
Driving too fast for conditions causes most front-
Over-braking. Braking too hard and locking up the wheel skids. Other causes include lack of tread on
wheels. Skids also can occur when using the the front tires and cargo loaded so not enough
speed retarder when the road is slippery. weight is on the front axle. In a front-wheel skid,
the front end tends to go in a straight line
Over-steering. Turning the wheels more sharply regardless of how much you turn the steering
than the vehicle can turn. wheel. On a very slippery surface, you may not be
able to steer around a curve or turn.
Over-acceleration. Supplying too much power to
the drive wheels, causing them to spin. When a front-wheel skid occurs, the only way to
stop the skid is to let the vehicle slow down. Stop
Driving Too Fast. Most serious skids result from turning and/or braking so hard. Slow down as
driving too fast for road conditions. Drivers who quickly as possible without skidding.
adjust their driving to conditions don't over-
accelerate and don't have to over-brake or over-
steer from too much speed.
Vehicle Inspection. Make a complete inspection The A:B:C type is designed to work on burning
of the electrical, fuel, and exhaust systems, tires, wood, paper, and cloth as well.
and cargo. Be sure to check that the fire Water can be used on wood, paper, or cloth, but
extinguisher is charged. don't use water on an electrical fire (can cause
En Route Inspection. Check the tires, wheels, shock) or a gasoline fire (it will spread the flames).
and truck body for signs of heat whenever you stop A burning tire must be cooled. Lots of water may
during a trip. be required.
Follow Safe Procedures. Follow correct safety If you're not sure what to use, especially on a
procedures for fueling the vehicle, using brakes, hazardous materials fire, wait for firefighters.
handling flares, and other activities that can cause Position yourself upwind. Let the wind carry the
a fire. extinguisher to the fire.
Monitoring. Check the instruments and gauges Continue until whatever was burning has been
often for signs of overheating and use the mirrors cooled. Absence of smoke or flame does not mean
to look for signs of smoke from tires or the vehicle. the fire cannot restart.
Caution. Use normal caution in handling anything
flammable.
Class/Type of Fires
2.21.3 – Fire Fighting Class Type
Knowing how to fight fires is important. Drivers who
didn’t know what to do have made fires worse. A Wood, Paper, Ordinary Combustibles
Know how the fire extinguisher works. Study the Extinguish by Cooling and
instructions printed on the extinguisher before you Quenching Using Water or Dry
need it. Here are some procedures to follow in Chemicals
case of fire. B Gasoline, Oil, Grease, Other Greasy
Liquids
Pull Off the Road. The first step is to get the
vehicle off the road and stop. In doing so: Extinguish by Smothering, Cooling
Park in an open area, away from buildings, trees, or Heat Shielding using carbon
Dioxide or Dry Chemicals
brush, other vehicles, or anything that might catch
fire.
C Electrical Equipment Fires
Don't pull into a service station!
Notify emergency services of your problem and Extinguish with Non-conducting
your location. Agents such as Carbon Dioxide or
Dry Chemicals. DO NOT USE
Keep the Fire from Spreading. Before trying to WATER.
put out the fire, make sure that it doesn't spread D Fires in Combustible Metals
any further.
Extinguish by Using Specialized
With an engine fire, turn off the engine as soon as
Extinguishing Powders
you can. Don't open the hood if you can avoid it.
Figure 2.20
Shoot foam through louvers, radiator, or from the
vehicle’s underside.
For a cargo fire in a van or box trailer, keep the
doors shut, especially if your cargo contains
hazardous materials. Opening the van doors will Class of Fire/Type of Extinguisher
supply the fire with oxygen and can cause it to
burn very fast. Class of Fire Fire Extinguisher Type
Extinguish the Fire. Here are some rules to follow B or C Regular Dry Chemical
in putting out a fire:
When using the extinguisher, stay as far away from A, B, C, or D Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical
the fire as possible.
Aim at the source or base of the fire, not up in the D Purple K Dry Chemical
flames.
B or C KCL Dry Chemical
Use the Right Fire Extinguisher
Figures 2.20 and 2.21 detail the type of fire Dry Powder Special
D
Compound
extinguisher to use by class of fire.
The B:C type fire extinguisher is designed to work B or C Carbon Dioxide (Dry)
on electrical fires and burning liquids.
Figure 2.22
What Is a Drink?
Effects Of Increasing
Blood Alcohol Content It is the alcohol in drinks that affects human
performance. It doesn't make any difference
Blood Alcohol Content is the amount of alcohol in whether that alcohol comes from "a couple of
your blood recorded in milligrams of alcohol per beers,” or from two glasses of wine, or two shots of
100 milliliters of blood. Your BAC depends on the
hard liquor. Approximate Blood Alcohol Content
amount of blood (which increases with weight)
Effects
Drinks
and the amount of alcohol you consume over time
(how fast you drink). The faster you drink, the Body Weight in Pounds
higher your BAC, as the liver can only handle
about one drink per hour—the rest builds up in
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
your blood.
Effects on
BAC Effects on Body
Driving Limit
Only Safe
Driving Condition
Mellow feeling, 0 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
.02 Less inhibited.
slight body warmth.
Less alert, less
Noticeable self-focused,
.05
Begins
impairment begins.
Drunk driving limit, 1 .04 .03 .03 .02 .02 .02 .02 .02
Definite impairment
impaired
.08 in coordination &
coordination &
judgment
judgment.
Noisy, possible 2 .08 .06 .05 .05 .04 .04 .03 .03
embarrassing Reduction in
.10*
behavior, mood reaction time.
Criminal Penalties
3 .11 .09 .08 .07 .06 .06 .05 .05
swings.
Impaired balance &
.15 movement, clearly Unable to drive. 4 .15 .12 .11 .09 .08 .08 .07 .06
drunk.
Many lose
.30 5 .19 .16 .13 .12 .11 .09 .09 .08
consciousness.
Most lose
.40 consciousness,
6 .23 .19 .16 .14 .13 .11 .10 .09
some die.
Breathing stops,
.50
many die. 7 .26 .22 .19 .16 .15 .13 .12 .11
Legally Intoxicated
BAC of .10 means that 1/10 of 1 % (or 1/1000) of
Criminal Penalties
your total blood content is alcohol.
8 .30 .25 .21 .19 .17 .15 .14 .13
Figure 2.23
9 .34 .28 .24 .21 .19 .17 .15 .14
Furthermore, it can lead to arrest, fines, and jail 2.23.2 – Why Are There Rules?
sentences. It can also mean the end of a person's
driving career. You must follow the many rules about transporting
hazardous materials. The intent of the rules is to:
Contain the product.
2.22.3 – Illness
Communicate the risk.
Ensure safe drivers and equipment.
Once in a while, you may become so ill that you
cannot operate a motor vehicle safely. If this To Contain the Product. Many hazardous
happens to you, you must not drive. However, in products can injure or kill on contact. To protect
case of an emergency, you may drive to the drivers and others from contact, the rules tell
nearest place where you can safely stop. shippers how to package safely. Similar rules tell
Hazard Class Definitions drivers how to load, transport, and unload bulk
Class Class Name Example tanks. These are containment rules.
Ammunition,
To Communicate the Risk. The shipper uses a
1 Explosives Dynamite,
shipping paper and diamond shaped hazard labels
Fireworks
to warn dockworkers and drivers of the risk.
Propane, Oxygen,
2 Gases
Helium
After an accident or hazardous material spill or
Gasoline Fuel,
3 Flammable leak, you may be injured and unable to
Acetone
communicate the hazards of the materials you are
Flammable transporting. Firefighters and police can prevent or
4 Matches, Fuses
Solids reduce the amount of damage or injury at the
Ammonium scene if they know what hazardous materials are
5 Oxidizers Nitrate, Hydrogen being transported. Your life, and the lives of others,
Peroxide may depend on quickly locating the hazardous
Pesticides, materials shipping papers. For that reason, you
6 Poisons
Arsenic must identify shipping papers related to hazardous
Uranium, materials or keep them on top of other shipping
7 Radioactive
Plutonium papers. You must also keep shipping papers:
Hydrochloric Acid, In a pouch on the driver's door, or
8 Corrosives
Battery Acid In clear view within reach while driving, or
Miscellaneous On the driver's seat when out of the vehicle.
Formaldehyde,
9 Hazardous
Asbestos
Materials Figure 2.24
ORM-D (Other
Regulated Hair Spray or
None
Material- Charcoal 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products
Domestic)
Combustible Fuel Oils, Lighter Placards are used to warn others of hazardous
None materials. Placards are signs put on the outside of
Liquids Fluid
a vehicle that identify the hazard class of the
cargo. A placarded vehicle must have at least four
identical placards. They are put on the front, rear,
2.23 – Hazardous Materials Rules For and both sides. Placards must be readable from all
All Commercial Drivers four directions. They must be at least 10 3/4 inches
square, turned upright on a point, in a diamond
All drivers should know something about shape. Cargo tanks and other bulk packaging
hazardous materials. You must be able to display the identification number of their contents
recognize hazardous cargo, and you must know on placards or orange panels.
whether or not you can haul it without having a
hazardous materials endorsement on your CDL
license.
Identification Numbers are a four digit code used Section 9 of this manual. A tank endorsement is
by first responders to identify hazardous materials. required for any commercial vehicle that is
An identification number may be used to identify designed to transport any liquid or gaseous
more than one chemical on shipping papers. The materials in a tank or tanks having an individual
identification number will be preceded by the rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an
letters “NA” or “UN”. The US DOT Emergency aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is
Response Guidebook (ERG) lists the chemicals either permanently or temporarily attached to the
and the identification numbers assigned to them. vehicle or chassis. The liquid or gas does not have
to be a hazardous material.
Not all vehicles carrying hazardous materials need
to have placards. The rules about placards are Drivers who need the hazardous materials
given in Section 9 of this manual. You can drive a endorsement must learn the placard rules. If you
vehicle that carries hazardous materials if it does do not know if your vehicle needs placards, ask
not require placards. If it requires placards, you your employer. Never drive a vehicle needing
cannot drive it unless your driver license has the placards unless you have the hazardous materials
hazardous materials endorsement. See Figure endorsement. To do so is a crime. When stopped,
2.25. you will be cited and you will not be allowed to
drive your truck. It will cost you time and money. A
failure to placard when needed may risk your life
and others if you have an accident. Emergency
help will not know of your hazardous cargo.
Hazardous materials drivers must also know which
products they can load together, and which they
cannot. These rules are also in Section 9. Before
loading a truck with more than one type of product,
you must know if it is safe to load them together. If
you do not know, ask your employer and consult
the regulations.
Figure 3.2
Cargo should have at least one tie-down for each 3.4.2 – Hanging Meat
ten feet of cargo. Make sure you have enough tie-
downs to meet this need. No matter how small the Hanging meat (suspended beef, pork, lamb) in a
cargo, it should have at least two tie-downs. refrigerated truck can be a very unstable load with
a high center of gravity. Particular caution is
There are special requirements for securing needed on sharp curves such as off ramps and on
various heavy pieces of metal. Find out what they ramps. Go slowly.
are if you are to carry such loads.
3.4.3 – Livestock
3.3.3 – Header Boards Livestock can move around in a trailer, causing
Front-end header boards ("headache racks") unsafe handling. With less than a full load, use
protect you from your cargo in case of a crash or false bulkheads to keep livestock bunched
emergency stop. Make sure the front-end structure together. Even when bunched, special care is
is in good condition. The front-end structure should necessary because livestock can lean on curves.
block the forward movement of any cargo you This shifts the center of gravity and makes rollover
carry. more likely.
