OHIO

COMMERCIAL
DRIVER LICENSE
MANUAL

2005 CDL Testing System

AAMVA Version: July 2017
This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration under Cooperative Agreement No. DTFH61-97-X-00017. Any
opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication
are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

COPYRIGHT © 2005 AAMVA. All rights reserved

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.
In January 2015, an RV pulled into a truck stop in Virginia. Observant professional truck driver Kevin Kimmel recognized suspicious
activity around that RV, which had pulled back by the truck line, and decided something was off. Instead of turning a blind eye, he
made a call that brought law enforcement out to the scene within a few minutes. After interviewing the occupants of the vehicle,
they discovered that a young woman, 20 years old, had been kidnapped from Iowa two weeks prior. She had been beaten, raped,
her whole body burned by instruments heated on the RV stove, branded and starved. She was being sold by her traffickers, Laura
Sorenson and Aldair Hodza, through sex ads on Craigslist, where men were purchasing her and then arriving at the RV to rape her.
She was dying from malnutrition and the torture she was subjected to … had the call not been made that brought law enforcement
out to that truck stop, doctors said she would have died within the next few days. Now a recovering survivor, this young woman
calls Kimmel her guardian angel. He calls himself a Trucker Against Trafficking.
Truckers Against Trafficking is a non-profit organization that has been working with the trucking industry since 2009 to provide the
needed training and tools to enable members of the industry to both recognize human trafficking when they see it happening and
to know what actions to take to enable law enforcement to effectively fight this crime. Through this training and these tools,
truckers are becoming Everyday Heroes like Kevin Kimmel, who was also named TAT’s 2015 Harriet Tubman Award winner.
One of the tools TAT provides is a wallet card with red flags
to look for, questions to ask if you suspect someone is a
victim and actionable information to report. This wallet card
is available by App, from the appropriate App Store, on all
smart phones, whether Android, iPhone or Windows format,
as well as by emailing [email protected], for a version
to carry in your wallet.
Additionally, TAT provides a powerful, 26-minute training
video on its website (www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org),
which, when watched along with taking and passing a short
test, certifies drivers as TAT-Trained, a designation which can go on your resume. Because professional drivers often find
themselves in locations frequented and exploited by human traffickers, they are in a unique position to recognize the signs of
human trafficking and to make the call that can lead to victim recovery and perpetrator arrests. Get your wallet card today. Be an
Everyday Hero! Make the call (1-888-3737-888); save lives!

1-888-3737-888 (US)
1-800-222-TIPS (Canada)
01800-5533-000 (Mexico)
Text INFO or HELP to BeFree (233733)
 Table of Contents

Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 1-1
Driving Safely .................................................................................................................................. 2-1
Transporting Cargo Safely............................................................................................... 3-1
Transporting Passengers Safely .............................................................................. 4-1
Air Brakes............................................................................................................................................. 5-1
Combination Vehicles............................................................................................................ 6-1
Doubles and Triples................................................................................................................. 7-1
Tank Vehicles.................................................................................................................................. 8-1
Hazardous Materials ............................................................................................................... 9-1
School Bus........................................................................................................................................ 10-1
Vehicle Inspection .................................................................................................................... 11-1
Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test ........................................................................... 12-1
On-Road Driving ........................................................................................................................ 13-1
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Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System

provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is

Section 1 more than 10,000 pounds. Most Class A vehicles are
INTRODUCTION trucks such as truck-tractor / semi-trailer or truck and
trailer combinations. However, tractor-trailer buses
may be found in a few communities. Driving a Class
This Section Covers A vehicle requires considerably more skill and
knowledge than driving vehicles in Classes B and C.
• Commercial Driver License Tests Since these skills include those required to drive a B
• Medical Requirements and C vehicle, a driver who has a Class A license also
• Driver Disqualifications may drive vehicles in Classes B and C.
• Other Safety Rules Class B Heavy Straight Vehicles. Any single
• International Registration Program vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds falls
in Group B, or any such vehicle towing another vehicle
There is a federal requirement that each state have
not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. Class B
minimum standards for the licensing of commercial
includes straight trucks and large buses, including
drivers.
articulated buses. Safely driving these heavy vehicles
This manual provides driver license testing requires considerably more knowledge and skill than
information for drivers who wish to have a driving the small trucks and buses found in Class C.
commercial driver license (CDL). This manual does Since they include the skills required to drive Class C
NOT provide information on all the federal and state vehicles, drivers who have qualified for a Class B
requirements needed before you can drive a license may also drive vehicles in Class C.
commercial motor vehicle (CMV). You may have to
contact your state driver licensing authority for Class C Small Vehicles. Any single vehicle with a
additional information. GVWR less than 26,001 pounds falls in Group C, or
any such vehicle towing another vehicle not in
You must have a CDL to operate: excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. However, vehicles
Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of this size are included in the CDL program only if
(GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. they are: 1) Designed to carry 16 or more
A combination vehicle with a gross combination passengers including the driver, or (2) Used to
weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, transport hazardous materials in quantities requiring
provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is placarding under the Hazardous Materials
in excess of 10,000 pounds. Regulations (49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F) or is
carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in
A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more 42 CFR part 73.
passengers (including the driver).
There are a great variety of vehicles in Class C.
Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material Some rather large Class C vehicles may require
placards or is carrying material listed as a select more skill and knowledge to operate than do the
agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. Federal regulations smaller ones. However, the licensing category is
through the Department of Homeland Security based principally on the type of cargo carried.
require a background check and fingerprinting for the Because of the seriousness of an accident involving
Hazardous Materials endorsement. Contact your hazardous material or human passengers, the safe
local department of driver licensing for more operation of even the smaller vehicles in Class C
information. requires special knowledge and the drivers of these
vehicles must have a CDL.
CDL Classifications
The CDL vehicle classification included in the federal
standard, together with the type of cargo to be
transported, determine what type of CDL license and
endorsement an applicant must apply for. There are
three basic vehicle classes or groups:

Class A Combination Vehicles. Any combination

of vehicles with gross combination weight rating
(GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds falls in Group A

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CDL Endorsements & Restrictions hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be
placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR part 172; or any
Endorsements quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin
All commercial drivers who drive certain types of 42 CFR Part 73 must add a hazardous materials
vehicles or haul certain types of cargo must add endorsement to their CDL. S he must pass a special
endorsements to their CDL license and / or written examination on how to recognize, handle, and
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) to show that they transport hazardous materials.
have the specialized knowledge required for these The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
operations. There are six kinds of CDL endorsements and the US Department of Transportation require
that may be required, depending on the vehicle or type background checks on commercial drivers who are
of cargo. certified to transport hazardous materials. The
NOTE: The only endorsements that may be added background checks include a review of criminal,
to a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) are: immigration and FBI records. If the driver is found to
- Passenger (P); represent a security threat, TSA will notify the person
- School bus (S); and and the state will deny issuance of an endorsement.
- Tank vehicle (N). Combination Hazardous Materials and Tank
Double and Triple Trailers (T). Many drivers who are Vehicle (X). Drivers of tank vehicles who haul
qualified to drive Class A vehicles may wish to pull hazardous materials or waste in amounts requiring
double or triple trailers. Research shows that placards must add an X endorsement to their CDL,
considerable additional knowledge and skill is showing that they have passed the special knowledge
necessary to safely pull double and triple trailers in examinations for both tank vehicles and hazardous
various traffic conditions and driving environments. materials.
Consequently, adding the endorsement to the School Buses (S). Drivers who wish to drive a school
licenses of Class A drivers is necessary if they wish to bus, must add a school bus endorsement to their CDL
pull double or triple trailers. A special knowledge / CLP. They must pass a special knowledge
examination on the problems associated with pulling examination on safety considerations when
multiple trailers must be passed. transporting passengers in a school bus and must
Tank Vehicle (N). Drivers of any commercial motor pass skills tests in a school bus. The endorsement
vehicle that is designed to transport any liquid or applies to applicants who wish to drive a school bus
gaseous materials within a tank or tanks having an in any class (A, B, or C).
individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and Restrictions
an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more
that is either permanently or temporarily attached to Restrictions may be added to Commercial Driver
the vehicle or the chassis must obtain this Licenses / Permits based upon the type of vehicle and
endorsement. Applies to Class A, B and C (only equipment that the driver uses for the Skills Test.
applicable to Class C if the vehicle is hauling There are ten standardized restriction codes.
hazardous materials) vehicles. Liquids in bulk cause NOTE: If a CLP is issued with a Passenger (P) or a
driving control problems because the cargo is heavy, School Bus (S) endorsement, it must also contain a
prone to shifting, and has a high center of gravity. (P) – No passengers in a CMV bus restriction.
These drivers must pass a special knowledge
examination on the problems posed by large volume If a CLP is issued with a Tanker (N) endorsement, it
liquid cargos to add the endorsement to their CDL / must also contain a (X) – No cargo in a CMV tank
CLP. vehicle.

Passengers (P). Drivers who wish to drive a vehicle (E) - No manual transmission. If an applicant
having a design capacity to carry 16 or more people, performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with an
including the driver, must add a passenger automatic transmission, the State must indicate on the
endorsement to their CDL / CLP. They must pass a CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from
special knowledge examination on safety operating a CMV equipped with a manual
considerations when transporting passengers and transmission. For the purposes of the skills test and
must pass skills tests in a passenger vehicle. The the restriction, an automatic transmission includes
endorsement applies to applicants who wish to drive any transmission not operating fully on the gear shift
a bus in any class (A, B, or C). and clutch principle.

Hazardous Materials (H). Any driver, regardless of

the vehicle Class / Group (A, B, or C) who wishes to
haul any material that has been designated as

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Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System

(K) - Intrastate only: If an applicant certifies their A CLP holder with a S endorsement is prohibited
status as either Non-Excepted Intrastate or Excepted from operating a school bus with passengers, other
Intrastate, the state must indicate on the CDL, if than Federal / State auditors and inspectors, test
issued, that person is restricted from operating a CMV examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder
in interstate commerce. States may impose this accompanying the CLP holder as prescribed by §
restriction for reasons other than those specified CFR 383.25(a)(1) of this part.
above. (V) - Medical Variance: If the State is notified
(L) - No Air brake equipped CMV: If an applicant according to § 383.73(o)(3) that the driver has been
does not take or fails the air brake component of the issued a medical variance, the State must indicate
knowledge test, or performs the skills test in a vehicle the existence of such a medical variance on the
not equipped with air brakes, the State must indicate CDLIS driver record and the CDL document, if
on the CLP or CDL, if issued, that the person is issued, using the restriction code ‘‘V’’ to indicate
restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any there is information about a medical variance on the
type of air brakes. For the purposes of the skills test CDLIS driver record.
and the restriction, air brakes include any braking (X) - No cargo in CMV tank vehicle: A CLP holder
system operating fully or partially on the air brake with an N endorsement may only operate an empty
principle. tank vehicle and is prohibited from operating any
(M) - No Class A passenger vehicle: If an applicant tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous
applying for a passenger endorsement performs the materials that has not been purged of any residue.
skills test in a passenger vehicle requiring a Group B (Z) - No full air brake equipped CMV: If an
CDL, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle
that the person is restricted from operating a equipped with air over hydraulic brakes, the State
passenger vehicle requiring a Group A CDL. must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person
(N) - No Class A and B passenger vehicle: If an is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any
applicant applying for a passenger endorsement braking system operating fully on the air brake
performs the skills test in a passenger vehicle principle. For the purposes of the skills test and the
requiring a Group C CDL, the State must indicate on restriction, air over hydraulic brakes includes any
the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from braking system operating partially on the air brake
operating a passenger vehicle requiring a Group A and partially on the hydraulic brake principle.
or B CDL (P4) – Restricts driver to drive Class C School
(O) - No tractor trailer CMV: If an applicant Bus designed to transport less than 16
performs the skills test in a combination vehicle for a passengers including the driver.
Group A CDL with the power unit and towed unit
connected with a pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel To Get a CDL or CLP
connection, the State must indicate on the CDL, if To get a CDL or CLP, you must pass knowledge and
issued, that the person is restricted from operating a skills tests. This manual will help you pass the tests,
tractor-trailer combination connected by a fifth wheel however, it is not a substitute for a truck driver
that requires a Group A CDL. training class or program. Formal training is the most
reliable way to learn the many special skills required
An applicant who passes a skills test using a for safely driving a large commercial vehicle and
combination vehicle that is NOT a Truck Tractor becoming a professional driver in the trucking
Semi-Trailer combination, but is otherwise equipped industry. Figure 1.1 helps you determine if you need
with a fifth wheel, will be issued a CDL with an “O” a CDL.
restriction.
(P) - No passengers in CMV bus: A CLP holder with
a P endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV
carrying passengers, other than Federal / State
auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other
trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP
holder as prescribed by § CFR 383.25(a)(1) of this
part.

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Figure 1.1

NOTE: A bus may be Class A, B, or C depending on whether the GVWR is over 26,001 pounds or is a combination vehicle

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1.1 – Commercial Driver License Tests Each vehicle inspection test is a time-limited test.
The maximum time allowed to complete the test is
1.1.1 – Knowledge Tests thirty minutes.
You will have to take one or more knowledge tests,
Note: Fail the Vehicle Inspection Test
depending on what class of license and what
endorsements you need. The CDL knowledge tests • You cannot continue to the Basic Vehicle
include: Control Skill test or Road test: and
The general knowledge test, taken by all • Score for the passing segments of the test
applicants. are only valid during initial issuance of the
CLP. If the CLP is renewed, all three
The passenger transport test, taken by all bus segments of the skills test must be re-taken.
driver applicants.
The air brakes test, which you must take if your Basic Vehicle Control. You will be tested on your
vehicle has air brakes, including air over hydraulic skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move
brakes. your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a
The combination vehicles test, which is required if defined area. These areas may be marked with
you want to drive combination vehicles. traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar.
The examiner will tell you how each control test is to
The hazardous materials test, required if you want be done.
to haul hazardous materials as defined in 49 CFR
383.5. In order to obtain this endorsement you are Each Basic Vehicle Control Test is time-limited test.
also required to pass a Transportation Security The maximum time allowed to complete the testis
Administration (TSA) background check. forty minutes.
The tank vehicle test, required if you want to haul Note: Fail the Vehicle Inspection Test
any liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks
having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 • You cannot continue to the on-road test: and
gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 • Score for the passing segments of the test
gallons or more that is either permanently or are only valid during initial issuance of the
temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis CLP. If the CLP is renewed, all three
segments of the skills test must be re-taken.
The doubles / triples test, required if you want to
pull double or triple trailers. On-road Test. You will be tested on your skill to
The School Bus test, required if you want to drive a safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic
school bus. situations. The situations may include left and right
turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, up
1.1.2 – Skills Tests
and down grades, single or multi-lane roads, streets,
If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can or highways. The examiner will tell you where to
take the CDL skills test when you are eligible. The drive.
CDL Skills Test consists of three segments: Vehicle
inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road Note: Fail the Vehicle Inspection Test
driving. You must take the segments in the order
listed and must pass each one before moving to the • Reschedule the road test in seven days if
next. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle available: and
for which you wish to be licensed. Any vehicle that • Score for the passing segments of the test
has components marked or labeled cannot be used are only valid during initial issuance of the
for the CDL Skills Test. CLP. If the CLP is renewed, all three
segments of the skills test must be re-taken.
Vehicle Inspection. You will be tested to see if you
know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will
be asked to do a Vehicle inspection of your vehicle.
You must point to / touch and name the item you are
inspecting and explain to the examiner what you
would inspect and why.

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Figure 1.2 details which sections of this manual you 1.2 – Medical Documentation
should study for each particular class of license and Requirements
for each endorsement.
Starting January 30, 2012 and no later than January
30, 2014, if you are applying for a CDL Permit; or are
What Sections Should You Study?
renewing, upgrading, adding endorsements to a
LICENSE CDL; or transferring a CDL from another state, you
ENDORSEMENT
TYPE are required to provide information to the Ohio
Class A

Class B

Class C
Materials
Hazardous

Double / Triple

Tank Vehicles

Passenger

School Bus
Bureau of Motor Vehicles regarding the type of
commercial motor vehicle operation you drive in or
expect to drive in with your CDL. Drivers operating in
certain types of commerce will be required tosubmit
a current medical examiner’s certificate and / or any
medical variance documents that you have been
issued (i.e. Vision, Skills Performance or Diabetic
Sections to Study

1 X X X waivers, or other exemptions) to your Ohio Bureau

of Motor Vehicles to obtain a “certified” medical
2 X X X X X X status as part of your driving record. You must
contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to obtain
3 X X X information regarding the requirement for submitting
these documents.
4 X If you are required to have a ”certified” medical status
and fail to provide and keep up-to-date your medical
5* X X X X examiner’s certificate you become ”not-certified” and
may lose your CDL.
6 X X X For the purpose of complying with the new
requirements for medical certification, it is important
7 X to know how you are using the CMV. The following
information will help you decide how to self-certify:
8 X
1.2.1 – Interstate or Intrastate Commerce
9 X X
Do you, or will you, use a CDL to operate a CMV in
interstate or intrastate commerce?
10 X
Interstate commerce is when you drive a CMV:
11 X X X X X From one State to another State or a foreign country;
Between two places within a State, but during part of
12 X X X X X
the trip, the CMV crosses into another State or
foreign country; or
13 X X X X X
Between two places within a State, but the cargo or
*Study section 5 if you plan to operate vehicles passengers are part of a trip that began or will end in
equipped with air brakes. another State or foreign country.
Intrastate commerce is when you drive a CMV
Figure 1.2 – What to Study within a State and you do not meet any of the
descriptions above for interstate commerce.
If you operate in both intrastate commerce and
interstate commerce, you must choose interstate
commerce.

1.2.2 – Inter / Intrastate Commerce: Status Non-

excepted or Excepted?
Once you decide whether you will operate in
interstate commerce or intrastate commerce, you
must decide whether you will operate (or expect to
operate) in a non-excepted or excepted status.

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This decision will tell you to which of the four types Intrastate Commerce:
of commerce you must self-certify. You operate in excepted Intrastate commerce
Interstate Commerce: when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce
activities for which the Ohio Bureau of Motor
You operate in excepted interstate commerce Vehicles has determined do not require you to meet
when you drive a CMV in interstate commerce only the State’s medical certification requirements.
for the following excepted activities: (Contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles about
To transport school children and / or school staff their requirements).
between home and school; You operate in non-excepted intrastate commerce
As Federal, State or local government employees; when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce
To transport human corpses or sick or injured and are required to meet your State of licensure’s
persons; medical certification requirements (contact the Ohio
Bureau of Motor Vehicles about their requirements).
Fire truck or rescue vehicle drivers during
emergencies and other related activities; If you operate in both excepted intrastate
commerce and non-excepted intrastate
Primarily in the transportation of propane winter commerce, you must choose non-excepted
heating fuel when responding to an emergency intrastate commerce.
condition requiring immediate response such as
damage to a propane gas system after a storm or 1.2.3 – Self-Certification Statements
flooding; When completing an application for your CDL, you
In Response to a pipeline emergency condition will be required to check the box next to the
requiring immediate response such as a pipeline statement that describes your status. The actual
leak or rupture; statements on your application may vary from those
In custom harvesting on a farm or to transport farm shown below:
machinery and supplies used in the custom  Interstate non-excepted: I certify that I operate
harvesting operation to and from a farm or to or expect to operate in interstate commerce, that
transport custom harvested crops to storage or I am subject to and meet the Federal DOT
market; medical card requirements under 49 CFR part
Beekeeper in the seasonal transportation of bees; 391; and that I am required to obtain a medical
examiner’s certificate.
Controlled and operated by a farmer, but is not a
combination vehicle (power unit and towed unit), and  Interstate excepted: I certify that I operate or
is used to transport agricultural products, farm expect to operate in interstate commerce, but
machinery or farm supplies (no placardable engage exclusively in transportation or
hazardous materials) to and from a farm and within operations excepted under 49 CFR §§390.3(f),
150 air-miles of the farm; 391.2, 391.68 or 398.3 from all or parts of the
qualification requirements of 49 CFR part 391;
As a private motor carrier of passengers for non- and that I am not required to obtain a medical
business purposes; or examiner’s certificate.
To transport migrant workers.  Intrastate non-excepted: I certify that I operate
If you answered yes to one or more of the above or expect to operate entirely in intrastate
activities as the only operation in which you drive, commerce, that I am subject to and meet the
you operate in excepted interstate commerce and medical requirements for my State; and that I am
do not need a Federal medical examiner’s certificate. required to obtain a medical examiner’s
If you answered no to all of the above activities, you certificate.
operate in non-excepted interstate commerce and  Intrastate excepted: I certify that I operate or
are required to provide a current medical examiner’s expect to operate entirely in intrastate
certificate (49 CFR 391.45),commonly referred to as commerce, that I am not subject to the medical
a medical certificate or DOT card, to the Ohio Bureau requirements for my State; and that I am not
of Motor Vehicles. Most CDL holders who drive required to obtain a medical examiner’s
CMVs in interstate commerce are non-excepted certificate.
interstate commerce drivers.
If you operate in both excepted interstate
commerce and non-excepted interstate
commerce, you must choose non-excepted
interstate commerce to be qualified to operate in
both types of interstate commerce.

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1.3 - CDL Disqualifications For at least 90 days if you have committed your first
violation of an out-of-service order.
1.3.1 – General
For at least one year if you have committed two
You may not drive a commercial motor vehicle if you violations of an out-of-service order in a ten-year
are disqualified for any reason. period.
1.3.2 – Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of an For at least three years if you have
Accident, and Commission of a Felony committed three or more violations of an
out-of-service order in a ten-year period].
It is illegal to operate a CMV if your blood alcohol
concentration (BAC) is .04% or more. If you operate 1.3.5 – Railroad-highway Grade Crossing
a CMV, you shall be deemed to have given your Violations
consent to alcohol testing. You will lose your CDL:
You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first For at least 60 days for your first violation.
offense for:
For at least 120 days for your second violation within
Driving a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration is a three-year period.
.04% or higher.
For at least one year for your third violation within a
Driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol. three-year period.
Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing. These violations include violation of a federal, state
Driving a CMV while under the influence of a or local law or regulation pertaining to one of the
controlled substance. following six offenses at a railroad-highway grade
Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV. crossing:

Committing a felony involving the use of a CMV. For drivers who are not required to always stop,
failing to stop before reaching the crossing if the
Driving a CMV when the CDL is suspended. tracks are not clear.
Causing a fatality through negligent operation of a For drivers who are not required to always stop,
CMV. failing to slow down and check that the tracks are
You will lose your CDL for at least three years if the clear of an approaching train.
offense occurs while you are operating a CMV that For drivers who are always required to stop, failing
is placarded for hazardous materials. to stop before driving onto the crossing.
You will lose your CDL for life for a second offense. For all drivers failing to have sufficient space to drive
You will lose your CDL for life if you use a CMV to completely through the crossing without stopping.
commit a felony involving controlled substances. For all drivers failing to obey a traffic control device
You will be put out-of-service for 24 hours if you have or the directions of an enforcement official at the
any detectable amount of alcohol under .04%. crossing.
1.3.3 – Serious Traffic Violations For all drivers failing to negotiate a crossing because
of insufficient undercarriage clearance.
Serious traffic violations are excessive speeding (15
mph or more above the posted limit), reckless 1.3.6 – Hazardous Materials Endorsement
driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following a Background Check and Disqualifications
vehicle too closely, traffic offenses committed in a If you require a hazardous materials endorsement
CMV in connection with fatal traffic accidents, driving you will be required to submit your fingerprints and
a CMV without obtaining a CDL or having a CDL in be subject to a background check.
the driver’s possession, and driving a CMV without You will be denied or you will lose your hazardous
the proper class of CDL and / or endorsements. materials endorsement if you:
You will lose your CDL: Are not a lawful permanent resident of the United
For at least 60 days if you have committed two States.
serious traffic violations within a three-year period Renounce your United States citizenship.
involving a CMV.
Are wanted or under indictment for certain felonies.
For at least 120 days for three or more serious traffic
violations within a three-year period involving a CMV. Have a conviction in military or civilian court for
certain felonies.
1.3.4 – Violation of Out-of-Service Orders
Have been adjudicated as lacking mental capacity or
You will lose your CDL: have been involuntarily committed to a mental health
facility as specified in §1572.109.

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Are considered to pose a security threat as must do this when you apply for a commercial driving
determined by the Transportation Security job.
Administration. No one can drive a commercial motor vehicle without
The background check procedures vary from a CDL. A court may fine you up to $5,000 or put you
jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Your licensing agency will in jail for breaking this rule.
provide you with all the information you need to If you have a hazardous materials endorsement you
complete the required TSA background check must notify and surrender your hazardous materials
procedures. endorsement to the state that issued your CDL within
Visit https://universalenroll.dhs.gov to pre-register 24 hours of any conviction or indictment in any
or call 1-855-347-8371. jurisdiction, civilian or military, for, or found not guilty
by reason of insanity of a disqualifying crime listed in
1.3.7 – Traffic Violations in Your Personal 49 CFR 1572.103; who is adjudicated as lacking
Vehicle mental capacity or have been involuntarily
The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) committed to a mental institution as specified in 49
of 1999 requires a CDL holder to be disqualified from CFR 1572.109; or who renounces his or her U. S.
operating a commercial motor vehicle if the CDL citizenship;
holder has been convicted of certain types of moving Your employer may not let you drive a commercial
violations in their personal vehicle. motor vehicle if you have more than one license or if
If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is you’re CDL is suspended or revoked. A court may
revoked, cancelled, or suspended due to violations fine the employer up to $5,000 or put him / her in jail
of traffic control laws (other than parking violations) for breaking this rule.
you will also lose your CDL driving privileges. All states are connected to one computerized system
If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is to share information about CDL drivers. The states
revoked, cancelled, or suspended due to alcohol, will check on drivers' accident records to be sure that
controlled substance or felony violations, you will drivers do not have more than one CDL.
lose your CDL for 1 year. If you are convicted of a You are not allowed to hold a mobile telephone to
second violation in your personal vehicle or CMV you conduct a voice communication or dial a mobile
will lose your CDL for life. telephone by pressing more than a single button
If your license to operate your personal vehicle is when driving.
revoked, cancelled, or suspended you may not You are not allowed to send or read text messages
obtain a “hardship” license to operate a CMV. while driving.
You must be properly restrained by a safety belt at
1.4 – Other CDL Rules all times while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
There are other federal and state rules that affect The safety belt design holds the driver securely
drivers operating CMVs in all states. Among them behind the wheel during a crash, helping the driver
are: to control the vehicle and reduces the chance of
You cannot have more than one license. If you break serious injury or death. If you do not wear a safety
this rule, a court may fine you up to $5,000 or put you belt, you are four times more likely to be fatally
in jail and keep your home state license and return injured if you are thrown from the vehicle.
any others.
You must notify your employer within 30 days of 1.5 – International Registration Plan
conviction for any traffic violations (except parking). International Fuel Tax Agreement
This is true no matter what type of vehicle you were If you operate a CDL required vehicle in interstate
driving. commerce, the vehicle, with few exceptions, is
You must notify your motor vehicle licensing agency required to be registered under the International
within 30 days if you are convicted in any other Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel
jurisdiction of any traffic violation (except parking). Tax Agreement (IFTA). These federally mandated
This is true no matter what type of vehicle you were programs provide for the equitable collection and
driving. distribution of vehicle license fees and motor fuels
taxes for vehicles traveling throughout the 48
You must notify your employer within two business
contiguous United States and 10 Canadian
days if your license is suspended, revoked, or
provinces.
canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving.
Under the IRP, jurisdictions must register
You must give your employer information on all
apportioned vehicles which includes issuing license
driving jobs you have held for the past 10 years. You
plates and cab cards or proper credentials, calculate,

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collect and distribute IRP fees, audit carriers for maintained for transportation of persons or property
accuracy of reported distance and fees and enforce and:
IRP requirements. 1) Having two axles and a gross vehicle weight
Registrant responsibilities under the Plan include or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding
applying for IRP registration with base jurisdiction, 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms; or
providing proper documentation for registration,
2) Is used in combination, when the weight of
paying appropriate IRP registration fees, properly
such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds or
displaying registration credentials, maintaining
11,797 kilograms gross vehicle or registered
accurate distance records, and making records
gross vehicle weight. Qualified Motor Vehicle
available for jurisdiction review.
does not include recreational vehicles.
The basic concept behind IFTA is to allow a licensee
If the vehicle you operate is registered under IRP and
(motor carrier) to license in a base jurisdiction for the
you are a motor carrier licensed under IFTA, then
reporting and payment of motor fuel use taxes.
you are required to comply with the mandatory
Under the IFTA, a licensee is issued one set of record keeping requirements for operating the
credentials which will authorize operations through vehicle. A universally accepted method of capturing
all IFTA member jurisdictions. The fuel use taxes this information is through the completion of an
collected pursuant to the IFTA are calculated based Individual Vehicle Distance Record (IVDR),
on the number of miles (kilometers) traveled and the sometimes times referred to as a Driver Trip Report.
number of gallons (liters) consumed in the member This document reflects the distance traveled and fuel
jurisdictions. The licensee files one quarterly tax purchased for a vehicle that operates interstate
return with the base jurisdiction by which the licensee under apportioned (IRP) registration and IFTA fuel
will report all operations through all IFTA member tax credentials.
jurisdictions.
Although the actual format of the IVDR may vary,
It is the base jurisdiction's responsibility to remit the the information that is required for proper record
taxes collected to other member jurisdictions and to keeping does not.
represent the other member jurisdictions in the tax
In order to satisfy the requirements for Individual
collection process, including the performance of
Vehicle Distance Records, these documents must
audits.
include the following information:
An IFTA licensee must retain records to support the
Distance
information reported on the IFTA quarterly tax return
The IRP registrant and the IFTA licensee may be Per Article IV of the IRP Plan
the vehicle owner or the vehicle operator. (i) Date of trip (starting and ending)
The requirement for acquiring IRP plates for a (ii) Trip origin and destination – City and State or
vehicle and IFTA license for a motor carrier is Province
determined by the definitions from the IRP Plan and (iii) Route(s) of travel
the IFTA for Qualified Vehicle and Qualified Motor (iv) Beginning and ending odometer or
Vehicle: hubometer reading of the trip
(v) Total distance traveled
For purposes of IRP: (vi) In-Jurisdiction distance
A Qualified Vehicle is (except as provided below) any (vii) Power unit number or vehicle identification
Power Unit that is used or number.
intended for use in two or more Member Jurisdictions Fuel
and that is used for the transportation of persons for Per Section P560 of the IFTA Procedures Manual
hire or designed, used, or maintained primarily for
the transportation of property, and: .300 An acceptable receipt or invoice must include,
but shall not be limited to, the following:
(i) has two Axles and a gross Vehicle weight or
registered gross Vehicle weight in .005 Date of purchase
(ii) excess of 26,000 pounds (11,793.401 .010 Seller's name and address
kilograms), or .015 Number of gallons or liters purchased;
(iii) has three or more Axles, regardless of weight,
or .020 Fuel type
(iv) is used in combination, when the gross Vehicle .025 Price per gallon or liter or total amount of
weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 sale
pounds (11,793.401 kilograms). .030 Unit number or other unique vehicle
While similar, the Qualified Motor Vehicle in IFTA identifier
means a motor vehicle used, designed, or .035 Purchaser's name

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An example of an IVDR that must be completed in its compliance with all State and Provincial laws
entirety for each trip can be found in Figure 1 below. surrounding fuel and distance record keeping
Each individual IVDR should be filled out for only one requirements.
vehicle. The rules to follow when trying to determine The IVDR serves as the source document for the
how and when to log an odometer reading are the calculation of fees and taxes that are payable to the
following: jurisdictions in which the vehicle is operated, so
 At the beginning of the day these original records must be maintained for a
 When leaving the state or province minimum of four years.
 At the end of the trip / day In addition, these records are subject to audit by the
taxing jurisdictions. Failure to maintain complete and
Not only do the trips need to be logged, but the fuel
accurate records could result in fines, penalties and
purchases need to be documented as well. You must
suspension or revocation of IRP registrations and
obtain a receipt for all fueling and include it with your
IFTA licenses.
completed IVDR. Make sure that any trips that you
enter are always filled out in descending order and For additional information on the IRP and the
that your trips include all state / provinces that you requirements related to the IRP, call 1-800-477-0007
traveled through on your route. Visit: WWW.OHCORS.COM or IRP, Inc. the official
There are different routes that a driver may take, and repository for the IRP. Additional information can be
most of the miles may be within one state or found on the IRP, Inc. website at www.irponline.org.
province. Whether or not the distance you travel is There is a training video on the website home page
primarily in one jurisdiction or spread among several available in English, Spanish and French
jurisdictions, all information for the trip must be For additional information on IFTA and the
recorded. This includes the dates, the routes, requirements related to IFTA, contact the
odometer readings and fuel purchases. By appropriate agency in your base jurisdiction. You will
completing this document in full and keeping all also find useful information about the Agreement at
records required by both the IRP and the IFTA, you the official repository of IFTA at
will have ensured that you and your company are in http://www.iftach.org/index.php.

Figure 1 – Individual Vehicle Mileage & Fuel Record (Example)

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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect

Section 2 their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may
DRIVING SAFELY inspect your vehicles. If they judge the vehicle to be
unsafe, they will put it "out of service" until it is fixed.

