Maryland CDL Permit Test - Double

When backing a straight truck, you would turn the wheel in the direction you want to go. By contrast, when backing a vehicle with a trailer, you must turn the steering wheel in the direction opposite of where you want to go. Once your trailer starts to turn, you should turn the steering wheel the other way to follow the trailer.

Be sure that you are able to accelerate without first rolling back. Rolling backwards may cause you to collide with a vehicle or other obstacle behind your truck.

At speeds below 40 mph, you should allow at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle. When traveling at higher speeds, follow the same formula, then add one additional second to your following distance.

When inspecting your brakes, you should check for cracked drums; shoes or pads covered in oil, grease, or brake fluid; and shoes that are missing, broken, or worn dangerously thin.

The posted speed limit on a curve may be safe to be taken by cars, but can still be too fast to be taken by larger vehicles, such as trucks. An operator driving their truck at the posted limit on a curve could cause their vehicle to tip over.

Drivers who are engaged in conversation with passengers may be distracted from the task of driving. Use extra caution when driving near distracted drivers.

Mirror adjustment should be checked prior to the start of any trip. If your vehicle has a trailer, the trailer must be straight in order for the mirrors to be checked accurately.