There are two basic reasons for covering cargo: Over-length, over-width, and/or overweight loads
To protect people from spilled cargo. require special transit permits. Driving is usually
To protect the cargo from weather. limited to certain times. Special equipment may be
necessary such as "wide load" signs, flashing
Spill protection is a safety requirement in many lights, flags, etc. Such loads may require a police
states. Be familiar with the laws in the states you escort or pilot vehicles bearing warning signs
drive in. and/or flashing lights. These special loads require
special driving care.
You should look at your cargo covers in the mirrors
from time to time while driving. A flapping cover
can tear loose, uncovering the cargo, and possibly Section 3
block your view or someone else's.
Test Your Knowledge
3.3.5 – Sealed and Containerized Loads
1. What four things related to cargo are
Containerized loads generally are used when drivers responsible for?
freight is carried part way by rail or ship. Delivery 2. How often must you stop while on the road
by truck occurs at the beginning and/or end of the to check your cargo?
journey. Some containers have their own tiedown
devices or locks that attach directly to a special 3. How is Gross Combination Weight Rating
frame. Others have to be loaded onto flatbed different from Gross Combination Weight?
trailers. They must be properly secured just like 4. Name two situations where legal maximum
any other cargo. weights may not be safe.
5. What can happen if you don't have enough
You cannot inspect sealed loads, but you should weight on the front axle?
check that you don't exceed gross weight and axle
6. What is the minimum number of tie-downs
weight limits.
for any flatbed load?
7. What is the minimum number of tie-downs
3.4 – Cargo Needing Special Attention
for a 20-foot load?
3.4.1 – Dry Bulk 8. Name the two basic reasons for covering
cargo on an open bed.
Dry bulk tanks require special care because they 9. What must you check before transporting a
have a high center of gravity, and the load can sealed load?
shift. Be extremely cautious (slow and careful)
going around curves and making sharp turns. These questions may be on your test. If you can't
answer them all, re-read Section 3.
Section 4
Test Your Knowledge
5.1.5 – Alcohol Evaporator The s-cam forces the brake shoes away from one
another and presses them against the inside of the
Some air brake systems have an alcohol brake drum. When you release the brake pedal,
evaporator to put alcohol into the air system. This the s-cam rotates back and a spring pulls the brake
helps to reduce the risk of ice in air brake valves shoes away from the drum, letting the wheels roll
and other parts during cold weather. Ice inside the freely again. See Figure 5.2.
system can make the brakes stop working.
5.1.10 – Application Pressure Gauge except when the brakes are put on very hard (60
psi or more application pressure). These valves
This gauge shows how much air pressure you are cannot be controlled by the driver.
applying to the brakes. (This gauge is not on all
vehicles.) Increasing application pressure to hold
the same speed means the brakes are fading. You
5.1.14 – Spring Brakes
should slow down and use a lower gear. The need All trucks, truck tractors, and buses must be
for increased pressure can also be caused by equipped with emergency brakes and parking
brakes out of adjustment, air leaks, or mechanical brakes. They must be held on by mechanical force
problems. (because air pressure can eventually leak away).
Spring brakes are usually used to meet these
needs. When driving, powerful springs are held
5.1.11 – Low Air Pressure Warning
back by air pressure. If the air pressure is
A low air pressure warning signal is required on removed, the springs put on the brakes. A parking
vehicles with air brakes. A warning signal you can brake control in the cab allows the driver to let the
see must come on before the air pressure in the air out of the spring brakes. This lets the springs
tanks falls below 60 psi. (Or one half the put the brakes on. A leak in the air brake system,
compressor governor cutout pressure on older which causes all the air to be lost, will also cause
vehicles.) The warning is usually a red light. A the springs to put on the brakes.
buzzer may also come on.
Tractor and straight truck spring brakes will come
Another type of warning is the "wig wag." This fully on when air pressure drops to a range of 20 to
device drops a mechanical arm into your view 45 psi (typically 20 to 30 psi). Do not wait for the
when the pressure in the system drops below 60 brakes to come on automatically. When the low air
psi. An automatic wig wag will rise out of your view pressure warning light and buzzer first come on,
when the pressure in the system goes above 60 bring the vehicle to a safe stop right away, while
psi. The manual reset type must be placed in the you can still control the brakes.
"out of view" position manually. It will not stay in
place until the pressure in the system is above 60 The braking power of spring brakes depends on
psi. the brakes being in adjustment. If the brakes are
not adjusted properly, neither the regular brakes
On large buses it is common for the low pressure nor the emergency/parking brakes will work right.
warning devices to signal at 80-85 psi.
5.1.15 – Parking Brake Controls
5.1.12 – Stop Light Switch
In newer vehicles with air brakes, you put on the
Drivers behind you must be warned when you put parking brakes using a diamond-shaped, yellow,
your brakes on. The air brake system does this push-pull control knob. You pull the knob out to put
with an electric switch that works by air pressure. the parking brakes (spring brakes) on, and push it
The switch turns on the brake lights when you put in to release them. On older vehicles, the parking
on the air brakes. brakes may be controlled by a lever. Use the
parking brakes whenever you park.
5.1.13 – Front Brake Limiting Valve
Caution. Never push the brake pedal down when
Some older vehicles (made before 1975) have a the spring brakes are on. If you do, the brakes
front brake limiting valve and a control in the cab. could be damaged by the combined forces of the
The control is usually marked "normal" and springs and the air pressure. Many brake systems
"slippery." When you put the control in the are designed so this will not happen. But not all
"slippery" position, the limiting valve cuts the systems are set up that way, and those that are
"normal" air pressure to the front brakes by half. may not always work. It is much better to develop
Limiting valves were used to reduce the chance of the habit of not pushing the brake pedal down
the front wheels skidding on slippery surfaces. when the spring brakes are on.
However, they actually reduce the stopping power
of the vehicle. Front wheel braking is good under Modulating Control Valves. In some vehicles a
all conditions. Tests have shown front wheel skids control handle on the dash board may be used to
from braking are not likely even on ice. Make sure apply the spring brakes gradually. This is called a
the control is in the "normal" position to have modulating valve. It is spring-loaded so you have a
normal stopping power. feel for the braking action. The more you move the
control lever, the harder the spring brakes come
Many vehicles have automatic front wheel limiting on. They work this way so you can control the
valves. They reduce the air to the front brakes spring brakes if the service brakes fail. When
Section 5 – Air Brakes Page 3
Version: July 2014
2005 Commercial Driver’s License Manual
parking a vehicle with a modulating control valve, 5.1.16 – Antilock Braking Systems (ABS)
move the lever as far as it will go and hold it in
place with the locking device. Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after
March 1, 1997, and other air brakes vehicles,
Dual Parking Control Valves. When main air (trucks, buses, trailers, and converter dollies) built
pressure is lost, the spring brakes come on. Some on or after March 1, 1998, are required to be
vehicles, such as buses, have a separate air tank equipped with antilock brakes. Many commercial
which can be used to release the spring brakes. vehicles built before these dates have been
This is so you can move the vehicle in an voluntarily equipped with ABS. Check the
emergency. One of the valves is a push-pull type certification label for the date of manufacture to
and is used to put on the spring brakes for parking. determine if your vehicle is equipped with ABS.
The other valve is spring loaded in the "out" ABS is a computerized system that keeps your
position. When you push the control in, air from the wheels from locking up during hard brake
separate air tank releases the spring brakes so you applications.
can move. When you release the button, the spring
brakes come on again. There is only enough air in Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps
the separate tank to do this a few times. Therefore, to tell you if something isn’t working.
plan carefully when moving. Otherwise, you may
be stopped in a dangerous location when the Tractors, trucks, and buses will have yellow ABS
separate air supply runs out. See Figure 5.3. malfunction lamps on the instrument panel.
Figure 5.4
.Subsection 5.1 brakes on the front axle (and possibly one rear
Test Your Knowledge axle). Both systems supply air to the trailer (if there
is one). The first system is called the "primary"
system. The other is called the "secondary"
1. Why must air tanks be drained?
system. See Figure 5.4.
2. What is a supply pressure gauge used for?
3. All vehicles with air brakes must have a
Before driving a vehicle with a dual air system,
low air pressure warning signal. True or
allow time for the air compressor to build up a
False?
minimum of 100 psi pressure in both the primary
4. What are spring brakes?
and secondary systems. Watch the primary and
secondary air pressure gauges (or needles, if the
5. Front wheel brakes are good under all
system has two needles in one gauge). Pay
conditions. True or False?
attention to the low air pressure warning light and
6. How do you know if your vehicle is
buzzer. The warning light and buzzer should shut
equipped with antilock brakes?
off when air pressure in both systems rises to a
value set by the manufacturer. This value must be
These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
greater than 60 psi.
answer them all, re-read subsection 5.1.
The warning light and buzzer should come on
before the air pressure drops below 60 psi in either
5.2 – Dual Air Brake system. If this happens while driving, you should
Most heavy-duty vehicles use dual air brake stop right away and safely park the vehicle. If one
systems for safety. A dual air brake system has air system is very low on pressure, either the front
two separate air brake systems, which use a single or the rear brakes will not be operating fully. This
set of brake controls. Each system has its own air means it will take you longer to stop. Bring the
tanks, hoses, lines, etc. One system typically vehicle to a safe stop, and have the air brakes
operates the regular brakes on the rear axle or system fixed.
axles. The other system operates the regular
Subsection 5.4
Test Your Knowledge
Figure 6.1
Figure 6.3
Stop Using the Brake. Release the brakes to get 6.1.7 – Backing with a Trailer.
traction back. Do not use the trailer hand brake (if Backing with a Trailer. When backing a car,
you have one) to "straighten out the rig." This is the straight truck, or bus, you turn the top of the
wrong thing to do since the brakes on the trailer steering wheel in the direction you want to go.
wheels caused the skid in the first place. Once the When backing a trailer, you turn the steering wheel
trailer wheels grip the road again, the trailer will in the opposite direction. Once the trailer starts to
start to follow the tractor and straighten out. turn, you must turn the wheel the other way to
follow the trailer.
6.1.6 – Turn Wide
When a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear Whenever you back up with a trailer, try to position
wheels follow a different path than the front your vehicle so you can back in a straight line. If
wheels. This is called off-tracking or "cheating." you must back on a curved path, back to the
Figure 6.3 shows how off-tracking causes the path driver's side so you can see. See Figure 6.5.
followed by a tractor to be wider than the rig itself.
Longer vehicles will off-track more. The rear
wheels of the powered unit (truck or tractor) will off-
track some, and the rear wheels of the trailer will
off-track even more. If there is more than one
trailer, the rear wheels of the last trailer will off-
track the most. Steer the front end wide enough
around a corner so the rear end does not run over
the curb, pedestrians, etc. However, keep the rear
of your vehicle close to the curb. This will stop
other drivers from passing you on the right. If you
cannot complete your turn without entering another
traffic lane, turn wide as you complete the turn.
Subsection 6.1
Test Your Knowledge
1. What two things are important to prevent
rollover?
2. When you turn suddenly while pulling
doubles, which trailer is most likely to turn
over?
3. Why should you not use the trailer hand
brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer?
4. What is off-tracking?
5. When you back a trailer, you should
position your vehicle so you can back in a
curved path to the driver’s side. True or
False?
6. What type of trailers can get stuck on
railroad-highway crossings?