This Section Covers 2.1.2 – Types of Vehicle Inspection

Vehicle Inspection. A Vehicle inspection will help
you find problems that could cause a crash or
• Vehicle Inspection breakdown.
• Basic Control of Your Vehicle
Note: Each pre-trip inspection test is a time-limited
• Shifting Gears test. The maximum time allowed to complete the test
• Seeing is thirty minutes.
• Communicating During a Trip. For safety you should:
• Space Management Watch gauges for signs of trouble.
• Controlling Your Speed
Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen,
• Seeing Hazards smell, feel).
• Distracted Driving Check critical items when you stop:
• Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage Tires, wheels and rims.
• Night Driving & Driver Fatigue
Brakes.
• Driving in Fog
Lights and reflectors.
• Winter Driving
Brake and electrical connections to trailer.
• Hot Weather Driving
Trailer coupling devices.
• Railroad-highway Crossings
Cargo securement devices.
• Mountain Driving
• Driving Emergencies After-trip Inspection and Report. You should do an
after-trip inspection at the end of the trip, day, or tour
• Antilock Braking Systems
of duty on each vehicle you operated. It may include
• Skid Control and Recovery filling out a vehicle condition report listing any
• Accident Procedures problems you find. The inspection report helps a
• Fires motor carrier know when the vehicle needs repairs.
• Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving 2.1.3 – What to Look For
• Hazardous Materials Rules Tire Problems
This section contains knowledge and safe driving Too much or too little air pressure.
information that all commercial drivers should know. Bad wear. You need at least 4/32-inch tread depth in
You must pass a test on this information to get a every major groove on front tires. You need 2/32 inch
CDL. This section does not have specific information on other tires. No fabric should show through the
on air brakes, combination vehicles, doubles, or tread or sidewall.
passenger vehicles. When preparing for the Vehicle
Inspection Test, you must review the material in Cuts or other damage.
Section 11 in addition to the information in this Tread separation.
section. This section does have basic information on Dual tires that come in contact with each other or
hazardous materials (HazMat) that all drivers should parts of the vehicle.
know. If you need a HazMat endorsement, you
should study Section 9. Mismatched sizes.
Radial and bias-ply tires used together.
2.1 – Vehicle Inspection Cut or cracked valve stems.
2.1.1 – Why Inspect Re-grooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on the front
Safety is the most important reason you inspect your wheels of a bus are prohibited.
vehicle, safety for yourself and for other road users. Wheel and Rim Problems
A vehicle defect found during an inspection could Damaged rims.
save you problems later. You could have a Rust around wheel nuts may mean the nuts are
breakdown on the road that will cost time and dollars, loose--check tightness. After a tire has been
or even worse, a crash caused by the defect.

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changed, stop a short while later and re-check Suspension System Defects. The suspension
tightness of nuts. system holds up the vehicle and its load. It keeps the
Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs means axles in place. Therefore, broken suspension parts
danger. can be extremely dangerous. Look for:
Mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings are Spring hangers that allow movement of axle from
dangerous. proper position. See Figure 2.2.
Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs are not
safe.
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.
Steering System Defects
Missing nuts, bolts, cotter keys, or other parts.
Bent, loose, or broken parts, such as steering
column, steering gear box, or tie rods.
If power steering equipped, check hoses, pumps,
and fluid level; check for leaks.
Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees
(approximately 2 inches movement at the rim of a 20-
inch steering wheel) can make it hard to steer.

Figure 2.2
Cracked or broken spring hangers.
Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. If one-
fourth or more are missing, it will put the vehicle "out
of service", but any defect could be dangerous. See
Figure 2.3.

Figure 2.1

Figure 2.3

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Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that a Vehicle inspection test. You will be tested to see if
have shifted so they might hit a tire or other part. you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You
will be asked to do a Vehicle inspection of your
Leaking shock absorbers.
vehicle. You must point to / touch and name the item
Torque rod or arm, u-bolts, spring hangers, or other you are inspecting and explain to the examiner what
axle positioning parts that are cracked, damaged, or you would inspect and why. The following seven-
missing. step inspection method should be useful.
Air suspension systems that are damaged and / or 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method
leaking. See Figure 2.4. Method of Inspection. You should do a Vehicle
inspection the same way each time so you will learn
all the steps and be less likely to forget something.
Approaching the Vehicle. Notice general condition.
Look for damage or vehicle leaning to one side. Look
under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel
leaks. Check the area around the vehicle for hazards
to vehicle movement (people, other vehicles,
objects, low-hanging wires, limbs, etc.).
Vehicle Inspection Guide
Step 1: Vehicle Overview
Review Last Vehicle Inspection Report. Drivers
may have to make a vehicle inspection report in
writing each day. The motor carrier must repair any
items in the report that affect safety and certify on the
report that repairs were made or were unnecessary.
Figure 2.4 You must sign the report only if defects were noted
Any loose, cracked, broken, or missing frame and certified to be repaired or not needed to be
members. repaired.

Exhaust System Defects. A broken exhaust system Step 2: Check Engine Compartment
can let poison fumes into the cab or sleeper berth. Check That the Parking Brakes Are On and / or
Look for: Wheels Chocked.
Loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers, You may have to raise the hood, tilt the cab (secure
tailpipes, or vertical stacks. loose things so they don't fall and break something),
Loose, broken, or missing mounting brackets, or open the engine compartment door.
clamps, bolts, or nuts. Check the following:
Exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel system Engine oil level.
parts, tires, or other moving parts of vehicle. Coolant level in radiator; condition of hoses.
Exhaust system parts that are leaking. Power steering fluid level; hose condition (if so
Emergency Equipment. Vehicles must be equipped).
equipped with emergency equipment. Look for: Windshield washer fluid level.
Fire extinguisher(s). Battery fluid level, connections and tie downs
(battery may be located elsewhere)
Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit
breakers). Automatic transmission fluid level (may require
engine to be running).
Warning devices for parked vehicles: three reflective
triangles or at least 6 fuses or 3 liquid burning flares). Check belts for tightness and excessive wear
(alternator, water pump, air compressor)--learn how
Cargo (Trucks). You must make sure the truck is not much "give" the belts should have when adjusted
overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured right, and check each one.
before each trip. If the cargo contains hazardous
Leaks in the engine compartment (fuel, coolant, oil,
materials, you must inspect for proper papers and
power steering fluid, hydraulic fluid, battery fluid).
placarding.
Cracked, worn electrical wiring insulation.
2.1.4 – CDL Vehicle Inspection Test
Lower and secure hood, cab, or engine compartment
In order to obtain a CDL you will be required to pass door.

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Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab

Get In and Start Engine
Make sure parking brake is on.
Put gearshift in neutral (or "park" if automatic).
Start engine; listen for unusual noises.
If equipped, check the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) indicator lights. Light on dash should come on
and then turn off. If it stays on the ABS is not working
properly. For trailers only, if the yellow light on the
left rear of the trailer stays on, the ABS is not working
properly.
Look at the Gauges
Oil pressure. Should come up to normal within
seconds after engine is started. See Figure 2.5
Air pressure. Pressure should build from 50 to 90 psi
within 3 minutes. Build air pressure to governor cut-
out (usually around 120 – 140 psi. Know your
vehicle’s requirements.
Ammeter and / or voltmeter. Should be in normal Figure 2.5
range(s).
Check Mirrors and Windshield. Inspect mirrors
Coolant temperature. Should begin gradual rise to and windshield for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or
normal operating range. other obstructions to seeing clearly. Clean and adjust
Engine oil temperature. Should begin gradual rise to as necessary.
normal operating range.
Check Emergency Equipment
Warning lights and buzzers. Oil, coolant, charging
Check for safety equipment:
circuit warning, and antilock brake system lights
should go out right away. Spare electrical fuses (unless vehicle has circuit
breakers).
Check Condition of Controls.
Three red reflective triangles, 6 fuses or 3 liquid
Check all of the following for looseness, sticking, burning flares.
damage, or improper setting:
Properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.
Steering wheel.
Check for optional items such as:
Clutch.
Chains (where winter conditions require).
Accelerator ("gas pedal").
Tire changing equipment.
Brake controls.
List of emergency phone numbers
Foot brake.
Accident reporting kit (packet).
Trailer brake (if vehicle has one).
Check Safety Belt. Check that the safety belt is
Parking brake.
securely mounted, adjusts; latches properly and is
Retarder controls (if vehicle has them). not ripped or frayed.
Transmission controls. Step 4: Turn Off Engine and Check Lights
Inter-axle differential lock (if vehicle has one). Make sure the parking brake is set, turn off the
Horn(s). engine, and take the key with you. Turn on
headlights (low beams) and four-way emergency
Windshield wiper / washer.
flashers, and get out of the vehicle.
Lights.
Step 5: Do Walk-around Inspection
Headlights.
Go to front of vehicle and check that low beams are
Dimmer switch. on and both of the four-way flashers are working.
Turn signal. Push dimmer switch and check that high beams
Four-way flashers. work.
Parking, clearance, identification, marker switch(es).

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Turn off headlights and four-way emergency Right Side

flashers. Right front: check all items as done on left front.
Turn on parking, clearance, side-marker, and Primary and secondary safety cab locks engaged (if
identification lights. cab-over-engine design).
Turn on right turn signal, and start walk-around Right fuel tank(s).
inspection.
Securely mounted, not damaged, or leaking.
General
Fuel crossover line secure.
Walk around and inspect.
Tank(s) contain enough fuel.
Clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as you go along.
Cap(s) on and secure.
Left Front Side Condition of visible parts.
Driver's door glass should be clean. Rear of engine--not leaking.
Door latches or locks should work properly. Transmission--not leaking.
Left front wheel. Exhaust system--secure, not leaking, not touching
Condition of wheel and rim--missing, bent, broken wires, fuel, or air-lines.
studs, clamps, lugs, or any signs of misalignment. Frame and cross members--no bends or cracks.
Condition of tires--properly inflated, valve stem and Air-lines and electrical wiring--secured against
cap OK, no serious cuts, bulges, or tread wear. snagging, rubbing, wearing.
Use wrench to test rust-streaked lug nuts, indicating Spare tire carrier or rack not damaged (if so
looseness. equipped).
Hub oil level OK, no leaks. Spare tire and / or wheel securely mounted in rack.
Left front suspension. Spare tire and wheel adequate (proper size, properly
Condition of spring, spring hangers, shackles, inflated).
U-bolts. Cargo securement (trucks).
Shock absorber condition. Cargo properly blocked, braced, tied, chained, etc.
Left front brake. Header board adequate, secure (if required).
Condition of brake drum or disc. Side boards, stakes strong enough, free of damage,
Condition of hoses. properly set in place (if so equipped).
Canvas or tarp (if required) properly secured to
Front
prevent tearing, billowing, or blocking of mirrors.
Condition of front axle.
If oversize, all required signs (flags, lamps, and
Condition of steering system. reflectors) safely and properly mounted and all
No loose, worn, bent, damaged or missing parts. required permits in driver's possession.
Must grab steering mechanism to test for looseness. Curbside cargo compartment doors in good
condition, securely closed, latched / locked and
Condition of windshield.
required security seals in place.
Check for damage and clean if dirty.
Check windshield wiper arms for proper spring Right Rear
tension. Condition of wheels and rims--no missing, bent, or
Check wiper blades for damage, "stiff" rubber, and broken spacers, studs, clamps, or lugs.
securement. Condition of tires--properly inflated, valve stems and
Lights and reflectors. caps OK, no serious cuts, bulges, tread wear, tires
Parking, clearance, and identification lights clean, not rubbing each other, and nothing stuck between
operating, and proper color (amber at front). them.
Reflectors clean and proper color (amber at front). Tires same type, e.g., not mixed radial and bias
types.
Right front turn signal light clean, operating, and
proper color (amber or white on signals facing Tires evenly matched (same sizes).
forward). Wheel bearing / seals not leaking.
Suspension.

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Condition of spring(s), spring hangers, shackles, and Box has secure cover.
U-bolts. Battery(ies) secured against movement.
Axle secure. Battery(ies) not broken or leaking.
Powered axle(s) not leaking lube (gear oil). Fluid in battery(ies) at proper level (except
Condition of torque rod arms, bushings. maintenance-free type).
Condition of shock absorber(s). Cell caps present and securely tightened (except
If retractable axle equipped, check condition of lift maintenance-free type).
mechanism. If air powered, check for leaks. Vents in cell caps free of foreign material (except
Condition of air ride components. maintenance-free type).
Brakes. Step 6: Check Signal Lights
Brake adjustment. Get In and Turn Off Lights
Condition of brake drum(s) or discs. Turn off all lights.
Condition of hoses--look for any wear due to rubbing. Turn on stop lights (apply trailer hand brake or have
a helper put on the brake pedal).
Lights and reflectors.
Turn on left turn signal lights.
Side-marker lights clean, operating, and proper color
(red at rear, others amber). Get Out and Check Lights
Side-marker reflectors clean and proper color (red at Left front turn signal light clean, operating and proper
rear, others amber). color (amber or white on signals facing the front).
Rear Left rear turn signal light and both stop lights clean,
operating, and proper color (red, yellow, or amber).
Lights and reflectors.
Get In Vehicle
Rear clearance and identification lights clean,
operating, and proper color (red at rear). Turn off lights not needed for driving.
Reflectors clean and proper color (red at rear). Check for all required papers, trip manifests, permits,
etc.
Taillights clean, operating, and proper color (red at
rear). Secure all loose articles in cab (they might interfere
with operation of the controls or hit you in a crash).
Right rear turn signal operating, and proper color
(red, yellow, or amber at rear). Start the engine.
License plate(s) present, clean, and secured. Step 7: Start the Engine and Check
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 times
Cargo secure (trucks). with the engine on. Then apply firm pressure to the
pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should
Cargo properly blocked, braced, tied, chained, etc. not move. If it does, there may be a leak or other
Tailboards up and properly secured. problem. Get it fixed before driving. If the vehicle has
End gates free of damage, properly secured in stake air brakes, do the checks described in Sections 5
sockets. and 6 of this manual.
Canvas or tarp (if required) properly secured to Brake System
prevent tearing, billowing, or blocking of either the Test Parking Brake(s)
rearview mirrors or rear lights.
Fasten safety belt
If over-length, or over-width, make sure all signs and
/ or additional lights / flags are safely and properly Set parking brake (power unit only).
mounted and all required permits are in driver's Release trailer parking brake (if applicable).
possession. Place vehicle into a low gear.
Rear doors securely closed, latched / locked. Gently pull forward against parking brake to make
sure the parking brake holds.
Left Side
Repeat the same steps for the trailer with trailer
Check all items as done on right side, plus: parking brake set and power unit parking brakes
Battery(ies) (if not mounted in engine compartment). released (if applicable).
Battery box(es) securely mounted to vehicle. If it doesn't hold vehicle, it is faulty; get it fixed.

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Test Service Brake Stopping Action

Go about five miles per hour.
Subsection 2.1
Push brake pedal firmly Test Your Knowledge
"Pulling" to one side or the other can mean brake The vehicle inspection report tells the motor carrier
trouble. about problems that may need fixing. Keep a copy of
Any unusual brake pedal "feel" or delayed stopping your report in the vehicle for one day, to inform the
action can mean trouble. next driver of any problems you have found.
If you find anything unsafe during the Vehicle 1. What is the most important reason for doing a
inspection, get it fixed. Federal and state laws forbid vehicle inspection?
operating an unsafe vehicle. 2. What things should you check during a trip?
2.1.6 – Inspection during a Trip 3. Name some key steering system parts.
Check Vehicle Operation Regularly 4. Name some suspension system defects.
You should check: 5. What three kinds of emergency equipment must
Instruments. you have?
Air pressure gauge (if you have air brakes). 6. What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?
For other tires?
Temperature gauges.
7. Name some things you should check on the front
Pressure gauges. of your vehicle during the walk around
Ammeter / voltmeter. inspection.
Mirrors. 8. What should wheel bearing seals be checked
for?
Tires.
9. How many red reflective triangles should you
Cargo, cargo covers. carry?
Lights, etc. 10. How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
If you see, hear, smell, or feel anything that might 11. Why put the starter switch key in your pocket
mean trouble, check it out. during the Vehicle inspection?
Safety Inspection. Drivers of trucks and truck These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
tractors when transporting cargo must inspect the answer them all, re-read subsection 2.1.
securement of the cargo within the first 50 miles of a
trip and every 150 miles or every three hours
(whichever comes first) after.
2.2 – Basic Control of Your Vehicle
2.1.7 – After-trip Inspection and Report
To drive a vehicle safely, you must be able to control
You may have to make a written report each day on its speed and direction. Safe operation of a
the condition of the vehicle(s) you drove. Report commercial vehicle requires skill in:
anything affecting safety or possibly leading to
Accelerating.
mechanical breakdown.
Steering.
Stopping.
Backing safely.
Fasten your seatbelt when on the road. Apply the
parking brake when you leave your vehicle.
2.2.1 – Accelerating
Don't roll back when you start. You may hit someone
behind you. If you have a manual 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 keep from rolling
back. On a tractor-trailer equipped with a trailer
brake hand valve, the hand valve can be applied to
keep from rolling back.

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Speed up smoothly and gradually so the vehicle Back and Turn Toward the Driver's Side. Back to
does not jerk. Rough acceleration can cause the driver's side so that you can see better. Backing
mechanical damage. When pulling a trailer, rough toward the right side is very dangerous because you
acceleration can damage the coupling. can't see as well. If you back and turn toward the
Speed up very gradually when traction is poor, as in driver's side, you can watch the rear of your vehicle
rain or snow. If you use too much power, the drive by looking out the side window. Use driver-side
wheels may spin. You could lose control. If the drive backing--even if it means going around the block to
wheels begin to spin, take your foot off the put your vehicle in this position. The added safety is
accelerator. worth it.

2.2.2 – Steering Use a Helper. Use a helper when you can. There are
blind spots you can't see. That's why a helper is
Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands. Your important. The helper should stand near the back of
hands should be on opposite sides of the wheel. If your vehicle where you can see the helper. Before
you hit a curb or a pothole (chuckhole), the wheel you begin backing, work out a set of hand signals
could pull away from your hands unless you have a that you both understand. Agree on a signal for
firm hold. "stop."
2.2.3 – Stopping
Push the brake pedal down gradually. The amount 2.3 – Shifting Gears
of brake pressure you need to stop the vehicle will Correct shifting of gears is important. If you can't get
depend on the speed of the vehicle and how quickly your vehicle into the right gear while driving, you will
you need to stop. Control the pressure so the vehicle have less control.
comes to a smooth, safe stop. If you have a manual
2.3.1 – Manual Transmissions
transmission, push the clutch in when the engine is
close to idle. Basic Method for Shifting Up. Most heavy vehicles
with unsynchronized manual transmissions require
2.2.4 – Backing Safely
double clutching to change gears. If equipped with a
Because you cannot see everything behind your synchronized manual transmission, double clutching
vehicle, backing is always dangerous. Avoid backing is NOT required This is the basic method:
whenever you can. When you park, try to park so you
will be able to pull forward when you leave. When Release accelerator, push in clutch and shift to
you have to back, here are a few simple safety rules: neutral at the same time.
Start in the proper position. Release clutch.
Look at your path. Let engine and gears slow down to the rpm required
for the next gear (this takes practice).
Use mirrors on both sides.
Push in clutch and shift to the higher gear at the
Back slowly. same time.
Back and turn toward the driver's side whenever Release clutch and press accelerator at the same
possible. time.
Use a helper whenever possible. Shifting gears using double clutching requires
These rules are discussed in turn below. practice. If you remain too long in neutral, you may
have difficulty putting the vehicle into the next gear.
Start in the Proper Position. Put the vehicle in the
If so, don't try to force it. Return to neutral, release
best position to allow you to back safely. This
clutch, increase engine speed to match road speed,
position will depend on the type of backing to be
and try again.
done.
Knowing When to Shift Up. There are two ways of
Look at Your Path. Look at your line of travel before
knowing when to shift:
you begin. Get out and walk around the vehicle.
Check your clearance to the sides and overhead, in Use Engine Speed (rpm). Study the driver's manual
and near the path your vehicle will take. for your vehicle and learn the operating rpm range.
Watch your tachometer, and shift up when your
Use Mirrors on Both Sides. Check the outside
engine reaches the top of the range. (Some newer
mirrors on both sides frequently. Get out of the
vehicles use "progressive" shifting: the rpm at which
vehicle and check your path if you are unsure.
you shift becomes higher as you move up in the
Back Slowly. Always back as slowly as possible. gears. Find out what's right for the vehicle you will
Use the lowest reverse gear. That way you can more operate.)
easily correct any steering errors. You also can stop
quickly if necessary.

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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 slow
you'll know when to shift up.
a vehicle, reducing the need for using your brakes.
With either method, you may learn to use engine They reduce brake wear and give you another way
sounds to know when to shift. to slow down. There are four basic types of retarders
(exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric). All
Basic Procedures for Shifting Down
retarders can be turned on or off by the driver. On
Release accelerator, push in clutch, and shift to some vehicles the retarding power can be adjusted.
neutral at the same time. When turned "on," retarders apply their braking
Release clutch. power (to the drive wheels only) whenever you let up
on the accelerator pedal all the way.
Press accelerator, increase engine and gear speed
to the rpm required in the lower gear. Because these devices can be noisy, be sure you
know where their use is permitted.
Push in clutch and shift to lower gear at the same
time. Caution. When your drive wheels have poor traction,
the retarder may cause them to skid. Therefore, you
Release clutch and press accelerator at the same
should turn the retarder off whenever the road is wet,
time.
icy, or snow covered.
Downshifting, like upshifting, requires knowing when
to shift. Use either the tachometer or the
speedometer and downshift at the right rpm or road
speed. Subsections 2.2 and 2.3
Test Your Knowledge
Special conditions where you should downshift
are:
1. Why should you back toward the driver's
Before Starting Down a Hill. Slow down and shift side?
down to a speed that you can control without using
2. If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving
the brakes hard. Otherwise the brakes can overheat
without rolling back?
and lose their braking power.
3. When backing, why is it important to use a
Downshift before starting down the hill. Make sure helper?
you are in a low enough gear, usually lower than the
gear required to climb the same hill. 4. What's the most important hand signal that
you and the helper should agree on?
Before Entering a Curve. Slow down to a safe 5. What are the two special conditions where
speed, and downshift to the right gear before you should downshift?
entering the curve. This lets you use some power 6. When should you downshift automatic
through the curve to help the vehicle be more stable transmissions?
while turning. It also allows you to speed up as soon
7. Retarders keep you from skidding when the
as you are out of the curve.
road is slippery. True or False?
2.3.2 – Multi-speed Rear Axles and Auxiliary 8. What are the two ways to know when to
Transmissions shift?
Multi-speed rear axles and auxiliary transmissions
are used on many vehicles to provide extra gears. These questions may be on the test. If you can't
You usually control them by a selector knob or switch answer them all, re-read subsections 2.2 and 2.3.
on the gearshift lever of the main transmission.
There are many different shift patterns. Learn the
right way to shift gears in the vehicle you will drive. 2.4 – Seeing
2.3.3 – Automatic Transmissions To be a safe driver you need to know what's going
on all around your vehicle. Not looking properly is a
Some vehicles have automatic transmissions. You major cause of accidents.
can select a low range to get greater engine braking
when going down grades. The lower ranges prevent 2.4.1 – Seeing Ahead
the transmission from shifting up beyond the All drivers look ahead; but many don't look far
selected gear (unless the governor rpm is enough ahead.
exceeded). It is very important to use this braking
effect when going down grades. Importance of Looking Far Enough Ahead.
Because stopping or changing lanes can take a lot
of distance, knowing what the traffic is doing on all
sides of you is very important. You need to look well

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ahead to make sure you have room to make these cannot show you. Check your mirrors regularly to
moves safely. know where other vehicles are around you, and to
How Far Ahead to Look. Most good drivers look at see if they move into your blind spots.
least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. That means looking Check Your Vehicle. Use the mirrors to keep an eye
ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to 15 on your tires. It's one way to spot a tire fire. If you're
seconds. At lower speeds, that's about one block. At carrying open cargo, you can use the mirrors to
highway speeds it's about a quarter of a mile. If check it. Look for loose straps, ropes, or chains.
you're not looking that far ahead, you may have to Watch for a flapping or ballooning tarp.
stop too quickly or make quick lane changes.
Looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead doesn't mean not Special Situations. Special situations require more
paying attention to things that are closer. Good than regular mirror checks. These are lane changes,
drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and turns, merges, and tight maneuvers.
far. Figure 2.6 illustrates how far to look ahead. Lane Changes. You need to check your mirrors to
make sure no one is alongside you or about to pass
you. Check your mirrors:
Before you change lanes to make sure there is
enough room.
After you have signaled, to check that no one has
moved into your blind spot.
Right after you start the lane change, to double-
check that your path is clear.
After you complete the lane change.
Turns. In turns, check your mirrors to make sure the
rear of your vehicle will not hit anything.
Merges. When merging, use your mirrors to make
Figure 2.6 sure the gap in traffic is large enough for you to enter
safely.
Look for Traffic. Look for vehicles coming onto the Tight Maneuvers. Any time you are driving in close
highway, into your lane, or turning. Watch for brake quarters, check your mirrors often. Make sure you
lights from slowing vehicles. By seeing these things have enough clearance.
far enough ahead, you can change your speed, or
change lanes if necessary to avoid a problem. If a How to Use Mirrors. Use mirrors correctly by
traffic light has been green for a long time it will checking them quickly and understanding what you
probably change before you get there. Start slowing see.
down and be ready to stop. When you use your mirrors while driving on the road,
check quickly. Look back and forth between the
2.4.2 – Seeing to the Sides and Rear
mirrors and the road ahead. Don't focus on the
It's important to know what's going on behind and to mirrors for too long. Otherwise, you will travel quite a
the sides. Check your mirrors regularly. Check more distance without knowing what's happening ahead.
often in special situations.
Many large vehicles have curved (convex, "fisheye,"
Mirror Adjustment. Mirror adjustment should be "spot," "bug-eye") mirrors that show a wider area
checked prior to the start of any trip and can only be than flat mirrors. This is often helpful. But everything
checked accurately when the trailer(s) are straight. appears smaller in a convex mirror than it would if
You should check and adjust each mirror to show you were looking at it directly. Things also seem
some part of the vehicle. This will give you a farther away than they really are. It's important to
reference point for judging the position of the other realize this and to allow for it. Figure 2.7 shows the
images. field of vision using a convex mirror.
Regular Checks. You need to make regular checks
of your mirrors to be aware of traffic and to check 2.5 – Communicating
your vehicle. 2.5.1 – Signal Your Intentions
Traffic. Check your mirrors for vehicles on either Other drivers can't know what you are going to do
side and in back of you. In an emergency, you may until you tell them.
need to know whether you can make a quick lane Signaling what you intend to do is important for
change. Use your mirrors to spot overtaking safety. Here are some general rules for signaling.
vehicles. There are "blind spots" that your mirrors

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Give drivers behind you warning by braking early and

slowing gradually.
Stopping on the Road. Truck and bus drivers
sometimes stop in the roadway to unload cargo or
passengers, or to stop at a railroad crossing. Warn
following drivers by flashing your brake lights. Don't
stop suddenly.
Driving Slowly. Drivers often do not realize how fast
they are catching up to a slow vehicle until they are
very close. If you must drive slowly, alert following
drivers by turning on your emergency flashers if it is
legal. (Laws regarding the use of flashers differ from
one state to another. Check the laws of the states
where you will drive.)
Don't Direct Traffic. Some drivers try to help out
others by signaling when it is safe to pass. You
should not do this. You could cause an accident. You
could be blamed and it could cost you many
thousands of dollars.
2.5.2 – Communicating Your Presence
Other drivers may not notice your vehicle even when
it's in plain sight. To help prevent accidents, let them
know you're there.
When Passing. Whenever you are about to pass a
Figure 2.7 vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, assume they don't
see you. They could suddenly move in front of you.
Turns. There are three good rules for using turn When it is legal, tap the horn lightly or, at night, flash
signals: your lights from low to high beam and back. And,
drive carefully enough to avoid a crash even if they
Signal early. Signal well before you turn. It is the
don't see or hear you.
best way to keep others from trying to pass you.
When It's Hard to See. At dawn, dusk, in rain, or
Signal continuously. You need both hands on the
snow, you need to make yourself easier to see. If you
wheel to turn safely. Don't cancel the signal until you
are having trouble seeing other vehicles, other
have completed the turn.
drivers will have trouble seeing you. Turn on your
Cancel your signal. Don't forget to turn off your turn lights. Use the headlights, not just the identification
signal after you've turned (if you don't have self- or clearance lights. Use the low beams; high beams
canceling signals). can bother people in the daytime as well as at night.
Lane Changes. Put your turn signal on before When Parked at the Side of the Road. When you
changing lanes. Change lanes slowly and smoothly. pull off the road and stop, be sure to turn on the four-
That way a driver you didn't see may have a chance way emergency flashers. This is important at night.
to honk his / her horn, or avoid your vehicle. Don't trust the taillights to give warning. Drivers have
Slowing Down. Warn drivers behind you when you crashed into the rear of a parked vehicle because
see you'll need to slow down. A few light taps on the they thought it was moving normally.
brake pedal -- enough to flash the brake lights -- If you must stop on a road or the shoulder of any
should warn following drivers. Use the four-way road, you must put out your emergency warning
emergency flashers for times when you are driving devices within ten minutes. Place your warning
very slowly or are stopped. Warn other drivers in any devices at the following locations:
of the following situations:
Trouble Ahead. The size of your vehicle may make
it hard for drivers behind you to see hazards ahead.
If you see a hazard that will require slowing down,
warn the drivers behind by flashing your brake lights.
Tight Turns. Most car drivers don't know how slowly
you have to go to make a tight turn in a large vehicle.

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If you must stop on or by a one-way or divided If you stop on a two-lane road carrying traffic in both
highway, place warning devices 10 feet, 100 feet, directions or on an undivided highway, place warning
and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic. See devices within 10 feet of the front or rear corners to
Figure 2.8. mark the location of the vehicle and 100 feet behind
and ahead of the vehicle, on the shoulder or in the
lane you stopped in. See Figure 2.9.

Figure 2.8

Figure 2.9

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Back beyond any hill, curve, or other obstruction that The average perception time for an alert driver is 1¾
prevents other drivers from seeing the vehicle within seconds. At 55 mph this accounts for 142 feet
500 feet. If line of sight view is obstructed due to hill traveled.
or curve, move the rear-most triangle to point back
Reaction distance. The distance you will continue
down the road so warning is provided. See Figure
to travel, in ideal conditions; before you physically hit
2.10.
the brakes, in response to a hazard seen ahead. The
average driver has a reaction time of ¾ second to 1
second. At 55 mph this accounts for 61 feet traveled.
Braking distance. The distance your vehicle will
travel, in ideal conditions; while you are braking. At
55 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, it can
take about 216 feet.
Total stopping distance. The total minimum
distance your vehicle has traveled, in ideal
conditions; with everything considered, including
perception distance, reaction distance and braking
distance, until you can bring your vehicle to a
complete stop. At 55 mph, your vehicle will travel a
minimum of 419 feet. See Figure 2.11.

Figure 2.10

When putting out the triangles, hold them between

yourself and the oncoming traffic for your own safety.
(So other drivers can see you.)
Use Your Horn When Needed. Your horn can let
others know you're there. It can help to avoid a crash.
Use your horn when needed. However, it can startle Figure 2.11
others and could be dangerous when used
unnecessarily.
The Effect of Speed on Stopping Distance. The
faster you drive, the greater the impact or striking
2.6 – Controlling Speed power of your vehicle. When you double your speed
Driving too fast is a major cause of fatal crashes. You from 20 to 40 mph the impact is 4 times greater. The
must adjust your speed depending on driving braking distance is also 4 times longer. Triple the
conditions. These include traction, curves, visibility, speed from 20 to 60 mph and the impact and braking
traffic and hills. distance is 9 times greater. At 60 mph, your stopping
distance is greater than the length of a football field.
2.6.1 – Stopping Distance Increase the speed to 80 mph and the impact and
Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking braking distance are 16 times greater than at 20
Distance = Total Stopping Distance mph. High speeds greatly increase the severity of
crashes and stopping distances. By slowing down,
Perception distance. The distance your vehicle
you can reduce braking distance.
travels, in ideal conditions; from the time your eyes
see a hazard until your brain recognizes it. Keep in The Effect of Vehicle Weight on Stopping
mind certain mental and physical conditions can Distance. The heavier the vehicle, the more work
affect your perception distance. It can be affected the brakes must do to stop it, and the more heat they
greatly depending on visibility and the hazard itself. absorb. But the brakes, tires, springs, and shock

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absorbers on heavy vehicles are designed to work if there is a lot of water. Hydroplaning is more likely
best when the vehicle is fully loaded. Empty trucks if tire pressure is low, or the tread is worn. (The
require greater stopping distances because an grooves in a tire carry away the water; if they aren't
empty vehicle has less traction. deep, they don't work well.)
2.6.2 – Matching Speed to the Road Surface. Road surfaces where water can collect can create
You can't steer or brake a vehicle unless you have conditions that cause a vehicle to hydroplane. Watch
traction. Traction is friction between the tires and for clear reflections, tire splashes, and raindrops on
the road. There are some road conditions that the road. These are indications of standing water.
reduce traction and call for lower speeds. 2.6.3 – Speed and Curves
Slippery Surfaces. It will take longer to stop, and it Drivers must adjust their speed for curves in the
will be harder to turn without skidding, when the road road. If you take a curve too fast, two things can
is slippery. Wet roads can double stopping distance. happen. The tires can lose their traction and continue
You must drive slower to be able to stop in the same straight ahead, so you skid off the road. Or, the tires
distance as on a dry road. Reduce speed by about may keep their traction and the vehicle rolls over.
one-third (e.g., slow from 55 to about 35 mph) on a Tests have shown that trucks with a high center of
wet road. On packed snow, reduce speed by a half, gravity can roll over at the posted speed limit for a
or more. If the surface is icy, reduce speed to a crawl curve.
and stop driving as soon as you can safely do so.
Slow to a safe speed before you enter a curve.
Identifying Slippery Surfaces. Sometimes it's hard Braking in a curve is dangerous because it is easier
to know if the road is slippery. Here are some signs to lock the wheels and cause a skid. Slow down as
of slippery roads: needed. Don't ever exceed the posted speed limit for
Shaded Areas. Shady parts of the road will remain the curve. Be in a gear that will let you accelerate
icy and slippery long after open areas have melted. slightly in the curve. This will help you keep control.
Bridges. When the temperature drops, bridges will 2.6.4 – Speed and Distance Ahead
freeze before the road will. Be especially careful You should always be able to stop within the
when the temperature is close to 32 degrees distance you can see ahead. Fog, rain, or other
Fahrenheit. conditions may require that you slowdown to be able
Melting Ice. Slight melting will make ice wet. Wet ice to stop in the distance you can see. At night, you
is much more slippery than ice that is not wet. can't see as far with low beams as you can with high
beams. When you must use low beams, slow down.
Black Ice. Black ice is a thin layer that is clear enough
that you can see the road underneath it. It makes the 2.6.5 – Speed and Traffic Flow
road look wet. Any time the temperature is below When you're driving in heavy traffic, the safest speed
freezing and the road looks wet, watch out for black is the speed of other vehicles. Vehicles going the
ice. same direction at the same speed are not likely to
Vehicle Icing. An easy way to check for ice is to open run into one another. In many states, speed limits are
the window and feel the front of the mirror, mirror lower for trucks and buses than for cars. It can vary
support, or antenna. If there's ice on these, the road as much as 15 mph. Use extra caution when you
surface is probably starting to ice up. change lanes or pass on these roadways. Drive at
Just After Rain Begins. Right after it starts to rain, the the speed of the traffic, if you can without going at an
water mixes with oil left on the road by vehicles. This illegal or unsafe speed. Keep a safe following
makes the road very slippery. If the rain continues, it distance.
will wash the oil away. The main reason drivers exceed speed limits is to
Hydroplaning. In some weather, water or slush save time. But, anyone trying to drive faster than the
collects on the road. When this happens, your speed of traffic will not be able to save much time.
vehicle can hydroplane. It's like water skiing--the The risks involved are not worth it. If you go faster
tires lose their contact with the road and have little or than the speed of other traffic, you'll have to keep
no traction. You may not be able to steer or brake. passing other vehicles. This increases the chance of
You can regain control by releasing the accelerator a crash, and it is more tiring. Fatigue increases the
and pushing in the clutch. This will slow your vehicle chance of a crash. Going with the flow of traffic is
and let the wheels turn freely. If the vehicle is safer and easier.
hydroplaning, do not use the brakes to slow down. If 2.6.6 – Speed on Downgrades
the drive wheels start to skid, push in the clutch to let
Your vehicle's speed will increase on downgrades
them turn freely.
because of gravity. Your most important objective is
It does not take a lot of water to cause hydroplaning. to select and maintain a speed that is not too fast for
Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph the:

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Total weight of the vehicle and cargo.

