All aspiring commercial vehicle drivers need to learn and practice specific rules and regulations to ensure road safety. To regulate the issuance of drivers’ licenses, each aspiring driver undergoes several tests including a written and an actual driving test.
One of the parts of the written test is the CDL general knowledge test. It consists of the basics of driving and commercial vehicles.
To help you pass the exam, here are the top five points to keep in mind during a CDL General Knowledge test.
Inspection of the Vehicle
Vehicle inspection is every driver’s most crucial responsibility before going on a trip. It prevents problems due to a vehicular defect like a hydraulic leak or wiring breaks. Evaluate the overall condition of the vehicle and examine the engine compartment and lights.
First, assess the physical condition of your vehicle to know its overall status. Then, verify if there is any water or oil puddle under your vehicle. It means there is a leak from your engine. If it is your first time to use the vehicle, read the up-to-date VIR or Vehicle Inspection Report. It will let you know if any problems occurred and if the previous user addressed the concern.
Next, check the engine compartment. Before proceeding, make sure that the vehicle is in a safe parking area. Turn off your engine and secure your parking brakes. Then, proceed to check if all the engine fluid levels are enough. Look for any loose wiring and check if hoses and belts are in place.
Road Assessment while Driving
Commercial vehicles like trucks, trailers, and buses are longer than average vehicles. Because of this, you need to be more careful and considerate of everything around him and the vehicle you are driving. During the trip, make sure to take about fifteen seconds regularly. Doing so will help you react to road changes, such as road humps, traffic, and people crossing.
Recommended read: Top Tips for Safe Driving And How To Help in A Car Accident
Manage Stops
Aside from being long, commercial vehicles are also notably heavier and bigger too because of the load of the things they carry. As a general rule, it takes about a second of space for every ten feet long at an average of forty miles an hour. You will need an additional second if you drive faster than forty miles.
For example, if you have a trailer-truck that is about fifty feet long and you are at sixty miles per hour driving, it will take you six seconds to make a full stop. Also, take note that you need to consider the road and weather conditions at the time of your travel. Rain makes the road slippery, which may require you extra seconds to stop.
Proper Communication
The use of turn signals is the driver’s best way to communicate with other drivers and even pedestrians. It signals people outside the vehicle of which way will the vehicle go. Make sure to turn them on before you turn on a curb. If you need to make a sudden stop or if you see a concern while on the road, you may turn on your hazard signal.
Driver’s Health Requirements
To be given a license to drive a commercial vehicle, you will need to undergo a medical examination to check if you are physically fit to do so. A government-accredited medical examiner will check your vision, hearing, and sugar level. Once you pass the medical examination, you will receive a Medical Examination Report or MER with an approved status.
Takeaway Thought
The CDL General Knowledge test aims to remind drivers of the basics and importance of driving a commercial vehicle and road safety tips. Take cdl practice test general knowledge to check whether you have a full grasp of the basics of commercial vehicle driving.