6.2.2 – Tractor Protection Valve caused by a hose, metal tubing, or other part
breaking, letting the air out. When the emergency
The tractor protection valve keeps air in the tractor line loses pressure, it also causes the tractor
or truck brake system should the trailer break away protection valve to close (the air supply knob will
or develop a bad leak. The tractor protection valve pop out).
is controlled by the "trailer air supply" control valve
in the cab. The control valve allows you to open Emergency lines are often coded with the color red
and shut the tractor protection valve. The tractor (red hose, red couplers, or other parts) to keep
protection valve will close automatically if air from getting them mixed up with the blue service
pressure is low (in the range of 20 to 45 psi). When line.
the tractor protection valve closes, it stops any air
from going out of the tractor. It also lets the air out 6.2.5 – Hose Couplers (Glad Hands)
of the trailer emergency line. This causes the trailer
emergency brakes to come on, with possible loss Glad hands are coupling devices used to connect
of control. (Emergency brakes are covered later.) the service and emergency air-lines from the truck
or tractor to the trailer. The couplers have a rubber
6.2.3 – Trailer Air Supply Control seal, which prevents air from escaping. Clean the
couplers and rubber seals before a connection is
The trailer air supply control on newer vehicles is a made. When connecting the glad hands, press the
red eight-sided knob, which you use to control the two seals together with the couplers at a 90 degree
tractor protection valve. You push it in to supply the angle to each other. A turn of the glad hand
trailer with air, and pull it out to shut the air off and attached to the hose will join and lock the couplers.
put on the trailer emergency brakes. The valve will
pop out (thus closing the tractor protection valve) When coupling, make sure to couple the proper
when the air pressure drops into the range of 20 to glad hands together. To help avoid mistakes,
45 psi. Tractor protection valve controls or colors are sometimes used. Blue is used for the
"emergency" valves on older vehicles may not service lines and red for the emergency (supply)
operate automatically. There may be a lever rather lines. Sometimes, metal tags are attached to the
than a knob. The "normal" position is used for lines with the words "service" and "emergency"
pulling a trailer. The "emergency" position is used stamped on them. See Figure 6.6
to shut the air off and put on the trailer emergency
brakes.
If you do cross the air-lines, supply air will be sent valves are in the open position except the ones at
to the service line instead of going to charge the the back of the last trailer, which must be closed.
trailer air tanks. Air will not be available to release
the trailer spring brakes (parking brakes). If the 6.2.8 – Trailer Service, Parking and
spring brakes don't release when you push the Emergency Brakes
trailer air supply control, check the air-line
connections. Newer trailers have spring brakes just like trucks
and truck tractors. However, converter dollies and
Older trailers do not have spring brakes. If the air trailers built before 1975 are not required to have
supply in the trailer air tank has leaked away there spring brakes. Those that do not have spring
will be no emergency brakes, and the trailer brakes have emergency brakes, which work from
wheels will turn freely. If you crossed the air-lines, the air stored in the trailer air tank. The emergency
you could drive away but you wouldn't have trailer brakes come on whenever air pressure in the
brakes. This would be very dangerous. Always test emergency line is lost. These trailers have no
the trailer brakes before driving with the hand valve parking brake. The emergency brakes come on
or by pulling the air supply (tractor protection valve) whenever the air supply knob is pulled out or the
control. Pull gently against them in a low gear to trailer is disconnected. A major leak in the
make sure the brakes work. emergency line will cause the tractor protection
valve to close and the trailer emergency brakes to
Some vehicles have "dead end" or dummy come on. But the brakes will hold only as long as
couplers to which the hoses may be attached there is air pressure in the trailer air tank.
when they are not in use. This will prevent water Eventually, the air will leak away and then there
and dirt from getting into the coupler and the air- will be no brakes. Therefore, it is very important for
lines. Use the dummy couplers when the air-lines safety that you use wheel chocks when you park
are not connected to a trailer. If there are no trailers without spring brakes.
dummy couplers, the glad hands can sometimes
be locked together (depending on the couplings). It You may not notice a major leak in the service line
is very important to keep the air supply clean. until you try to put the brakes on. Then, the air loss
from the leak will lower the air tank pressure
quickly. If it goes low enough, the trailer
6.2.6 – Trailer Air Tanks emergency brakes will come on.
6.3 – Antilock Brake Systems ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up. The computer
senses impending lockup, reduces the braking
6.3.1 – Trailers Required to Have ABS pressure to a safe level, and you maintain control.
All trailers and converter dollies built on or after Having ABS on only the trailer, or even on only
March 1, 1998, are required to have ABS. one axle, still gives you more control over the
However, many trailers and converter dollies built vehicle during braking.
before this date have been voluntarily equipped
with ABS. When only the trailer has ABS, the trailer is less
likely to swing out, but if you lose steering control
Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on or start a tractor jackknife, let up on the brakes (if
the left side, either on the front or rear corner. See you can safely do so) until you gain control.
Figure 6.7. Dollies manufactured on or after March
1, 1998, are required to have a lamp on the left When you drive a tractor-trailer combination with
side. ABS, you should brake as you always have. In
other words:
In the case of vehicles manufactured before the Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely
required date, it may be difficult to tell if the unit is and stay in control.
equipped with ABS. Look under the vehicle for the Brake the same way, regardless of whether you
ECU and wheel speed sensor wires coming from have ABS on the tractor, the trailer, or both.
the back of the brakes. As you slow down, monitor your tractor and trailer
and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to
stay in control.
If you have a sliding fifth wheel, make sure it is Step 8. Supply Air to Trailer
locked. From cab, push in "air supply" knob or move
Make sure the trailer kingpin is not bent or broken. tractor protection valve control from the
"emergency" to the "normal" position to supply air
Step 2. Inspect Area and Chock Wheels to the trailer brake system.
Make sure area around the vehicle is clear. Wait until the air pressure is normal.
Be sure trailer wheels are chocked or spring Check brake system for crossed air-lines.
brakes are on. Shut engine off so you can hear the brakes.
Check that cargo (if any) is secured against Apply and release trailer brakes and listen for
movement due to tractor being coupled to the sound of trailer brakes being applied and released.
trailer. You should hear the brakes move when applied
and air escape when the brakes are released.
Step 3. Position Tractor
Check air brake system pressure gauge for signs
Put the tractor directly in front of the trailer. (Never
of major air loss.
back under the trailer at an angle because you
When you are sure trailer brakes are working, start
might push the trailer sideways and break the
engine.
landing gear.)
Make sure air pressure is up to normal.
Check position, using outside mirrors, by looking
down both sides of the trailer.
Step 9. Lock Trailer Brakes
Step 4. Back Slowly
Pull out the "air supply" knob or move the tractor
Back until fifth wheel just touches the trailer.
protection valve control from "normal" to
Don't hit the trailer.
"emergency."
Step 5. Secure Tractor
Put on the parking brake. Step 10. Back Under Trailer
Put transmission in neutral. Use lowest reverse gear.
Back tractor slowly under trailer to avoid hitting the
Step 6. Check Trailer Height kingpin too hard.
The trailer should be low enough that it is raised Stop when the kingpin is locked into the fifth wheel.
slightly by the tractor when the tractor is backed
under it. Raise or lower the trailer as needed. (If Step 11. Check Connection for Security
the trailer is too low, the tractor may strike and Raise trailer landing gear slightly off ground.
damage the trailer nose; if the trailer is too high, it Pull tractor gently forward while the trailer brakes
may not couple correctly.) are still locked to check that the trailer is locked
Check that the kingpin and fifth wheel are aligned. onto the tractor.
The following steps will help you to uncouple Step 8. Secure Tractor
safely. Apply parking brake.
Place transmission in neutral.
Step 1. Position Rig
Make sure surface of parking area can support Step 9. Inspect Trailer Supports
weight of trailer. Make sure ground is supporting trailer.
Have tractor lined up with the trailer. (Pulling out at Make sure landing gear is not damaged.
an angle can damage landing gear.)
Step 10. Pull Tractor Clear of Trailer
Step 2. Ease Pressure on Locking Jaws Release parking brakes.
Shut off trailer air supply to lock trailer brakes. Check the area and drive tractor forward until it
Ease pressure on fifth wheel locking jaws by clears.
backing up gently. (This will help you release the
fifth wheel locking lever.)
Put parking brakes on while tractor is pushing
against the kingpin. (This will hold rig with pressure
off the locking jaws.)
Do these checks in addition to those already listed Check fifth wheel (upper).
in Section 2. Glide plate securely mounted to trailer frame.
Kingpin not damaged.
Landing Gear from the tractor. This would cause the emergency
Fully raised, no missing parts, not bent or brakes to come on, with possible loss of control.
otherwise damaged.
Crank handle in place and secured. Test Trailer Emergency Brakes. Charge the
If power operated, no air or hydraulic leaks. trailer air brake system and check that the trailer
rolls freely. Then stop and pull out the trailer air
6.5.2 – Combination Vehicle Brake Check supply control (also called tractor protection valve
control or trailer emergency valve), or place it in
Do these checks in addition to Section 5.3: the "emergency" position. Pull gently on the trailer
Inspecting Air Brake Systems. with the tractor to check that the trailer emergency
brakes are on.
The following section explains how to check air
brakes on combination vehicles. Check the brakes Test Trailer Service Brakes. Check for normal air
on a double or triple trailer as you would any pressure, release the parking brakes, move the
combination vehicle. vehicle forward slowly, and apply trailer brakes
with the hand control (trolley valve), if so equipped.
Check That Air Flows to All Trailers. Use the You should feel the brakes come on. This tells you
tractor parking brake and/or chock the wheels to the trailer brakes are connected and working. (The
hold the vehicle. Wait for air pressure to reach trailer brakes should be tested with the hand valve
normal, then push in the red "trailer air supply" but controlled in normal operation with the foot
knob. This will supply air to the emergency (supply) pedal, which applies air to the service brakes at all
lines. Use the trailer handbrake to provide air to the wheels.)
service line. Go to the rear of the rig. Open the
emergency line shut-off valve at the rear of the last
trailer. You should hear air escaping, showing the
entire system is charged. Close the emergency line Subsection 6.5
valve. Open the service line valve to check that Test Your Knowledge
service pressure goes through all the trailers (this
test assumes that the trailer handbrake or the
1. Which shut-off valves should be open and
service brake pedal is on), and then close the
which closed?
valve. If you do NOT hear air escaping from both
lines, check that the shut-off valves on the trailer(s) 2. How can you test that air flows to all
and dolly(ies) are in the OPEN position. You MUST trailers?
have air all the way to the back for all the brakes to 3. How can you test the tractor protection
work. valve?
4. How can you test the trailer emergency
Test Tractor Protection Valve. Charge the trailer brakes?
Air-brake system. (That is, build up normal air-
5. How can you test the trailer service
pressure and push the "air supply" knob in.) Shut
brakes?
the engine off. Step on and off the brake pedal
several times to reduce the air pressure in the
These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
tanks. The trailer air supply control (also called the
answer all of them, re-read subsection 6.5.
tractor protection valve control) should pop out (or
go from "normal" to "emergency" position) when
the air pressure falls into the pressure range
specified by the manufacturer. (Usually within the
range of 20 to 45 psi.)
DOUBLES AND TRIPLES Doubles and triples take up more space than other
commercial vehicles. They are not only longer, but
also need more space because they can't be
This Section Covers turned or stopped suddenly. Allow more following
distance. Make sure you have large enough gaps
Pulling Double/Triple Trailers before entering or crossing traffic. Be certain you
Coupling and Uncoupling are clear at the sides before changing lanes.