Length of the grade. Subsections 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6
Steepness of the grade. Test Your Knowledge
Road conditions. 1. How far ahead does the manual say you
should look?
Weather.
2. What are two main things to look for ahead?
If a speed limit is posted, or there is a sign indicating
"Maximum Safe Speed," never exceed the speed 3. What's your most important way to see the
shown. Also, look for and heed warning signs sides and rear of your vehicle?
indicating the length and steepness of the grade. 4. What does "communicating" mean in safe
You must use the braking effect of the engine as the driving?
principal way of controlling your speed on 5. Where should you place reflectors when
downgrades. The braking effect of the engine is stopped on a divided highway?
greatest when it is near the governed rpms and the 6. What three things add up to total stopping
transmission is in the lower gears. Save your brakes distance?
so you will be able to slow or stop as required by road
and traffic conditions. Shift your transmission to a low 7. If you go twice as fast, will your stopping
gear before starting down the grade and use the distance increase by two or four times?
proper braking techniques. Please read carefully the 8. Empty trucks have the best braking. True or
section on going down long, steep downgrades False?
safely in "Mountain Driving." 9. What is hydroplaning?
2.6.7 – Roadway Work Zones 10. What is "black ice”?
Speeding traffic is the number one cause of injury These questions may be on the test. If you can't
and death in roadway work zones. Observe the answer them all, re-read subsections 2.4, 2.5, and
posted speed limits at all times when approaching 2.6.
and driving through a work zone. Watch your
speedometer, and don’t allow your speed to creep
up as you drive through long sections of road 2.7 – Managing Space
construction. Decrease your speed for adverse To be a safe driver, you need space all around your
weather or road conditions. Decrease your speed vehicle. When things go wrong, space gives you time
even further when a worker is close to the roadway. to think and to take action.
To have space available when something goes
wrong, you need to manage space. While this is true
for all drivers, it is very important for large vehicles.
They take up more space and they require more
space for stopping and turning.
2.7.1 – Space Ahead
Of all the space around your vehicle, it is the area
ahead of the vehicle--the space you're driving into --
that is most important.
The Need for Space Ahead. You need space ahead
in case you must suddenly stop. According to
accident reports, the vehicle that trucks and buses
most often run into is the one in front of them. The
most frequent cause is following too closely.
Remember, if the vehicle ahead of you is smaller
than yours, it can probably stop faster than you can.
You may crash if you are following too closely. How
Much Space? How much space should you keep in
front of you? One good rule says you need 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 you are
driving a 40-foot vehicle, you should leave 4 seconds
between you and the vehicle ahead. In a 60-foot rig,
you'll need 6 seconds. Over 40 mph, you'd need 5

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seconds for a 40-foot vehicle and 7 seconds for a 60- Dealing with Tailgaters Safely. In a large vehicle,
foot vehicle. See Figure 2.12. it's often hard to see whether a vehicle is close
To know how much space you have, wait until the behind you. You may be tailgated:
vehicle ahead passes a shadow on the road, a When you are traveling slowly. Drivers trapped
pavement marking, or some other clear landmark. behind slow vehicles often follow closely.
Then count off the seconds like this: "one thousand- In bad weather. Many car drivers follow large
and-one, one thousand-and-two" and so on, until you vehicles closely during bad weather, especially when
reach the same spot. Compare your count with the it is hard to see the road ahead.
rule of one second for every ten feet of length.
If you find yourself being tailgated, here are some
If you are driving a 40-foot truck and only counted up things you can do to reduce the chances of a crash:
to 2 seconds, you're too close. Drop back a little and
count again until you have 4 seconds of following Avoid quick changes. If you have to slow down or
distance (or 5 seconds, if you're going over 40 mph). turn, signal early, and reduce speed very gradually.
After a little practice, you will know how far back you Increase your following distance. Opening up
should be. Remember to add 1 second for speeds room in front of you will help you to avoid having to
above 40 mph. Also remember that when the road is make sudden speed or direction changes. It also
slippery, you need much more space to stop. makes it easier for the tailgater to get around you.
Don't speed up. It's safer to be tailgated at a low
speed than a high speed.
Avoid tricks. Don't turn on your taillights or flash
your brake lights. Follow the suggestions above.
2.7.3 – Space to the Sides
Commercial vehicles are often wide and take up
most of a lane. Safe drivers will manage what little
space they have. You can do this by keeping your
vehicle centered in your lane, and avoid driving
alongside others.
Staying Centered in a Lane. You need to keep your
vehicle centered in the lane to keep safe clearance
on either side. If your vehicle is wide, you have little
room to spare.
Traveling Next to Others. There are two dangers in
traveling alongside other vehicles:
Another driver may change lanes suddenly and turn
into you.
You may be trapped when you need to change
lanes.
Find an open spot where you aren't near other traffic.
When traffic is heavy, it may be hard to find an open
spot. If you must travel near other vehicles, try to
keep as much space as possible between you and
them. Also, drop back or pull forward so that you are
sure the other driver can see you.
Figure 2.12
Strong Winds. Strong winds make it difficult to stay
in your lane. The problem is usually worse for lighter
2.7.2 – Space Behind
vehicles. This problem can be especially bad coming
You can't stop others from following you too closely. out of tunnels. Don't drive alongside others if you can
But there are things you can do to make it safer. avoid it.
Stay to the Right. Heavy vehicles are often tailgated 2.7.4 – Space Overhead
when they can't keep up with the speed of traffic.
This often happens when you're going uphill. If a Hitting overhead objects is a danger. Make sure you
heavy load is slowing you down, stay in the right lane always have overhead clearance.
if you can. Going uphill, you should not pass another Don't assume that the heights posted at bridges and
slow vehicle unless you can get around quickly and overpasses are correct. Re-paving or packed snow
safely.

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may have reduced the clearances since the heights up for them, because you might hit someone behind
were posted. you. See Figure 2.13.
The weight of a cargo van changes its height. An
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. Figure 2.13
Before you back into an area, get out and check for
overhanging objects such as trees, branches, or Left Turns. On a left turn, make sure you have
electric wires. It's easy to miss seeing them while you reached the center of the intersection before you
are backing. (Also check for other hazards at the start the left turn. If you turn too soon, the left side of
same time.) your vehicle may hit another vehicle because of off-
tracking.
2.7.5 – Space Below
Many drivers forget about the space under their If there are two turning lanes, always take the right
vehicles. That space can be very small when a turn lane. Don't start in the inside lane because you
vehicle is heavily loaded. This is often a problem on may have to swing right to make the turn. Drivers on
dirt roads and in unpaved yards. Don't take a chance your left can be more readily seen. See Figure 2.14.
on getting hung up. Drainage channels across roads
can cause the ends of some vehicles to drag. Cross
such depressions carefully.
Railroad tracks can also cause problems, particularly
when pulling trailers with a low underneath
clearance. Don’t take a chance on getting hung up
halfway across.
2.7.6 – Space for Turns
The space around a truck or bus is important in turns.
Because of wide turning and off-tracking, large
vehicles can hit other vehicles or objects during Figure 2.14
turns.
2.7.7 – Space Needed to Cross or Enter Traffic
Right Turns. Here are some rules to help prevent
right-turn crashes: Be aware of the size and weight of your vehicle when
you cross or enter traffic. Here are some important
Turn slowly to give yourself and others more time to things to keep in mind.
avoid problems.
Because of slow acceleration and the space large
If you are driving a truck or bus that cannot make the vehicles require, you may need a much larger gap to
right turn without swinging into another lane, turn enter traffic than you would in a car.
wide as you complete the turn. Keep the rear of your
vehicle close to the curb. This will stop other drivers Acceleration varies with the load. Allow more room if
from passing you on the right. your vehicle is heavily loaded.
Before you start across a road, make sure you can
Don't turn wide to the left as you start the turn. A get all the way across before traffic reaches you.
following driver may think you are turning left and try
to pass you on the right. You may crash into the other
vehicle as you complete your turn. 2.8 – Seeing Hazards
If you must cross into the oncoming lane to make a 2.8.1 – Importance of Seeing Hazards
turn, watch out for vehicles coming toward you. Give What Is a Hazard? A hazard is any road condition
them room to go by or to stop. However, don't back or other road user (driver, bicyclist, pedestrian) that
is a possible danger. For example, a car in front of

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you is headed toward the freeway exit, but his brake vehicles. Off ramps and on ramps often have speed
lights come on and he begins braking hard. This limit signs posted. Remember, these speeds may be
could mean that the driver is uncertain about taking safe for automobiles, but may not be safe for larger
the off ramp. He might suddenly return to the vehicles or heavily loaded vehicles. Exits that go
highway. This car is a hazard. If the driver of the car downhill and turn at the same time can be especially
cuts in front of you, it is no longer just a hazard; it is dangerous. The downgrade makes it difficult to
an emergency. reduce speed. Braking and turning at the same time
Seeing Hazards Lets You Be Prepared. You will can be a dangerous practice. Make sure you are
have more time to act if you see hazards before they going slowly enough before you get on the curved
become emergencies. In the example above, you part of an off ramp or on ramp.
might make a lane change or slow down to prevent 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards
a crash if the car suddenly cuts in front of you. Seeing
In order to protect yourself and others, you must
this hazard gives you time to check your mirrors and
know when other drivers may do something
signal a lane change. Being prepared reduces the
hazardous. Some clues to this type of hazard are
danger. A driver who did not see the hazard until the
discussed below.
slow car pulled back on the highway in front of him
would have to do something very suddenly. Sudden Blocked Vision. People who can't see others are a
braking or a quick lane change is much more likely very dangerous hazard. Be alert for drivers whose
to lead to a crash. vision is blocked. Vans, loaded station wagons, and
Learning to See Hazards. There are often clues cars with the rear window blocked are examples.
that will help you see hazards. The more you drive, Rental trucks should be watched carefully. Their
the better you can learn to see hazards. This section drivers are often not used to the limited vision they
will talk about hazards that you should be aware of. have to the sides and rear of the truck. In winter,
vehicles with frosted, ice-covered, or snow-covered
2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads windows are hazards.
Slow down and be very careful if you see any of the Vehicles may be partly hidden by blind intersections
following road hazards. or alleys. If you only can see the rear or front end of
Work Zones. When people are working on the road, a vehicle but not the driver, then he or she can't see
it is a hazard. There may be narrower lanes, sharp you. Be alert because he / she may back out or enter
turns, or uneven surfaces. Other drivers are often into your lane. Always be prepared to stop.
distracted and drive unsafely. Workers and Delivery Trucks Can Present a Hazard. Packages
construction vehicles may get in the way. Drive or vehicle doors often block the driver’s vision.
slowly and carefully near work zones. Use your four- Drivers of step vans, postal vehicles, and local
way flashers or brake lights to warn drivers behind delivery vehicles often are in a hurry and may
you. suddenly step out of their vehicle or drive their
Drop Off. Sometimes the pavement drops off vehicle into the traffic lane.
sharply near the edge of the road. Driving too near Parked Vehicles Can Be Hazards, especially when
the edge can tilt your vehicle toward the side of the people start to get out of them. Or, they may
road. This can cause the top of your vehicle to hit suddenly start up and drive into your way. Watch for
roadside objects (signs, tree limbs). Also, it can be movement inside the vehicle or movement of the
hard to steer as you cross the drop off, going off the vehicle itself that shows people are inside. Watch for
road, or coming back on. brake lights or backup lights, exhaust, and other
Foreign Objects. Things that have fallen on the road clues that a driver is about to move.
can be hazards. They can be a danger to your tires Be careful of a stopped bus. Passengers may cross
and wheel rims. They can damage electrical and in front of or behind the bus, and they often can't see
brake lines. They can be caught between dual tires you.
and cause severe damage. Some obstacles that
appear to be harmless can be very dangerous. For Pedestrians and Bicyclists Can Also Be Hazards.
example, cardboard boxes may be empty, but they Walkers, joggers, and bicyclists may be on the road
may also contain some solid or heavy material with their back to the traffic, so they can't see you.
capable of causing damage. The same is true of Sometimes they wear portable stereos with
paper and cloth sacks. It is important to remain alert headsets, so they can't hear you either. This can be
for objects of all sorts, so you can see them early dangerous. On rainy days, pedestrians may not see
enough to avoid them without making sudden, you because of hats or umbrellas. They may be
unsafe moves. hurrying to get out of the rain and may not pay
attention to the traffic.
Off Ramps / On Ramps. Freeway and turnpike exits
can be particularly dangerous for commercial Distractions. People who are distracted are
hazards. Watch for where they are looking. If they

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are looking elsewhere, they can't see you. But be driveway, they may go very slowly. If pedestrians or
alert even when they are looking at you. They may other vehicles block them, they may have to stop on
believe that they have the right of way. the roadway. Vehicles turning left may have to stop
for oncoming vehicles.
Children. Children tend to act quickly without
checking traffic. Children playing with one another Drivers in a Hurry. Drivers may feel your
may not look for traffic and are a serious hazard. commercial vehicle is preventing them from getting
where they want to go on time. Such drivers may
Talkers. Drivers or pedestrians talking to one
pass you without a safe gap in the oncoming traffic,
another may not be paying close attention to the
cutting too close in front of you. Drivers entering the
traffic.
road may pull in front of you in order to avoid being
Workers. People working on or near the roadway stuck behind you, causing you to brake. Be aware of
are a hazard clue. The work creates a distraction for this and watch for drivers who are in a hurry.
other drivers and the workers themselves may not
Impaired Drivers. Drivers who are sleepy, have had
see you.
too much to drink, are on drugs, or who are ill are
Ice Cream Trucks. Someone selling ice cream is a hazards. Some clues to these drivers are:
hazard clue. Children may be nearby and may not Weaving across the road or drifting from one side to
see you. another.
Disabled Vehicles. Drivers changing a tire or fixing Leaving the road (dropping right wheels onto the
an engine often do not pay attention to the danger shoulder, or bumping across a curb in a turn).
that roadway traffic is to them. They are often
Stopping at the wrong time (stopping at a green light,
careless. Jacked up wheels or raised hoods are
or waiting for too long at a stop).
hazard clues.
Open window in cold weather.
Accidents. Accidents are particularly hazardous.
People involved in the accident may not look for Speeding up or slowing down suddenly, driving too
traffic. Passing drivers tend to look at the accident. fast or too slow.
People often run across the road without looking. Be alert for drunk drivers and sleepy drivers late at
Vehicles may slow or stop suddenly. night.
Shoppers. People in and around shopping areas are Driver Body Movement as a Clue. Drivers look in
often not watching traffic because they are looking the direction they are going to turn. You may
for stores or looking into store windows. sometimes get a clue from a driver's head and body
movements that a driver may be going to make a
Confused Drivers. Confused drivers often change
turn, even though the turn signals aren't on. Drivers
direction suddenly or stop without warning.
making over-the-shoulder checks may be going to
Confusion is common near freeway or turnpike
change lanes. These clues are most easily seen in
interchanges and major intersections. Tourists
motorcyclists and bicyclists. Watch other road users
unfamiliar with the area can be very hazardous.
and try to tell whether they might do something
Clues to tourists include car-top luggage and out-of-
hazardous.
state license plates. Unexpected actions (stopping in
the middle of a block, changing lanes for no apparent Conflicts. You are in conflict when you have to
reason, backup lights suddenly going on) are clues change speed and / or direction to avoid hitting
to confusion. Hesitation is another clue, including someone. Conflicts occur at intersections where
driving very slowly, using brakes often, or stopping in vehicles meet, at merges (such as turnpike on
the middle of an intersection. You may also see ramps) and where there are needed lane changes
drivers who are looking at street signs, maps, and (such as the end of a lane, forcing a move to another
house numbers. These drivers may not be paying lane of traffic). Other situations include slow moving
attention to you. or stalled traffic in a traffic lane, and accident scenes.
Watch for other drivers who are in conflict because
Slow Drivers. Motorists who fail to maintain normal
they are a hazard to you. When they react to this
speed are hazards. Seeing slow moving vehicles
conflict, they may do something that will put them in
early can prevent a crash. Some vehicles, by their
conflict with you.
nature, are slow and seeing them is a hazard clue
(mopeds, farm machinery, construction machinery, 2.8.4 – Always Have a Plan
tractors, etc.). Some of these will have the "slow You should always be looking for hazards. Continue
moving vehicle" symbol to warn you. This is a red to learn to see hazards on the road. However, don't
triangle with an orange center. Watch for it. forget why you are looking for the hazards--they may
Drivers Signaling a Turn May Be a Hazard. Drivers turn into emergencies. You look for the hazards in
signaling a turn may slow more than expected or order to have time to plan a way out of any
stop. If they are making a tight turn into an alley or emergency. When you see a hazard, think about the

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emergencies that could develop and figure out what occurred when Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)
you would do. Always be prepared to take action drivers were externally distracted and 2 percent of
based on your plans. In this way, you will be a large truck crashes occurred when the driver was
prepared, defensive driver who will improve your internally distracted.
own safety as well as the safety of all road users. Approximately 5,500 people are killed each year on
U.S. roadways and an estimated 448,000 are injured
Subsections 2.7 and 2.8 in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted driving
Test Your Knowledge (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts: Distracted Driving).
1. How do you find out how many seconds of Research indicates that the burden of talking on a
following distance space you have? cell phone - even if it's hands-free - saps the brain of
2. If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, 39% of the energy it would ordinarily devote to safe
how many seconds of following distance driving. Drivers who use a hand-held device are
should you allow? more likely to get into a crash serious enough to
cause injury. (NHTSA distracted driving website,
3. You should decrease your following www.distraction.gov).
distance if somebody is following you too
closely. True or False? 2.9.2 – Effects of Distracted Driving
4. If you swing wide to the left before turning Effects of distracted driving include slowed
right, another driver may try to pass you on perception, which may cause you to be delayed in
the right. True or False? perceiving or completely fail to perceive an important
5. What is a hazard? traffic event; delayed decision making and improper
action, which can cause you to be delayed in taking
6. Why make emergency plans when you see
the proper action or make incorrect inputs to the
a hazard?
steering, accelerator or brakes.
These questions may be on the test. If you can’t 2.9.3 – Types of Distractions
answer them all, re-read subsections 2.7 and 2.8
There are many causes of distraction, all with the
potential to increase risk.
2.9 – Distracted Driving Physical distraction – one that causes you to take
your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road, such
A driver distraction is anything that takes your
attention away from driving. Whenever you are as reaching for an object.
driving a vehicle and your full attention is not on the Mental distraction – activities that take your mind
driving task, you are putting yourself, your away from the road, such as engaging in
passengers, other vehicles, and pedestrians in conversation with a passenger or thinking about
danger. Distracted driving can cause collisions, something that happened during the day.
resulting in injury, death or property damage.
Both physical and mental distraction – even
Activities inside of the vehicle that can distract your greater chance a crash could happen, such as
attention include: talking to passengers; adjusting talking on a cell phone; or sending or reading text
the radio, CD player or climate controls; eating, messages.
drinking or smoking; reading maps or other literature;
picking up something that fell; talking on a cell phone 2.9.4 – Cell / Mobile Phones
or CB radio; reading or sending text messages; using 49 CFR Part 383, 384, 390, 391 and 392 of the
any type of telematic or electronic devices (such as Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
navigation systems, pagers, personal digital and the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
assistant, computers, etc.); daydreaming or being restricts the use of hand-held mobile telephones by
occupied with other mental distractions; and many drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs); and
others. implements new driver disqualification sanctions for
Possible distractions that could occur outside a drivers of CMVs who fail to comply with this Federal
moving vehicle: outside traffic, vehicles or restriction; or who have multiple convictions for
pedestrians; outside events such as police pulling violating a State or local law or ordinance on motor
someone over or a crash scene; sunlight/sunset; vehicle traffic control that restricts the use of hand-
objects in roadway; road construction; reading held mobile telephones. Additionally, motor carriers
billboards or other road advertisements; and many are prohibited from requiring or allowing drivers of
others. CMVs to use hand-held mobile telephones.

2.9.1 – The Distracted Driving Crash Problem The use of hand-held mobile telephones means,
‘‘using at least one hand to hold a mobile telephone
The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) to conduct a voice communication; “dialing a mobile
reported that 8 percent of large-truck crashes telephone by pressing more than a single button”; or

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“moving from a seated driving position while any other form of electronic text retrieval or entry, for
restrained by a seat belt to reach for a mobile present or future communication.
telephone”. If you choose to use a mobile phone Electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a
while operating a CMV, you may only use a hands cellular telephone; personal digital assistant; pager;
free mobile phone that is located close to you and computer; or any other device used to enter, write,
that can be operated in compliance with the rule to send, receive, or read text.
conduct a voice communication.
Your CDL will be disqualified after two or more
Your CDL will be disqualified after two or more convictions of any state law on texting while
convictions of any state law on hand-held mobile operating a CMV. Disqualification is 60 days for the
telephone use while operating a CMV. second offense within 3 years and 120 days for three
Disqualification is 60 days for the second offense or more offenses within 3 years. In addition, the first
within 3 years and 120 days for three or more and each subsequent violation of such a prohibition
offenses within 3 years. In addition, the first and each are subject to civil penalties imposed on such
subsequent violation of such a prohibition are subject drivers, in an amount up to $2,750. No motor carrier
to civil penalties imposed on such drivers, in an shall allow or require its drivers to engage in texting
amount up to $2,750. Motor carriers must not allow while driving. There is an emergency exception that
nor require drivers to use a hand-held mobile allows you text if necessary to communicate with law
telephone while driving. Employers may also be enforcement officials or other emergency services.
subject to civil penalties in an amount up to $11,000.
There is an emergency exception that allows you to Evidence suggests that text messaging is even
use your hand-held mobile telephones if necessary riskier than talking on a cell phone because it
to communicate with law enforcement officials or requires you to look at a small screen and
other emergency services. manipulate the keypad with one’s hands. Texting is
Research shows that the odds of being involved in a the most alarming distraction because it involves
safety-critical event (e.g., crash, near-crash, both physical and mental distraction simultaneously.
unintentional lane deviation) is 6 times greater for Research shows that the odds of being involved in a
CMV drivers who engage in dialing a mobile safety-critical event (e.g., crash, near-crash,
telephone while driving than for those who do not. unintentional lane deviation) is 23.2 times greater for
Dialing drivers took their eyes off the forward CMV drivers who engage in texting while driving than
roadway for an average of 3.8 seconds. At 55 mph for those who do not. Sending or receiving text takes
(or 80.7 feet per second), this equates to a driver your eyes from the road for an average of 4.6
traveling 306 feet, the approximate length of a seconds. At 55 mph, you would travel 371 feet, or the
football field, without looking at the roadway. length of an entire football field – without looking at
Your primary responsibility is to operate a motor the roadway.
vehicle safely. To do this, you must focus your full 2.9.6 – Don’t Drive Distracted
attention on the driving task.
Note that hands-free devices are no less likely than Your goal should be to eliminate all in-vehicle
hand-held cell phones to cause you to become distractions before driving begins. Accomplishing
distracted. Attention is diverted from the driving task this goal can be done by:
while using either device. Assessing all potential in-vehicle distractions before
driving
2.9.5 –Texting
Developing a preventative plan to reduce / eliminate
49 CFR Part 383, 384, 390, 391, 392, the Federal possible distractions
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) prohibits
texting by commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers Expecting distractions to occur
while operating in interstate commerce; and Discussing possible scenarios before getting behind
implements new driver disqualification sanctions for the wheel
drivers of CMVs who fail to comply with this Federal
Based on the assessment of potential distractions,
prohibition; or who have multiple convictions for
you can formulate a preventative plan to reduce /
violating a State or local law or ordinance on motor
eliminate possible distractions.
vehicle traffic control that prohibits texting while
driving. Additionally, motor carriers are prohibited If drivers react a half-second slower because of
from requiring or allowing their drivers to engage in distractions, crashes double. Some tips to follow so
texting while driving. you won’t become distracted:
Texting means manually entering text into, or Turn off all communication devices.
reading text from, an electronic device. This If you must use a mobile phone, make sure it is within
includes, but is not limited to, short message service, close proximity, that it is operable while you are
e-mailing, instant messaging, a command or request restrained, use an earpiece or the speaker phone
to access a World Wide Web page, or engaging in function, use voice-activated dialing; or use the

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hands-free feature. Drivers are not in compliance if encouraging them to take personally the mistakes of
they unsafely reach for a mobile phone, even if they other drivers.
intend to use the hands-free function. Aggressive driving is the act of operating a motor
Do not type or read a text message on a mobile vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without
device while driving. regard for the rights or safety of others (i.e. changing
Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s features and lanes frequently and abruptly without notice)..
equipment, before you get behind the wheel. Road rage is operating a motor vehicle with the intent
Adjust all vehicle controls and mirrors to your of doing harm to others or physically assaulting a
preferences prior to driving. driver or their vehicle.
Pre-program radio stations and pre-load your 2.10.2 – Don’t Be an Aggressive Driver
favorite CDs. How you feel before you even start your vehicle has
Clear the vehicle of any unnecessary objects and a lot to do with how stress will affect you while
secure cargo. driving.
Review maps, program the GPS and plan your route Reduce your stress before and while you drive.
before you begin driving. Listen to “easy listening” music.
Don’t attempt to read or write while you drive. Give the drive your full attention. Don’t allow yourself
Avoid smoking, eating and drinking while you drive. to become distracted by talking on your cell phone,
Leave early to allow yourself time to stop to eat. eating, etc.
Don’t engage in complex or emotionally intense Be realistic about your travel time. Expect delays
conversations with other occupants. because of traffic, construction, or bad weather and
make allowances.
Secure commitment from other occupants to behave
responsibly and to support the driver in reducing If you’re going to be later than you expected – deal
distractions. with it. Take a deep breath and accept the delay.
Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Try to
2.9.7 – Watch Out for Other Distracted Drivers
imagine why he or she is driving that way. Whatever
You need to be able to recognize other drivers who their reason, it has nothing to do with you.
are engaged in any form of driving distraction. Not
Slow down and keep your following distance
recognizing other distracted drivers can prevent you
reasonable.
from perceiving or reacting correctly in time to
prevent a crash. Watch for: Don’t drive slowly in the left lane of traffic.
Vehicles that may drift over the lane divider lines or Avoid gestures. Keep your hands on the wheel.
within their own lane. Avoid making any gestures that might anger another
Vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds. driver, even seemingly harmless expressions of
irritation like shaking your head.
Drivers who are preoccupied with maps, food,
cigarettes, cell phones, or other objects. Be a cautious and courteous driver. If another driver
seems eager to get in front of you, say, “Be my
Drivers who appear to be involved in conversations
guest.” This response will soon become a habit and
with their passengers.
you won’t be as offended by other drivers’ actions.
Give a distracted driver plenty of room and maintain
your safe following distance. 2.10.3 – What You Should Do When Confronted
by an Aggressive Driver
Be very careful when passing a driver who seems to
be distracted. The other driver may not be aware of First and foremost, make every attempt to get out of
your presence, and they may drift in front of you. their way.
Put your pride in the back seat. Do not challenge
2.10 – Aggressive Drivers / Road Rage them by speeding up or attempting to hold-your-own
in your travel lane.
2.10.1 – What Is It?
Avoid eye contact.
Aggressive driving and road rage is not a new
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, license
anger and frustration in their vehicles. number, location and, if possible, direction of travel.
Crowded roads leave little room for error, leading to If you have a cell phone, and can do it safely, call the
suspicion and hostility among drivers and police.

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If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther Glare. Drivers can be blinded for a short time by
down the road, stop a safe distance from the crash bright light. . It can take several seconds to recover
scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the from glare. Even two seconds of glare blindness can
driving behavior that you witnessed. be dangerous. A vehicle going 55 mph will travel
more than half the distance of a football field during
Subsections 2.9 and 2.10 that time.
Test Your Knowledge Fatigue and Lack of Alertness. Fatigue is physical
1. What are some tips to follow so you won’t or mental tiredness that can be caused by physical
become a distracted driver? or mental strain, repetitive tasks, illness or lack of
sleep. Just like alcohol and drugs, it impairs your
2. How do you use in-vehicle communications vision and judgment.
equipment cautiously?
Fatigue causes errors related to speed and distance,
3. How do you recognize a distracted driver?
increases your risk of being in a crash, causes you
4. What is the difference between aggressive to not see and react to hazards as quickly; and
driving and road rage? affects your ability to make critical decisions. When
5. What should you do when confronted with an you are fatigued, you could fall asleep behind the
aggressive driver? wheel and crash, injuring or killing yourself or others.
6. What are some things you can do to reduce your Fatigued or drowsy driving is one of the leading
stress before and while you drive? causes of traffic collisions. NHTSA estimates that
100,000 police-reported crashes a year are the result
These questions may be on the test. If you can’t
of drowsy driving. According to the National Sleep
answer them all, re-read subsections 2.9 and 2.10.
Foundation’s Sleep in America poll, 60% of
Americans have driven while feeling sleepy and
more than one third (36 percent or 103 million
2.11 – Driving at Night people) admit to having actually fallen asleep at the
2.11.1 – It's More Dangerous wheel. Drivers may experience short bursts of sleep
lasting only a few seconds or fall asleep for longer
You are at greater risk when you drive at night. periods of time. Either way, the chance of a collision
Drivers can't see hazards as quickly as in daylight, increases dramatically.
so they have less time to respond. Drivers caught by
surprise are less able to avoid a crash. At-Risk Groups
The problems of night driving involve the driver, the The risk of having a crash due to drowsy driving is
roadway, and the vehicle. not uniformly distributed across the population.
2.11.2 – Driver Factors Crashes tend to occur at times when sleepiness is
most pronounced, for example, during the night and
Vision. Good vision is critical for safe driving. Your in the mid-afternoon. Most people are less alert at
control of the brake, accelerator, and steering wheel night, especially after midnight. This is particularly
is based on what you see. If you cannot see clearly, true if you have been driving for a long time. Thus
you will have trouble identifying traffic and roadway individuals who drive at night are much more likely to
conditions, spotting potential trouble or responding have fall-asleep crashes.
to problems in a timely manner.
Research has identified young males, shift workers,
Because seeing well is so critical to safe driving, you commercial drivers, especially long-haul drivers and
should have your eyes checked regularly by an eye people with untreated sleep disorders or with short-
specialist. You may never know you have poor vision term or chronic sleep deprivation as being at
unless your eyes are tested. If you need to wear increased risk for having a fall-asleep crash. At least
glasses or contact lenses for driving, remember to: 15% of all heavy truck crashes involve fatigue.
Always wear them when driving, even if driving short A congressionally mandated study of 80 long-haul
distances. If your driver license says corrective truck drivers in the United States and Canada found
lenses are required, it is illegal to move a vehicle that drivers averaged less than 5 hours of sleep per
without using corrective lenses. day. (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,
Keep an extra set of corrective lenses in your 1996) It is no surprise then that the National
vehicle. If your normal corrective lenses are broken Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that
or lost, you can use the spare lenses to drive safely. drowsy driving was probably the cause of more than
half of crashes leading to a truck driver’s death.
Avoid using dark or tinted corrective lenses at night,
(NTSB, 1990) For each truck driver fatality, another
even if you think they help with glare. Tinted lenses
three to four people are killed. (NHTSA, 1994)
cut down the light that you need to see clearly under
night driving conditions.

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Warning Signs of Fatigue Consult your physician if you suffer from daytime
According to the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep sleepiness, have difficulty sleeping at night or take
in America poll, 60% of Americans have driven while frequent naps
feeling sleepy and 36% admit to actually having Incorporate exercise into your daily life to give you
fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year. However, more energy
many people cannot tell if or when they are about to
Maintaining alertness while driving:
fall asleep. Here are some signs that should tell you
to stop and rest: Protect yourself from glare and eyestrain with
sunglasses
Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking or heavy eyelids
Keep cool by opening the window or using the air
Yawning repeatedly or rubbing eyes
conditioner
Day-dreaming; or wandering / disconnected
Avoid heavy foods
thoughts
Be aware of down time during the day
Trouble remembering the last few miles driven;
missing exits or traffic signs Have another person ride with you, and take turns
driving
Trouble keeping head up
Take periodic breaks – about every 100 miles or 2
Drifting from your lane, following too closely or hitting
hours during long trips
a shoulder rumble strip
Stop driving and get some rest or take a nap
Feeling restless and irritable
Caffeine consumption can increase awareness for a
When you are tired trying to “push on” is far more
few hours, but do not drink too much. It will eventually
dangerous than most drivers think. It is a major
wear off. Do not rely on caffeine to prevent fatigue
cause of fatal accidents. If you notice any signs of
fatigue, stop driving and go to sleep for the night or Avoid drugs. While they may keep you awake for a
take a 15 – 20 minute nap. while, they won’t make you alert.
Are You At Risk? If you are drowsy, the only safe cure is to get off the
road and get some sleep. If you don't, you risk your
Before you drive, consider whether you are: life and the lives of others.
Sleep-deprived or fatigued (6 hours of sleep or less
2.11.3 – Roadway Factors
triples your risk)
Suffering from sleep loss (insomnia), poor quality Poor Lighting. In the daytime there is usually
sleep, or a sleep debt enough light to see well. This is not true at night.
Some areas may have bright street lights, but many
Driving long distances without proper rest breaks areas will have poor lighting. On most roads you will
Driving through the night, mid-afternoon or when you probably have to depend entirely on your headlights.
would normally be asleep. Many heavy motor vehicle Less light means you will not be able to see hazards
accidents occur between midnight and 6 a.m. as well as in daytime. Road users who do not have
Taking sedating medications (antidepressants, cold lights are hard to see. There are many accidents at
tablets, antihistamines) night involving pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, and
Working more than 60 hours a week (increases your animals.
risk by 40%) Even when there are lights, the road scene can be
Working more than one job, and your main job confusing. Traffic signals and hazards can be hard
involves shift work to see against a background of signs, shop windows,
and other lights.
Driving alone or on a long, rural, dark or boring road
Drive slower when lighting is poor or confusing.
Flying, changing time zone
Drive slowly enough to be sure you can stop in the
Preventing drowsiness before a trip: distance you can see ahead.
Get adequate sleep – adults need 8 to 9 hours to Drunk Drivers. Drunk drivers and drivers under the
maintain alertness influence of drugs are a hazard to themselves and to
Prepare route carefully to identify total distance, you. Be especially alert around the closing times for
stopping points and other logistic considerations bars and taverns. Watch for drivers who have trouble
Schedule trips for the hours you are normally awake, staying in their lane or maintaining speed, who stop
not the middle of the night without reason, or show other signs of being under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Drive with a passenger
Avoid medications that cause drowsiness

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2.11.4 – Vehicle Factors direction you are, when your lights shine in their
rearview mirrors. Dim your lights before they cause
Headlights. At night your headlights will usually be
glare for other drivers. Dim your lights within 500 feet
the main source of light for you to see by and for
of an oncoming vehicle and when following another
others to see you. You can't see nearly as much with
vehicle within 500 feet.
your headlights as you see in the daytime. With low
beams you can see ahead about 250 feet and with Avoid Glare from Oncoming Vehicles. Do not look
high beams about 350-500 feet. You must adjust directly at lights of oncoming vehicles. Look slightly
your speed to keep your stopping distance within to the right at a right lane or edge marking, if
your sight distance. This means going slowly enough available. If other drivers don't put their low beams
to be able to stop within the range of your headlights. on, don't try to "get back at them" by putting your own
Otherwise, by the time you see a hazard, you will not high beams on. This increases glare for oncoming
have time to stop. drivers and increases the chance of a crash.
Night driving can be more dangerous if you have Use High Beams When You Can. Some drivers
problems with your headlights. Dirty headlights may make the mistake of always using low beams. This
give only half the light they should. This cuts down seriously cuts down on their ability to see ahead. Use
your ability to see, and makes it harder for others to high beams when it is safe and legal to do so. Use
see you. Make sure your lights are clean and them when you are not within 500 feet of an
working. Headlights can be out of adjustment. If they approaching vehicle. Also, don't let the inside of your
don't point in the right direction, they won't give you cab get too bright. This makes it harder to see
a good view and they can blind other drivers. Have a outside. Keep the interior light off, and adjust your
qualified person make sure they are adjusted instrument lights as low as you can to still be able to
properly. read the gauges.
Other Lights. In order for you to be seen easily, the
following must be clean and working properly: If You Get Sleepy, Stop at the Nearest Safe Place.
People often don't realize how close they are to
Reflectors. falling asleep even when their eyelids are falling
Marker lights. shut. If you can safely do so, look at yourself in a
Clearance lights. mirror. If you look sleepy, or you just feel sleepy, stop
driving! You are in a very dangerous condition. The
Taillights. only safe cure is to sleep.
Identification lights.
2.12 – Driving in Fog
Turn Signals and Brake Lights. At night your turn
Fog can occur at any time. Fog on highways can be
signals and brake lights are even more important for
extremely dangerous. Fog is often unexpected, and
telling other drivers what you intend to do. Make sure
visibility can deteriorate rapidly. You should watch for
you have clean, working turn signals and stop lights.
foggy conditions and be ready to reduce your speed.
Windshield and Mirrors. It is more important at Do not assume that the fog will thin out after you
night than in the daytime to have a clean windshield enter it.
and clean mirrors. Bright lights at night can cause dirt The best advice for driving in fog is don’t. It is
on your windshield or mirrors to create a glare of its preferable that you pull off the road into a rest area
own, blocking your view. Most people have or truck stop until visibility is better. If you must drive,
experienced driving toward the sun just as it has be sure to consider the following:
risen or is about to set, and found that they can
barely see through a windshield that seemed to look Obey all fog-related warning signs.
OK in the middle of the day. Clean your windshield Slow down before you enter fog.
on the inside and outside for safe driving at night. Use low-beam headlights and fog lights for best
2.11.5 – Night Driving Procedures visibility even in daytime, and be alert for other
drivers who may have forgotten to turn on their lights.
Vehicle Procedures. Make sure you are rested and
alert. If you are drowsy, sleep before you drive! Even Turn on your 4-way flashers. This will give vehicles
a nap can save your life or the lives of others. If you approaching you from behind a quicker opportunity
wear eyeglasses, make sure they are clean and to notice your vehicle.
unscratched. Don't wear sunglasses at night. Do a Watch for vehicles on the side of the roadway.
complete Vehicle inspection of your vehicle. Pay Seeing taillights or headlights in front of you may not
attention to checking all lights and reflectors, and be a true indication of where the road is ahead of
cleaning those you can reach. you. The vehicle may not be on the road at all.
Avoid Blinding Others. Glare from your headlights Use roadside highway reflectors as guides to
can cause problems for drivers coming toward you. determine how the road may curve ahead of you.
They can also bother drivers going in the same

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Listen for traffic you cannot see. Windows and Mirrors. Remove any ice, snow, etc.,
Avoid passing other vehicles. from the windshield, windows, and mirrors before
starting. Use a windshield scraper, snow brush, and
Don’t stop along the side of the road, unless windshield defroster as necessary.
absolutely necessary.
Hand Holds, Steps, and Deck Plates. Remove all
2.13 – Driving in Winter ice and snow from hand holds, steps, and deck
2.13.1 – Vehicle Checks plates. This will reduce the danger of slipping.

Make sure your vehicle is ready before driving in Radiator Shutters and Winterfront. Remove ice
winter weather. You should make a regular Vehicle from the radiator shutters. Make sure the winterfront
inspection, paying extra attention to the following is not closed too tightly. If the shutters freeze shut or
items. the winterfront is closed too much, the engine may
overheat and stop.
Coolant Level and Antifreeze Amount. Make sure
the cooling system is full and there is enough Exhaust System. Exhaust system leaks are
antifreeze in the system to protect against freezing. especially dangerous when cab ventilation may be
This can be checked with a special coolant tester. poor (windows rolled up, etc.). Loose connections
could permit poisonous carbon monoxide to leak into
Defrosting and Heating Equipment. Make sure the your vehicle. Carbon monoxide gas will cause you to
defrosters work. They are needed for safe driving. be sleepy. In large enough amounts it can kill you.
Make sure the heater is working, and that you know Check the exhaust system for loose parts and for
how to operate it. If you use other heaters and expect sounds and signs of leaks.
to need them (e.g., mirror heaters, battery box
heaters, fuel tank heaters), check their operation. 2.13.2 – Driving

Wipers and Washers. Make sure the windshield Slippery Surfaces. Drive slowly and smoothly on
wiper blades are in good condition. Make sure the slippery roads. If it is very slippery, you shouldn't
wiper blades press against the window hard enough drive at all. Stop at the first safe place.
to wipe the windshield clean, otherwise they may not Start Gently and Slowly. When first starting, get the
sweep off snow properly. Make sure the windshield feel of the road. Don't hurry.
washer works and there is washing fluid in the
washer reservoir. Check for Ice. Check for ice on the road, especially
bridges and overpasses. A lack of spray from other
Use windshield washer antifreeze to prevent
vehicles indicates ice has formed on the road. Also,
freezing of the washer liquid. If you can't see well
check your mirrors and wiper blades for ice. If they
enough while driving (for example, if your wipers fail),
have ice, the road most likely will be icy as well.
stop safely and fix the problem.
Adjust Turning and Braking to Conditions. Make
Tires. Make sure you have enough tread on your
turns as gently as possible. Don't brake any harder
tires. The drive tires must provide traction to push the
than necessary, and don't use the engine brake or
rig over wet pavement and through snow. The
speed retarder. (They can cause the driving wheels
steering tires must have traction to steer the vehicle.
to skid on slippery surfaces.)
Enough tread is especially important in winter
conditions. You must have at least 4/32 inch tread Adjust Speed to Conditions. Don't pass slower
depth in every major groove on front tires and at least vehicles unless necessary. Go slowly and watch far
2/32 inch on other tires. More would be better. Use a enough ahead to keep a steady speed. Avoid having
gauge to determine if you have enough tread for safe to slow down and speed up. Take curves at slower
driving. speeds and don't brake while in curves. Be aware
that as the temperature rises to the point where ice
Tire Chains. You may find yourself in conditions
begins to melt, the road becomes even more
where you can't drive without chains, even to get to
slippery. Slow down more.
a place of safety. Carry the right number of chains
and extra cross-links. Make sure they will fit your Adjust Space to Conditions. Don't drive alongside
drive tires. Check the chains for broken hooks, worn other vehicles. Keep a longer following distance.
or broken cross-links, and bent or broken side When you see a traffic jam ahead, slow down or stop
chains. Learn how to put the chains on before you to wait for it to clear. Try hard to anticipate stops early
need to do it in snow and ice. and slow down gradually. Watch for snowplows, as
well as salt and sand trucks, and give them plenty of
Lights and Reflectors. Make sure the lights and
room.
reflectors are clean. Lights and reflectors are
especially important during bad weather. Check from Wet Brakes. When driving in heavy rain or deep
time to time during bad weather to make sure they standing water, your brakes will get wet. Water in the
are clean and working properly. brakes can cause the brakes to be weak, to apply

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unevenly, or to grab. This can cause lack of braking part of the pressurized system, the cap can be safely
power, wheel lockups, pulling to one side or the removed and coolant added even when the engine
other, and jackknife if you pull a trailer. is at operating temperature.
Avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing water Never remove the radiator cap or any part of the
if possible. If not, you should: pressurized system until the system has cooled.
Slow down and place transmission in a low gear. Steam and boiling water can spray under pressure
and cause severe burns. If you can touch the radiator
Gently put on the brakes. This presses linings cap with your bare hand, it is probably cool enough
against brake drums or discs and keeps mud, silt, to open.
sand, and water from getting in.
If coolant has to be added to a system without a
Increase engine rpm and cross the water while recovery tank or overflow tank, follow these steps:
keeping light pressure on the brakes.
Shut engine off.
When out of the water, maintain light pressure on the
brakes for a short distance to heat them up and dry Wait until engine has cooled.
them out. Protect hands (use gloves or a thick cloth).
Make a test stop when safe to do so. Check behind Turn radiator cap slowly to the first stop, which
to make sure no one is following, then apply the releases the pressure seal.
brakes to be sure they work well. If not, dry them out Step back while pressure is released from cooling
further as described above. (CAUTION: Do not apply system.
too much brake pressure and accelerator at the
same time, or you can overheat brake drums and When all pressure has been released, press down
linings. on the cap and turn it further to remove it.
Visually check level of coolant and add more coolant
2.14 – Driving in Very Hot Weather if necessary.
2.14.1 – Vehicle Checks Replace cap and turn all the way to the closed
position.
Do a normal Vehicle inspection, but pay special
attention to the following items. Engine Belts. Learn how to check v-belt tightness
on your vehicle by pressing on the belts. Loose belts
Tires. Check the tire mounting and air pressure. will not turn the water pump and / or fan properly.
Inspect the tires every two hours or every 100 miles This will result in overheating. Also, check belts for
when driving in very hot weather. Air pressure cracking or other signs of wear.
increases with temperature. Do not let air out or the
pressure will be too low when the tires cool off. If a Hoses. Make sure coolant hoses are in good
tire is too hot to touch, remain stopped until the tire condition. A broken hose while driving can lead to
cools off. Otherwise the tire may blow out or catch engine failure and even fire.
fire. 2.14.2 – Driving
Engine Oil. The engine oil helps keep the engine Watch for Bleeding Tar. Tar in the road pavement
cool, as well as lubricating it. Make sure there is frequently rises to the surface in very hot weather.
enough engine oil. If you have an oil temperature Spots where tar "bleeds" to the surface are very
gauge, make sure the temperature is within the slippery.
proper range while you are driving.
Go Slowly Enough to Prevent Overheating. High
Engine Coolant. Before starting out, make sure the
speeds create more heat for tires and the engine. In
engine cooling system has enough water and
desert conditions the heat may build up to the point
antifreeze according to the engine manufacturer's
where it is dangerous. The heat will increase
directions. (Antifreeze helps the engine under hot
chances of tire failure or even fire, and engine failure.
conditions as well as cold conditions.) When driving,
check the water temperature or coolant temperature
gauge from time to time. Make sure that it remains in
the normal range. If the gauge goes above the
highest safe temperature, there may be something
wrong that could lead to engine failure and possibly
fire. Stop driving as soon as safely possible and try
to find out what is wrong.
Some vehicles have sight glasses, see-through
coolant overflow containers, or coolant recovery
containers. These permit you to check the coolant
level while the engine is hot. If the container is not

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Subsections 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, and 2.14

Test Your Knowledge

1. You should use low beams whenever you can.

True or False?
2. What should you do before you drive if you are
drowsy?
3. What effects can wet brakes cause? How can
you avoid these problems?
4. You should let air out of hot tires so the
pressure goes back to normal. True or False? Figure 2.15
5. You can safely remove the radiator cap as long
as the engine isn't overheated. True or False? Pavement Markings. Pavement markings mean the
same as the advance warning sign. They consist of
These questions may be on the test. If you can’t
an “X” with the letters “”RR” and a no-passing
answer all of them, re-read subsections 2.11, 2.12,
marking on two-lane roads. See Figure 2.16.
2.13, and 2.14.

2.15 – Railroad-highway Crossings

Railroad-highway grade crossings are a special kind
of intersection where the roadway crosses train
tracks. These crossings are always dangerous.
Every such crossing must be approached with the
expectation that a train is coming. It is extremely
difficult to judge the distance of the train from the
crossing as well as the speed of an approaching
train.
2.15.1 – Types of Crossings
Passive Crossings. This type of crossing does not Figure 2.16
have any type of traffic control device. The decision
to stop or proceed rests entirely in your hands. There is also a no passing zone sign on two-lane
Passive crossings require you to recognize the roads. There may be a white stop line painted on the
crossing, search for any train using the tracks and pavement before the railroad tracks. The front of the
decide if there is sufficient clear space to cross school bus must remain behind this line while
safely. stopped at the crossing.
Active Crossings. This type of crossing has a traffic Cross-buck Signs. This sign marks the grade
control device installed at the crossing to regulate crossing. It requires you to yield the right-of-way to
traffic at the crossing. These active devices include the train. If there is no white stop line painted on the
flashing red lights, with or without bells and flashing pavement, vehicles that are required to stop must
red lights with bells and gates. stop no closer than 15 feet or more than 50 feet from
the nearest rail of the nearest track. When the road
2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices crosses over more than one track, a sign below the
Advance Warning Signs. The round, black-on- cross-buck indicates the number of tracks. See
yellow warning sign is placed ahead of a public Figure 2.17.
railroad-highway crossing. The advance warning
sign tells you to slow down, look and listen for the
train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks if a train
is coming. All passenger and hazmat carrying
vehicles are required to stop. See Figure 2.15.

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Reduce Speed. Speed must be reduced in

accordance with your ability to see approaching
trains in any direction, and speed must be held to a
point which will permit you to stop short of the tracks
in case a stop is necessary.
Don't Expect to Hear a Train. Trains may not or are
prohibited from sounding horns when approaching
some crossings. Public crossings where trains do not
sound horns should be identified by signs. Noise
inside your vehicle may, also prevent you from
hearing the train horn until the train is dangerously
close to the crossing.
Don't Rely on Signals. You should not rely solely
upon the presence of warning signals, gates, or
flagmen to warn of the approach of trains. Be
especially alert at crossings that do not have gates
Figure 2.17 or flashing red light signals.
Double Tracks Require a Double Check.
Flashing Red Light Signals. At many highway-rail Remember that a train on one track may hide a train
grade crossings, the cross-buck sign has flashing on the other track. Look both ways before crossing.
red lights and bells. When the lights begin to flash, After one train has cleared a crossing, be sure no
stop! A train is approaching. You are required to yield other trains are near before starting across the
the right-of-way to the train. If there is more than one tracks.
track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing.
See Figure 2.18. Yard Areas and Grade Crossings in Cities and
Towns. Yard areas and grade crossings in cities and
towns are just as dangerous as rural grade
Gates. Many railroad-highway crossings have gates
crossings. Approach them with as much caution.
with flashing red lights and bells. Stop when the
lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers 2.15.4 – Stopping Safely at Railroad- highway
across the road lane. Remain stopped until the gates Crossings
go up and the lights have stopped flashing. Proceed A full stop is required at grade crossings whenever:
when it is safe. See Figure 2.18.
The nature of the cargo makes a stop mandatory
under state or federal regulations.
Such a stop is otherwise required by law.
When stopping be sure to:
Check for traffic behind you while stopping gradually.
Use a pullout lane, if available.
Turn on your four-way emergency flashers.
2.15.5 – Crossing the Tracks
Railroad crossings with steep approaches can cause
your unit to hang up on the tracks.
Never permit traffic conditions to trap you in a
position where you have to stop on the tracks. Be
sure you can get all the way across the tracks before
you start across. It takes a typical tractor-trailer unit
at least 14 seconds to clear a single track and more
than 15 seconds to clear a double track.
Figure 2.18 Do not shift gears while crossing railroad tracks.

2.15.3 – Driving Procedures

Never Race a Train to a Crossing. Never attempt
to race a train to a crossing. It is extremely difficult to
judge the speed of an approaching train.

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2.15.6 – Special Situations 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear before Starting
Be Aware! These trailers can get stuck on raised Down the Grade
crossings: Shift the transmission to a low gear before starting
Low slung units (lowboy, car carrier, moving van, down the grade. Do not try to downshift after your
possum-belly livestock trailer). speed has already built up. You will not be able to
shift into a lower gear. You may not even be able to
Single-axle tractor pulling a long trailer with its get back into any gear and all engine braking effect
landing gear set to accommodate a tandem-axle will be lost. Forcing an automatic transmission into a
tractor. lower gear at high speed could damage the
If for any reason you get stuck on the tracks, get out transmission and also lead to loss of all engine
of the vehicle and away from the tracks. Check braking effect.
signposts or signal housing at the crossing for With older trucks, a rule for choosing gears is to use
emergency notification information. Call 911 or other the same gear going down a hill that you would need
emergency number. Give the location of the crossing to climb the hill. However, new trucks have low
using all identifiable landmarks, especially the DOT friction parts and streamlined shapes for fuel
number, if posted. economy. They may also have more powerful
2.16 – Mountain Driving engines. This means they can go up hills in higher
gears and have less friction and air drag to hold them
In mountain driving, gravity plays a major role. On back going down hills. For that reason, drivers of
any upgrade, gravity slows you down. The steeper modern trucks may have to use lower gears going
the grade, the longer the grade, and / or the heavier down a hill than would be required to go up the hill.
the load--the more you will have to use lower gears You should know what is right for your vehicle.
to climb hills or mountains. In coming down long,
steep downgrades, gravity causes the speed of your 2.16.3 – Brake Fading or Failure
vehicle to increase. You must select an appropriate Brakes are designed so brake shoes or pads rub
safe speed, then use a low gear, and proper braking against the brake drum or disks to slow the vehicle.
techniques. You should plan ahead and obtain Braking creates heat, but brakes are designed to
information about any long, steep grades along your take a lot of heat. However, brakes can fade or fail
planned route of travel. If possible, talk to other from excessive heat caused by using them too much
drivers who are familiar with the grades to find out and not relying on the engine braking effect.
what speeds are safe.
Brake fade is also affected by adjustment. To safely
You must go slowly enough so your brakes can hold control a vehicle, every brake must do its share of
you back without getting too hot. If the brakes the work. Brakes out of adjustment will stop doing
become too hot, they may start to "fade." This means their share before those that are in adjustment. The
you have to apply them harder and harder to get the other brakes can then overheat and fade, and there
same stopping power. If you continue to use the will not be enough braking available to control the
brakes hard, they can keep fading until you cannot vehicle. Brakes can get out of adjustment quickly,
slow down or stop at all. especially when they are used a lot; also, brake
2.16.1 – Select a "Safe" Speed linings wear faster when they are hot. Therefore,
brake adjustment must be checked frequently.
Your most important consideration is to select a
speed that is not too fast for the: 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique
Total weight of the vehicle and cargo. Remember. The use of brakes on a long and / or
steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking
Length of the grade. effect of the engine. Once the vehicle is in the proper
Steepness of the grade. low gear, the following are the proper braking
Road conditions. techniques:
Weather. Apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite
slowdown.
If a speed limit is posted, or there is a sign indicating
"Maximum Safe Speed," never exceed the speed When your speed has been reduced to
shown. Also, look for and heed warning signs approximately five mph below your "safe" speed,
indicating the length and steepness of the grade. release the brakes. (This brake application should
last for about three seconds.)
You must use the braking effect of the engine as the
principal way of controlling your speed. The braking When your speed has increased to your "safe"
effect of the engine is greatest when it is near the speed, repeat steps 1 and 2.
governed rpms and the transmission is in the lower For example, if your "safe" speed is 40 mph, you
gears. Save your brakes so you will be able to slow would not apply the brakes until your speed reaches
or stop as required by road and traffic conditions. 40 mph. You now apply the brakes hard enough to

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gradually reduce your speed to 35 mph and then How to Turn Quickly and Safely. A quick turn can
release the brakes. Repeat this as often as be made safely, if it's done the right way. Here are
necessary until you have reached the end of the some points that safe drivers use:
downgrade. Do not apply the brake while you are turning. It's very
Escape ramps have been built on many steep easy to lock your wheels while turning. If that
mountain downgrades. Escape ramps are made to happens, you may skid out of control.
stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers Do not turn any more than needed to clear whatever
and passengers. Escape ramps use a long bed of is in your way. The more sharply you turn, the greater
loose, soft material to slow a runaway vehicle, the chances of a skid or rollover.
sometimes in combination with an upgrade.
Be prepared to "counter-steer," that is, to turn the
Know escape ramp locations on your route. Signs wheel back in the other direction, once you've
show drivers where ramp are located. Escape ramps passed whatever was in your path. Unless you are
save lives, equipment and cargo. prepared to counter-steer, you won't be able to do it
quickly enough. You should think of emergency
steering and counter-steering as two parts of one
Subsections 2.15 and 2.16 driving action.
Test Your Knowledge Where to Steer. If an oncoming driver has drifted
1. What factors determine your selection of a "safe" into your lane, a move to your right is best. If that
speed when going down a long, steep driver realizes what has happened, the natural
downgrade? response will be to return to his or her own lane.
2. Why should you be in the proper gear before If something is blocking your path, the best direction
starting down a hill? to steer will depend on the situation.
3. Describe the proper braking technique when If you have been using your mirrors, you'll know
going down a long, steep downgrade. which lane is empty and can be safely used.
4. What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad- If the shoulder is clear, going right may be best. No
highway crossing? one is likely to be driving on the shoulder but
5. How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer someone may be passing you on the left. You will
unit to clear a double track? know if you have been using your mirrors.
These questions may be on the test. If you can’t If you are blocked on both sides, a move to the right
answer them all, re-read subsections 2.15 and 2.16. may be best. At least you won't force anyone into an
opposing traffic lane and a possible head-on
collision.
2.17 – Driving Emergencies Leaving the Road. In some emergencies, you may
Traffic emergencies occur when two vehicles are have to drive off the road. It may be less risky than
about to collide. Vehicle emergencies occur when facing a collision with another vehicle.
tires, brakes, or other critical parts fail. Following the Most shoulders are strong enough to support the
safety practices in this manual can help prevent weight of a large vehicle and, therefore, offer an
emergencies. But if an emergency does happen, available escape route. Here are some guidelines, if
your chances of avoiding a crash depend upon how you do leave the road.
well you take action. Actions you can take are
Avoid Braking. If possible, avoid using the brakes
discussed below.
until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph. Then
2.17.1 – Steering to Avoid a Crash brake very gently to avoid skidding on a loose
Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an surface.
emergency. When you don't have enough room to Keep One Set of Wheels on the Pavement, if
stop, you may have to steer away from what's ahead. Possible. This helps to maintain control.
Remember, you can almost always turn to miss an
obstacle more quickly than you can stop. (However, Stay on the Shoulder. If the shoulder is clear, stay
top-heavy vehicles and tractors with multiple trailers on it until your vehicle has come to a stop. Signal and
may flip over.) check your mirrors before pulling back onto the road.
Returning to the Road. If you are forced to return to
Keep Both Hands on the Steering Wheel. In order
the road before you can stop, use the following
to turn quickly, you must have a firm grip on the
procedure:
steering wheel with both hands. The best way to
have both hands on the wheel, if there is an Hold the wheel tightly and turn sharply enough to get
emergency, is to keep them there all the time. right back on the road safely. Don't try to edge

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gradually back on the road. If you do, your tires might emergency brake so you can adjust the brake
grab unexpectedly and you could lose control. pressure and keep the wheels from locking up.
When both front tires are on the paved surface, Find an Escape Route. While slowing the vehicle,
counter-steer immediately. The two turns should be look for an escape route--an open field, side-street,
made as a single "steer-counter-steer" move. or escape ramp. Turning uphill is a good way to slow
2.17.2 – How to Stop Quickly and Safely and stop the vehicle. Make sure the vehicle does not
start rolling backward after you stop. Put it in low
If somebody suddenly pulls out in front of you, your gear, apply the parking brake, and, if necessary, roll
natural response is to hit the brakes. This is a good back into some obstacle that will stop the vehicle.
response if there's enough distance to stop, and you
use the brakes correctly. Brake Failure on Downgrades. Going slow enough
and braking properly will almost always prevent
You should brake in a way that will keep your vehicle brake failure on long downgrades. Once the brakes
in a straight line and allow you to turn if it becomes have failed, however, you are going to have to look
necessary. You can use the "controlled braking" outside your vehicle for something to stop it.
method or the "stab braking" method.
Your best hope is an escape ramp. If there is one,
Controlled Braking. With this method, you apply the there'll be signs telling you about it. Use it. Ramps
brakes as hard as you can without locking the are usually located a few miles from the top of the
wheels. Keep steering wheel movements very small downgrade. Every year, hundreds of drivers avoid
while doing this. If you need to make a larger steering injury to themselves or damage to their vehicles by
adjustment or if the wheels lock, release the brakes. using escape ramps. Some escape ramps use soft
Re-apply the brakes as soon as you can. gravel that resists the motion of the vehicle and
Stab Braking. With this method, you apply your brings it to a stop. Others turn uphill, using the hill to
brakes all the way and release brakes when wheels stop the vehicle and soft gravel to hold it in place.
lock up. As soon as the wheels start rolling, apply the Any driver who loses brakes going downhill should
brakes fully again. (It can take up to one second for use an escape ramp if it's available. If you don't use
the wheels to start rolling after you release the it, your chances of having a serious crash may be
brakes. If you re-apply the brakes before the wheels much greater.
start rolling, the vehicle won't straighten out.) If no escape ramp is available, take the least
Don't Jam on the Brakes. Emergency braking does hazardous escape route you can--such as an open
not mean pushing down on the brake pedal as hard field or a side road that flattens out or turns uphill.
as you can. That will only keep the wheels locked up Make the move as soon as you know your brakes
and cause a skid. If the wheels are skidding, you don't work. The longer you wait, the faster the vehicle
cannot control the vehicle. will go, and the harder it will be to stop.
2.17.3 – Brake Failure 2.17.4 – Tire Failure
Brakes kept in good condition rarely fail. Most Recognize Tire Failure. Quickly knowing you have
hydraulic brake failures occur for one of two reasons: a tire failure will let you have more time to react.
(Air brakes are discussed in Section 5.) Having just a few extra seconds to remember what it
Loss of hydraulic pressure. is you're supposed to do can help you. The major
signs of tire failure are:
Brake fade on long hills.
Sound. The loud "bang" of a blowout is an easily
Loss of Hydraulic Pressure. When the system recognized sign. Because it can take a few seconds
won't build up pressure, the brake pedal will feel for your vehicle to react, you might think it was some
spongy or go to the floor. Here are some things you other vehicle. But any time you hear a tire blow, you'd
can do. be safest to assume it is yours.

Downshift. Putting the vehicle into a lower gear will Vibration. If the vehicle thumps or vibrates heavily,
help to slow the vehicle. it may be a sign that one of the tires has gone flat.
With a rear tire, that may be the only sign you get.
Pump the Brakes. Sometimes pumping the brake Feel. If the steering feels "heavy," it is probably a
pedal will generate enough hydraulic pressure to sign that one of the front tires has failed.
stop the vehicle. Sometimes, failure of a rear tire will cause the
Use the Parking Brake. The parking or emergency vehicle to slide back and forth or "fishtail." However,
brake is separate from the hydraulic brake system. dual rear tires usually prevent this.
Therefore, it can be used to slow the vehicle. Respond to Tire Failure. When a tire fails, your
However, be sure to press the release button or pull vehicle is in danger. You must immediately:
the release lever at the same time you use the

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Hold the Steering Wheel Firmly. If a front tire fails, it Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on
can twist the steering wheel out of your hand. The the left side, either on the front or rear corner.
only way to prevent this is to keep a firm grip on the Dollies manufactured on or after March 1, 1998, are
steering wheel with both hands at all times. required to have a lamp on the left side.
Stay off the Brake. It's natural to want to brake in an
emergency. However, braking when a tire has failed As a system check on newer vehicles, the
could cause loss of control. Unless you're about to malfunction lamp comes on at start-up for a bulb
run into something, stay off the brake until the check, and then goes out quickly. On older systems,
vehicle has slowed down. Then brake very gently, the lamp could stay on until you are driving over five
pull off the road, and stop. mph.
If the lamp stays on after the bulb check, or goes on
Check the Tires. After you've come to a stop, get
once you are under way, you may have lost ABS
out and check all the tires. Do this even if the
control.
vehicle seems to be handling all right. If one of your
dual tires goes, the only way you may know it is by In the case of towed units manufactured before it
getting out and looking at it. was required by the Department of Transportation, it
may be difficult to tell if the unit is equipped with ABS.
2.18 – Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) Look under the vehicle for the ECU and wheel speed
ABS is a computerized system that keeps your sensor wires coming from the back of the brakes.
wheels from locking up during hard brake
2.18.4 – How ABS Helps You
applications.
When you brake hard on slippery surfaces in a
ABS is an addition to your normal brakes. It does not
vehicle without ABS, your wheels may lock up. When
decrease or increase your normal braking capability.
your steering wheels lock up, you lose steering
ABS only activates when wheels are about to lock
control. When your other wheels lock up, you may
up.
skid, jackknife, or even spin the vehicle.
ABS does not necessarily shorten your stopping
ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up and maintain
distance, but it does help you keep the vehicle under
control. You may or may not be able to stop faster
control during hard braking.
with ABS, but you should be able to steer around an
2.18.1 – How Antilock Braking Systems Work obstacle while braking, and avoid skids caused by
Sensors detect potential wheel lock up. An electronic over braking.
control unit (ECU) will then decrease brake pressure 2.18.5 – ABS on the Tractor Only or Only on the
to avoid wheel lockup. Trailer
Brake pressure is adjusted to provide the maximum Having ABS on only the tractor, only the trailer, or
braking without danger of lockup. even on only one axle, still gives you more control
ABS works far faster than the driver can respond to over the vehicle during braking. Brake normally.
potential wheel lockup. At all other times the brake When only the tractor has ABS, you should be able
system will operate normally. to maintain steering control, and there is less chance
2.18.2 – Vehicles Required to Have Antilock of jackknifing. But keep your eye on the trailer and let
Braking Systems up on the brakes (if you can safely do so) if it begins
to swing out.
The Department of Transportation requires that ABS
be on: When only the trailer has ABS, the trailer is less likely
to swing out, but if you lose steering control or start
Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after March a tractor jackknife, let up on the brakes (if you can
1, 1997. safely do so) until you regain control.
Other air brake vehicles, (trucks, buses, trailers, and
2.18.6 – Braking with ABS
converter dollies) built on or after March 1, 1998.
When you drive a vehicle with ABS, you should
Hydraulically braked trucks and buses with a gross
brake as you always have. In other words:
vehicle weight rating of 10,000 lbs or more built on
or after March 1, 1999. Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely
and stay in control.
Many commercial vehicles built before these dates
have been voluntarily equipped with ABS. Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have
ABS on the bus, tractor, the trailer, or both.
2.18.3 – How to Know If Your Vehicle Is
Equipped with ABS As you slow down, monitor your tractor and trailer
and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay
Tractors, trucks, and buses will have yellow ABS in control.
malfunction lamps on the instrument panel.