Inspecting Doubles and Triples
7.1.6 – Adverse Conditions
Checking Air Brakes
Be more careful in adverse conditions. In bad
This section has information you need to pass the weather, slippery conditions, and mountain driving,
CDL knowledge test for driving safely with double you must be especially careful if you drive double
and triple trailers. It tells about how important it is and triple bottoms. You will have greater length
to be very careful when driving with more than one and more dead axles to pull with your drive axles
trailer, how to couple and uncouple correctly, and than other drivers. There is more chance for skids
about inspecting doubles and triples carefully. (You and loss of traction.
should also study Sections 2, 5, and 6.)
7.1.7 – Parking the Vehicle
7.1 – Pulling Double/Triple Trailers
Make sure you do not get in a spot you cannot pull
Take special care when pulling two and three straight through. You need to be aware of how
trailers. There are more things that can go wrong, parking lots are arranged in order to avoid a long
and doubles/triples are less stable than other and difficult escape.
commercial vehicles. Some areas of concern are
discussed below. 7.1.8 – Antilock Braking Systems on
Converter Dollies
7.1.1 – Prevent Trailer from Rolling Over
Converter dollies built on or after March 1, 1998,
To prevent trailers from rolling over, you must steer are required to have antilock brakes. These dollies
gently and go slowly around corners, on ramps, off will have a yellow lamp on the left side of the dolly.
ramps, and curves. A safe speed on a curve for a
straight truck or a single trailer combination vehicle
7.2 – Coupling and Uncoupling
may be too fast for a set of doubles or triples.
Knowing how to couple and uncouple correctly is
7.1.2 – Beware of the Crack-the-whip Effect basic to safe operation of doubles and triples.
Wrong coupling and uncoupling can be very
Doubles and triples are more likely to turn over dangerous. Coupling and uncoupling steps for
than other combination vehicles because of the doubles and triples are listed below.
"crack-the-whip" effect. You must steer gently
when pulling trailers. The last trailer in a
7.2.1 – Coupling Twin Trailers
combination is most likely to turn over. If you don't
understand the crack-the-whip effect, study
Secure Second (Rear) Trailer
subsection 6.1.2 of this manual.
If the second trailer doesn't have spring brakes,
7.1.3 – Inspect Completely drive the tractor close to the trailer, connect the
emergency line, charge the trailer air tank, and
There are more critical parts to check when you disconnect the emergency line. This will set the
have two or three trailers. Check them all. Follow trailer emergency brakes (if the slack adjusters are
the procedures described later in this section. correctly adjusted). Chock the wheels if you have
any doubt about the brakes.
7.1.4 – Look Far Ahead
For the safest handling on the road, the more
Doubles and triples must be driven very smoothly heavily loaded semitrailer should be in first position
to avoid rollover or jackknife. Therefore, look far behind the tractor. The lighter trailer should be in
ahead so you can slow down or change lanes the rear.
gradually when necessary.
Section 7 - Doubles and Triples Page 1
Version: July 2014
2005 Commercial Driver’s License Manual
A converter gear on a dolly is a coupling device of Connect Converter Dolly to Rear Trailer
one or two axles and a fifth wheel by which a Make sure trailer brakes are locked and/or wheels
semitrailer can be coupled to the rear of a tractor- chocked.
trailer combination forming a double bottom rig. Make sure trailer height is correct. (It must be
See Figure 7.1. slightly lower than the center of the fifth wheel, so
trailer is raised slightly when dolly is pushed
under.)
Back converter dolly under rear trailer.
Raise landing gear slightly off ground to prevent
damage if trailer moves.
Test coupling by pulling against pin of the second
semitrailer.
Make visual check of coupling. (No space between
upper and lower fifth wheel. Locking jaws closed
on kingpin.)
Connect safety chains, air hoses, and light cords.
Close converter dolly air tank petcock and shut-off
Figure 7.1 valves at rear of second trailer (service and
emergency shut-offs).
Position Converter Dolly in Front of Second Open shut-off valves at rear of first trailer (and on
(Rear) Trailer dolly if so equipped).
Raise landing gear completely.
Release dolly brakes by opening the air tank Charge trailer brakes (push "air supply" knob in),
petcock. (Or, if the dolly has spring brakes, use the and check for air at rear of second trailer by
dolly parking brake control.) opening the emergency line shut-off. If air pressure
isn't there, something is wrong and the brakes
If the distance is not too great, wheel the dolly into won't work.
position by hand so it is in line with the kingpin.
7.2.2 – Uncoupling Twin Trailers
Or, use the tractor and first semitrailer to pick up
the converter dolly: Uncouple Rear Trailer
Position combination as close as possible to Park rig in a straight line on firm level ground.
converter dolly. Apply parking brakes so rig won't move.
Move dolly to rear of first semitrailer and couple it Chock wheels of second trailer if it doesn't have
to the trailer. spring brakes.
Lock pintle hook. Lower landing gear of second semitrailer enough
Secure dolly support in raised position. to remove some weight from dolly.
Pull dolly into position as close as possible to nose Close air shut-offs at rear of first semitrailer (and
of the second semitrailer. on dolly if so equipped).
Lower dolly support. Disconnect all dolly air and electric lines and
Unhook dolly from first trailer. secure them.
Wheel dolly into position in front of second trailer in Release dolly brakes.
line with the kingpin. Release converter dolly fifth wheel latch.
Slowly pull tractor, first semitrailer, and dolly
Connect Converter Dolly to Front Trailer forward to pull dolly out from under rear semitrailer.
Back first semitrailer into position in front of dolly
tongue.
Hook dolly to front trailer.
Lock pintle hook.
Secure converter gear support in raised position.
8.2.2 – Danger of Surge The amount the liquid will expand in transit.
The weight of the liquid.
Liquid surge results from movement of the liquid in Legal weight limits.
partially filled tanks. This movement can have bad
effects on handling. For example, when coming to 8.3 – Safe Driving Rules
a stop, the liquid will surge back and forth. When
the wave hits the end of the tank, it tends to push In order to drive tank vehicles safely, you must
the truck in the direction the wave is moving. If the remember to follow all the safe driving rules. A few
truck is on a slippery surface such as ice, the wave of these rules are:
can shove a stopped truck out into an intersection.
The driver of a liquid tanker must be very familiar 8.3.1 – Drive Smoothly
with the handling of the vehicle.
Because of the high center of gravity and the surge
8.2.3 – Bulkheads of the liquid, you must start, slow down, and stop
very smoothly. Also, make smooth turns and lane
Some liquid tanks are divided into several smaller changes.
tanks by bulkheads. When loading and unloading
the smaller tanks, the driver must pay attention to 8.3.2 – Controlling Surge
weight distribution. Don't put too much weight on
the front or rear of the vehicle. Keep a steady pressure on the brakes. Do not
release too soon when coming to a stop.
8.2.4 – Baffled Tanks
Brake far in advance of a stop and increase your
Baffled liquid tanks have bulkheads in them with following distance.
holes that let the liquid flow through. The baffles
help to control the forward and backward liquid If you must make a quick stop to avoid a crash,
surge. Side-to-side surge can still occur. This can use controlled or stab braking. If you do not
cause a roll over. remember how to stop using these methods,
review subsection 2.17.2. Also, remember that if
8.2.5 – Un-baffled Tanks you steer quickly while braking, your vehicle may
roll over.
Un-baffled liquid tankers (sometimes called
"smooth bore" tanks) have nothing inside to slow 8.3.3 – Curves
down the flow of the liquid. Therefore, forward-and-
back surge is very strong. Un-baffled tanks are Slow down before curves, then accelerate slightly
usually those that transport food products (milk, for through the curve. The posted speed for a curve
example). (Sanitation regulations forbid the use of may be too fast for a tank vehicle.
baffles because of the difficulty in cleaning the
inside of the tank.) Be extremely cautious (slow 8.3.4 – Stopping Distance
and careful) in driving smooth bore tanks,
especially when starting and stopping. Keep in mind how much space you need to stop
your vehicle. Remember that wet roads double the
8.2.6 – Outage normal stopping distance. Empty tank vehicles
may take longer to stop than full ones.
Never load a cargo tank totally full. Liquids expand
as they warm and you must leave room for the 8.3.5 – Skids
expanding liquid. This is called "outage." Since
different liquids expand by different amounts, they Don't over steer, over accelerate, or over brake. If
require different amounts of outage. You must you do, your vehicle may skid. On tank trailers, if
know the outage requirement when hauling liquids your drive wheels or trailer wheels begin to skid,
in bulk. your vehicle may jackknife. When any vehicle
starts to skid, you must take action to restore
8.2.7 – How Much to Load? traction to the wheels.
A full tank of dense liquid (such as some acids)
may exceed legal weight limits. For that reason,
you may often only partially fill tanks with heavy
liquids. The amount of liquid to load into a tank
depends on:
Section 8 - Tank Vehicles Page 8-5
Version: July 2014
2005 Commercial Driver’s License Manual
The Intent of the Regulations Everything you need to know to pass the written
Bulk Tank Loading, Unloading, and test is in this section. However, this is only a
beginning. Most drivers need to know much more
Marking on the job. You can learn more by reading and
Driver Responsibilities understanding the federal and state rules
Driving and Parking Rules applicable to hazardous materials, as well as,
Communications Rules attending hazardous materials training courses.
Your employer, colleges and universities, and
Emergencies various associations usually offer these courses.
Loading and Unloading You can get copies of the Federal Regulations (49
CFR) through your local Government Printing
Hazardous materials are products that pose a risk Office bookstore and various industry publishers.
to health, safety, and property during Union or company offices often have copies of the
transportation. The term often is shortened to rules for driver use. Find out where you can get
HAZMAT, which you may see on road signs, or to your own copy to use on the job.
HM in government regulations. Hazardous
materials include explosives, various types of gas, The regulations require training and testing for all
solids, flammable and combustible liquid, and other drivers involved in transporting hazardous
materials. Because of the risks involved and the materials. Your employer or a designated
potential consequences these risks impose, all representative is required to provide this training
levels of government regulate the handling of and testing. Hazardous materials employers are
hazardous materials. required to keep a record of training for each
employee as long as that employee is working with
The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) is hazardous materials, and for 90 days thereafter.
found in parts 100 - 185 of title 49 of the Code of The regulations require that hazardous materials
Federal Regulations. The common reference for employees be trained and tested at least once
these regulations is 49 CFR 100 - 185 every three years.
The Hazardous Materials Table in the regulations All drivers must be trained in the security risks of
contains a list of these items. However, this list is hazardous materials transportation. This training
not all-inclusive. Whether or not a material is must include how to recognize and respond to
considered hazardous is based on its possible security threats.
characteristics and the shipper's decision on
whether or not the material meets a definition of a The regulations also require that drivers have
hazardous material in the regulations. special training before driving a vehicle
transporting certain flammable gas materials or
The regulations require vehicles transporting highway route controlled quantities of radioactive
certain types or quantities of hazardous materials materials. In addition, drivers transporting cargo
to display diamond-shaped, square on point, tanks and portable tanks must receive specialized
warning signs called placards. training. Each driver’s employer or his or her
designated representative must provide such
This section is designed to assist you in training.
understanding your role and responsibilities in
hauling hazardous materials. Due to the constantly Some locations require permits to transport certain
changing nature of government regulations, it is explosives or bulk hazardous wastes. States and
impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the counties also may require drivers to follow special
materials in this section. An up-to-date copy of the hazardous materials routes. The federal
complete regulations is essential for you to have. government may require permits or exemptions for
Included in these regulations is a complete special hazardous materials cargo such as rocket
glossary of terms. fuel. Find out about permits, exemptions, and
special routes for the places you drive.