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There is only one exception to this procedure. If you Over-braking. Braking too hard and locking up the
drive a straight truck or combination with working wheels. Skids also can occur when using the speed
ABS on all axles, in an emergency stop, you can fully retarder when the road is slippery.
apply the brakes.
Over-steering. Turning the wheels more sharply
2.18.7 – Braking If ABS Is Not Working than the vehicle can turn.
Without ABS you still have normal brake functions. Over-acceleration. Supplying too much power to
Drive and brake as you always have. the drive wheels, causing them to spin.
Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to Driving Too Fast. Most serious skids result from
tell you if something isn’t working. driving too fast for road conditions. Drivers who
As a system check on newer vehicles, the adjust their driving to conditions don't over-
malfunction lamp comes on at start-up for a bulb accelerate and don't have to over-brake or over-
check and then goes out quickly. On older systems, steer from too much speed.
the lamp could stay on until you are driving over five
2.19.1 – Drive-wheel Skids
mph.
By far the most common skid is one in which the rear
If the lamp stays on after the bulb check, or goes on
wheels lose traction through excessive braking or
once you are under way, you may have lost ABS
acceleration. Skids caused by acceleration usually
control on one or more wheels.
happen on ice or snow. Taking your foot off the
Remember, if your ABS malfunctions, you still have accelerator can easily stop them. (If it is very
regular brakes. Drive normally, but get the system slippery, push the clutch in. Otherwise, the engine
serviced soon. can keep the wheels from rolling freely and regaining
2.18.8 – Safety Reminders traction.)
Rear wheel braking skids occur when the rear drive
ABS won’t allow you to drive faster, follow more
wheels lock. Because locked wheels have less
closely, or drive less carefully.
traction than rolling wheels, the rear wheels usually
ABS won’t prevent power or turning skids–ABS slide sideways in an attempt to "catch up" with the
should prevent brake-induced skids or jackknifes, front wheels. In a bus or straight truck, the vehicle
but not those caused by spinning the drive wheels or will slide sideways in a "spin out." With vehicles
going too fast in a turn. towing trailers, a drive-wheel skid can let the trailer
push the towing vehicle sideways, causing a sudden
ABS won’t necessarily shorten stopping jackknife. See Figure 2.19.
distance. ABS will help maintain vehicle control, but
not always shorten stopping distance.
ABS won’t increase or decrease ultimate
stopping power–ABS is an “add-on” to your normal
brakes, not a replacement for them.
ABS won’t change the way you normally brake.
Under normal brake conditions, your vehicle will stop
as it always stopped. ABS only comes into play when
a wheel would normally have locked up because of
over braking.
ABS won’t compensate for bad brakes or poor brake
maintenance.
Remember: The best vehicle safety feature is still a
safe driver.
Remember: Drive so you never need to use your
ABS.
Remember: If you need it, ABS could help to prevent
a serious crash.

2.19 – Skid Control and Recovery

A skid happens whenever the tires lose their grip on
the road. This is caused in one of four ways:
Figure 2.19

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2.19.2 – Correcting a Drive-wheel Braking Skid Care for the injured.

Do the following to correct a drive-wheel braking 2.20.1 – Protect the Area
skid.
The first thing to do at an accident scene is to keep
Stop Braking. This will let the rear wheels roll again, another accident from happening in the same spot.
and keep the rear wheels from sliding. To protect the accident area:
Counter-steer. As a vehicle turns back on course, it If your vehicle is involved in the accident, try to get it
has a tendency to keep on turning. Unless you turn to the side of the road. This will help prevent another
the steering wheel quickly the other way, you may accident and allow traffic to move.
find yourself skidding in the opposite direction. If you're stopping to help, park away from the
Learning to stay off the brake, turn the steering wheel accident. The area immediately around the accident
quickly, push in the clutch, and counter-steer in a will be needed for emergency vehicles.
skid takes a lot of practice. The best place to get this Put on your flashers.
practice is on a large driving range or "skid pad."
Set out reflective triangles to warn other traffic. Make
2.19.3 – Front-wheel Skids sure other drivers can see them in time to avoid the
Driving too fast for conditions causes most front- Set out reflective triangles to warn other traffic. Make
wheel skids. Other causes include lack of tread on sure other drivers can see them in time to avoid the
the front tires and cargo loaded so not enough weight accident.
is on the front axle. In a front-wheel skid, the front
2.20.2 – Notify Authorities
end tends to go in a straight line regardless of how
much you turn the steering wheel. On a very slippery If you have a cell phone or CB, call for assistance
surface, you may not be able to steer around a curve before you get out of your vehicle. If not, wait until
or turn. after the accident scene has been properly
protected, then phone or send someone to phone the
When a front-wheel skid occurs, the only way to stop
police. Try to determine where you are so you can
the skid is to let the vehicle slow down. Stop turning
give the exact location.
and / or braking so hard. Slow down as quickly as
possible without skidding. 2.20.3 – Care for the Injured
If a qualified person is at the accident and helping the
Subsections 2.17, 2.18, and 2.19 injured, stay out of the way unless asked to assist.
Test Your Knowledge Otherwise, do the best you can to help any injured
parties. Here are some simple steps to follow in
1. Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in giving assistance:
an emergency. True or False?
Don't move a severely injured person unless the
2. What are some advantages of going right danger of fire or passing traffic makes it necessary.
instead of left around an obstacle?
Stop heavy bleeding by applying direct pressure to
3. What is an "escape ramp?"
the wound.
4. If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on
hard to stop quickly. True or False? Keep the injured person warm.
5. How do you know if your vehicle has antilock
brakes?
2.21 – Fires
6. What is the proper braking technique when Truck fires can cause damage and injury. Learn the
driving a vehicle with antilock brakes? causes of fires and how to prevent them. Know what
to do to extinguish fires.
7. How do antilock brakes help you?
2.21.1 – Causes of Fire
These questions may be on the test. If you can’t
answer them all, re-read subsections 2.17, 2.18, and The following are some causes of vehicle fires:
2.19. After Accidents. Spilled fuel, improper use of flares.
Tires. Under-inflated tires and duals that touch.
2.20 – Accident Procedures Electrical System. Short circuits due to damaged
When you're in an accident and not seriously hurt, insulation, loose connections.
you need to act to prevent further damage or injury. Fuel. Driver smoking, improper fueling, loose fuel
The basic steps to be taken at any accident are to: connections.
Protect the area. Cargo. Flammable cargo, improperly sealed or
Notify authorities. loaded cargo, poor ventilation.

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2.21.2 – Fire Prevention Use the Right Fire Extinguisher

Pay attention to the following: Figures 2.20 and 2.21 detail the type of fire
extinguisher to use by class of fire.
Vehicle Inspection. Make a complete inspection of
the electrical, fuel, and exhaust systems, tires, and The B:C type fire extinguisher is designed to work on
cargo. Be sure to check that the fire extinguisher is electrical fires and burning liquids.
charged. The A:B:C type is designed to work on burning wood,
En Route Inspection. Check the tires, wheels, and paper, and cloth as well.
truck body for signs of heat whenever you stop Water can be used on wood, paper, or cloth, but
during a trip. don't use water on an electrical fire (can cause
shock) or a gasoline fire (it will spread the flames).
Follow Safe Procedures. Follow correct safety
procedures for fueling the vehicle, using brakes, A burning tire must be cooled. Lots of water may be
handling flares, and other activities that can cause a required.
fire. If you're not sure what to use, especially on a
Monitoring. Check the instruments and gauges hazardous materials fire, wait for firefighters.
often for signs of overheating and use the mirrors to Position yourself upwind. Let the wind carry the
look for signs of smoke from tires or the vehicle. extinguisher to the fire.
Caution. Use normal caution in handling anything Continue until whatever was burning has been
flammable. cooled. Absence of smoke or flame does not mean
the fire cannot restart.
2.21.3 – Fire Fighting
Class / Type of Fires
Knowing how to fight fires is important. Drivers who
didn’t know what to do have made fires worse. Know Class Type
how the fire extinguisher works. Study the
instructions printed on the extinguisher before you A Wood, Paper, Ordinary Combustibles
need it. Here are some procedures to follow in case Extinguish by Cooling and
of fire. Quenching Using Water or Dry
Chemicals
Pull Off the Road. The first step is to get the vehicle
off the road and stop. In doing so: B Gasoline, Oil, Grease, Other Greasy
Liquids
Park in an open area, away from buildings, trees,
brush, other vehicles, or anything that might catch Extinguish by Smothering, Cooling
fire. or Heat Shielding using carbon
Dioxide or Dry Chemicals
Don't pull into a service station!
Notify emergency services of your problem and your C Electrical Equipment Fires
location. Extinguish with Non-conducting
Keep the Fire from Spreading. Before trying to put Agents such as Carbon Dioxide or
Dry Chemicals. DO NOT USE
out the fire, make sure that it doesn't spread any
WATER.
further.
D Fires in Combustible Metals
With an engine fire, turn off the engine as soon as
you can. Don't open the hood if you can avoid it. Extinguish by Using Specialized
Shoot foam through louvers, radiator, or from the Extinguishing Powders
vehicle’s underside. Figure 2.20
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
supply the fire with oxygen and can cause it to burn
very fast.
Extinguish the Fire. Here are some rules to follow
in putting out a fire:
When using the extinguisher, stay as far away from
the fire as possible.
Aim at the source or base of the fire, not up in the
flames.

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passing through the brain, a small percentage is

removed in urine, perspiration, and by breathing,
Class of Fire / Type of Extinguisher
while the rest is carried to the liver. The liver can only
Class of Fire Fire Extinguisher Type
process one-third an ounce of alcohol per hour,
which is considerably less than the alcohol in a
B or C Regular Dry Chemical standard drink. This is a fixed rate, so only time, not
black coffee or a cold shower, will sober you up. If
A, B, C, or D Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical you have drinks faster than your body can get rid of
them, you will have more alcohol in your body, and
D Purple K Dry Chemical your driving will be more affected. The Blood Alcohol
Concentration (BAC) commonly measures the
B or C KCL Dry Chemical amount of alcohol in your body. See Figure 2.22.
Dry Powder Special What Is a Drink?
D
Compound
It is the alcohol in drinks that affects human
B or C Carbon Dioxide (Dry) performance. It doesn't make any difference
whether that alcohol comes from "a couple of
B or C Halogenated Agent (Gas) beers,” or from two glasses of wine, or two shots
of hard liquor. Approximate Blood Alcohol
A Water Content

Effects
Drinks
A Water With Anti-Freeze Body Weight in Pounds

A or B Water, Loaded Steam Style

100

120

140

160

180

200

220

240
B, On Some A Foam

Driving Limit
Only Safe Impairment
Figure 2.21 0 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00

Subsections 2.20 and 2.21

Begins
Test Your Knowledge 1 .04 .03 .03 .02 .02 .02 .02 .02
1. What are some things to do at an accident
scene to prevent another accident?
2. Name two causes of tire fires. 2 .08 .06 .05 .05 .04 .04 .03 .03

Driving Skills Significantly

3. What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher not
good for?
3 .11 .09 .08 .07 .06 .06 .05 .05
4. When using your extinguisher, should you get

Affected
as close as possible to the fire?
4 .15 .12 .11 .09 .08 .08 .07 .06
5. Name some causes of vehicle fires.
These questions may be on the test. If you can't 5 .19 .16 .13 .12 .11 .09 .09 .08
answer them all, re-read subsections 2.20 and 2.21.
6 .23 .19 .16 .14 .13 .11 .10 .09

2.22 – Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving 7 .26 .22 .19 .16 .15 .13 .12 .11
Legally Intoxicated
Criminal Penalties

2.22.1 – Alcohol and Driving

Drinking alcohol and then driving is very dangerous 8 .30 .25 .21 .19 .17 .15 .14 .13
and a serious problem. People who drink alcohol are
involved in traffic accidents resulting in over 20,000
9 .34 .28 .24 .21 .19 .17 .15 .14
deaths every year. Alcohol impairs muscle
coordination, reaction time, depth perception, and
1
night vision. It also affects the parts of the brain that 0
.38 .31 .27 .23 .21 .19 .17 .16
control judgment and inhibition. For some people,
Subtract .01% for each 40 minutes of drinking. One
one drink is all it takes to show signs of impairment.
drink is 1.5 oz. of 80 proof liquor, 12 oz. of beer, or 5
How Alcohol Works. Alcohol goes directly into the oz. of table wine.
blood stream and is carried to the brain. After Figure 2.22

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All of the following drinks contain the same amount Effects Of Increasing
of alcohol: Blood Alcohol Content
A 12-ounce glass of 5% beer. Blood Alcohol Content is the amount of alcohol in
your blood recorded in milligrams of alcohol per
A 5-ounce glass of 12% wine. 100 milliliters of blood. Your BAC depends on the
amount of blood (which increases with weight) and
A 1 1/2-ounce shot of 80 proof liquor. the amount of alcohol you consume over time (how
What Determines Blood Alcohol Concentration? fast you drink). The faster you drink, the higher your
BAC is determined by the amount of alcohol you BAC, as the liver can only handle about one drink
drink (more alcohol means higher BAC), how fast per hour—the rest builds up in your blood.
you drink (faster drinking means higher BAC), and Effects on
BAC Effects on Body
your weight (a small person doesn't have to drink as Driving Condition
much to reach the same BAC). Mellow feeling,
.02 Less inhibited.
slight body warmth.
Alcohol and the Brain. Alcohol affects more and Less alert, less
more of the brain as BAC builds up. The first part of Noticeable self-focused,
the brain affected controls judgment and self-control. .05
relaxation. coordination
One of the bad things about this is it can keep impairment begins.
drinkers from knowing they are getting drunk. And, Definite impairment
Drunk driving limit,
of course, good judgment and self-control are impaired
.08 in coordination &
absolutely necessary for safe driving. coordination &
judgment
judgment.
As BAC continues to build up, muscle control, vision, Noisy, possible
and coordination are affected more and more. embarrassing Reduction in
.10*
Effects on driving may include: behavior, mood reaction time.
swings.
Straddling lanes.
Impaired balance &
Quick, jerky starts. .15 movement, clearly Unable to drive.
Not signaling, failure to use lights. drunk.
Many lose
Running stop signs and red lights. .30
consciousness.
Improper passing (See Figure 2.23). Most lose
.40 consciousness,
some die.
Breathing stops,
.50
many die.
BAC of .10 means that 1/10 of 1 % (or 1/1000) of
your total blood content is alcohol.

Figure 2.23
These effects mean increased chances of a crash
and chances of losing your driver's license. Accident
statistics show that the chance of a crash is much
greater for drivers who have been drinking than for
drivers who have not.
How Alcohol Affects Driving. All drivers are
affected by drinking alcohol. Alcohol affects
judgment, vision, coordination, and reaction time. It
causes serious driving errors, such as:
Increased reaction time to hazards.
Driving too fast or too slow.
Driving in the wrong lane.
Running over the curb.
Weaving.
2.22.2 – Other Drugs
Besides alcohol, other legal and illegal drugs are
being used more often. Laws prohibit possession or
use of many drugs while on duty. They prohibit being
under the influence of any "controlled substance,"

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amphetamines (including "pep pills," “uppers,” and Hazard Class Definitions

"bennies"), narcotics, or any other substance, which Class Class Name Example
can make the driver unsafe. This could include a Ammunition,
variety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs 1 Explosives Dynamite,
(cold medicines), which may make the driver drowsy Fireworks
or otherwise affect safe driving ability. However, Propane, Oxygen,
possession and use of a drug given to a driver by a 2 Gases
Helium
doctor is permitted if the doctor informs the driver 3 Flammable Gasoline, Acetone
that it will not affect safe driving ability. Flammable
4 Matches, Fuses
Pay attention to warning labels for legitimate drugs Solids
and medicines, and to doctor's orders regarding Ammonium
possible effects. Stay away from illegal drugs. 5 Oxidizers Nitrate, Hydrogen
Don't use any drug that hides fatigue--the only cure Peroxide
for fatigue is rest. Alcohol can make the effects of Pesticides,
6 Poisons
other drugs much worse. The safest rule is don't mix Arsenic
drugs with driving at all. Uranium,
7 Radioactive
Plutonium
Use of drugs can lead to traffic accidents resulting in Hydrochloric Acid,
death, injury, and property damage. Furthermore, it 8 Corrosives
Battery Fluid
can lead to arrest, fines, and jail sentences. It can Miscellaneous
also mean the end of a person's driving career. Formaldehyde,
9 Hazardous
Asbestos
2.22.3 – Illness Materials
Once in a while, you may become so ill that you ORM-D (Other
cannot operate a motor vehicle safely. If this Regulated Hair Spray or
None
happens to you, you must not drive. However, in Material- Charcoal
case of an emergency, you may drive to the nearest Domestic)
place where you can safely stop. Combustible Fuel Oils, Lighter
None
Liquids Fluid
2.23 – Hazardous Materials Rules For Figure 2.24
All Commercial Drivers After an accident or hazardous material spill or leak,
All drivers should know something about hazardous you may be injured and unable to communicate the
materials. You must be able to recognize hazardous hazards of the materials you are transporting.
cargo, and you must know whether or not you can Firefighters and police can prevent or reduce the
haul it without having a hazardous materials amount of damage or injury at the scene if they know
endorsement on your CDL license. what hazardous materials are being transported.
Your life, and the lives of others, may depend on
2.23.1 – What Are Hazardous Materials? quickly locating the hazardous materials shipping
Hazardous materials are products that pose a risk to papers. For that reason, you must identify shipping
health, safety, and property during transportation. papers related to hazardous materials or keep them
See Figure 2.24. on top of other shipping papers. You must also keep
shipping papers:
2.23.2 – Why Are There Rules?
In a pouch on the driver's door, or
You must follow the many rules about transporting
hazardous materials. The intent of the rules is to: In clear view within reach while driving, or
Contain the product. On the driver's seat when out of the vehicle.
Communicate the risk. 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products
Ensure safe drivers and equipment. Placards are used to warn others of hazardous
To Contain the Product. Many hazardous products materials. Placards are signs put on the outside of a
can injure or kill on contact. To protect drivers and vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo. A
others from contact, the rules tell shippers how to placarded vehicle must have at least four identical
package safely. Similar rules tell drivers how to load, placards. They are put on the front, rear, and both
transport, and unload bulk tanks. These are sides.
containment rules. Placards must be readable from all four directions.
To Communicate the Risk. The shipper uses a They must be at least 9.8” (250mm) inches square,
shipping paper and diamond shaped hazard labels turned upright on a point, in a diamond shape. Cargo
to warn dockworkers and drivers of the risk. tanks and other bulk packaging display the

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identification number of their contents on placards or and an aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more
orange panels. that is either permanently or temporarily attached to
Identification Numbers are a four digit code used the vehicle or chassis. The liquid or gas does not
by first responders to identify hazardous materials. have to be a hazardous material.
An identification number may be used to identify Drivers who need the hazardous materials
more than one chemical on shipping papers. The endorsement must learn the placard rules. If you do
identification number will be preceded by the letters not know if your vehicle needs placards, ask your
“NA” or “UN”. The US DOT Emergency Response employer. Never drive a vehicle needing placards
Guidebook (ERG) lists the chemicals and the unless you have the hazardous materials
identification numbers assigned to them. endorsement. To do so is a crime. When stopped,
Not all vehicles carrying hazardous materials need you will be cited and you will not be allowed to drive
to have placards. The rules about placards are given your truck. It will cost you time and money. A failure
in Section 9 of this manual. You can drive a vehicle to placard when needed may risk your life and others
that carries hazardous materials if it does not require if you have an accident. Emergency help will not
placards. If it requires placards, you cannot drive it know of your hazardous cargo.
unless your driver license has the hazardous Hazardous materials drivers must also know which
materials endorsement. See Figure 2.25. 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.

Subsections 2.22 and 2.23

Test Your Knowledge
1. Common medicines for colds can make you
sleepy. True or False?
2. Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker
sober up. True or False?
3. What is a hazardous materials placard?
4. Why are placards used?
These questions may be on the test. If you can't
answer them all, re-read subsections 2.22 and 2.23.

Figure 2.25

The rules require all drivers of placarded vehicles to

learn how to safely load and transport hazardous
products. They must have a commercial driver
license with the hazardous materials endorsement.
To get the required endorsement, you must pass a
written test on material found in Section 9 of this
manual. A tank endorsement is required for any
commercial vehicle that is designed to transport any
liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks having
an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons

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where you can drive large vehicles vary from place

Section 3 to place. Know the rules where you will be driving.
TRANSPORTING CARGO 3.2 – Weight and Balance
SAFELY You are responsible for not being overloaded. The
following are some definitions of weight you should
This Section Covers know.
3.2.1 – Definitions You Should Know
• Inspecting Cargo Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The value
• Cargo Weight and Balance specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight
• Securing Cargo of a single vehicle.
• Cargo Needing Special Attention Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). The
value specified by the manufacturer of the power
This section tells you about hauling cargo safely. You
unit, if the value is displayed on the Federal Motor
must understand basic cargo safety rules to get a
Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) certification label;
CDL.
or the sum of the gross vehicle weight ratings
If you load cargo wrong or do not secure it, it can be (GVWRs) or the gross vehicle weights (GVWs) of
a danger to others and yourself. Loose cargo that the power unit and the towed unit(s), or any
falls off a vehicle can cause traffic problems and combination thereof, that produces the highest
others could be hurt or killed. Loose cargo could hurt value.
or kill you during a quick stop or crash. Your vehicle
could be damaged by an overload. Steering could be (The underlined and italicized text above is for
affected by how a vehicle is loaded, making it more use by roadside enforcement only to determine
difficult to control the vehicle. whether the driver / vehicle is subject to CDL
regulations. It is not used to determine whether a
Whether or not you load and secure the cargo vehicle is representative for the purposes of
yourself, you are responsible for: Skills testing).
Inspecting your cargo.
Axle Weight. The weight transmitted to the ground
Recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight. by one axle or one set of axles.
Knowing your cargo is properly secured and does Tire Load. The maximum safe weight a tire can carry
not obscure your view ahead or to the sides. at a specified pressure. This rating is stated on the
Knowing your cargo does not restrict your access to side of each tire.
emergency equipment.
Suspension Systems. Suspension systems have a
If you intend to carry hazardous material that manufacturer's weight capacity rating.
requires placards on your vehicle, you will also need
to have a hazardous materials endorsement. Section Coupling Device Capacity. Coupling devices are
9 of this manual has the information you need to rated for the maximum weight they can pull and / or
pass the hazardous materials test. carry.
3.2.2 – Legal Weight Limits
3.1 – Inspecting Cargo You must keep weights within legal limits. States
As part of your Vehicle inspection, make sure the have maximums for GVWRs, GCWRs, and axle
truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced weights. Often, maximum axle weights are set by a
and secured properly. bridge formula. A bridge formula permits less
maximum axle weight for axles that are closer
After Starting. Inspect the cargo and its securing
together. This is to prevent overloading bridges and
devices again within the first 50 miles after beginning
roadways.
a trip. Make any adjustments needed.
Overloading can have bad effects on steering,
Re-check. Re-check the cargo and securing devices braking, and speed control. Overloaded trucks have
as often as necessary during a trip to keep the load to go very slowly on upgrades. Worse, they may gain
secure. You need to inspect again: too much speed on downgrades. Stopping distance
After you have driven for 3 hours or 150 miles. increases. Brakes can fail when forced to work too
After every break you take during driving. hard.
Federal, state, and local regulations for commercial During bad weather or in mountains, it may not be
vehicle weight, securing cargo, covering loads, and safe to operate at legal maximum weights. Take this
into account before driving.

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3.2.3 – Don't Be Top-heavy 3.3.2 – Cargo Tie-down

The height of the vehicle's center of gravity is very On flatbed trailers or trailers without sides, cargo
important for safe handling. A high center of gravity must be secured to keep it from shifting or falling off.
(cargo piled up high or heavy cargo on top) means In closed vans, tie-downs can also be important to
you are more likely to tip over. It is most dangerous prevent cargo shifting that may affect the handling of
in curves, or if you have to swerve to avoid a hazard. the vehicle. Tie-downs must be of the proper type
It is very important to distribute the cargo so it is as and proper strength. Federal regulations require the
low as possible. Put the heaviest parts of the cargo aggregate working load limit of any securement
under the lightest parts. system used to secure an article or group of articles
against movement must be at least one-half times
3.2.4 – Balance the Weight
the weight of the article or group of articles. Proper
Poor weight balance can make vehicle handling tie-down equipment must be used, including ropes,
unsafe. Too much weight on the steering axle can straps, chains, and tensioning devices (winches,
cause hard steering. It can damage the steering axle ratchets, clinching components). Tie-downs must be
and tires. Under-loaded front axles (caused by attached to the vehicle correctly (hooks, bolts, rails,
shifting weight too far to the rear) can make the rings). See figure 3.2.
steering axle weight too light to steer safely. Too little
weight on the driving axles can cause poor traction.
The drive wheels may spin easily. During bad
weather, the truck may not be able to keep going.
Weight that is loaded so there is a high center of
gravity causes greater chance of rollover. On flat bed
vehicles, there is also a greater chance that the load
will shift to the side or fall off. See Figure 3.1.
3.3 – Securing Cargo
3.3.1 – Blocking and Bracing
Blocking is used in the front, back, and / or sides of
a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding. Blocking is Figure 3.2
shaped to fit snugly against cargo. It is secured to the Cargo should have at least one tie-down for each ten
cargo deck to prevent cargo movement. Bracing is feet of cargo. Make sure you have enough tie-downs
also used to prevent movement of cargo. Bracing to meet this need. No matter how small the cargo, it
goes from the upper part of the cargo to the floor and should have at least two tie-downs.
/ or walls of the cargo compartment.
There are special requirements for securing various
heavy pieces of metal. Find out what they are if you
are to carry such loads.
3.3.3 – Header Boards
Front-end header boards ("headache racks") protect
you from your cargo in case of a crash or emergency
stop. Make sure the front-end structure is in good
condition. The front-end structure should block the
forward movement of any cargo you carry.
3.3.4 – Covering Cargo
There are two basic reasons for covering cargo:
To protect people from spilled cargo.
To protect the cargo from weather.
Spill protection is a safety requirement in many
states. Be familiar with the laws in the states you
drive in.
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 block
your view or someone else's.

Figure 3.1 3.3.5 – Sealed and Containerized Loads

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Containerized loads generally are used when freight

is carried part way by rail or ship. Delivery by truck
Section 3
occurs at the beginning and / or end of the journey.
Test Your Knowledge
Some containers have their own tiedown devices or
locks that attach directly to a special frame. Others 1. What four things related to cargo are drivers
have to be loaded onto flatbed trailers. They must be responsible for?
properly secured just like any other cargo. 2. How often must you stop while on the road to
You cannot inspect sealed loads, but you should check your cargo?
check that you don't exceed gross weight and axle 3. How is Gross Combination Weight Rating
weight limits. different from Gross Combination Weight?
3.4 – Cargo Needing Special Attention 4. Name two situations where legal maximum
weights may not be safe.
3.4.1 – Dry Bulk
5. What can happen if you don't have enough
Dry bulk tanks require special care because they weight on the front axle?
have a high center of gravity, and the load can shift. 6. What is the minimum number of tie-downs for
Be extremely cautious (slow and careful) going any flatbed load?
around curves and making sharp turns.
7. What is the minimum number of tie-downs for a
3.4.2 – Hanging Meat 20-foot load?
Hanging meat (suspended beef, pork, lamb) in a 8. Name the two basic reasons for covering cargo
refrigerated truck can be a very unstable load with a on an open bed.
high center of gravity. Particular caution is needed 9. What must you check before transporting a
on sharp curves such as off ramps and on ramps. Go sealed load?
slowly.
These questions may be on your test. If you can't
3.4.3 – Livestock answer them all, re-read Section 3
Livestock can move around in a trailer, causing
unsafe handling. With less than a full load, use false
bulkheads to keep livestock bunched together. Even
when bunched, special care is necessary because
livestock can lean on curves. This shifts the center of
gravity and makes rollover more likely.
3.4.4 – Oversized Loads
Over-length, over-width, and / or overweight loads
require special transit permits. Driving is usually
limited to certain times. Special equipment may be
necessary such as "wide load" signs, flashing lights,
flags, etc. Such loads may require a police escort or
pilot vehicles bearing warning signs and / or flashing
lights. These special loads require special driving
care.

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6 fusees or 3 liquid burning flares) required by law.

Section 4 The bus must also have spare electrical fuses,
TRANSPORTING unless equipped with circuit breakers.
4.1.2 – Access Doors and Panels
PASSENGERS SAFELY As you check the outside of the bus, close any open
emergency exits. Also, close any open access
This Section Covers panels (for baggage, restroom service, engine, etc.)
before driving.
• Vehicle Inspection 4.1.3 – Bus Interior
• Loading People sometimes damage unattended buses.
• On the Road Always check the interior of the bus before driving to
• After-trip Vehicle Inspection ensure rider safety. Aisles and stairwells should
always be clear. The following parts of your bus must
• Prohibited Practices be in safe working condition:
• Use of Brake-door Interlocks Each handhold and railing.
Bus drivers must have a commercial driver license if
Floor covering.
they drive a vehicle designed to seat more than 16
or more persons, including the driver. Signaling devices, including the restroom
emergency buzzer, if the bus has a restroom.
Bus drivers must have a passenger endorsement on
their commercial driver license. To get the Emergency exit handles.
endorsement you must pass a knowledge test on The seats must be safe for riders. All seats must be
Sections 2 and 4 of this manual. (If your bus has air securely fastened to the bus.
brakes, you must also pass a knowledge test on
Never drive with an open emergency exit door or
Section 5.) You must also pass the skills tests
window. The "Emergency Exit" sign on an
required for the class of vehicle you drive.
emergency door must be clearly visible. If there is a
red emergency door light, it must work. Turn it on at
4.1 – Vehicle Inspection night or any other time you use your outside lights.
Before driving your bus, you must be sure it is safe.
4.1.4 – Roof Hatches
You must review the inspection report made by the
previous driver. Only if defects reported earlier have You may lock some emergency roof hatches in a
been certified as repaired or not needed to be partly open position for fresh air. Do not leave them
repaired, should you sign the previous driver's open as a regular practice. Keep in mind the bus's
report. This is your certification that the defects higher clearance while driving with them open.
reported earlier have been fixed. 4.1.5 – Use Your Seatbelt!
4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems The driver's seat should have a seat belt. Always use
Make sure these things are in good working order it for safety.
before driving:
Service brakes, including air hose couplings (if your 4.2 – Loading and Trip Start
bus has a trailer or semitrailer). Do not allow riders to leave carry-on baggage in a
Parking brake. doorway or aisle. There should be nothing in the
aisle that might trip other riders. Secure baggage and
Steering mechanism. freight in ways that avoid damage and:
Lights and reflectors. Allow the driver to move freely and easily.
Tires (front wheels must not have recapped or re- Allow riders to exit by any window or door in an
grooved tires). emergency.
Horn. Protect riders from injury if carry-ons fall or shift.
Windshield wiper or wipers.
4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials
Rear-vision mirror or mirrors.
Watch for cargo or baggage containing hazardous
Coupling devices (if present). materials. Most hazardous materials cannot be
Wheels and rims. carried on a bus.
Emergency equipment. The Federal Hazardous Materials Table shows
which materials are hazardous. They pose a risk to
Make sure your bus has the fire extinguisher and
health, safety, and property during transportation.
emergency reflectors (3 reflective triangles or at least
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The rules require shippers to mark containers of Riders sometimes board a bus with an unlabeled
hazardous material with the material's name, hazardous material. Do not allow riders to carry on
identification number, and hazard label. There are common hazards such as car batteries or gasoline.
nine different four-inch, diamond-shaped hazard
4.2.3 – Standee Line
labels. See Figure 4.1. Watch for the diamond-
shaped labels. Do not transport any hazardous No rider may stand forward of the rear of the driver's
material unless you are sure the rules allow it. seat. Buses designed to allow standing must have a
two-inch line on the floor or some other means of
Hazard Class Definitions showing riders where they cannot stand. This is
Class Class Name Example called the standee line. All standing riders must stay
Ammunition, behind it.
1 Explosives Dynamite,
4.2.4 – At Your Destination
Fireworks
Propane, Oxygen, When arriving at the destination or intermediate
2 Gases stops announce:
Helium
Gasoline Fuel, The location.
3 Flammable
Acetone
Reason for stopping.
Flammable
4 Matches, Fuses Next departure time.
Solids
Ammonium Bus number.
5 Oxidizers Nitrate, Hydrogen
Remind riders to take carry-ons with them if they get
Peroxide
off the bus. If the aisle is on a lower level than the
Pesticides, seats, remind riders of the step-down. It is best to tell
6 Poisons
Arsenic them before coming to a complete stop.
Uranium,
7 Radioactive Charter bus drivers should not allow riders on the
Plutonium
Hydrochloric Acid, bus until departure time. This will help prevent theft
8 Corrosives or vandalism of the bus.
Battery Acid
Miscellaneous 4.3 – On the Road
Formaldehyde,
9 Hazardous
Asbestos 4.3.1 – Passenger Supervision
Materials
ORM-D (Other Many charter and intercity carriers have passenger
Regulated Hair Spray or comfort and safety rules. Mention rules about
None
Material- Charcoal smoking, drinking, or use of radio and tape players
Domestic) at the start of the trip. Explaining the rules at the start
Combustible Fuel Oils, Lighter will help to avoid trouble later on.
None
Liquids Fluid
While driving, scan the interior of your bus as well as
Figure 4.1 the road ahead, to the sides, and to the rear. You
may have to remind riders about rules, or to keep
4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials arms and heads inside the bus.
Buses may carry small-arms ammunition labeled 4.3.2 – At Stops
ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies, and drugs. Riders can stumble when getting on or off, and when
You can carry small amounts of some other the bus starts or stops. Caution riders to watch their
hazardous materials if the shipper cannot send them step when leaving the bus. Wait for them to sit down
any other way. Buses must never carry: or brace themselves before starting. Starting and
Division 2.3 poison gas, liquid Class 6 poison, tear stopping should be as smooth as possible to avoid
gas, irritating material. rider injury.
More than 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poisons. Occasionally, you may have a drunk or disruptive
Explosives in the space occupied by people, except rider. You must ensure this rider's safety as well as
small arms ammunition. that of others. Don't discharge such riders where it
would be unsafe for them. It may be safer at the next
Labeled radioactive materials in the space occupied scheduled stop or a well-lighted area where there are
by people. other people. Many carriers have guidelines for
More than 500 pounds total of allowed hazardous handling disruptive riders.
materials, and no more than 100 pounds of any one 4.3.3 – Common Accidents
class.
The Most Common Bus Accidents. Bus accidents
often happen at intersections. Use caution, even if a
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signal or stop sign controls other traffic. School and must specify each bus and list any defect that would
mass transit buses sometimes scrape off mirrors or affect safety or result in a breakdown. If there are no
hit passing vehicles when pulling out from a bus stop. defects, the report should say so.
Remember the clearance your bus needs, and watch Riders sometimes damage safety-related parts such
for poles and tree limbs at stops. Know the size of as handholds, seats, emergency exits, and windows.
the gap your bus needs to accelerate and merge with If you report this damage at the end of a shift,
traffic. Wait for the gap to open before leaving the mechanics can make repairs before the bus goes out
stop. Never assume other drivers will brake to give again. Mass transit drivers should also make sure
you room when you signal or start to pull out. passenger signaling devices and brake-door
4.3.4 – Speed on Curves interlocks work properly.
Crashes on curves that kill people and destroy buses
result from excessive speed, often when rain or snow 4.5 – Prohibited Practices
has made the road slippery. Every banked curve has Avoid fueling your bus with riders on board unless
a safe "design speed." In good weather, the posted absolutely necessary. Never refuel in a closed
speed is safe for cars but it may be too high for many building with riders on board.
buses. With good traction, the bus may roll over; with Don't talk with riders, or engage in any other
poor traction, it might slide off the curve. Reduce distracting activity, while driving.
speed for curves! If your bus leans toward the
outside on a banked curve, you are driving too fast. Do not tow or push a disabled bus with riders aboard
the vehicle, unless getting off would be unsafe. Only
4.3.5 – Railroad-highway Crossing / Stops tow or push the bus to the nearest safe spot to
Stop at RR Crossings: discharge passengers. Follow your employer's
Stop your bus between 15 and 50 feet before railroad guidelines on towing or pushing disabled buses.
crossings.
4.6 – Use of Brake-door Interlocks
Listen and look in both directions for trains. You
should open your forward door if it improves your Urban mass transit coaches may have a brake and
ability to see or hear an approaching train. accelerator interlock system. The interlock applies
the brakes and holds the throttle in idle position when
Before crossing after a train has passed, make sure the rear door is open. The interlock releases when
there isn't another train coming in the other direction you close the rear door. Do not use this safety
on other tracks. feature in place of the parking brake.
If your bus has a manual transmission, never change
gears while crossing the tracks.
You do not have to stop, but must slow down and Section 4
carefully check for other vehicles: Test Your Knowledge
1. Name some things to check in the interior of a
At streetcar crossings.
bus during a Vehicle inspection.
Where a policeman or flagman is directing traffic.
2. What are some hazardous materials you can
If a traffic signal is green. transport by bus?
At crossings marked as "exempt" or "abandoned." 3. What are some hazardous materials you can’t
transport by bus?
4.3.6 – Drawbridges
4. What is a standee line?
Stop at Drawbridges. Stop at drawbridges that do
5. Does it matter where you make a disruptive
not have a signal light or traffic control attendant.
passenger get off the bus?
Stop at least 50 feet before the draw of the bridge.
Look to make sure the draw is completely closed 6. How far from a railroad crossing should you
before crossing. You do not need to stop, but must stop?
slow down and make sure it's safe, when: 7. When must you stop before crossing a
There is a traffic light showing green. drawbridge?
The bridge has an attendant or traffic officer who 8. Describe from memory the “prohibited practices”
controls traffic whenever the bridge opens. listed in the manual.
9. The rear door of a transit bus has to be open to
4.4 – After-trip Vehicle Inspection put on the parking brake. True or False?
Inspect your bus at the end of each shift. If you work These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
for an interstate carrier, you must complete a written answer them all, re-read Section 4.
inspection report for each bus driven. The report