Division
materials shipping papers. For that reason the
rules require:
Name of Class or
Division
Examples Shippers to describe hazardous materials correctly
and include an emergency response telephone
1.1 Mass Explosion
Dynamite number on shipping papers.
1.2 Projection Hazard
Flares Carriers and drivers to quickly identify hazardous
1.3 Fire Hazard
Display Fireworks
1 1.4 Minor Explosion materials shipping papers, or keep them on top of
Ammunition
1.5 Very Insensitive other shipping papers and keep the required
Blasting Agents
1.6 Extremely
Explosive Devices emergency response information with the shipping
Insensitive
papers.
2.1 Flammable Gases Propane Drivers to keep hazardous materials shipping
2.2 Non-Flammable Helium papers:
2
Gases
2.3 Poisonous/Toxic Fluorine, Compressed In a pouch on the driver's door, or
Gases
3 - Flammable Liquids Gasoline In clear view within immediate reach while the seat
belt is fastened while driving, or
Flammable Solids
4.1 Ammonium Picrate,
4.2
Spontaneously
Wetted On the driver's seat when out of the vehicle.
4 Combustible
White Phosphorus
Dangerous When
4.3
Wet
Sodium 9.3.2 – Package Labels
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8A) (8B) (8C)
Figure 9.5
Column 3 shows a material's hazard class or this number to quickly identify the hazardous
division, or the entry "Forbidden." Never transport materials.
a "Forbidden" material. Placard hazardous
materials shipments based on the quantity and Column 5 shows the packing group (in Roman
hazard class. You can decide which placards to numeral) assigned to a material.
use if you know these three things:
Material's hazard class. Column 6 shows the hazard warning label(s)
Amount being shipped. shippers must put on packages of hazardous
Amount of all hazardous materials of all classes on materials. Some products require use of more than
your vehicle. one label due to a dual hazard being present.
Column 4 lists the identification number for each
Column 7 lists the additional (special) provisions
proper shipping name. Identification numbers are
that apply to this material. When there is an entry
preceded by the letters "UN" or "NA." The letters
in this column, you must refer to the federal
"NA" are associated with proper shipping names
regulations for specific information. The numbers
that are only used within the United States and to
1-6 in this column mean the hazardous material is
and from Canada. The identification number must
a poison inhalation hazard (PIH). PIH materials
appear on the shipping paper as part of the
have special requirements for shipping papers,
shipping description and also appear on the
marking, and placards.
package. It also must appear on cargo tanks and
other bulk packaging. Police and firefighters use
Section 9 - Hazardous Material Page 5
Version: July 2014
2005 Commercial Driver’s License Manual
Column 8 is a three-part column showing the A shipper's certification, signed by the shipper,
section numbers covering the packaging saying they prepared the shipment according to
requirements for each hazardous material. the regulations.
The basic description of hazardous materials Initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the
includes the identification number, proper shipping absence of fires; and
name, hazard class or division, and the packing Preliminary first aid measures
group, if any, in that order. The packing group is
displayed in Roman numerals and may be Such information can be on the shipping paper or
preceded by "PG". some other document that includes the basic
description and technical name of the hazardous
Identification number, shipping name, and hazard material. Or, it may be in a guidance book such as
class must not be abbreviated unless specifically the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG).
authorized in the hazardous materials regulations. Motor carriers may assist shippers by keeping an
The description must also show: ERG on each vehicle carrying hazardous
The total quantity and unit of measure. materials. The driver must provide the emergency
The number and type of packages (example: “6 response information to any federal, state, or local
Drums”). authority responding to a hazardous materials
The letters RQ, if a reportable quantity. incident or investigating one.
If the letters RQ appear, the name of the
hazardous substance (if not included in the Total quantity and number & type of packages
shipping name). must appear before or after the basic description.
For all materials with the letter “G” (Generic) in The packaging type and the unit of measurement
Column 1, the technical name of the hazardous may be abbreviated. For example:
material.
10 ctns. UN1263, Paint, 3, PG II, 500 lbs.
Shipping papers also must list an emergency
response telephone number (unless excepted). The shipper of hazardous wastes must put the
The emergency response telephone number is the word WASTE before the proper shipping name of
responsibility of the shipper. It can be used by the material on the shipping paper (hazardous
emergency responders to obtain information about waste manifest). For example:
any hazardous materials involved in a spill or fire.
The telephone number must be: UN1090, Waste Acetone, 3, PG II.
The number of the person offering the hazardous A non-hazardous material may not be described by
material for transportation (if the shipper/offerer is using a hazard class or an identification number.
the emergency response information (ERI)
provider); or Shippers must keep a copy of shipping papers (or
an electronic image) for a period of 2 years (3
The number of an agency or organization capable years for hazardous waste) after the material is
of, and accepting responsibility for, providing the accepted by the initial carrier.
detailed information required by paragraph (a)(2) of
this section. The person who is registered with the If one provides a carrier service only and is not the
ERI provider must be identified by name, or originator of the shipment, a carrier is required to
contract number or other unique identifier assigned keep a copy of the shipping paper (or an electronic
by the ERI provider, on the shipping paper image) for a period of 1 year.
Shippers also must provide emergency response IMPORTANT NOTE: To view complete regulatory
information to the motor carrier for each hazardous requirements for the transportation of hazardous
material being shipped. The emergency response materials one should refer to the Code of Federal
information must be able to be used away from the Regulations, Title 49, Parts 100-185.
motor vehicle and must provide information on how
to safely handle incidents involving the material. At
a minimum, it must include the following
information:
The basic description and technical name;
Immediate hazards to health;
Risks of fire or explosion;
Immediate precautions to be taken in the event of
an accident or incident;
Immediate methods for handling fires;
Kept clear of attachments or devices such as (You must use the specific placard for this
ladders, doors, and tarpaulins. material.)
Kept clean and undamaged so that the color, The dangerous placard is an option, not a
format, and message are easily seen. requirement. You can always placard for the
Be affixed to a background of contrasting color. materials.
The use of “Drive Safely” and other slogans is
If the words INHALATION HAZARD are on the
prohibited.
shipping paper or package, you must display
The front placard may be on the front of the tractor
POISON GAS or POISON INHALATION placards
or the front of the trailer.
in addition to any other placards needed by the
product's hazard class. The 1,000 pound exception
To decide which placards to use, you need to
does not apply to these materials.
know:
The hazard class of the materials. Materials with a secondary hazard of dangerous
The amount of hazardous materials shipped. when wet must display the DANGEROUS WHEN
The total weight of all classes of hazardous WET placard in addition to any other placards
materials in your vehicle. needed by the product’s hazard class. The 1,000-
pound exception to placarding does not apply to
9.3.11 – Placard Tables these materials.
There are two placard tables, Table 1 and Table 2. Placard Table 2
Table 1 materials must be placarded whenever any 1,001 Pounds Or More
amount is transported. See Figure 9.7. Category of Material (Hazard
Except for bulk packaging, the hazard classes in class or division number and
Placard Name
additional description, as
Table 2 need placards only if the total amount
appropriate)
transported is 1,001 pounds or more including the
1.4 Minor Explosion Explosives 1.4
package. Add the amounts from all shipping
papers for all the Table 2 products you have on 1.5 Very Insensitive Explosives 1.5
board. See Figure 9.8. 1.6 Extremely Insensitive Explosives 1.6
2.1 Flammable Gases Flammable Gas
Placard Table 1 2.2 Non- Flammable Gases Non-Flammable Gas.
Any Amount 3 Flammable Liquids Flammable
Combustible Liquid Combustible*
IF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTAINS ANY AMOUNT PLACARD AS… 4.1 Flammable Solids Flammable Solid
OF…… 4.2 Spontaneously Spontaneously
Combustible Combustible
1.1 Mass Explosives Explosives 1.1
5.1 Oxidizers Oxidizer
1.2 Project Hazards Explosives 1.2
1.3 Mass Fire Hazards Explosives 1.3 5.2 (other than organic
peroxide, Type B, liquid or
2.3 Poisonous/Toxic Gases Poison Gas Organic Peroxide
solid, Temperature
Dangerous When Controlled)
4.3 Dangerous When Wet
Wet
6.1 (other than inhalation
5.2 (Organic Peroxide, Type Poison
hazard zone A or B)
B, liquid or solid, Organic Peroxide
Temperature controlled) 6.2 Infectious Substances (None)
8 Corrosives Corrosive
6.1 (Inhalation hazard zone Poison/toxic 9 Miscellaneous Hazardous
Class 9**
A & B only) inhalation Materials
7 (Radioactive Yellow III ORM-D (None)
Radioactive * FLAMMABLE may be used in place of a
label only)
Figure 9.7 COMBUSTIBLE on a cargo tank or portable tank.
** Class 9 Placard is not required for domestic
You may use DANGEROUS placards instead of transportation.
separate placards for each Table 2 hazard class Figure 9.8
when:
You have 1,001 pounds or more of two or more Placards used to identify the primary or subsidiary
Table 2 hazard classes, requiring different hazard class of a material must have the hazard
placards, and class or division number displayed in the lower
You have not loaded 2,205 pounds or more of any corner of the placard. Permanently affixed
Table 2 hazard class material at any one place. subsidiary hazard placards without the hazard
class number may be used as long as they stay your truck, and others could be in danger. It is
within color specifications. illegal to move a vehicle with leaking hazardous
Placards may be displayed for hazardous materials materials.
even if not required so long as the placard
identifies the hazard of the material being Containers of hazardous materials must be braced
transported. to prevent movement of the packages during
transportation.
Bulk packaging is a single container with a
capacity of 119 gallons or more. A bulk package, No Smoking. When loading or unloading
and a vehicle transporting a bulk package, must be hazardous materials, keep fire away. Don't let
placarded, even if it only has the residue of a people smoke nearby. Never smoke around:
hazardous material. Certain bulk packages only Class 1 (Explosives)
have to be placarded on the two opposite sides or Class 2.1 (Flammable Gas )
may display labels. All other bulk packages must Class 3 (Flammable Liquids)
be placarded on all four sides. Class 4 (Flammable Solids)
Class 5 (Oxidizers)
Do not transfer a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 from one Never load corrosive liquids with:
vehicle to another on a public roadway except in Division 1.1 or 1.2
an emergency. If safety requires an emergency Division 1.2 or 1.3
transfer, set out red warning reflectors, flags, or Division 1.5 (Blasting Agents).
electric lanterns. You must warn others on the Division 2.3, Zone A (Poisonous Gases).
road. Division 4.2 (Spontaneously Combustible
Materials).
Never transport damaged packages of explosives. Division 6.1, PGI, Zone A (Poison Liquids).
Do not take a package that shows any dampness
or oily stain. Class 2 (Compressed Gases) Including
Cryogenic Liquids. If your vehicle doesn't have
Do not transport Division 1.1 or 1.2 in vehicle racks to hold cylinders, the cargo space floor must
combinations if: be flat. The cylinders must be:
There is a marked or placarded cargo tank in the Held upright.
combination. In racks attached to the vehicle or in boxes that will
The other vehicle in the combination contains: keep them from turning over.
Division 1.1 A (Initiating Explosives).
Cylinders may be loaded in a horizontal position
Packages of Class 7 (Radioactive) materials (lying down) if it is designed so the relief valve is in
labeled "Yellow III." the vapor space.
Division 2.3 (Poisonous Gas) or Division 6.1
(Poisonous) materials.
Hazardous materials in a portable tank, on a DOT
Spec 106A or 110A tank. Division 2.3 (Poisonous Gas) or Division 6.1
(Poisonous) Materials. Never transport these
Class 4 (Flammable Solids) and Class 5 materials in containers with interconnections.
(Oxidizers) Materials. Class 4 materials are solids Never load a package labeled POISON or
that react (including fire and explosion) to water, POISON INHALATION HAZARD in the driver's cab
heat, and air or even react spontaneously. or sleeper or with food material for human or
animal consumption. There are special rules for
Class 4 and 5 materials must be completely loading and unloading Class 2 materials in cargo
enclosed in a vehicle or covered securely. Class 4 tanks. You must have special training to do this.
and 5 materials, which become unstable and
dangerous when wet, must be kept dry while in Class 7 (Radioactive) Materials. Some packages
transit and during loading and unloading. Materials of Class 7 (Radioactive) materials bear a number
that are subject to spontaneous combustion or called the "transport index." The shipper labels
heating must be in vehicles with sufficient these packages Radioactive II or Radioactive III,
ventilation. and prints the package's transport index on the
label. Radiation surrounds each package, passing
Class 8 (Corrosive) Materials. If loading by hand, through all nearby packages. To deal with this
load breakable containers of corrosive liquid one problem, the number of packages you can load
by one. Keep them right side up. Do not drop or roll together is controlled. Their closeness to people,
the containers. Load them onto an even floor animals, and unexposed film is also controlled. The
surface. Stack carboys only if the lower tiers can transport index tells the degree of control needed
bear the weight of the upper tiers safely. during transportation. The total transport index of
all packages in a single vehicle must not exceed
Section 9 - Hazardous Material Page 11
Version: July 2014
2005 Commercial Driver’s License Manual
50.Table A to this section shows rules for each 5. Name a hazard class that uses transport
transport index. It shows how close you can load indexes to determine the amount that can
Class 7 (Radioactive) materials to people, animals, be loaded in a single vehicle.
or film. For example, you can't leave a package
with a transport index of 1.1 within two feet of These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
people or cargo space walls. answer them all, re-read subsection 9.4.
There are special attendance rules for cargo tanks Never park with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives
transporting propane and anhydrous ammonia. within five feet of the traveled part of the road.
Except for short periods of time needed for vehicle
Close all manholes and valves before moving a operation necessities (e.g., fueling), do not park
tank of hazardous materials, no matter how small within 300 feet of:
the amount in the tank or how short the distance. A bridge, tunnel, or building.
Manholes and valves must be closed to prevent A place where people gather.
leaks. It is illegal to move a cargo tank with open An open fire.
valves or covers unless it is empty according to 49
CFR 173.29. If you must park to do your job, do so only briefly.
9.5.3 – Flammable Liquids Don't park on private property unless the owner is
aware of the danger. Someone must always watch
Turn off your engine before loading or unloading the parked vehicle. You may let someone else
any flammable liquids. Only run the engine if watch it for you only if your vehicle is:
needed to operate a pump. Ground a cargo tank On the shipper's property.
correctly before filling it through an open filling On the carrier's property.
hole. Ground the tank before opening the filling On the consignee's property.
hole, and maintain the ground until after closing
the filling hole. You are allowed to leave your vehicle unattended
in a safe haven. A safe haven is an approved
9.5.4 – Compressed Gas place for parking unattended vehicles loaded with
explosives. Designation of authorized safe havens
Keep liquid discharge valves on a compressed gas is usually made by local authorities.
tank closed except when loading and unloading.
Unless your engine runs a pump for product 9.6.2 – Parking a Placarded Vehicle Not
transfer, turn it off when loading or unloading. If Transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3)
you use the engine, turn it off after product Explosives
transfer, before you unhook the hose. Unhook all
loading/unloading connections before coupling, You may park a placarded vehicle (not laden with
uncoupling, or moving a cargo tank. Always chock explosives) within five feet of the traveled part of
trailers and semi-trailers to prevent motion when the road only if your work requires it. Do so only
uncoupled from the power unit. briefly. Someone must always watch the vehicle
when parked on a public roadway or shoulder. Do
not uncouple a trailer and leave it with hazardous
Subsection 9.5 materials on a public street. Do not park within 300
Test Your Knowledge feet of an open fire.
Whenever placarded, avoid heavily populated Do not drive with a tire that is leaking or flat except
areas, crowds, tunnels, narrow streets, and alleys. to the nearest safe place to fix it. Remove any
Take other routes, even if inconvenient, unless overheated tire. Place it a safe distance from your
there is no other way. Never drive a placarded vehicle. Don't drive until you correct the cause of
vehicle near open fires unless you can safely pass the overheating. Remember to follow the rules
without stopping. about parking and attending placarded vehicles.
They apply even when checking, repairing, or
If transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives, replacing tires.
you must have a written route plan and follow that
plan. Carriers prepare the route plan in advance 9.6.10 – Where to Keep Shipping Papers
and give the driver a copy. You may plan the route and Emergency Response Information
yourself if you pick up the explosives at a location
other than your employer's terminal. Write out the Do not accept a hazardous materials shipment
plan in advance. Keep a copy of it with you while without a properly prepared shipping paper. A
transporting the explosives. Deliver shipments of shipping paper for hazardous materials must
explosives only to authorized persons or leave always be easily recognized. Other people must be
them in locked rooms designed for explosives able to find it quickly after a crash.
storage. Clearly distinguish hazardous materials shipping
papers from others by tabbing them or keeping
A carrier must choose the safest route to transport them on top of the stack of papers.
placarded radioactive materials. After choosing the When you are behind the wheel, keep shipping
route, the carrier must tell the driver about the papers within your reach (with your seat belt on),
radioactive materials, and show the route plan. or in a pouch on the driver's door. They must be
easily seen by someone entering the cab.
When not behind the wheel, leave shipping papers materials identification number. Emergency
in the driver's door pouch or on the driver's seat. personnel look for these things on the shipping
Emergency response information must be kept in paper. That is why it is vital that the proper
the same location as the shipping paper. shipping name, identification number, label, and
Papers for Division 1.1, 1.2 or, 1.3 Explosives. placards are correct.
from places where people gather, if doing so Class 2 (Compressed Gases). If compressed gas
serves safety. Only move your vehicle if you can is leaking from your vehicle, warn others of the
do so without danger to yourself or others. danger. Only permit those involved in removing the
hazard or wreckage to get close. You must notify
Never continue driving with hazardous materials the shipper if compressed gas is involved in any
leaking from your vehicle in order to find a phone accident.
booth, truck stop, help, or similar reason.
Remember, the carrier pays for the cleanup of Unless you are fueling machinery used in road
contaminated parking lots, roadways, and drainage construction or maintenance, do not transfer a
ditches. The costs are enormous, so don't leave a flammable compressed gas from one tank to
lengthy trail of contamination. If hazardous another on any public roadway.
materials are spilling from your vehicle:
Park it. Class 3 (Flammable Liquids). If you are
Secure the area. transporting a flammable liquid and have an
Stay there. accident or your vehicle breaks down, prevent
Send someone else for help. bystanders from gathering. Warn people of the
danger. Keep them from smoking.
When sending someone for help, give that person:
A description of the emergency. Never transport a leaking cargo tank farther than
Your exact location and direction of travel. needed to reach a safe place. Get off the roadway
Your name, the carrier's name, and the name of if you can do so safely. Don't transfer flammable
the community or city where your terminal is liquid from one vehicle to another on a public
located. roadway except in an emergency.
The proper shipping name, hazard class, and
identification number of the hazardous materials, if Class 4 (Flammable Solids) and Class 5
you know them. (Oxidizing Materials). If a flammable solid or
oxidizing material spills, warn others of the fire
This is a lot for someone to remember. It is a good hazard. Do not open smoldering packages of
idea to write it all down for the person you send for flammable solids. Remove them from the vehicle if
help. The emergency response team must know you can safely do so. Also, remove unbroken
these things to find you and to handle the packages if it will decrease the fire hazard.
emergency. They may have to travel miles to get to
you. This information will help them to bring the Class 6 (Poisonous Materials and Infectious
right equipment the first time, without having to go Substances). It is your job to protect yourself,
back for it. other people, and property from harm. Remember
that many products classed as poison are also
Never move your vehicle, if doing so will cause flammable. If you think a Division 2.3 (Poison
contamination or damage the vehicle. Keep Gases) or Division 6.1 (Poison Materials) might be
upwind and away from roadside rests, truck stops, flammable, take the added precautions needed for
cafes, and businesses. Never try to repack leaking flammable liquids or gases. Do not allow smoking,
containers. Unless you have the training and open flame, or welding. Warn others of the hazards
equipment to repair leaks safely, don't try it. Call of fire, of inhaling vapors, or coming in contact with
your dispatcher or supervisor for instructions and, if the poison.
needed, emergency personnel.
A vehicle involved in a leak of Division 2.3 (Poison
9.7.4 – Responses to Specific Hazards Gases) or Division 6.1 (Poisons) must be checked
for stray poison before being used again.
Class 1 (Explosives). If your vehicle has a
breakdown or accident while carrying explosives, If a Division 6.2 (Infectious Substances) package is
warn others of the danger. Keep bystanders away. damaged in handling or transportation, you should
Do not allow smoking or open fire near the vehicle. immediately contact your supervisor. Packages
If there is a fire, warn every one of the danger of that appear to be damaged or show signs of
explosion. leakage should not be accepted.
Remove all explosives before separating vehicles Class 7 (Radioactive Materials). If radioactive
involved in a collision. Place the explosives at least material is involved in a leak or broken package,
200 feet from the vehicles and occupied buildings. tell your dispatcher or supervisor as soon as
Stay a safe distance away. possible. If there is a spill, or if an internal
container might be damaged, do not touch or
inhale the material. Do not use the vehicle until it is Fire, breakage, spillage, or suspected radioactive
cleaned and checked with a survey meter. contamination occurs.
Fire, breakage, spillage or suspected
Class 8 (Corrosive Materials). If corrosives spill contamination occur involving shipment of etiologic
or leak during transportation, be careful to avoid agents (bacteria or toxins).
further damage or injury when handling the A situation exists of such a nature (e.g., continuing
containers. Parts of the vehicle exposed to a danger to life exists at the scene of an incident)
corrosive liquid must be thoroughly washed with that, in the judgment of the carrier, should be
water. After unloading, wash out the interior as reported.
Radioactive Separation
National Response Center
Table A
(800) 424-8802
TO PEOPLE OR CARGO
TRANSPORT
COMPARTMENT
Their name.
PARTITIONS
Name and address of the carrier they work for.
0-2 2-4 4-8 8-12 Over 12 Phone number where they can be reached.
TOTAL
INDEX
Hrs. Hrs. Hrs. Hrs. Hrs. Date, time, and location of incident.
The extent of injuries, if any.
None 0 0 0 0 0 0 Classification, name, and quantity of hazardous
materials involved, if such information is available.
0.1 to
1.0
1 2 3 4 5 1 Type of incident and nature of hazardous materials
1.1 to involvement and whether a continuing danger to
3 4 6 8 11 2 life exists at the scene.