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psi), the governor allows the compressor to start

Section 5 pumping again.
AIR BRAKES 5.1.3 – Air Storage Tanks
Air storage tanks are used to hold compressed air.
This Section Covers The number and size of air tanks varies among
vehicles. The tanks will hold enough air to allow the
• Air Brake System Parts brakes to be used several times, even if the
compressor stops working.
• Dual Air Brake Systems
• Inspecting Air Brakes 5.1.4 – Air Tank Drains
• Using Air Brakes Compressed air usually has some water and some
compressor oil in it, which is bad for the air brake
system. For example, the water can freeze in cold
This section tells you about air brakes. If you want to
weather and cause brake failure. The water and oil
drive a truck or bus with air brakes, or pull a trailer
tend to collect in the bottom of the air tank. Be sure
with air brakes, you need to read this section. If you
that you drain the air tanks completely. Each air tank
want to pull a trailer with air brakes, you also need to
is equipped with a drain valve in the bottom. There
read Section 6, Combination Vehicles.
are two types:
Air brakes use compressed air to make the brakes
Manually operated by turning a quarter turn or by
work. Air brakes are a good and safe way of stopping
pulling a cable. You must drain the tanks yourself at
large and heavy vehicles, but the brakes must be
the end of each day of driving. See Figure 5.1.
well maintained and used properly.
Automatic--the water and oil are automatically
Air brakes are really three different braking systems:
expelled. These tanks may be equipped for manual
service brake, parking brake, and emergency brake.
draining as well.
The service brake system applies and releases the
Automatic air tanks are available with electric heating
brakes when you use the brake pedal during normal
devices. These help prevent freezing of the
driving.
automatic drain in cold weather.
The parking brake system applies and releases the
parking brakes when you use the parking brake
control.
The emergency brake system uses parts of the
service and parking brake systems to stop the
vehicle in a brake system failure.
The parts of these systems are discussed in greater
detail below.
5.1 – The Parts of an Air Brake System
There are many parts to an air brake system. You
should know about the parts discussed here.
5.1.1 – Air Compressor
Figure 5.1
The air compressor pumps air into the air storage
tanks (reservoirs). The air compressor is connected 5.1.5 – Alcohol Evaporator
to the engine through gears or a v-belt. The Some air brake systems have an alcohol evaporator
compressor may be air cooled or may be cooled by to put alcohol into the air system. This helps to
the engine cooling system. It may have its own oil reduce the risk of ice in air brake valves and other
supply or be lubricated by engine oil. If the parts during cold weather. Ice inside the system can
compressor has its own oil supply, check the oil level make the brakes stop working.
before driving.
Check the alcohol container and fill up as necessary,
5.1.2 – Air Compressor Governor every day during cold weather. Daily air tank
The governor controls when the air compressor will drainage is still needed to get rid of water and oil.
pump air into the air storage tanks. When air tank (Unless the system has automatic drain valves.)
pressure rises to the "cut-out" level (around 125 5.1.6 – Safety Valve
pounds per-square-inch or "psi"), the governor stops
A safety relief valve is installed in the first tank the air
the compressor from pumping air. When the tank
compressor pumps air to. The safety valve protects
pressure falls to the "cut-in" pressure (around 100
the tank and the rest of the system from too much
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pressure. The valve is usually set to open at 150 psi. Wedge Brakes. In this type of brake, the brake
If the safety valve releases air, something is wrong. chamber push rod pushes a wedge directly between
Have the fault fixed by a mechanic. the ends of two brake shoes. This shoves them apart
and against the inside of the brake drum. Wedge
5.1.7 – The Brake Pedal
brakes may have a single brake chamber, or two
You put on the brakes by pushing down the brake brake chambers, pushing wedges in at both ends of
pedal. (It is also called the foot valve or treadle the brake shoes. Wedge type brakes may be self-
valve.) Pushing the pedal down harder applies more adjusting or may require manual adjustment.
air pressure. Letting up on the brake pedal reduces
the air pressure and releases the brakes. Releasing Disc Brakes. In air-operated disc brakes, air
the brakes lets some compressed air go out of the pressure acts on a brake chamber and slack
system, so the air pressure in the tanks is reduced. adjuster, like s-cam brakes. But instead of the s-cam,
It must be made up by the air compressor. Pressing a "power screw" is used. The pressure of the brake
and releasing the pedal unnecessarily can let air out chamber on the slack adjuster turns the power
faster than the compressor can replace it. If the screw. The power screw clamps the disc or rotor
pressure gets too low, the brakes won't work. between the brake lining pads of a caliper, similar to
a large c-clamp.
5.1.8 – Foundation Brakes Wedge brakes and disc brakes are less common
Foundation brakes are used at each wheel. The than s-cam brakes.
most common type is the s-cam drum brake. The 5.1.9 – Supply Pressure Gauges
parts of the brake are discussed below.
All vehicles with air brakes have a pressure gauge
Brake Drums, Shoes, and Linings. Brake drums connected to the air tank. If the vehicle has a dual air
are located on each end of the vehicle's axles. The brake system, there will be a gauge for each half of
wheels are bolted to the drums. The braking the system. (Or a single gauge with two needles.)
mechanism is inside the drum. To stop, the brake Dual systems will be discussed later. These gauges
shoes and linings are pushed against the inside of tell you how much pressure is in the air tanks.
the drum. This causes friction, which slows the
vehicle (and creates heat). The heat a drum can take 5.1.10 – Application Pressure Gauge
without damage depends on how hard and how long This gauge shows how much air pressure you are
the brakes are used. Too much heat can make the applying to the brakes. (This gauge is not on all
brakes stop working. vehicles.) Increasing application pressure to hold the
same speed means the brakes are fading. You
S-cam Brakes. When you push the brake pedal, air
should slow down and use a lower gear. The need
is let into each brake chamber. Air pressure pushes
for increased pressure can also be caused by brakes
the rod out, moving the slack adjuster, thus twisting
out of adjustment, air leaks, or mechanical problems.
the brake camshaft. This turns the s-cam (so called
because it is shaped like the letter "S"). The s-cam 5.1.11 – Low Air Pressure Warning
forces the brake shoes away from one another and A low air pressure warning signal is required on
presses them against the inside of the brake drum. vehicles with air brakes. A warning signal you can
When you release the brake pedal, the s-cam rotates see must come on before the air pressure in the
back and a spring pulls the brake shoes away from tanks falls below 60 psi. (Or one half the compressor
the drum, letting the wheels roll freely again. See governor cutout pressure on older vehicles.) The
Figure 5.2. warning is usually a red light. A buzzer may also
come on.
Another type of warning is the "wig wag." This device
drops a mechanical arm into your view when the
pressure in the system drops below 60 psi. An
automatic wig wag will rise out of your view when the
pressure in the system goes above 60 psi. The
manual reset type must be placed in the "out of view"
position manually. It will not stay in place until the
pressure in the system is above 60 psi.
On large buses it is common for the low pressure
warning devices to signal at 80-85 psi.
5.1.12 – Stop Light Switch
Drivers behind you must be warned when you put
your brakes on. The air brake system does this with
Figure 5.2 an electric switch that works by air pressure. The
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switch turns on the brake lights when you put on the the air pressure. Many brake systems are designed
air brakes. so this will not happen. But not all systems are set up
that way, and those that are may not always work. It
5.1.13 – Front Brake Limiting Valve
is much better to develop the habit of not pushing the
Some older vehicles (made before 1975) have a brake pedal down when the spring brakes are on.
front brake limiting valve and a control in the cab.
The control is usually marked "normal" and Modulating Control Valves. In some vehicles a
"slippery." When you put the control in the "slippery" control handle on the dash board may be used to
position, the limiting valve cuts the "normal" air apply the spring brakes gradually. This is called a
pressure to the front brakes by half. Limiting valves modulating valve. It is spring-loaded so you have a
were used to reduce the chance of the front wheels feel for the braking action. The more you move the
skidding on slippery surfaces. However, they actually control lever, the harder the spring brakes come on.
reduce the stopping power of the vehicle. Front They work this way so you can control the spring
wheel braking is good under all conditions. Tests brakes if the service brakes fail. When parking a
have shown front wheel skids from braking are not vehicle with a modulating control valve, move the
likely even on ice. Make sure the control is in the lever as far as it will go and hold it in place with the
"normal" position to have normal stopping power. locking device.
Many vehicles have automatic front wheel limiting Dual Parking Control Valves. When main air
valves. They reduce the air to the front brakes except pressure is lost, the spring brakes come on. Some
when the brakes are put on very hard (60 psi or more vehicles, such as buses, have a separate air tank
application pressure). These valves cannot be which can be used to release the spring brakes. This
controlled by the driver. is so you can move the vehicle in an emergency.
One of the valves is a push-pull type and is used to
5.1.14 – Spring Brakes
put on the spring brakes for parking. The other valve
All trucks, truck tractors, and buses must be is spring loaded in the "out" position. When you push
equipped with emergency brakes and parking the control in, air from the separate air tank releases
brakes. They must be held on by mechanical force the spring brakes so you can move. When you
(because air pressure can eventually leak away). release the button, the spring brakes come on again.
Spring brakes are usually used to meet these needs. There is only enough air in the separate tank to do
When driving, powerful springs are held back by air this a few times. Therefore, plan carefully when
pressure. If the air pressure is removed, the springs moving. Otherwise, you may be stopped in a
put on the brakes. A parking brake control in the cab dangerous location when the separate air supply
allows the driver to let the air out of the spring brakes. runs out. See Figure 5.3.
This lets the springs put the brakes on. A leak in the
air brake system, which causes all the air to be lost,
will also cause the springs to put on the brakes.
Tractor and straight truck spring brakes will come
fully on when air pressure drops to a range of 20 to
45 psi (typically 20 to 30 psi). Do not wait for the
brakes to come on automatically. When the low air
pressure warning light and buzzer first come on,
bring the vehicle to a safe stop right away, while you
can still control the brakes.
The braking power of spring brakes depends on the
brakes being in adjustment. If the brakes are not
adjusted properly, neither the regular brakes nor the
emergency / parking brakes will work right.
5.1.15 – Parking Brake Controls
In newer vehicles with air brakes, you put on the
parking brakes using a diamond-shaped, yellow,
push-pull control knob. You pull the knob out to put
the parking brakes (spring brakes) on, and push it in
to release them. On older vehicles, the parking
brakes may be controlled by a lever. Use the parking
brakes whenever you park.
Caution. Never push the brake pedal down when the
spring brakes are on. If you do, the brakes could be
damaged by the combined forces of the springs and Figure 5.3
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5.1.16 – Antilock Braking Systems (ABS)

Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after March
1, 1997, and other air brakes vehicles, (trucks, Subsection 5.1
buses, trailers, and converter dollies) built on or after Test Your Knowledge
March 1, 1998, are required to be equipped with
antilock brakes. Many commercial vehicles built 1. Why must air tanks be drained?
before these dates have been voluntarily equipped 2. What is a supply pressure gauge used for?
with ABS. Check the certification label for the date of 3. All vehicles with air brakes must have a low
manufacture to determine if your vehicle is equipped air pressure warning signal. True or False?
with ABS. ABS is a computerized system that keeps
4. What are spring brakes?
your wheels from locking up during hard brake
applications. 5. Front wheel brakes are good under all
conditions. True or False?
Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to
tell you if something isn’t working. 6. How do you know if your vehicle is equipped
with antilock brakes?
Tractors, trucks, and buses will have yellow ABS
malfunction lamps on the instrument panel. These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
answer them all, re-read subsection 5.1.
Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on
the left side, either on the front or rear corner. Dollies
manufactured on or after March 1, 1998 are required
to have a lamp on the left side.
On newer vehicles, the malfunction lamp comes on
at start-up for a bulb check, and then goes out
quickly. On older systems, the lamp could stay on
until you are driving over five mph.
If the lamp stays on after the bulb check, or goes on
once you are under way, you may have lost ABS
control at one or more wheels.
In the case of towed units manufactured before it
was required by the Department of Transportation, it
may be difficult to tell if the unit is equipped with ABS.
Look under the vehicle for the electronic control unit
(ECU) and wheel speed sensor wires coming from
the back of the brakes.
ABS is an addition to your normal brakes. It does not
decrease or increase your normal braking capability.
ABS only activates when wheels are about to lock
up.
ABS does not necessarily shorten your stopping
distance, but it does help you keep the vehicle under
control during hard braking

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Figure 5.4

5.2 – Dual Air Brake The warning light and buzzer should come on before
the air pressure drops below 60 psi in either system.
Most heavy-duty vehicles use dual air brake systems
If this happens while driving, you should stop right
for safety. A dual air brake system has two separate
away and safely park the vehicle. If one air system is
air brake systems, which use a single set of brake
very low on pressure, either the front or the rear
controls. Each system has its own air tanks, hoses,
brakes will not be operating fully. This means it will
lines, etc. One system typically operates the regular
take you longer to stop. Bring the vehicle to a safe
brakes on the rear axle or axles. The other system
stop, and have the air brakes system fixed.
operates the regular brakes on the front axle (and
possibly one rear axle). Both systems supply air to
the trailer (if there is one). The first system is called 5.3 – Inspecting Air Brake Systems
the "primary" system. The other is called the You should use the basic seven-step inspection
"secondary" system. See Figure 5.4.Before driving a procedure described in Section 2 to inspect your
vehicle with a dual air system, allow time for the air vehicle. There are more things to inspect on a
compressor to build up a minimum of 100 psi vehicle with air brakes than one without them. These
pressure in both the primary and secondary systems. things are discussed below, in the order they fit into
Watch the primary and secondary air pressure the seven-step method.
gauges (or needles, if the system has two needles in
one gauge). Pay attention to the low air pressure 5.3.1 – During Step 2 Engine Compartment
warning light and buzzer. The warning light and Checks
buzzer should shut off when air pressure in both Check Air Compressor Drive Belt (if compressor is
systems rises to a value set by the manufacturer. belt-driven). If the air compressor is belt-driven,
This value must be greater than 60 psi. check the condition and tightness of the belt. It
should be in good condition.
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5.3.2 – During Step 5 Walk-around Inspection not broken or missing. Check the air hoses
Check Slack Adjusters on S-cam Brakes. Park on connected to the brake chambers to make sure they
level ground and chock the wheels to prevent the aren't cut or worn due to rubbing.
vehicle from moving. Release the parking brakes so 5.3.3 – Step 7 Final Air Brake Check
you can move the slack adjusters. Use gloves and
Do the following checks instead of the hydraulic
pull hard on each slack adjuster that you can reach.
brake check shown in Section 2, Step 7: Check
If a slack adjuster moves more than about one inch
Brake System.
where the push rod attaches to it, it probably needs
adjustment. Adjust it or have it adjusted. Vehicles Check Air Compressor Governor Cut-in and Cut-
with too much brake slack can be very hard to stop. out Pressures. Pumping by the air compressor
Out-of-adjustment brakes are the most common should start at about 100 psi and stop at about 125
problem found in roadside inspections. Be safe. psi. (Check manufacturer's specifications.) Run the
Check the slack adjusters. engine at a fast idle. The air governor should cut-out
the air compressor at about the manufacturer's
All vehicles built since 1994 have automatic slack
specified pressure. The air pressure shown by your
adjustors. Even though automatic slack adjustors
gauge(s) will stop rising. With the engine idling, step
adjust themselves during full brake applications, they
on and off the brake to reduce the air tank pressure.
must be checked.
The compressor should cut-in at about the
Automatic adjusters should not have to be manually manufacturer's specified cut-in pressure. The
adjusted except when performing maintenance on pressure should begin to rise.
the brakes and during installation of the slack
If the air governor does not work as described above,
adjusters. In a vehicle equipped with automatic
it may need to be fixed. A governor that does not
adjusters, when the pushrod stroke exceeds the
work properly may not keep enough air pressure for
legal brake adjustment limit, it is an indication that a
safe driving.
mechanical problem exists in the adjuster itself, a
problem with the related foundation brake Test Air Leakage Rate. With a fully-charged air
components, or that the adjuster was improperly system (typically 125 psi), turn off the engine,
installed. release the parking brake (push in); and time the air
The manual adjustment of an automatic adjuster to pressure drop. The loss rate should be less than two
bring a brake pushrod stroke within legal limits is psi in one minute for single vehicles and less than
generally masking a mechanical problem and is not three psi in one minute for combination vehicles.
fixing it. Further, routine adjustment of most With the air pressure built up to governor cutoff (120
automatic adjusters will likely result in premature – 140 psi), shut off the engine, chock your wheels (if
wear of the adjuster itself. It is recommended that necessary), release the parking brake (all vehicles),
when brakes equipped with automatic adjusters are and the tractor protection valve (combination
found to be out of adjustment, the driver take the vehicle); and fully apply the foot brake. Hold the foot
vehicle to a repair facility as soon as possible to have brake for one minute. Check the air gauge to see if
the problem corrected. The manual adjustment of the air pressure drops more than three pounds in one
automatic slack adjusters is dangerous because it minute (single vehicle) or four pounds in one minute
may give the driver a false sense of security (combination vehicle). If the air pressure falls more
regarding the effectiveness of the braking system. than three psi in one minute for single vehicles (more
The manual adjustment of an automatic adjuster than four psi for combination vehicles), the air loss
should only be used as a temporary measure to rate is too much. Check for air leaks and fix before
correct the adjustment in an emergency situation as driving the vehicle. Otherwise, you could lose your
it is likely the brake will soon be back out of brakes while driving.
adjustment since this procedure usually does not fix Test Low Pressure Warning Signal. Shut the
the underlying adjustment problem. engine off when you have enough air pressure so
(Note: Automatic slack adjusters are made by that the low pressure warning signal is not on. Turn
different manufacturers and do not all operate the the electrical power on and step on and off the brake
same. Therefore, the specific manufacturer’s pedal to reduce air tank pressure. The low air
Service Manual should be consulted prior to pressure warning signal must come on before the
troubleshooting a brake adjustment problem.) pressure drops to less than 60 psi in the air tank (or
tank with the lowest air pressure, in dual air
Check Brake Drums (or Discs), Linings, and systems). See Figure 5.5.
Hoses. Brake drums (or discs) must not have cracks
longer than one half the width of the friction area. If the warning signal doesn't work, you could lose air
Linings (friction material) must not be loose or pressure and you would not know it. This could
soaked with oil or grease. They must not be cause sudden emergency braking in a single-circuit
dangerously thin. Mechanical parts must be in place, air system. In dual systems the stopping distance will

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be increased. Only limited braking can be done slowly (about five mph), and apply the brakes firmly
before the spring brakes come on. using the brake pedal. Note any vehicle "pulling" to
one side, unusual feel, or delayed stopping action.
This test may show you problems, which you
otherwise wouldn't know about until you needed the
brakes on the road.

Subsections 5.2 and 5.3

Test Your Knowledge
1. What is a dual air brake system?
2. What are the slack adjusters?
3. How can you check slack adjusters?
4. How can you test the low pressure warning
signal?
5. How can you check that the spring brakes come
on automatically?
6. What are the maximum leakage rates?
These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
answer them all, re-read subsections 5.2 and 5.3.

5.4 – Using Air Brakes

Figure 5.5
5.4.1 – Normal Stops
Check That Spring Brakes Come On Push the brake pedal down. Control the pressure so
Automatically. Continue to fan off the air pressure the vehicle comes to a smooth, safe stop. If you have
by stepping on and off the brake pedal to reduce tank a manual transmission, don't push the clutch in until
pressure. The tractor protection valve and parking the engine rpm is down close to idle. When stopped,
brake valve should close (pop out) on a tractor-trailer select a starting gear.
combination vehicle and the parking brake valve
5.4.2 – Braking with Antilock Brakes
should close (pop out) on other combination and
single vehicle types when the air pressure falls to the When you brake hard on slippery surfaces in a
manufacturer’s specification (20 – 45 psi). This will vehicle without ABS, your wheels may lock up. When
cause the spring brakes to come on. your steering wheels lock up, you lose steering
control. When your other wheels lock up, you may
Check Rate of Air Pressure Buildup. When the
skid, jackknife, or even spin the vehicle.
engine is at operating rpms, the pressure should
build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds in dual air ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up. The computer
systems. (If the vehicle has larger than minimum air senses impending lockup, reduces the braking
tanks, the buildup time can be longer and still be pressure to a safe level, and you maintain control.
safe. Check the manufacturer's specifications.) In You may or may not be able to stop faster with ABS,
single air systems (pre-1975), typical requirements but you should be able to steer around an obstacle
are pressure build-up from 50 to 90 psi within 3 while braking, and avoid skids caused by over
minutes with the engine at an idle speed of 600-900 braking.
rpms.
Having ABS on only the tractor, only the trailer, or
If air pressure does not build up fast enough, your even on only one axle, still gives you more control
pressure may drop too low during driving, requiring over the vehicle during braking. Brake normally.
an emergency stop. Don't drive until you get the
problem fixed. When only the tractor has ABS, you should be able
to maintain steering control, and there is less chance
Test Parking Brake. Stop the vehicle, put the of jackknifing. But, keep your eye on the trailer and
parking brake on, and gently pull against it in a low let up on the brakes (if you can safely do so) if it
gear to test that the parking brake will hold. begins to swing out.
Test Service Brakes. Wait for normal air pressure, When only the trailer has ABS, the trailer is less likely
release the parking brake, move the vehicle forward to swing out, but if you lose steering control or start

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a tractor jackknife, let up on the brakes (if you can for vehicles with air brake systems is made up of four
safely do so) until you gain control. different factors.
When you drive a tractor-trailer combination with Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Brake
ABS, you should brake as you always have. In other Lag Distance + Braking Distance = Total Stopping
words: Distance.
Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely The air brake lag distance at 55 mph on dry
and stay in control. pavement adds about 32 feet. So at 55 mph for an
Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have average driver under good traction and brake
ABS on the tractor, the trailer, or both. conditions, the total stopping distance is over 450
feet. See Figure 5.6.
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.
There is only one exception to this procedure, if you
always drive a straight truck or combination with
working ABS on all axles, in an emergency stop, you
can fully apply the brakes.
Without ABS, you still have normal brake functions.
Drive and brake as you always have.
Remember, if your ABS malfunctions, you still have
regular brakes. Drive normally, but get the system
serviced soon.
5.4.3 – Emergency Stops
If somebody suddenly pulls out in front of you, your
natural response is to hit the brakes. This is a good
response if there's enough distance to stop, and you
use the brakes correctly.
You should brake in a way that will keep your vehicle
in a straight line and allow you to turn if it becomes
necessary. You can use the "controlled braking" Figure 5.6
method or the "stab braking" method.
5.4.5 – Brake Fading or Failure
Controlled Braking. With this method, you apply the
Brakes are designed so brake shoes or pads rub
brakes as hard as you can without locking the
against the brake drum or disks to slow the vehicle.
wheels. Keep steering wheel movements very small
Braking creates heat, but brakes are designed to
while doing this. If you need to make a larger steering
take a lot of heat. However, brakes can fade or fail
adjustment or if the wheels lock, release the brakes.
from excessive heat caused by using them too much
Re-apply the brakes as soon as you can.
and not relying on the engine braking effect.
Stab Braking. Apply your brakes all the way. Excessive use of the service brakes results in
Release brakes when wheels lock up. As soon as the overheating and leads to brake fade. Brake fade
wheels start rolling, apply the brakes fully again. (It results from excessive heat causing chemical
can take up to one second for the wheels to start changes in the brake lining, which reduce friction,
rolling after you release the brakes. If you re-apply and also causing expansion of the brake drums. As
the brakes before the wheels start rolling, the vehicle the overheated drums expand, the brake shoes and
won't straighten out.) linings have to move farther to contact the drums,
5.4.4 – Stopping Distance and the force of this contact is reduced. Continued
overuse may increase brake fade until the vehicle
Stopping distance was described in Section 2 under cannot be slowed down or stopped.
"Speed and Stopping Distance." With air brakes
there is an added delay - “Brake Lag”. This is the time Brake fade is also affected by adjustment. To safely
required for the brakes to work after the brake pedal control a vehicle, every brake must do its share of
is pushed. With hydraulic brakes (used on cars and the work. Brakes out of adjustment will stop doing
light / medium trucks), the brakes work instantly. their share before those that are in adjustment. The
However, with air brakes, it takes a little time (one other brakes can then overheat and fade, and there
half second or more) for the air to flow through the will not be enough braking available to control the
lines to the brakes. Thus, the total stopping distance vehicle(s). Brakes can get out of adjustment quickly,

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especially when they are hot. Therefore, check brake brakes are wet, use the brakes lightly while driving in
adjustment often. a low gear to heat and dry them.
5.4.6 – Proper Braking Technique If your vehicle does not have automatic air tank
drains, drain your air tanks at the end of each
Remember. The use of brakes on a long and / or
working day to remove moisture and oil. Otherwise,
steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking
the brakes could fail.
effect of the engine. Once the vehicle is in the proper
Never leave your vehicle unattended without
low gear, the following is the proper braking
applying the parking brakes or chocking the
technique:
wheels. Your vehicle might roll away and cause
Apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite injury and damage.
slowdown.
When your speed has been reduced to
approximately five mph below your "safe" speed, Subsection 5.4
release the brakes. (This application should last for Test Your Knowledge
about three seconds.)
1. Why should you be in the proper gear before
When your speed has increased to your "safe"
starting down a hill?
speed, repeat steps 1 and 2.
2. What factors can cause brakes to fade or fail?
For example, if your "safe" speed is 40 mph, you
would not apply the brakes until your speed reaches 3. The use of brakes on a long, steep downgrade
40 mph. You now apply the brakes hard enough to is only a supplement to the braking effect of the
gradually reduce your speed to 35 mph and then engine. True or False?
release the brakes. Repeat this as often as 4. If you are away from your vehicle only a short
necessary until you have reached the end of the time, you do not need to use the parking brake.
downgrade. True or False?
5.4.7 – Low Air Pressure 5. How often should you drain air tanks?
If the low air pressure warning comes on, stop and 6. How should you brake when you drive a
safely park your vehicle as soon as possible. There tractor-trailer combination with ABS?
might be an air leak in the system. Controlled braking 7. You still have normal brake functions if your
is possible only while enough air remains in the air ABS is not working. True or False?
tanks. The spring brakes will come on when the air These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
pressure drops into the range of 20 to 45 psi. A answer them all, re-read subsection 5.4.
heavily loaded vehicle will take a long distance to
stop because the spring brakes do not work on all
axles. Lightly loaded vehicles or vehicles on slippery
roads may skid out of control when the spring brakes
come on. It is much safer to stop while there is
enough air in the tanks to use the foot brakes.
5.4.8 – Parking Brakes
Any time you park, use the parking brakes, except as
noted below. Pull the parking brake control knob out
to apply the parking brakes, push it in to release. The
control will be a yellow, diamond-shaped knob
labeled "parking brakes" on newer vehicles. On older
vehicles, it may be a round blue knob or some other
shape (including a lever that swings from side to side
or up and down).
Don't use the parking brakes if the brakes are very
hot (from just having come down a steep grade), or
if the brakes are very wet in freezing temperatures.
If they are used while they are very hot, they can be
damaged by the heat. If they are used in freezing
temperatures when the brakes are very wet, they can
freeze so the vehicle cannot move. Use wheel
chocks on a level surface to hold the vehicle. Let hot
brakes cool before using the parking brakes. If the

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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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6.1.2 – Steer Gently

Section 6 Trucks with trailers have a dangerous "crack-the-
COMBINATION VEHICLES whip" effect. When you make a quick lane change,
the crack-the-whip effect can turn the trailer over.
This Section Covers There are many accidents where only the trailer has
overturned.
• Driving Combinations "Rearward amplification" causes the crack-the-whip
effect. Figure 6.1 shows eight types of combination
• Combination Vehicle Air Brakes vehicles and the rearward amplification each has in
• Antilock Brake Systems a quick lane change. Rigs with the least crack-the-
• Coupling and Uncoupling whip effect are shown at the top and those with the
most, at the bottom. Rearward amplification of 2.0 in
• Inspecting Combinations
the chart means that the rear trailer is twice as likely
This section provides information needed to pass the to turn over as the tractor. You can see that triples
tests for combination vehicles (tractor-trailer, have a rearward amplification of 3.5. This means you
doubles, triples, straight truck with trailer). The can roll the last trailer of triples 3.5 times as easily as
information is only to give you the minimum a five-axle tractor.
knowledge needed for driving common combination Steer gently and smoothly when you are pulling
vehicles. You should also study Section 7 if you need trailers. If you make a sudden movement with your
to pass the test for doubles and triples. steering wheel, your trailer could tip over. Follow far
6.1 – Driving Combination Vehicles enough behind other vehicles (at least 1 second for
each 10 feet of your vehicle length, plus another
Safely second if going over 40 mph). Look far enough down
Combination vehicles are usually heavier, longer, the road to avoid being surprised and having to make
and require more driving skill than single commercial a sudden lane change. At night, drive slowly enough
vehicles. This means that drivers of combination to see obstacles with your headlights before it is too
vehicles need more knowledge and skill than drivers late to change lanes or stop gently. Slow down to a
of single vehicles. In this section, we talk about some safe speed before going into a turn.
important safety factors that apply specifically to
combination vehicles. 6.1.3 – Brake Early
Control your speed whether fully loaded or empty.
6.1.1 – Rollover Risks Large combination vehicles take longer to stop when
More than half of truck driver deaths in crashes are they are empty than when they are fully loaded.
the result of truck rollovers. When more cargo is piled When lightly loaded, the very stiff suspension springs
up in a truck, the "center of gravity" moves higher up and strong brakes give poor traction and make it very
from the road. The truck becomes easier to turn over. easy to lock up the wheels. Your trailer can swing out
Fully loaded rigs are ten times more likely to roll over and strike other vehicles. Your tractor can jackknife
in a crash than empty rigs. very quickly. You also must be very careful about
The following two things will help you prevent driving "bobtail" tractors (tractors without
rollover--keep the cargo as close to the ground as semitrailers). Tests have shown that bobtails can be
possible, and drive slowly around turns. Keeping very hard to stop smoothly. It takes them longer to
cargo low is even more important in combination stop than a tractor-semitrailer loaded to maximum
vehicles than in straight trucks. Also, keep the load gross weight.
centered on your rig. If the load is to one side so it In any combination rig, allow lots of following
makes a trailer lean, a rollover is more likely. Make distance and look far ahead, so you can brake early.
sure your cargo is centered and spread out as much Don't be caught by surprise and have to make a
as possible. (Cargo distribution is covered in Section "panic" stop.
3 of this manual.)
Rollovers happen when you turn too fast. Drive
slowly around corners, on ramps, and off ramps.
Avoid quick lane changes, especially when fully
loaded.