5.0
5.1 to
4 6 9 11 15 3 If a reportable quantity of hazardous substance
10.0
10.1 to was involved, the caller should give the name of
5 8 12 16 22 4
20.0 the shipper and the quantity of the hazardous
20.1 to substance discharged.
7 10 15 20 29 5
30.0
30.1 to
8 11 17 22 33 6
Be prepared to give your employer the required
40.0 information as well. Carriers must make detailed
40.1 to written reports within 30 days of an incident.
9 12 19 24 36
50.0
soon as possible before reloading.
Carrier – A person engaged in the transportation (i) For radionuclides, conforms to paragraph
of passengers or property by: 7 of Appendix A to Sec. 172.101.
(ii) For other than radionuclides, is in a
1. Land or water as a common, contract, or
concentration by weight which equals or
private carrier, or
exceeds the concentration corresponding
2. Civil aircraft.
to the RQ of the material, as shown in
Figure 9.12.
Consignee – The business or person to whom a
shipment is delivered.
Hazardous Substance Concentrations
Division – A subdivision of a hazard class.
Concentration by Weight
RQ Pounds
EPA – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Kilograms Percent PPM
2. A maximum net mass less than 400 kg (882 P.s.i.a. or psia – Pounds per square inch
pounds) and a maximum capacity of 450 L absolute.
(119 gallons) or less as a receptacle for a
solid; or Reportable quantity (RQ) - The quantity specified
3. A water capacity greater than 454 kg (1,000 in Column 2 of the Appendix to Sec. 172.101 for
pounds) or less as a receptacle for a gas as any material identified in Column 1 of the
defined in Sec. 173.115. Appendix.
N.O.S. - Not otherwise specified. RSPA – now PHMSA – The Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S.
Outage or ullage – The amount by which a Department of Transportation, Washington, DC
packaging falls short of being liquid full, usually 20590.
expressed in percent by volume.
Shipper's certification – A statement on a
Portable tank – Bulk packaging (except a cylinder shipping paper, signed by the shipper, saying
having a water capacity of 1,000 pounds or less) he/she prepared the shipment properly according
designed primarily to be loaded onto, or on, or to law. For example:
temporarily attached to a transport vehicle or ship
and equipped with skids, mountings, or "This is to certify that the above named
accessories to facilitate handling of the tank by materials are properly classified, described, packaged,
mechanical means. It does not include a cargo marked and labeled, and are in proper condition for
tank, tank car, multi-unit tank car tank, or trailer transportation according to the applicable regulations or
carrying 3AX, 3AAX, or 3T cylinders. the Department of Transportation." or
"I hereby declare that the contents of this
consignment are fully and accurately described above by
Proper shipping name – The name of the the proper shipping name and are classified, packaged,
hazardous materials shown in Roman print (not marked and labeled/placarded, and are in all respects in
italics) in Sec. 172.101. proper condition for transport by * according to
applicable international and national government
P.s.i. or psi – Pounds per square inch. regulations."
* words may be inserted here to indicate mode
of transportation (rail, aircraft, motor vehicle, vessel)
Section 10
SCHOOL BUSES
This Section Covers
The danger zone is the area on all sides of the bus Figure 10.1
where children are in the most danger of being hit,
either by another vehicle or their own bus. The 10.1.3 – Outside Left and Right Side Flat
danger zones may extend as much as 30 feet from
Mirrors
the front bumper with the first 10 feet being the
most dangerous, 10 feet from the left and right
These mirrors are mounted at the left and right
sides of the bus and 10 feet behind the rear
front corners of the bus at the side or front of the
bumper of the school bus. In addition, the area to
windshield. They are used to monitor traffic, check
the left of the bus is always considered dangerous
clearances and students on the sides and to the
because of passing cars. Figure 10.1 illustrates
rear of the bus. There is a blind spot immediately
these danger zones.
below and in front of each mirror and directly in
back of the rear bumper. The blind spot behind the
10.1.2 – Correct Mirror Adjustment bus extends 5o to 150 feet and could extend up to
400 feet depending on the length and width of the
Proper adjustment and use of all mirrors is vital to bus.
the safe operation of the school bus in order to
observe the danger zone around the bus and look Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so
for students, traffic, and other objects in this area. you can see:
You should always check each mirror before 200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus.
operating the school bus to obtain maximum Along the sides of the bus.
viewing area. If necessary, have the mirrors The rear tires touching the ground.
adjusted.
Figure 10.2 shows how both the outside left and
right side flat mirrors should be adjusted.
Figure 10.3
Note: The school bus driver should enforce any 10.2.5 – Special Dangers of Loading and
state or local regulations or recommendations Unloading
concerning student actions outside the school bus.
Dropped or Forgotten Objects. Always focus on
10.2.4 – Unloading Procedures at School students as they approach the bus and watch for
any who disappear from sight.
State and local laws and regulations regarding
unloading students at schools, particularly in Students may drop an object near the bus during
situations where such activities take place in the loading and unloading. Stopping to pick up the
school parking lot or other location that is off the object, or returning to pick up the object may cause
traveled roadway, are often different than the student to disappear from the driver’s sight at a
unloading along the school bus route. It is very dangerous moment.
important that the school bus driver understands
and obeys state and local laws and regulations. Students should be told to leave any dropped
The following procedures are meant to be general object and move to a point of safety out of the
guidelines. danger zones and attempt to get the driver’s
attention to retrieve the object.
When unloading at the school you should follow
these procedures: Handrail Hang-ups. Students have been injured
Perform a safe stop at designated unloading areas or killed when clothing, accessories, or even parts
as described in subsection 10.2.1. of their body get caught in the handrail or door as
Secure the bus by: they exited the bus. You should closely observe all
Turning off the ignition switch. students exiting the bus to confirm that they are in
Removing key if leaving driver’s compartment. a safe location prior to moving the bus.
Have the students remain seated until told to exit.
Position yourself to supervise unloading as 10.2.6 – Post-trip Inspection
required or recommended by your state or local
regulations. When your route or school activity trip is finished,
Have students exit in orderly fashion. you should conduct a post-trip inspection of the
Observe students as they step from bus to see that bus.
all move promptly away from the unloading area.
Walk through the bus and check for You should walk through the bus and around the
hiding/sleeping students and items left by students. bus looking for the following:
Check all mirrors. Make certain no students are Articles left on the bus.
returning to the bus. Sleeping students.
If you cannot account for a student outside the bus Open windows and doors.
and the bus is secure, check around and
underneath the bus.
When all students are accounted for, prepare to
leave by:
Closing the door.
Fastening safety belt.
Starting engine.
Engaging the transmission.
Releasing the parking brake.
Turning off alternating flashing red lights.
Turning on left turn signal.
Checking all mirrors again.
Allowing congested traffic to disperse.
When it is safe, pull away from the unloading area.
Mechanical/operational problems with the bus, with The bus is stalled on or adjacent to a railroad-
special attention to items that are unique to school highway crossing.
buses – mirror systems, flashing warning lamps The position of the bus may change and increase
and stop signal arms. the danger.
Damage or vandalism. There is an imminent danger of collision.
There is a need to quickly evacuate because of a
Any problems or special situations should be hazardous materials spill.
reported immediately to your supervisor or school
authorities. 10.3.2 – Evacuation Procedures
10.3 – Emergency Exit and Evacuation Be Prepared and Plan Ahead. When possible,
assign two responsible, older student assistants to
An emergency situation can happen to anyone, each emergency exit. Teach them how to assist
anytime, anywhere. It could be a crash, a stalled the other students off the bus. Assign another
school bus on a railroad-highway crossing or in a student assistant to lead the students to a “safe
high-speed intersection, an electrical fire in the place” after evacuation. However, you must
engine compartment, a medical emergency to a recognize that there may not be older, responsible
student on the school bus, etc. Knowing what to do students on the bus at the time of the emergency.
in an emergency–before, during and after an Therefore, emergency evacuation procedures must
evacuation–can mean the difference between life be explained to all students. This includes knowing
and death. how to operate the various emergency exits and
the importance of listening to and following all
10.3.1 – Planning for Emergencies instructions given by you.
Determine Need to Evacuate Bus. The first and Some tips to determine a safe place:
most important consideration is for you to A safe place will be at least 100 feet off the road in
recognize the hazard. If time permits, school bus the direction of oncoming traffic. This will keep the
drivers should contact their dispatcher to explain students from being hit by debris if another vehicle
the situation before making a decision to evacuate collides with the bus.
the school bus. Lead students upwind of the bus if fire is present.
Lead students as far away from railroad tracks as
As a general rule, student safety and control is possible and in the direction of any oncoming train.
best maintained by keeping students on the bus Lead students upwind of the bus at least 300 feet if
during an emergency and/or impending crisis there is a risk from spilled hazardous materials.
situation, if so doing does not expose them to If the bus is in the direct path of a sighted tornado
unnecessary risk or injury. Remember, the and evacuation is ordered, escort students to a
decision to evacuate the bus must be a timely one. nearby ditch or culvert if shelter in a building is not
readily available, and direct them to lie face down,
A decision to evacuate should include hands covering their head. They should be far
consideration of the following conditions: enough away so the bus cannot topple on them.
Is there a fire or danger of fire? Avoid areas that are subject to flash floods.
Is there a smell of raw or leaking fuel?
Is there a chance the bus could be hit by other
vehicles?
Is the bus in the path of a sighted tornado or rising
waters?
Are there downed power lines?
Would removing students expose them to
speeding traffic, severe weather, or a dangerous
environment such as downed power lines?
Would moving students complicate injuries such as
neck and back injuries and fractures?
Is there a hazardous spill involved? Sometimes, it
may be safer to remain on the bus and not come in
contact with the material.
General Procedures. Determine if evacuation is in regulate traffic at the crossing. These active
the best interest of safety. devices include flashing red lights, with or without
Determine the best type of evacuation: bells and flashing red lights with bells and gates.
Front, rear or side door evacuation, or some
combination of doors. 10.4.2 – Warning Signs and Devices
Roof or window evacuation.
Secure the bus by: Advance Warning Signs. The round, black-on-
yellow warning sign is placed ahead of a public
Placing transmission in Park, or if there is no shift railroad-highway crossing. The advance warning
point, in Neutral. sign tells you to slow down, look and listen for the
Setting parking brakes. train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks if a train
Shutting off the engine. is coming. See Figure 10.5.
Removing ignition key.
Activating hazard-warning lights.
If time allows, notify dispatch office of evacuation
location, conditions, and type of assistance
needed.
Dangle radio microphone or telephone out of
driver’s window for later use, if operable.
If no radio, or radio is inoperable, dispatch a
passing motorist or area resident to call for help.
As a last resort, dispatch two older, responsible
students to go for help.
Order the evacuation.
Evacuate students from the bus.
Do not move a student you believe may have
suffered a neck or spinal injury unless his or her
life is in immediate danger.
Special procedures must be used to move neck Figure 10.5
spinal injury victims to prevent further injury.
Direct a student assistant to lead students to the Pavement Markings. Pavement markings mean
nearest safe place. the same as the advance warning sign. They
Walk through the bus to ensure no students remain consist of an “X” with the letters “”RR” and a no-
on the bus. Retrieve emergency equipment. passing marking on two-lane roads.
Join waiting students. Account for all students and
check for their safety. There is also a no passing zone sign on two-lane
Protect the scene. Set out emergency warning roads. There may be a white stop line painted on
devices as necessary and appropriate. the pavement before the railroad tracks. The front
Prepare information for emergency responders. of the school bus must remain behind this line
while stopped at the crossing. See Figure 10.6.
10.4 – Railroad-highway Crossings
Figure 10.8
10.6 – Antilock Braking Systems check and then goes out quickly. On older
systems, the lamp could stay on until you are
10.6.1 – Vehicles Required to Have driving over five mph.
Antilock Braking Systems
The Department of Transportation requires that If the lamp stays on after the bulb check, or goes
antilock braking systems be on: on once you are under way, you may have lost
Air brakes vehicles, (trucks, buses, trailers and ABS control at one or more wheels.
converter dollies) built on or after March 1, 1998.
Hydraulically braked trucks and buses with a gross Remember, if your ABS malfunctions, you still
vehicle weight rating of 10,000 lbs or more built on have regular brakes. Drive normally, but get the
or after March 1, 1999. system serviced soon.
Many buses built before these dates have been 10.6.5 – Safety Reminders
voluntarily equipped with ABS. ABS won’t allow you to drive faster, follow more
closely, or drive less carefully.
Your school bus will have a yellow ABS ABS won’t prevent power or turning skids–ABS
malfunction lamp on the instrument panel if it is should prevent brake-induced skids but not those
equipped with ABS. caused by spinning the drive wheels or going too
fast in a turn.
10.6.2 – How ABS Helps You ABS won’t necessarily shorten stopping distance.
ABS will help maintain vehicle control, but not
When you brake hard on slippery surfaces in a always shorten stopping distance.
vehicle without ABS, your wheels may lock up. ABS won’t increase or decrease ultimate stopping
When your steering wheels lock up, you lose power–ABS is an “add-on” to your normal brakes,
steering control. When your other wheels lock up, not a replacement for them.
you may skid or even spin the vehicle. ABS won’t change the way you normally brake.
Under normal brake conditions, your vehicle will
ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up and maintain stop as it always stopped. ABS only comes into
control. You may or may not be able to stop faster play when a wheel would normally have locked up
with ABS, but you should be able to steer around because of over braking.
an obstacle while braking, and avoid skids caused ABS won’t compensate for bad brakes or poor
by over braking. brake maintenance.
Remember: The best vehicle safety feature is still a
safe driver.
10.6.3 – Braking with ABS Remember: Drive so you never need to use your
ABS.
When you drive a vehicle with ABS, you should Remember: If you need it, ABS could help to
brake as you always have. In other words: prevent a serious crash.
Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely
and stay in control.
Brake the same way, regardless of whether you 10.7 – Special Safety Considerations
have ABS on the bus. However, in emergency
braking, do not pump the brakes on a bus with 10.7.1 – Strobe Lights
ABS.
As you slow down, monitor your bus and back off Some school buses are equipped with roof-
the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control. mounted, white strobe lights. If your bus is so
equipped, the overhead strobe light should be
10.6.4 – Braking if ABS is Not Working used when you have limited visibility. This means
that you cannot easily see around you – in front,
Without ABS, you still have normal brake functions. behind, or beside the school bus. Your visibility
Drive and brake as you always have. could be only slightly limited or it could be so bad
that you can see nothing at all. In all instances,
Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps understand and obey your state or local
to tell you if something is not working. The yellow regulations concerning the use of these lights.
ABS malfunction lamp is on the bus’s instrument
panel. 10.7.2 – Driving in High Winds
As a system check on newer vehicles, the Strong winds affect the handling of the school bus!
malfunction lamp comes on at start-up for a bulb The side of a school bus acts like a sail on a
sailboat. Strong winds can push the school bus
Section 10 – School Buses Page 10
Version: July 2014
2005 Commercial Driver’s License Manual
Lights/Reflectors/Reflector Tape Condition Air Brake Check (Air Brake Equipped Vehicles
(Sides & Rear) Only)
Test that dash indicators work when corresponding Failure to perform all three components of the air
lights are turned on: brake check correctly will result in an automatic
Left turn signal. failure of the vehicle inspection test. Air brake
safety devices vary. However, this procedure is
Right turn signal. designed to see that any safety device operates
Four-way emergency flashers. correctly as air pressure drops from normal to a
High beam headlight. low air condition. For safety purposes, in areas
where an incline is present, you will use wheel
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) indicator. chocks during the air brake check. The proper
Check that all external lights and reflective procedures for inspecting the air brake system are
equipment are clean and functional. Light and as follows:
reflector checks include:
1. With the air pressure built up to governor
Clearance lights (red on rear, amber elsewhere). cutoff (120 – 140 psi), shut off the engine,
Headlights (high and low beams). chock your wheels if necessary, release the
Taillights. parking brake (all vehicles), and the tractor
protection valve (combination vehicle) and
Backing lights. fully apply the foot brake. Hold the foot
Turn signals. brake for one minute. Check the air gauge to
see if the air pressure drops more than three
Four-way flashers.
pounds in one minute (single vehicle) or four
Brake lights. pounds in one minute (combination vehicle).
Red reflectors (on rear) and amber reflectors 2. Without re-starting the engine, turn electrical
(elsewhere). power to the “on” or “battery charge”
Reflector tape condition position. Begin fanning off the air pressure
by rapidly applying and releasing the foot
Note: Checks of brake, turn signal and four-way brake. Low air warning devices (buzzer,
flasher functions must be done separately. light, flag) should activate before air
pressure drops below 60 psi or level
Horn specified by the manufacturer.
Check that air horn and/or electric horn work. 3. Continue to fan off the air pressure. At
approximately 40 psi on a tractor-trailer
Heater/Defroster combination vehicle (or level specified by the
Test that the heater and defroster work. manufacturer), the tractor protection valve
and parking brake valve should close (pop
Parking Brake Check out). On other combination vehicle types and
With the parking brake engaged (trailer brakes single vehicle types, the parking brake valve
released on combination vehicles), check that the should close (pop out).
parking brake will hold vehicle by gently trying to pull
forward with parking brake on. Service Brake Check
With the parking brake released and the trailer You will be required to check the application of air
parking brake engaged (combination vehicles or hydraulic service brakes. This procedure is
only), check that the trailer parking brake will hold designed to determine that the brakes are working
vehicle by gently trying to pull forward with the correctly and that the vehicle does not pull to one
trailer parking brake on. side or the other.
Hydraulic Brake Check Pull forward at 5 mph, apply the service brake and
Pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it stop. Check to see that the vehicle does not pull to
down for five seconds. The brake pedal should not either side and that it stops when brake is applied.
move (depress) during the five seconds.
If equipped with a hydraulic brake reserve (back- Safety Belt
up) system, with the key off, depress the brake Check that the safety belt is securely mounted,
pedal and listen for the sound of the reserve adjusts, latches properly and is not ripped or
system electric motor. frayed.
Check that the warning buzzer or light is off.
Note: Be prepared to perform the same See that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals are
suspension components inspection on every axle not leaking and, if wheel has a sight glass, oil level
(power unit and trailer, if equipped). is adequate.
Slack Adjustors and Pushrods Check that all lug nuts are present, free of cracks
Look for broken, loose, or missing parts. and distortions, and show no signs of looseness
For manual slack adjustors, the brake pushrod such as rust trails or shiny threads.
should not move more than one inch (with the Make sure all bolt holes are not cracked or
brakes released) when pulled by hand. distorted.
Door(s)/Mirror(s) Catwalk/Steps
Check that door(s) are not damaged and that they Check that the catwalk is solid, clear of objects,
open and close properly from the outside. and securely bolted to tractor frame.
Hinges should be secure with seals intact. Check that steps leading to the cab entry and
Check that mirror(s) and mirror brackets are not catwalk (if equipped) are solid, clear of objects,
damaged and are mounted securely with no loose and securely bolted to tractor frame.
fittings.
Mounting Bolts
Fuel Tank Look for loose or missing mounting brackets,
clamps, bolts, or nuts. Both the fifth wheel and the
Check that tank(s) are secure, cap(s) are tight, and slide mounting must be solidly attached.
that there are no leaks from tank(s) or lines. On other types of coupling systems (i.e., ball hitch,
pintle hook, etc.), inspect all coupling components
Drive Shaft and mounting brackets for missing or broken parts.
See that drive shaft is not bent or cracked. Hitch Release Lever
Couplings should be secure and free of foreign Check to see that the hitch release lever is in place
objects. and is secure.
Lights/Reflectors
In addition to checking the lights and reflective
devices listed in Section 10.2 of this manual,
school bus drivers must also check the following
(external) lights and reflectors:
Strobe light, if equipped.
Stop arm light, if equipped.
Level/Air Leaks equivalent and you will not know which test you will
See that the vehicle is sitting level (front and rear), take until just before the testing begins.
and if air-equipped, check for audible air leaks from
the suspension system. All of the tests include an engine start and an in-
cab inspection. Then, your test may require an
Fuel Tank(s) inspection of the entire vehicle or only a portion of
See that fuel tank(s) are secure with no leaks from the vehicle which your CDL Examiner will explain
tank(s) or lines. to you. You will also have to inspect any special
features of your vehicle (e.g, school or transit bus).
Baggage Compartments
Check that baggage and all other exterior
compartment doors are not damaged, operate
properly, and latch securely.
Battery/Box
Wherever located, see that battery(s) are secure,
connections are tight, and cell caps are present.
Battery connections should not show signs of
excessive corrosion.
Check that battery box and cover or door is not
damaged and is secure.
Remainder of Vehicle
Please refer to Section 11.2 of this manual for
detailed inspection procedures for the remainder of
the vehicle.
If you are applying for a School Bus endorsement, 13.1.12(b) – Gear Usage (for Manual
you will be required to demonstrate a student Transmission)
discharge. Please refer to section 10 of this Do not grind or clash gears.
manual. Select gear that does not rev or lug engine.
Do not shift in turns and intersections.
As you approach the student pick up, you must:
Decelerate and approach at a slow rate of speed 13.1.13(c) – Brake Usage
while continuing to check traffic. Do not ride or pump brake.
Activate amber warning lights and right turn Do not brake harshly. Brake smoothly using steady
signals. pressure.
Move as far as possible to the right on the traveled
portion of the roadway.
13.1.14(d) – Lane Usage
Do not put vehicle over curbs, sidewalks, or lane
Recheck traffic. markings.
Stop behind stop lines, crosswalks, or stop signs.
As you stop for the student discharge, you must: Complete a turn in the proper lane on a multiple
Bring school bus to a complete stop at least 10’ lane road (vehicle should finish a left turn in the
away from students at the stop. lane directly to the right of the center line).
Finish a right turn in the right-most (curb) lane.
Place the transmission in neutral/park and set the
Move to or remain in right-most lane unless lane is
parking brake.
blocked.
Activate the stop arm and red warning lights.
13.1.15 – Steering
When discharging students, you must: Do not over or under steer the vehicle.
Communicate to students. Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times
Check traffic. unless shifting. Once you have completed shift,
return both hands to the steering wheel.
Open the student door.
Check for students. 13.1.16 – Regular Traffic Checks
Check traffic regularly.
When students are crossing, you must: Check mirrors regularly.
Check traffic. Check mirrors and traffic before, while in and after
an intersection.
Communicate to students. Scan and check traffic in high volume areas and
Check for students. areas where pedestrians are expected to be
present.
When resuming from the student discharge, you
must: 13.1.17 – Use of Turn Signals
Check all mirrors. Use turn signals properly.
Activate turn signals when required.
Turn off warning lights and stop arm. Activate turn signals at appropriate times.
Close the door Cancel turn signals upon completion of a turn or
Check traffic. lane change.
Accelerate away from the stop area.