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Figure 6.1

6.1.4 – Railroad-highway Crossings

Railroad-highway crossings can also cause
problems, particularly when pulling trailers with low
underneath clearance.
These trailers can get stuck on raised crossings:
Low slung units (lowboy, car carrier, moving van,
possum-belly livestock trailer).
Single-axle tractor pulling a long trailer with its
landing gear set to accommodate a tandem-axle
tractor.
If for any reason you get stuck on the tracks, get out
of the vehicle and away from the tracks. Check
signposts or signal housing at the crossing for
emergency notification information. Call 911 or other
emergency number. Give the location of the crossing
using all identifiable landmarks, especially the DOT
number, if posted.
6.1.5 – Prevent Trailer Skids
When the wheels of a trailer lock up, the trailer will
tend to swing around. This is more likely to happen
when the trailer is empty or lightly loaded. This type
of jackknife is often called a "trailer jackknife." See
Figure 6.2.
Figure 6.2

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The procedure for stopping a trailer skid is:

Recognize the Skid. The earliest and best way to
recognize that the trailer has started to skid is by
seeing it in your mirrors. Any time you apply the
brakes hard, check the mirrors to make sure the
trailer is staying where it should be. Once the trailer
swings out of your lane, it's very difficult to prevent a
jackknife.
* (From R.D. Ervin, R.L. Nisconger, C.C. MacAdam,
and P.S. Fancher, “Influence of size and weight
variables on the stability and control properties of
heavy trucks, “University of Michigan Transportation
Research Institute, 1983).
Figure 6.4
Stop Using the Brake. Release the brakes to get
traction back. Do not use the trailer hand brake (if 6.1.7 – Backing with a Trailer.
you have one) to "straighten out the rig." This is the
wrong thing to do since the brakes on the trailer Backing with a Trailer. When backing a car, straight
wheels caused the skid in the first place. Once the truck, or bus, you turn the top of the steering wheel
trailer wheels grip the road again, the trailer will start in the direction you want to go. When backing a
to follow the tractor and straighten out. trailer, you turn the steering wheel in the opposite
direction. Once the trailer starts to turn, you must turn
6.1.6 – Turn Wide the wheel the other way to follow the trailer.
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 wheels. your vehicle so you can back in a straight line. If you
This is called off-tracking or "cheating." Figure 6.3 must back on a curved path, back to the driver's side
shows how off-tracking causes the path followed by so you can see. See Figure 6.5.
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. This is better than swinging wide
to the left before starting the turn because it will keep
other drivers from passing you on the right. See
Figure 6.4.

Figure 6.3 Figure 6.5

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Look at Your Path. Look at your line of travel before that don't have spring brakes). Always use the
you begin. Get out and walk around the vehicle. parking brakes when parking. If the trailer does not
Check your clearance to the sides and overhead, in have spring brakes, use wheel chocks to keep the
and near the path your vehicle. trailer from moving.
Use Mirrors on Both Sides. Check the outside 6.2.2 – Tractor Protection Valve
mirrors on both sides frequently. Get out of the The tractor protection valve keeps air in the tractor or
vehicle and re-inspect your path if you are unsure. truck brake system should the trailer break away or
Back Slowly. This will let you make corrections develop a bad leak. The tractor protection valve is
before you get too far off course. controlled by the "trailer air supply" control valve in
the cab. The control valve allows you to open and
Correct Drift Immediately. As soon as you see the shut the tractor protection valve. The tractor
trailer getting off the proper path, correct it by turning protection valve will close automatically if air
the top of the steering wheel in the direction of the pressure is low (in the range of 20 to 45 psi). When
drift. the tractor protection valve closes, it stops any air
Pull Forward. When backing a trailer, make pull-ups from going out of the tractor. It also lets the air out of
to re-position your vehicle as needed. the trailer emergency line. This causes the trailer
emergency brakes to come on, with possible loss of
control. (Emergency brakes are covered later.)
Subsection 6.1 6.2.3 – Trailer Air Supply Control
Test Your Knowledge
The trailer air supply control on newer vehicles is a
1. What two things are important to prevent red eight-sided knob, which you use to control the
rollover? tractor protection valve. You push it in to supply the
2. When you turn suddenly while pulling trailer with air, and pull it out to shut the air off and
doubles, which trailer is most likely to turn put on the trailer emergency brakes. The valve will
over? pop out (thus closing the tractor protection valve)
when the air pressure drops into the range of 20 to
3. Why should you not use the trailer hand
45 psi. Tractor protection valve controls or
brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer?
"emergency" valves on older vehicles may not
4. What is off-tracking? operate automatically. There may be a lever rather
5. When you back a trailer, you should position than a knob. The "normal" position is used for pulling
your vehicle so you can back in a curved a trailer. The "emergency" position is used to shut
path to the driver’s side. True or False? the air off and put on the trailer emergency brakes.
6. What type of trailers can get stuck on 6.2.4 – Trailer Air-lines
railroad-highway crossings?
Every combination vehicle has two air-lines, the
These questions may be on your test. If you can’t service line and the emergency line. They run
answer them all, re-read subsection 6.1. between each vehicle (tractor to trailer, trailer to
dolly, dolly to second trailer, etc.)
Service Air-line. The service line (also called the
6.2 – Combination Vehicle Air Brakes control line or signal line) carries air, which is
You should study Section 5: Air Brakes before controlled by the foot brake or the trailer hand brake.
reading this. In combination vehicles the braking Depending on how hard you press the foot brake or
system has parts to control the trailer brakes, in hand valve, the pressure in the service line will
addition to the parts described in Section 5. These similarly change. The service line is connected to
parts are described below. relay valves. These valves allow the trailer brakes to
be applied more quickly than would otherwise be
6.2.1 – Trailer Hand Valve
possible.
The trailer hand valve (also called the trolley valve or
Johnson bar) works the trailer brakes. The trailer Emergency Air-line. The emergency line (also
hand valve should be used only to test the trailer called the supply line) has two purposes. First, it
brakes. Do not use it in driving because of the danger supplies air to the trailer air tanks. Second, the
of making the trailer skid. The foot brake sends air to emergency line controls the emergency brakes on
all of the brakes on the vehicle (including the combination vehicles. Loss of air pressure in the
trailer(s)). There is much less danger of causing a emergency line causes the trailer emergency brakes
skid or jackknife when using just the foot brake. to come on. The pressure loss could be caused by a
trailer breaking loose, thus tearing apart the
Never use the hand valve for parking because all the emergency air hose. Or it could be caused by a hose,
air might leak out unlocking the brakes (in trailers metal tubing, or other part breaking, letting the air
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out. When the emergency line loses pressure, it also don't release when you push the trailer air supply
causes the tractor protection valve to close (the air control, check the air-line connections.
supply knob will pop out). Older trailers do not have spring brakes. If the air
Emergency lines are often coded with the color red supply in the trailer air tank has leaked away there
(red hose, red couplers, or other parts) to keep from will be no emergency brakes, and the trailer wheels
getting them mixed up with the blue service line. will turn freely. If you crossed the air-lines, you could
6.2.5 – Hose Couplers (Glad Hands) drive away but you wouldn't have trailer brakes. This
would be very dangerous. Always test the trailer
Glad hands are coupling devices used to connect the
brakes before driving with the hand valve or by
service and emergency air-lines from the truck or
pulling the air supply (tractor protection valve)
tractor to the trailer. The couplers have a rubber seal,
control. Pull gently against them in a low gear to
which prevents air from escaping. Clean the couplers
make sure the brakes work.
and rubber seals before a connection is made. When
connecting the glad hands, press the two seals Some vehicles have "dead end" or dummy couplers
together with the couplers at a 90 degree angle to to which the hoses may be attached when they are
each other. A turn of the glad hand attached to the not in use. This will prevent water and dirt from
hose will join and lock the couplers. getting into the coupler and the air-lines. Use the
dummy couplers when the air-lines are not
When coupling, make sure to couple the proper glad
connected to a trailer. If there are no dummy
hands together. To help avoid mistakes, colors are
couplers, the glad hands can sometimes be locked
sometimes used. Blue is used for the service lines
together (depending on the couplings). It is very
and red for the emergency (supply) lines.
important to keep the air supply clean.
Sometimes, metal tags are attached to the lines with
the words "service" and "emergency" stamped on 6.2.6 – Trailer Air Tanks
them. See Figure 6.6 Each trailer and converter dolly has one or more air
tanks. They are filled by the emergency (supply) line
from the tractor. They provide the air pressure used
to operate trailer brakes. Air pressure is sent from the
air tanks to the brakes by relay valves.
The pressure in the service line tells how much
pressure the relay valves should send to the trailer
brakes. The pressure in the service line is controlled
by the brake pedal (and the trailer hand brake).
It is important that you don't let water and oil build up
in the air tanks. If you do, the brakes may not work
correctly. Each tank has a drain valve on it and you
should drain each tank every day. If your tanks have
automatic drains, they will keep most moisture out.
But you should still open the drains to make sure.
6.2.7 – Shut-off Valves
Shut-off valves (also called cut-out cocks) are used
in the service and supply air-lines at the back of
trailers used to tow other trailers. These valves
permit closing the air-lines off when another trailer is
not being towed. You must check that all shut-off
valves are in the open position except the ones at the
back of the last trailer, which must be closed.
6.2.8 – Trailer Service, Parking and Emergency
Brakes
Newer trailers have spring brakes just like trucks and
Figure 6.6 truck tractors. However, converter dollies and trailers
built before 1975 are not required to have spring
If you do cross the air-lines, supply air will be sent to brakes. Those that do not have spring brakes have
the service line instead of going to charge the trailer emergency brakes, which work from the air stored in
air tanks. Air will not be available to release the trailer the trailer air tank. The emergency brakes come on
spring brakes (parking brakes). If the spring brakes whenever air pressure in the emergency line is lost.
These trailers have no parking brake. The
emergency brakes come on whenever the air supply
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knob is pulled out or the trailer is disconnected. A

major leak in the emergency line will cause the
tractor protection valve to close and the trailer
emergency brakes to come on. But the brakes will
hold only as long as there is air pressure in the trailer
air tank. Eventually, the air will leak away and then
there will be no brakes. Therefore, it is very important
for safety that you use wheel chocks when you park
trailers without spring brakes.
You may not notice a major leak in the service line
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 emergency brakes
will come on.

Subsection 6.2
Test Your Knowledge
1. Why should you not use the trailer hand
valve while driving?
2. Describe what the trailer air supply control
does.
3. Describe what the service line is for.
4. What is the emergency air-line for?
Figure 6.7
5. Why should you use chocks when parking a
trailer without spring brakes? 6.3.2 – Braking with ABS
6. Where are shut-off valves?
ABS is an addition to your normal brakes. It does not
These questions may be on your test. If you can’t decrease or increase your normal braking capability.
answer them all, re-read subsection 6.2. ABS only activates when wheels are about to lock
up.
ABS does not necessarily shorten your stopping
6.3 – Antilock Brake Systems distance, but it does help you keep the vehicle under
control during hard braking.
6.3.1 – Trailers Required to Have ABS
ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up. The computer
All trailers and converter dollies built on or after
senses impending lockup, reduces the braking
March 1, 1998, are required to have ABS. However,
pressure to a safe level, and you maintain control.
many trailers and converter dollies built before this
date have been voluntarily equipped with ABS. Having ABS on only the trailer, or even on only one
axle, still gives you more control over the vehicle
Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on
during braking.
the left side, either on the front or rear corner. See
Figure 6.7. Dollies manufactured on or after March When only the trailer has ABS, the trailer is less likely
1, 1998, are required to have a lamp on the left side. to swing out, but if you lose steering control or start
a tractor jackknife, let up on the brakes (if you can
In the case of vehicles manufactured before the
safely do so) until you gain control.
required date, it may be difficult to tell if the unit is
equipped with ABS. Look under the vehicle for the When you drive a tractor-trailer combination with
ECU and wheel speed sensor wires coming from the ABS, you should brake as you always have. In other
back of the brakes. words:
Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely
and stay in control.
Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have
ABS on the tractor, the trailer, or both.
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.

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Remember, if your ABS malfunctions, you still have Step 6. Check Trailer Height
regular brakes. Drive normally, but get the system The trailer should be low enough that it is raised
serviced soon. slightly by the tractor when the tractor is backed
ABS won’t allow you to drive faster, follow more under it. Raise or lower the trailer as needed. (If the
closely, or drive less carefully. trailer is too low, the tractor may strike and damage
the trailer nose; if the trailer is too high, it may not
6.4 – Coupling and Uncoupling couple correctly.)
Knowing how to couple and uncouple correctly is Check that the kingpin and fifth wheel are aligned.
basic to safe operation of combination vehicles.
Wrong coupling and uncoupling can be very Step 7. Connect Air-lines to Trailer
dangerous. General coupling and uncoupling steps Check glad hand seals and connect tractor
are listed below. There are differences between emergency air-line to trailer emergency glad hand.
different rigs, so learn the details of coupling and
Check glad hand seals and connect tractor service
uncoupling the truck(s) you will operate.
air-line to trailer service glad hand.
6.4.1 – Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers Make sure air-lines are safely supported where they
Step 1. Inspect Fifth Wheel won't be crushed or caught while tractor is backing
under the trailer.
Check for damaged / missing parts.
Check to see that mounting to tractor is secure, no Step 8. Supply Air to Trailer
cracks in frame, etc. From cab, push in "air supply" knob or move tractor
Be sure that the fifth wheel plate is greased as protection valve control from the "emergency" to the
required. Failure to keep the fifth wheel plate "normal" position to supply air to the trailer brake
lubricated could cause steering problems because of system.
friction between the tractor and trailer. Wait until the air pressure is normal.
Check if fifth wheel is in proper position for coupling: Check brake system for crossed air-lines.
Wheel tilted down toward rear of tractor. Shut engine off so you can hear the brakes.
Jaws open. Apply and release trailer brakes and listen for sound
Safety unlocking handle in the automatic lock of trailer brakes being applied and released. You
position. should hear the brakes move when applied and air
escape when the brakes are released.
If you have a sliding fifth wheel, make sure it is
locked. Check air brake system pressure gauge for signs of
major air loss.
Make sure the trailer kingpin is not bent or broken.
When you are sure trailer brakes are working, start
Step 2. Inspect Area and Chock Wheels engine.
Make sure area around the vehicle is clear. Make sure air pressure is up to normal.
Be sure trailer wheels are chocked or spring brakes Step 9. Lock Trailer Brakes
are on.
Pull out the "air supply" knob or move the tractor
Check that cargo (if any) is secured against protection valve control from "normal" to
movement due to tractor being coupled to the trailer. "emergency."
Step 3. Position Tractor Step 10. Back Under Trailer
Put the tractor directly in front of the trailer. (Never Use lowest reverse gear.
back under the trailer at an angle because you might
push the trailer sideways and break the landing Back tractor slowly under trailer to avoid hitting the
gear.) kingpin too hard.
Check position, using outside mirrors, by looking Stop when the kingpin is locked into the fifth wheel.
down both sides of the trailer. Step 11. Check Connection for Security
Step 4. Back Slowly Raise trailer landing gear slightly off ground.
Back until fifth wheel just touches the trailer. Pull tractor gently forward while the trailer brakes are
Don't hit the trailer. still locked to check that the trailer is locked onto the
tractor.
Step 5. Secure Tractor
Step 12. Secure Vehicle
Put on the parking brake.
Put transmission in neutral.
Put transmission in neutral.
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Put parking brakes on. Have tractor lined up with the trailer. (Pulling out at
Shut off engine and take key with you so someone an angle can damage landing gear.)
else won't move truck while you are under it. Step 2. Ease Pressure on Locking Jaws
Step 13. Inspect Coupling Shut off trailer air supply to lock trailer brakes.
Use a flashlight, if necessary. Ease pressure on fifth wheel locking jaws by backing
Make sure there is no space between upper and up gently. (This will help you release the fifth wheel
lower fifth wheel. If there is space, something is locking lever.)
wrong (kingpin may be on top of the closed fifth Put parking brakes on while tractor is pushing
wheel jaws, and trailer would come loose very against the kingpin. (This will hold rig with pressure
easily). off the locking jaws.)
Go under trailer and look into the back of the fifth Step 3. Chock Trailer Wheels
wheel. Make sure the fifth wheel jaws have closed
Chock the trailer wheels if the trailer doesn't have
around the shank of the kingpin.
spring brakes or if you're not sure. (The air could leak
Check that the locking lever is in the "lock" position. out of the trailer air tank, releasing its emergency
Check that the safety latch is in position over locking brakes. Without chocks, the trailer could move.)
lever. (On some fifth wheels the catch must be put in Step 4. Lower the Landing Gear
place by hand.)
If trailer is empty, lower the landing gear until it
If the coupling isn't right, don't drive the coupled unit; makes firm contact with the ground.
get it fixed.
If trailer is loaded, after the landing gear makes firm
Step 14. Connect the Electrical Cord and Check contact with the ground, turn crank in low gear a few
Air-lines extra turns. This will lift some weight off the tractor.
Plug the electrical cord into the trailer and fasten the (Do not lift trailer off the fifth wheel.) This will:
safety catch. Make it easier to unlatch fifth wheel.
Check both air-lines and electrical line for signs of Make it easier to couple next time.
damage.
Step 5. Disconnect Air-lines and Electrical Cable
Make sure air and electrical lines will not hit any
Disconnect air-lines from trailer. Connect air-line
moving parts of vehicle.
glad hands to dummy couplers at back of cab or
Step 15. Raise Front Trailer Supports (Landing couple them together.
Gear) Hang electrical cable with plug down to prevent
Use low gear range (if so equipped) to begin raising moisture from entering it.
the landing gear. Once free of weight, switch to the Make sure lines are supported so they won't be
high gear range. damaged while driving the tractor.
Raise the landing gear all the way up. (Never drive
Step 6. Unlock Fifth Wheel
with landing gear only part way up as it may catch on
railroad tracks or other things.) Raise the release handle lock.
After raising landing gear, secure the crank handle Pull the release handle to "open" position.
safely. Keep legs and feet clear of the rear tractor wheels to
When full weight of trailer is resting on tractor: avoid serious injury in case the vehicle moves.
Check for enough clearance between rear of tractor Step 7. Pull Tractor Partially Clear of Trailer
frame and landing gear. (When tractor turns sharply, Pull tractor forward until fifth wheel comes out from
it must not hit landing gear.) under the trailer.
Check that there is enough clearance between the Stop with tractor frame under trailer (prevents trailer
top of the tractor tires and the nose of the trailer. from falling to ground if landing gear should collapse
Step 16. Remove Trailer Wheel Chocks or sink).
Remove and store wheel chocks in a safe place. Step 8. Secure Tractor
6.4.2 – Uncoupling Tractor-Semitrailers Apply parking brake.
The following steps will help you to uncouple safely. Place transmission in neutral.
Step 1. Position Rig Step 9. Inspect Trailer Supports
Make sure surface of parking area can support Make sure ground is supporting trailer.
weight of trailer. Make sure landing gear is not damaged.
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Step 10. Pull Tractor Clear of Trailer

Release parking brakes.
Check the area and drive tractor forward until it
clears.

Subsections 6.3 and 6.4

Test Your Knowledge
1. What might happen if the trailer is too high when
you try to couple?
2. After coupling, how much space should be
between the upper and lower fifth wheel?
3. You should look into the back of the fifth wheel
to see if it is locked onto the kingpin. True or
False?
4. To drive you need to raise the landing gear only
until it just lifts off the pavement. True or False?
5. How do you know if your trailer is equipped with
antilock brakes?
These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
answer them all, re-read subsections 6.3 and 6.4. Step 3. Lower Drawbar into Place
Position the drawbar eye over the horn of the pintle
hook and lower it into place.
6.4.3 Coupling a Pintle Hook
Step 4. Lock Pintle Hook
Step 1. Inspect Pintle Hook
Push the latch closed. When correctly locked, the
Before operating, check for worn, damaged, or lock handle will rotate and move up until it is flush
missing parts, and make sure mount is secure. with the top of the latch (Figure 19).
If the pintle hook is not secured to the mounting
surface, the pintle hook could separate from the
vehicle which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
Step 2. Unlock Lock Pin and Open Latch
Unlock and remove the tethered lock pin, if
applicable (Figure 16).

Insert the tethered lock pin through the latch and lock
holes, and close the tethered wire lock pin, if
applicable (Figure 16).
Failure to correctly lock the latch can result in
separation of the trailer and vehicle which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Lift the lock handle away from the vehicle until the 6.4.4 - Uncoupling a Pintle Hook
lock clears the lock seat on the hook body.
Step 1. Park on Level Surface
Open the latch by rotating the latch assembly up
Park the trailer on a firm level surface and block
toward the vehicle until the latch is in its most upright
trailer tires.
position, then release the lock handle. (Figure 17 and
18)

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Step 2. Disconnect Electrical Connector, Step 4. Rotate the Safety Cover Bar
Breakaway Brake Switch and Safety Chains Rotate the safety cover bar back inwards (4) and fit
Disconnect electrical connector. in safety lock screw (2) together with its self-locking
Disconnect breakaway brake switch lanyard. nut.
Disconnect safety chains from tow vehicle. Tighten in both the lock screws (2, 2a) together with
their relative self-locking nuts (12, 12a) at a 350 to
Step 3. Unlock the Coupler 400 Nm torque wrench setting.
Unlock the coupler and open it. Step 5. Adjust the Adjustment Screw
Step 4. Check Ground Surface for Correct Adjust the adjustment screw (3) until a 0.3 - 0.5 mm
Support vertical clearance between the guard disk (13) and
Before extending jack, make certain the ground the ball cup (6) is reached. Lock setting with counter
surface below the jack pad will support the tongue nut (11).
load.
Step 5. Rotate Jack Handle
Rotate jack handle to extend the jack and transfer
the weight of the trailer tongue to the jack.
Step 6. Raise Trailer Coupler
Raise the trailer coupler above the tow vehicle hitch.
Step 7. Drive Forward
Drive tow vehicle forward.
6.4.5 - Coupling a Drawbar

In the event that the safety cover bar (4) will not
perfectly lodge into its seating appropriately, travel is
strictly forbidden.

Step 1. Remove Safety Lock screw and Rotate

Safety Cover Bar
Remove safety lock screw (2), recover and keep the
relative self-locking nut (12) aside then also loosen
safety lock screw (2a) and turn out the adjustment
screw (3) by at least five turns.
Rotate the safety cover bar (4) outwards so that it is
completely open. Step 6. Protect Coupling Ball and Anchor Edge
onto Ball
Step 2. Reverse Truck
Protect the part that is still visible of the coupling ball
Reverse truck very slowly until the ball cup drawbar (5) with the rubber dust proof bellows protection
eye (6) is in position exactly above the drawbar cover (7). Accurately anchor the edge directly onto
coupling ball (5). the ball itself.
Step 3. Lower the Drawbeam Step 7. Lubricate the Drawbar Eye
Lower the drawbeam until the ball cup drawbar eye
(6) lies completely covering the drawbar coupling ball Lubricate the inside of the drawbar eye ball cup (6)
(5). directly through the grease nipple (18).

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6.4.6 - Uncoupling a Drawbar 6.4.8 Uncoupling a Gooseneck Hitch

Step 1. Turn Trailer Brake On Step 1. Remove Safety Pin and Clip
Make sure that the trailer brake is on. Simply remove safety pin and clip.
Step 2. Remove Cover and Loosen Screws Step 2. Rotate Handle and Raise Trailer Off Ball
Remove the rubber dust proof bellows protection Rotate handle to this position (Fig. B) and raise trailer
cover (7). off ball. Coupler will return to load position
Loosen the adjustment screw (3) and the counter nut automatically.
(11). Step 3. Install Safety Pin and Clip
Loosen safety lock screw (2a) and remove safety Install safety pin and clip. (Fig. B)
lock screw (2) together with its self-locking nut (12).
Step 3. Rotate Safety Cover Bar and Lift Trailer
Drawbeam
Rotate the safety cover bar (4) outwards so that it is
completely open.
Lift the trailer drawbeam until the drawbar coupling
ball (5) is fully visible, then travel forward with the
trailer very slowly.
Rotate the safety cover bar inwards (4) until it lodges
back in its housing.
Step 4. Lock Safety Screw and Tighten Self-
Locking Nut
Fit in safety lock screw (2) and tighten in self-locking 6.5 – Inspecting a Combination Vehicle
nut (12). Use the seven-step inspection procedure described
in Section 2 to inspect your combination vehicle.
6.4.7 - Coupling a Gooseneck Hitch
There are more things to inspect on a combination
If you are hooking up a Gooseneck or a fifth wheel vehicle than on a single vehicle. (For example, tires,
hitch, the procedure is a little different from a receiver wheels, lights, reflectors, etc.) However, there are
and ball, but it is not more difficult. also some new things to check. These are discussed
Step 1. Open the Latch and Lubricate the below.
Gooseneck Ball 6.5.1 – Additional Things to Check during a
Open the clamp latch on the Gooseneck coupler. Walk-around Inspection
Make sure that the Gooseneck ball is properly Do these checks in addition to those already listed in
lubricated. Section 2.
Step 2. Position Coupler and Latch the Clamp Coupling System Areas
Position the trailer's coupler directly over the ball and Check fifth wheel (lower).
lower the Gooseneck trailer into position and latch
Securely mounted to frame.
the clamp.
No missing or damaged parts.
Step 3. Attach Safety Chains
Enough grease.
Attach your safety chains. Remember that all trailers
are required by law to have safety chains. No visible space between upper and lower fifth
wheel.
Step 4. Connect Trailer Light Wiring
Locking jaws around the shank, not the head of
Connect your trailer light wiring to your vehicle's kingpin. See Figure 6.8.
connector.
Release arm properly seated and safety latch /
Check all of your lights, including your brake lights. lock engaged.
Step 5. Lower and Stow the Trailer Jacks
Completely lower and stow the trailer jacks, allowing
the weight to settle onto the tow vehicle.

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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 valve. Open
the service line valve to check that service pressure
goes through all the trailers (this test assumes that
the trailer handbrake or the service brake pedal is
on), and then close the valve. If you do NOT hear air
escaping from both lines, check that the shut-off
valves on the trailer(s) and dolly(ies) are in the OPEN
position. You MUST have air all the way to the back
for all the brakes to work.
Test Tractor Protection Valve. Charge the trailer
Air-brake system. (That is, build up normal air-
pressure and push the "air supply" knob in.) Shut the
engine off. Step on and off the brake pedal several
Figure 6.8 times to reduce the air pressure in the tanks. The
trailer air supply control (also called the tractor
Check fifth wheel (upper). protection valve control) should pop out (or go from
Glide plate securely mounted to trailer frame. "normal" to "emergency" position) when the air
Kingpin not damaged. pressure falls into the pressure range specified by
the manufacturer. (Usually within the range of 20 to
Air and electric lines to trailer. 45 psi.)
Electrical cord firmly plugged in and secured. If the tractor protection valve doesn't work right, an
Air-lines properly connected to glad hands, no air air hose or trailer brake leak could drain all the air
leaks, properly secured with enough slack for turns. from the tractor. This would cause the emergency
brakes to come on, with possible loss of control.
All lines free from damage.
Sliding fifth wheel. Test Trailer Emergency Brakes. Charge the trailer
air brake system and check that the trailer rolls
Slide not damaged or parts missing. freely. Then stop and pull out the trailer air supply
Properly greased. control (also called tractor protection valve control or
All locking pins present and locked in place. trailer emergency valve), or place it in the
"emergency" position. Pull gently on the trailer with
If air powered--no air leaks. the tractor to check that the trailer emergency brakes
Check that fifth wheel is not so far forward that tractor are on.
frame will hit landing gear, or the cab hit the trailer,
Test Trailer Service Brakes. Check for normal air
during turns.
pressure, release the parking brakes, move the
Landing Gear vehicle forward slowly, and apply trailer brakes with
Fully raised, no missing parts, not bent or otherwise the hand control (trolley valve), if so equipped. You
damaged. should feel the brakes come on. This tells you the
trailer brakes are connected and working. (The trailer
Crank handle in place and secured. brakes should be tested with the hand valve but
If power operated, no air or hydraulic leaks. controlled in normal operation with the foot pedal,
which applies air to the service brakes at all wheels.)
6.5.2 – Combination Vehicle Brake Check
Do these checks in addition to Section 5.3:
Inspecting Air Brake Systems. Subsection 6.5
The following section explains how to check air Test Your Knowledge
brakes on combination vehicles. Check the brakes 1. Which shut-off valves should be open and which
on a double or triple trailer as you would any closed?
combination vehicle. 2. How can you test that air flows to all trailers?
Check That Air Flows to All Trailers. Use the 3. How can you test the tractor protection valve?
tractor parking brake and / or chock the wheels to 4. How can you test the trailer emergency brakes?
hold the vehicle. Wait for air pressure to reach
normal, then push in the red "trailer air supply" knob. 5. How can you test the trailer service brakes?
This will supply air to the emergency (supply) lines. These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
Use the trailer handbrake to provide air to the service answer all of them, re-read subsection 6.5.
line. Go to the rear of the rig. Open the emergency

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7.1.5 – Manage Space

Section 7 Doubles and triples take up more space than other
DOUBLES AND TRIPLES commercial vehicles. They are not only longer, but
also need more space because they can't be turned
This Section Covers or stopped suddenly. Allow more following distance.
Make sure you have large enough gaps before
entering or crossing traffic. Be certain you are clear
• Pulling Double / Triple Trailers at the sides before changing lanes.
• Coupling and Uncoupling
7.1.6 – Adverse Conditions
• Inspecting Doubles and Triples
Be more careful in adverse conditions. In bad
• Checking Air Brakes weather, slippery conditions, and mountain driving,
you must be especially careful if you drive double
This section has information you need to pass the and triple bottoms. You will have greater length and
CDL knowledge test for driving safely with double more dead axles to pull with your drive axles than
and triple trailers. It tells about how important it is to other drivers. There is more chance for skids and
be very careful when driving with more than one loss of traction.
trailer, how to couple and uncouple correctly, and
about inspecting doubles and triples carefully. (You 7.1.7 – Parking the Vehicle
should also study Sections 2, 5, and 6.) Make sure you do not get in a spot you cannot pull
straight through. You need to be aware of how
7.1 – Pulling Double / Triple Trailers parking lots are arranged in order to avoid a long and
Take special care when pulling two and three trailers. difficult escape.
There are more things that can go wrong, and 7.1.8 – Antilock Braking Systems on Converter
doubles / triples are less stable than other Dollies
commercial vehicles. Some areas of concern are
Converter dollies built on or after March 1, 1998, are
discussed below.
required to have antilock brakes. These dollies will
7.1.1 – Prevent Trailer from Rolling Over have a yellow lamp on the left side of the dolly.
To prevent trailers from rolling over, you must steer 7.2 – Coupling and Uncoupling
gently and go slowly around corners, on ramps, off
ramps, and curves. A safe speed on a curve for a Knowing how to couple and uncouple correctly is
straight truck or a single trailer combination vehicle basic to safe operation of doubles and triples. Wrong
may be too fast for a set of doubles or triples. coupling and uncoupling can be very dangerous.
Coupling and uncoupling steps for doubles and
7.1.2 – Beware of the Crack-the-whip Effect triples are listed below.
Doubles and triples are more likely to turn over than 7.2.1 – Coupling Twin Trailers
other combination vehicles because of the "crack-
the-whip" effect. You must steer gently when pulling Secure Second (Rear) Trailer
trailers. The last trailer in a combination is most likely If the second trailer doesn't have spring brakes, drive
to turn over. If you don't understand the crack-the- the tractor close to the trailer, connect the
whip effect, study subsection 6.1.2 of this manual. emergency line, charge the trailer air tank, and
7.1.3 – Inspect Completely disconnect the emergency line. This will set the
trailer emergency brakes (if the slack adjusters are
There are more critical parts to check when you have correctly adjusted). Chock the wheels if you have
two or three trailers. Check them all. Follow the any doubt about the brakes.
procedures described later in this section.
For the safest handling on the road, the more heavily
7.1.4 – Look Far Ahead loaded semitrailer should be in first position behind
Doubles and triples must be driven very smoothly to the tractor. The lighter trailer should be in the rear.
avoid rollover or jackknife. Therefore, look far ahead
so you can slow down or change lanes gradually
when necessary.

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A converter gear on a dolly is a coupling device of Back converter dolly under rear trailer.
one or two axles and a fifth wheel by which a Raise landing gear slightly off ground to prevent
semitrailer can be coupled to the rear of a tractor- damage if trailer moves.
trailer combination forming a double bottom rig. See
Figure 7.1. 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
valves at rear of second trailer (service and
emergency shut-offs).
Open shut-off valves at rear of first trailer (and on
dolly if so equipped).
Raise landing gear completely.
Figure 7.1 Charge trailer brakes (push "air supply" knob in), and
check for air at rear of second trailer by opening the
Position Converter Dolly in Front of Second emergency line shut-off. If air pressure isn't there,
(Rear) Trailer something is wrong and the brakes won't work.
Release dolly brakes by opening the air tank 7.2.2 – Uncoupling Twin Trailers
petcock. (Or, if the dolly has spring brakes, use the
dolly parking brake control.) Uncouple Rear Trailer

If the distance is not too great, wheel the dolly into Park rig in a straight line on firm level ground.
position by hand so it is in line with the kingpin. Apply parking brakes so rig won't move.
Or, use the tractor and first semitrailer to pick up the Chock wheels of second trailer if it doesn't have
converter dolly: spring brakes.
Position combination as close as possible to Lower landing gear of second semitrailer enough to
converter dolly. remove some weight from dolly.
Move dolly to rear of first semitrailer and couple it to Close air shut-offs at rear of first semitrailer (and on
the trailer. dolly if so equipped).
Lock pintle hook. Disconnect all dolly air and electric lines and secure
Secure dolly support in raised position. them.

Pull dolly into position as close as possible to nose Release dolly brakes.
of the second semitrailer. Release converter dolly fifth wheel latch.
Lower dolly support. Slowly pull tractor, first semitrailer, and dolly forward
Unhook dolly from first trailer. to pull dolly out from under rear semitrailer.

Wheel dolly into position in front of second trailer in Uncouple Converter Dolly
line with the kingpin. Lower dolly landing gear.
Connect Converter Dolly to Front Trailer Disconnect safety chains.
Back first semitrailer into position in front of dolly Apply converter gear spring brakes or chock wheels.
tongue. Release pintle hook on first semi-trailer.
Hook dolly to front trailer. Slowly pull clear of dolly.
Lock pintle hook. Never unlock the pintle hook with the dolly still under
Secure converter gear support in raised position. the rear trailer. The dolly tow bar may fly up, possibly
causing injury, and making it very difficult to re-
Connect Converter Dolly to Rear Trailer couple.
Make sure trailer brakes are locked and / or wheels
chocked.
Make sure trailer height is correct. (It must be slightly
lower than the center of the fifth wheel, so trailer is
raised slightly when dolly is pushed under.)
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7.2.3 – Coupling and Uncoupling Triple Trailers Air and electric lines to trailer.
Couple Tractor/First Semitrailer to Second/Third Electrical cord firmly plugged in and secured.
Trailers Air-lines properly connected to glad hands, no air
Couple tractor to first trailer. Use the method already leaks, properly secured with enough slack for turns.
described for coupling tractor-semitrailers. All lines free from damage.
Move converter dolly into position and couple first Sliding fifth wheel.
trailer to second trailer using the method for coupling
Slide not damaged or parts missing.
doubles. Triples rig is now complete.
Properly greased.
Uncouple Triple-trailer Rig
All locking pins present and locked in place.
Uncouple third trailer by pulling the dolly out, then
unhitching the dolly using the method for uncoupling If air powered, no air leaks.
doubles. Check that fifth wheel is not so far forward that the
Uncouple remainder of rig as you would any double- tractor frame will hit landing gear, or cab will hit the
bottom rig using the method already described. trailer, during turns.
7.2.4 – Coupling and Uncoupling Other Landing Gear
Combinations Fully raised, no missing parts, not bent or otherwise
The methods described so far apply to the more damaged.
common tractor-trailer combinations. However, there Crank handle in place and secured.
are other ways of coupling and uncoupling the many
types of truck-trailer and tractor-trailer combinations If power operated, no air or hydraulic leaks.
that are in use. There are too many to cover in this Double and Triple Trailers
manual. You will need to learn the correct way to Shut-off valves (at rear of trailers, in service and
couple and uncouple the vehicle(s) you will drive
emergency lines).
according to the manufacturer and / or owner
specifications. Rear of front trailers: OPEN.
Rear of last trailer: CLOSED.
7.3 – Inspecting Doubles and Triples Converter dolly air tank drain valve: CLOSED.
Use the seven-step inspection procedure described
in Section 2 to inspect your combination vehicle. Be sure air-lines are supported and glad hands are
There are more things to inspect on a combination properly connected.
vehicle than on a single vehicle. Many of these items If spare tire is carried on converter gear (dolly), make
are simply more of what you would find on a single sure it's secured.
vehicle. (For example, tires, wheels, lights, Be sure pintle-eye of dolly is in place in pintle hook
reflectors, etc.) However, there are also some new of trailer(s).
things to check. These are discussed below.
Make sure pintle hook is latched.
7.3.1 – Additional Checks
Safety chains should be secured to trailer(s).
Do these checks in addition to those already listed in
Be sure light cords are firmly in sockets on trailers.
Section 2, Step 5: Do a Walk-around Inspection.
Coupling System Areas 7.3.2 – Additional Things to Check during a
Walk-around Inspection
Check fifth wheel (lower).
Do these checks in addition to subsection 5.3,
Securely mounted to frame. Inspecting Air Brake Systems.
No missing or damaged parts.
Enough grease. 7.4 – Doubles / Triples Air Brake Check
No visible space between upper and lower fifth Check the brakes on a double or triple trailer as you
wheel. would any combination vehicle. Subsection 6.5.2
explains how to check air brakes on combination
Locking jaws around the shank, not the head of
vehicles. You must also make the following checks
kingpin.
on your double or triple trailers
Release arm properly seated and safety latch / lock
engaged. 7.4.1 – Additional Air Brake Checks
Check fifth wheel (upper). Check That Air Flows to All Trailers (Double and
Triple Trailers). Use the tractor parking brake and /
Glide plate securely mounted to trailer frame.
or chock the wheels to hold the vehicle. Wait for air
Kingpin not damaged.
Section 7 - Doubles and Triples Page 7-3
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pressure to reach normal, then push in the red "trailer

air supply" knob. This will supply air to the
Section 7
emergency (supply) lines. Use the trailer handbrake
Test Your Knowledge
to provide air to the service line. Go to the rear of the
rig. Open the emergency line shut-off valve at the 1. What is a converter dolly?
rear of the last trailer. You should hear air escaping, 2. Do converter dollies have spring brakes?
showing the entire system is charged. Close the
emergency line valve. Open the service line valve to 3. What three methods can you use to secure a
check that service pressure goes through all the second trailer before coupling?
trailers (this test assumes that the trailer handbrake 4. How do you check to make sure trailer height
or the service brake pedal is on), and then close the is correct before coupling?
valve. If you do NOT hear air escaping from both 5. What do you check when making a visual
lines, check that the shut-off valves on the trailer(s) check of coupling?
and dolly(ies) are in the OPEN position. You MUST 6. Why should you pull a dolly out from under a
have air all the way to the back for all the brakes to trailer before you disconnect it from the trailer
work. in front?
Test Tractor Protection Valve. Charge the trailer 7. What should you check for when inspecting
air brake system. (That is, build up normal air the converter dolly? The pintle hook?
pressure and push the "air supply" knob in.) Shut the 8. Should the shut-off valves on the rear of the
engine off. Step on and off the brake pedal several last trailer be open or closed? On the first
times to reduce the air pressure in the tanks. The trailer in a set of doubles? On the middle trailer
trailer air supply control (also called the tractor of a set of triples?
protection valve control) should pop out (or go from
"normal" to "emergency" position) when the air 9. How can you test that air flows to all trailers?
pressure falls into the pressure range specified by 10. How do you know if your converter dolly is
the manufacturer. (Usually within the range of 20 to equipped with antilock brakes?
45 psi.) These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
If the tractor protection valve doesn't work properly, answer them all, re-read Section 7.
an air hose or trailer brake leak could drain all the air
from the tractor. This would cause the emergency
brakes to come on, with possible loss of control.
Test Trailer Emergency Brakes. Charge the trailer
air brake system and check that the trailer rolls
freely. Then stop and pull out the trailer air supply
control (also called tractor protection valve control or
trailer emergency valve) or place it in the
"emergency" position. Pull gently on the trailer with
the tractor to check that the trailer emergency brakes
are on.
Test Trailer Service Brakes. Check for normal air
pressure, release the parking brakes, move the
vehicle forward slowly, and apply trailer brakes with
the hand control (trolley valve), if so equipped. You
should feel the brakes come on. This tells you the
trailer brakes are connected and working. (The trailer
brakes should be tested with the hand valve, but
controlled in normal operation with the foot pedal,
which applies air to the service brakes at all wheels.)

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8.1.2 – Check Special Purpose Equipment

Section 8 If your vehicle has any of the following equipment,
TANK VEHICLES make sure it works:
Vapor recovery kits.
This Section Covers Grounding and bonding cables.
Emergency shut-off systems.
• Inspecting Tank Vehicles
Built in fire extinguisher.
• Driving Tank Vehicles
Never drive a tank vehicle with open valves or
• Safe Driving Rules manhole covers.

This section has information needed to pass the CDL 8.1.3 – Special Equipment
knowledge test for driving a tank vehicle. (You Check the emergency equipment required for your
should also study Sections 2, 5, 6, and 9). A tank vehicle. Find out what equipment you're required to
endorsement is required for certain vehicles that carry and make sure you have it (and it works).
transport liquids or gases. The liquid or gas does not
have to be a hazardous material. A tank 8.2 – Driving Tank Vehicles
endorsement is required if your vehicle needs a Hauling liquids in tanks requires special skills
Class A or B CDL and you want to haul a liquid or because of the high center of gravity and liquid
liquid gas in a tank or tanks having an individual movement. See Figure 8.1.
rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an
aggregate rated capacity of 1000 gallons or more
that is either permanently or temporarily attached to
the vehicle or the chassis. A tank endorsement is
also required for Class C vehicles when the vehicle
is used to transport hazardous materials in liquid or
gas form in the above described rated tanks.
Before loading, unloading, or driving a tanker,
inspect the vehicle. This makes sure that the vehicle
is safe to carry the liquid or gas and is safe to drive.

8.1 – Inspecting Tank Vehicles

Figure 8.1
Tank vehicles have special items that you need to
check. Tank vehicles come in many types and sizes.
8.2.1 – High Center of Gravity
You need to check the vehicle's operator manual to
make sure you know how to inspect your tank High center of gravity means that much of the load's
vehicle. weight is carried high up off the road. This makes the
vehicle top-heavy and easy to roll over. Liquid
8.1.1 – Leaks tankers are especially easy to roll over. Tests have
On all tank vehicles, the most important item to shown that tankers can turn over at the speed limits
check for is leaks. Check under and around the posted for curves. Take highway curves and on ramp
vehicle for signs of any leaking. Don't carry liquids or / off ramp curves well below the posted speeds.
gases in a leaking tank. To do so is a crime. You will
8.2.2 – Danger of Surge
be cited and prevented from driving further. You may
also be liable for the clean-up of any spill. In general, Liquid surge results from movement of the liquid in
check the following: partially filled tanks. This movement can have bad
effects on handling. For example, when coming to a
Check the tank's body or shell for dents or leaks.
stop, the liquid will surge back and forth. When the
Check the intake, discharge, and cut-off valves. wave hits the end of the tank, it tends to push the
Make sure the valves are in the correct position truck in the direction the wave is moving. If the truck
before loading, unloading, or moving the vehicle. is on a slippery surface such as ice, the wave can
Check pipes, connections, and hoses for leaks, shove a stopped truck out into an intersection. The
especially around joints. driver of a liquid tanker must be very familiar with the
handling of the vehicle.
Check manhole covers and vents. Make sure the
covers have gaskets and they close correctly. Keep
the vents clear so they work correctly.

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8.2.3 – Bulkheads Brake far in advance of a stop and increase your

Some liquid tanks are divided into several smaller following distance.
tanks by bulkheads. When loading and unloading the If you must make a quick stop to avoid a crash, use
smaller tanks, the driver must pay attention to weight controlled or stab braking. If you do not remember
distribution. Don't put too much weight on the front or how to stop using these methods, review subsection
rear of the vehicle. 2.17.2. Also, remember that if you steer quickly while
braking, your vehicle may roll over.
8.2.4 – Baffled Tanks
Baffled liquid tanks have bulkheads in them with 8.3.3 – Curves
holes that let the liquid flow through. The baffles help Slow down before curves, then accelerate slightly
to control the forward and backward liquid surge. through the curve. The posted speed for a curve may
Side-to-side surge can still occur. This can cause a be too fast for a tank vehicle.
roll over.
8.3.4 – Stopping Distance
8.2.5 – Un-baffled Tanks Keep in mind how much space you need to stop your
Un-baffled liquid tankers (sometimes called "smooth vehicle. Remember that wet roads double the normal
bore" tanks) have nothing inside to slow down the stopping distance. Empty tank vehicles may take
flow of the liquid. Therefore, forward-and-back surge longer to stop than full ones.
is very strong. Un-baffled tanks are usually those that
8.3.5 – Skids
transport food products (milk, for example).
(Sanitation regulations forbid the use of baffles Don't over steer, over accelerate, or over brake. If
because of the difficulty in cleaning the inside of the you do, your vehicle may skid. On tank trailers, if your
tank.) Be extremely cautious (slow and careful) in drive wheels or trailer wheels begin to skid, your
driving smooth bore tanks, especially when starting vehicle may jackknife. When any vehicle starts to
and stopping. skid, you must take action to restore traction to the
wheels.
8.2.6 – Outage
Never load a cargo tank totally full. Liquids expand
as they warm and you must leave room for the
expanding liquid. This is called "outage." Since Section 8
different liquids expand by different amounts, they Test Your Knowledge
require different amounts of outage. You must know 1. How are bulkheads different than baffles?
the outage requirement when hauling liquids in bulk. 2. Should a tank vehicle take curves, on ramps,
8.2.7 – How Much to Load? or off ramps at the posted speed limits?
A full tank of dense liquid (such as some acids) may 3. How are smooth bore tankers different to
exceed legal weight limits. For that reason, you may drive than those with baffles?
often only partially fill tanks with heavy liquids. The 4. What three things determine how much
amount of liquid to load into a tank depends on: liquid you can load?
The amount the liquid will expand in transit. 5. What is outage?
The weight of the liquid. 6. How can you help control surge?
Legal weight limits. 7. What two reasons make special care
necessary when driving tank vehicles?
8.3 – Safe Driving Rules These questions may be on the test. If you can't
In order to drive tank vehicles safely, you must answer them all, re-read Section 8.
remember to follow all the safe driving rules. A few
of these rules are:
8.3.1 – Drive Smoothly
Because of the high center of gravity and the surge
of the liquid, you must start, slow down, and stop very
smoothly. Also, make smooth turns and lane
changes.
8.3.2 – Controlling Surge
Keep a steady pressure on the brakes. Do not
release too soon when coming to a stop.

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Everything you need to know to pass the written test

Section 9 is in this section. However, this is only a beginning.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Most drivers need to know much more on the job.
You can learn more by reading and understanding
the federal and state rules applicable to hazardous
This Section Covers materials, as well as, attending hazardous materials
training courses. Your employer, colleges and
• The Intent of the Regulations universities, and various associations usually offer
• Bulk Tank Loading, Unloading, and these courses. You can get copies of the Federal
Regulations (49 CFR) through your local
Marking Government Printing Office bookstore and various
• Driver Responsibilities industry publishers. Union or company offices often
• Driving and Parking Rules have copies of the rules for driver use. Find out
• Communications Rules where you can get your own copy to use on the job.
• Emergencies The regulations require training and testing for all
drivers involved in transporting hazardous materials.
• Loading and Unloading Your employer or a designated representative is
required to provide this training and testing.
Hazardous materials are products that pose a risk to Hazardous materials employers are required to keep
health, safety, and property during transportation. a record of training for each employee as long as that
The term often is shortened to HAZMAT, which you employee is working with hazardous materials, and
may see on road signs, or to HM in government for 90 days thereafter. The regulations require that
regulations. Hazardous materials include explosives, hazardous materials employees be trained and
various types of gas, solids, flammable and tested at least once every three years.
combustible liquid, and other materials. Because of
All drivers must be trained in the security risks of
the risks involved and the potential consequences
hazardous materials transportation. This training
these risks impose, all levels of government regulate
must include how to recognize and respond to
the handling of hazardous materials.
possible security threats.
The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) is
The regulations also require that drivers have special
found in parts 171 - 180 of title 49 of the Code of
training before driving a vehicle transporting certain
Federal Regulations. The common reference for
flammable gas materials or highway route controlled
these regulations is 49 CFR 171 - 180
quantities of radioactive materials. In addition,
The Hazardous Materials Table in the regulations drivers transporting cargo tanks and portable tanks
contains a list of these items. However, this list is not must receive specialized training. Each driver’s
all-inclusive. Whether or not a material is considered employer or his or her designated representative
hazardous is based on its characteristics and the must provide such training.
shipper's decision on whether or not the material
Some locations require permits to transport certain
meets a definition of a hazardous material in the
explosives or bulk hazardous wastes. States and
regulations.
counties also may require drivers to follow special
The regulations require vehicles transporting certain hazardous materials routes. The federal government
types or quantities of hazardous materials to display may require permits or exemptions for special
diamond-shaped, square on point, warning signs hazardous materials cargo such as rocket fuel. Find
called placards. out about permits, exemptions, and special routes for
This section is designed to assist you in the places you drive.
understanding your role and responsibilities in
hauling hazardous materials. Due to the constantly 9.1 – The Intent of the Regulations
changing nature of government regulations, it is
9.1.1 – Contain the Material
impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the
materials in this section. An up-to-date copy of the Transporting hazardous materials can be risky. The
complete regulations is essential for you to have. regulations are intended to protect you, those around
Included in these regulations is a complete glossary you, and the environment. They tell shippers how to
of terms. package the materials safely and drivers how to load,
transport, and unload the material. These are called
You must have a commercial driver license (CDL)
"containment rules."
with a hazardous materials endorsement before you
drive any size vehicle that is used to transport 9.1.2 – Communicate the Risk
hazardous material as defined in 49 CFR 383.5. You To communicate the risk, shippers must warn drivers
must pass a written test about the regulations and and others about the material's hazards. The
requirements to get this endorsement.
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regulations require shippers to put hazard warning Prior to transportation, checks that the shipper
labels on packages, provide proper shipping papers, correctly described, marked, labeled, and otherwise
emergency response information, and placards. prepared the shipment for transportation.
These steps communicate the hazard to the shipper, Refuses improper shipments.
the carrier, and the driver.
9.2.3 – The Driver
9.1.3 – Assure Safe Drivers and Equipment
Makes sure the shipper has identified, marked, and
In order to get a hazardous materials endorsement labeled the hazardous materials properly.
on a CDL, you must pass a written test about
transporting hazardous materials. To pass the test, Refuses leaking packages and shipments.
you must know how to: Placards vehicle when loading, if required.
Identify what are hazardous materials. Safely transports the shipment without delay.
Safely load shipments. Follows all special rules about transporting
Properly placard your vehicle in accordance with the hazardous materials.
rules. Keeps hazardous materials shipping papers and
Safely transport shipments. emergency response information in the proper place.
Learn the rules and follow them. Following the rules Reports accidents and incidents involving hazardous
reduces the risk of injury from hazardous materials. materials to the proper government agency, when
Taking shortcuts by breaking rules is unsafe. Non- the accident / incident occurs while driver is in
compliance with regulations can result in fines and physical control of the shipment.
jail.
Inspect your vehicle before and during each trip. Law
enforcement officers may stop and inspect your
vehicle. When stopped, they may check your
shipping papers, vehicle placards, and the
hazardous materials endorsement on your driver
license, and your knowledge of hazardous materials.
9.2 – Hazardous Materials
Transportation—Who Does What
9.2.1 – The Shipper
Sends products from one place to another by truck,
rail, vessel, or airplane.
Uses the hazardous materials regulations to
determine the product’s:
Identification number
Proper shipping name.
Hazard class.
Packing group.
Correct packaging.
Correct label and markings.
Correct placards.
Must package, mark, and label the materials;
prepare shipping papers; provide emergency
response information; and supply placards.
Certify on the shipping paper that the shipment has
been prepared according to the rules (unless you are
pulling cargo tanks supplied by you or your
employer).
9.2.2 – The Carrier
Takes the shipment from the shipper to its
destination.

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9.3 – Communication Rules hazards of the materials you are transporting.

Firefighters and police can prevent or reduce the
9.3.1 – Definitions amount of damage or injury at the scene if they know
Some words and phrases have special meanings what hazardous materials are being carried. Your
when talking about hazardous materials. Some of life, and the lives of others, may depend on quickly
these may differ from meanings you are used to. The locating the hazardous materials shipping papers.
words and phrases in this section may be on your For that reason the rules require:
test. The meanings of other important words are in Shippers to describe hazardous materials correctly
the glossary at the end of Section 9. and include an emergency response telephone
A material's hazard class reflects the risks number on shipping papers.
associated with it. There are nine different hazard Carriers and drivers to quickly identify hazardous
classes. The types of materials included in these materials shipping papers, or keep them on top of
nine classes are in Figure 9.1. other shipping papers and keep the required
emergency response information with the shipping
Hazardous Materials Class papers.
Class

Division

Drivers to keep hazardous materials shipping

papers:
Name of Class or
Examples In a pouch on the driver's door, or
Division
1.1 Mass Explosion
Dynamite In clear view within immediate reach while the seat
1.2 Projection Hazard belt is fastened while driving, or
Flares
1.3 Fire Hazard
Display Fireworks
1 1.4 Minor Explosion
Ammunition
On the driver's seat when out of the vehicle.
1.5 Very Insensitive
Blasting Agents
1.6 Extremely
Explosive Devices
9.3.2 – Package Labels
Insensitive
Shippers put diamond-shaped hazard warning labels
2.1 Flammable Gases Propane on most hazardous materials packages. These
2
2.2 Non-Flammable Helium labels inform others of the hazard. If the diamond
Gases label won't fit on the package, shippers may put the
2.3 Poisonous/Toxic Fluorine, Compressed
Gases label on a tag securely attached to the package. For
3 - Flammable Liquids Gasoline example, compressed gas cylinders that will not hold
Flammable Solids
a label will have tags or decals. Labels look like the
4.1 Ammonium Picrate, examples in Figure 9.2.
Spontaneously
4.2 Wetted
4 Combustible
White Phosphorus
Dangerous When
4.3 Sodium
Wet

5.1 Oxidizers Ammonium Nitrate

5
5.2 Organic Peroxides Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Peroxide

6.1 Poison (Toxic Potassium Cyanide

6 Material)
6.2 Infectious Anthrax Virus
Substances
7 - Radioactive Uranium
8 - Corrosives Battery Fluid
Miscellaneous Polychlorinated
9 -
Hazardous Materials Biphenyls (PCB)
N
ORM-D (Other
o Food Flavorings,
- Regulated Material-
n Medicines
Domestic)
e
- Combustible Liquids Fuel Oil

Figure 9.1 Examples of HAZMAT Labels. Figure 9.2

A shipping paper describes the hazardous materials

being transported. Shipping orders, bills of lading,
and manifests are all shipping papers. Figure 9.6
shows an example shipping paper.
After an accident or hazardous materials spill or leak,
you may be injured and unable to communicate the
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9.3.3 – Lists of Regulated Products The Hazardous Materials Table. Figure 9.4 shows
part of the Hazardous Materials Table.
Placards. Placards are used to warn others of
hazardous materials. Placards are signs put on the Column 1 tells which shipping mode(s) the entry
outside of a vehicle and on bulk packages, which affects and other information concerning the
identify the hazard class of the cargo. A placarded shipping description. The next five columns show
vehicle must have at least four identical placards. each material's shipping name, hazard class or
They are put on the front, rear, and both sides of the division, identification number, packaging group, and
vehicle. See Figure 9.3. Placards must be readable required labels.
from all four directions. They are at least 250mm Six different symbols may appear in Column 1 of the
9.84 inches square, square-on-point, in a diamond table.
shape. Cargo tanks and other bulk packaging display (+) Shows the proper shipping name, hazard
the identification number of their contents on class, and packing group to use, even if the
placards or orange panels or white square-on-point material doesn't meet the hazard class
displays that are the same size as placards. definition.
(A) Means the hazardous material described in
Column 2 is subject to the HMR only when
offered or intended for transport by air
unless it is a hazardous substance or
hazardous waste.
(W) Means the hazardous material described in
Column 2 is subject to the HMR only when
offered or intended for transportation by
water unless it is a hazardous substance,
hazardous waste, or marine pollutant.
(D) Means the proper shipping name is
appropriate for describing materials for
domestic transportation, but may not be
proper for international transportation.
(I) Identifies a proper shipping name that is
used to describe materials in international
transportation. A different shipping name
may be used when only domestic
Examples of HAZMAT Placards transportation is involved.
Figure 9.3 (G) Means this hazardous material described in
Column 2 is a generic shipping name. A
Identification numbers are a four-digit code used by generic shipping name must be
first responders to identify hazardous materials. An accompanied by a technical name on the
identification number may be used to identify more shipping paper. A technical name is a
than one chemical. The letters “NA or “UN” will specific chemical that makes the product
precede the identification number. The United States hazardous
Department of Transportation’s Emergency Column 2 lists the proper shipping names and
Response Guidebook (ERG) lists the chemicals and descriptions of regulated materials. Entries are in
the identification numbers assigned to them. alphabetical order so you can more quickly find the
There are three main lists used by shippers, carriers, right entry. The table shows proper shipping names
and drivers when trying to identify hazardous in regular type. The shipping paper must show
materials. Before transporting a material, look for its proper shipping names. Names shown in italics are
name on three lists. Some materials are on all lists, not proper shipping names.
others on only one. Always check the following lists:
Section 172.101, the Hazardous Materials Table.
Appendix A to Section 172.101, the List of
Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities.
Appendix B to Section 172.101, the List of Marine
Pollutants.

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49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table

Packaging (173. ***)

Hazardous Materials Hazard Special

Identification Label
Symbols Description & Proper Class or PG Provisions
Numbers Codes
Shipping Names Division (172.102)
Non
Exceptions Bulk
Bulk

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8A) (8B) (8C)

A Acetaldehyde ammonia 9 UN1841 III 9 IB8, IP3, 155 204 240

IP7, T1,
TP33

Figure 9.4

Appendix A to 49 CFR 172.101

List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities

Hazardous Substances Reportable Quantity (RQ) Pounds

(Kilograms)
Phenyl mercaptan
100 (45.4)
Phenylmercury acetate 100 (45.4)
Phenylthiourea 100 (45.4)
Phorate 10 (4.54)
Phosgene
10 (4.54)
Phosphine
100 (45.4)
Phosphoric acid
5,000 (2270)
Phosphoric acid, diethyl
100 (45.4)
4-nitrophenyl ester
Phosphoric acid, lead (2+)
Salt (2:3)salt 10 (.454)

Figure 9.5

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Column 3 shows a material's hazard class or after the basic description. You or your employer
division, or the entry "Forbidden." Never transport a must report any spill of these materials, which occurs
"Forbidden" material. Placard hazardous materials in a reportable quantity.
shipments based on the quantity and hazard class. If the words INHALATION HAZARD appear on the
You can decide which placards to use if you know shipping paper or package, the rules require display
these three things: of the POISON INHALATION HAZARD or POISON
Material's hazard class. GAS placards, as appropriate. These placards must
be used in addition to other placards, which may be
Amount being shipped. required by the product's hazard class. Always
Amount of all hazardous materials of all classes on display the hazard class placard and the POISON
your vehicle. INHALATION HAZARD placard, even for small
amounts.
Column 4 lists the identification number for each
proper shipping name. Identification numbers are Appendix B to 49 CFR 172.101 – List of Marine
preceded by the letters “UN”, "NA." or “ID”. The Pollutants
letters "NA" are associated with proper shipping Appendix B is a listing of chemicals that are toxic to
names that are only used within the United States marine life. For highway transportation, this list is
and to and from Canada. The letters “ID” are only used for chemicals in a container with a capacity
associated with proper shipping names recognized of 119 gallons or more without a placard or label as
by the International Civil Aviation Organization specified by the HMR.
(IACO) Technical instructions for transportation by
air. The identification number must appear on the Any bulk packages of a Marine Pollutant must
shipping paper as part of the shipping description display the Marine Pollutant marking (white triangle
and also appear on the package. It also must appear with a fish and an “X” through the fish). This marking
on cargo tanks and other bulk packaging. Police and (it is not a placard) must also be displayed on the
firefighters use this number to quickly identify the outside of the vehicle. In addition, a notation must be
hazardous materials. made on the shipping papers near the description of
the material: “Marine Pollutant”.
Column 5 shows the packing group (in Roman
numeral) assigned to a material.
Column 6 shows the hazard warning label(s)
shippers must put on packages of hazardous
materials. Some products require use of more than
one label due to a multiple hazards being present.
Column 7 lists the additional (special) provisions
that apply to this material. When there is an entry in
this column, you must refer to the federal regulations
for specific information. The numbers 1-6 in this
column mean the hazardous material is a poison
inhalation hazard (PIH). PIH materials have special
requirements for shipping papers, marking, and
placards.
Column 8 is a three-part column showing the section
numbers covering the packaging requirements for
each hazardous material.
Note: Columns 9 and 10 do not apply to
transportation by highway.
Appendix A to 49 CFR 172.101 - The List of
Hazardous Substances and Reportable
Quantities. The DOT and the EPA want to know
about spills of hazardous substances. They are
named in the List of Hazardous Substances and
Reportable Quantities. See Figure 9.5. Column 2 of
the list shows each product's reportable quantity
(RQ). When these materials are being transported in
a reportable quantity or greater in one package, the
shipper displays the letters RQ on the shipping paper
and package. The letters RQ may appear before or

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9.3.4 – The Shipping Paper 9.3.5 – The Item Description

The shipping paper shown in Figure 9.6 describes a If a shipping paper describes both hazardous and
shipment. A shipping paper for hazardous materials non-hazardous products, the hazardous materials
must include: must be:
Page numbers if the shipping paper has more than Entered first.
one page. The first page must tell the total number Highlighted in a contrasting color, OR.
of pages. For example, "Page 1 of 4".
Identified by an "X" placed before the shipping
A proper shipping description for each hazardous description (ID#, Shipping Name, Hazard Class,
material. Packing Group) in a column captioned "HM". The
A shipper's certification, signed by the shipper, letters "RQ" may be used instead of "X" if a
saying they prepared the shipment according to the reportable quantity needs to be identified.
regulations. The basic description of hazardous materials
includes the identification number, proper shipping
Shipping Paper name, hazard class or division, and the packing
DEF Page group, if any, in that order. The packing group is
ABC
Corporation
Corporation 1 of 1 displayed in Roman numerals and may be preceded
55
88 Valley by "PG".
TO: FROM: Mountain
Street
Street
Anywhere,
Nowhere,
Identification number, shipping name, and hazard
VA class must not be abbreviated unless specifically
CO
Quantity HM Description Weight authorized in the hazardous materials regulations.
1 RQ UN1076,Phosgene, 25 lbs The description must also show:
cylinder 2.3, The total quantity and unit of measure.
Poison, Inhalation
Hazard, The number and type of packages (example: “6
(“RQ” Zone A Drums”).
means that
The letters RQ, if a reportable quantity.
this is a (UN1076 is the
reportable Identification If the letters RQ appear, the name of the hazardous
quantity.) Number from substance (if not included in the shipping name).
Column 4 of the
Hazardous
For all materials with the letter “G” (Generic) in
materials Table. Column 1, the technical name of the hazardous
material.
Phosgene is the
proper shipping Shipping papers also must list an emergency
name from Column response telephone number (unless excepted). The
2 of the Hazardous emergency response telephone number is the
Materials Table. responsibility of the shipper. It can be used by
2.3 is the Hazard emergency responders to obtain information about
Class from Column any hazardous materials involved in a spill or fire.
3 of the Hazardous The telephone number must be:
Materials Table.)
This is to certify that the above named materials are The number of the person offering the hazardous
properly classified, described, packaged, marked and material for transportation (if the shipper / offerer is
labeled, and are in proper condition for transportation the emergency response information (ERI) provider);
according to the applicable regulations of the or
Department of Transportation.
The number of an agency or organization capable of,
and accepting responsibility for, providing the
DEF Carrier: Safety detailed information required by paragraph (a)(2) of
Shipper: Corporation Per: First this section. The person who is registered with the
Per: Smith Date: ERI provider must be identified by name, or contract
Date: October 15, number or other unique identifier assigned by the
2003 ERI provider, on the shipping paper
Special Instructions: 24 hour Emergency Contact,
John Smith 1-800-555-5555 Shippers also must provide emergency response
information to the motor carrier for each hazardous
Figure 9.6 material being shipped. The emergency response
information must be able to be used away from the
motor vehicle and must provide information on how

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to safely handle incidents involving the material. At a package is provided by the carrier (for example, a
minimum, it must include the following information: cargo tank). Unless a package is clearly unsafe or
The basic description and technical name; does not comply with the HMR, you may accept the
shipper's certification concerning proper packaging.
Immediate hazards to health; Some carriers have additional rules about
Risks of fire or explosion; transporting hazardous materials. Follow your
Immediate precautions to be taken in the event of an employer's rules when accepting shipments.
accident or incident; 9.3.7 – Package Markings and Labels
Immediate methods for handling fires; Shippers print required markings directly on the
Initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the package, an attached label, or tag. An important
absence of fires; and package marking is the name of the hazardous
material. It is the same name as the one on the
Preliminary first aid measures
shipping paper. The requirements for marking vary
Such information can be on the shipping paper or by package size and material being transported.
some other document that includes the basic When required, the shipper will put the following on
description and technical name of the hazardous the package:
material. Or, it may be in a guidance book such as
The name and address of shipper or consignee.
the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). Motor
carriers may assist shippers by keeping an ERG on The hazardous material's shipping name and
each vehicle carrying hazardous materials. The identification number.
driver must provide the emergency response The labels required.
information to any federal, state, or local authority
It is a good idea to compare the shipping paper to the
responding to a hazardous materials incident or
markings and labels. Always make sure that the
investigating one.
shipper shows the correct basic description on the
Total quantity and number & type of packages must shipping paper, and verifies that the proper labels
appear before or after the basic description. The are shown on the packages. If you are not familiar
packaging type and the unit of measurement may be with the material, ask the shipper to contact your
abbreviated. For example: office.
10 ctns. UN1263, Paint, 3, PG II, 500 lbs. If rules require it, the shipper will put RQ, MARINE
The shipper of hazardous wastes must put the word POLLUTANT, BIOHAZARD, HOT, or INHALATION-
WASTE before the proper shipping name of the HAZARD on the package. Packages with liquid
material on the shipping paper (hazardous waste containers inside will also have package orientation
manifest). For example: markings with the arrows pointing in the correct
upright direction. The labels used always reflect the
UN1090, Waste Acetone, 3, PG II.
hazard class of the product. If a package needs more
A non-hazardous material may not be described by than one label, the labels must be close together,
using a hazard class or an identification number. near the proper shipping name.
Shippers must keep a copy of shipping papers (or an 9.3.8 – Recognizing Hazardous Materials
electronic image) for a period of 2 years (3 years for
hazardous waste) after the material is accepted by Learn to recognize shipments of hazardous
the initial carrier. materials. To find out if the shipment includes
hazardous materials, look at the shipping paper.
If one provides a carrier service only and is not the Does it have:
originator of the shipment, a carrier is required to
keep a copy of the shipping paper (or an electronic An entry with a proper shipping name, hazard class,
image) for a period of 1 year. and identification number?
A highlighted entry, or one with an X or RQ in the
IMPORTANT NOTE: To view complete regulatory
hazardous materials column?
requirements for the transportation of hazardous
materials one should refer to the Code of Federal Other clues suggesting hazardous materials:
Regulations, Title 49, Parts 171-185. What business is the shipper in? Paint dealer?
9.3.6 – Shipper's Certification Chemical supply? Scientific supply house? Pest
control or agricultural supplier? Explosives,
When the shipper packages hazardous materials, he munitions, or fireworks dealer?
/ she certifies that the package has been prepared
according to the rules. The signed shipper's Are there tanks with diamond labels or placards on
certification appears on the original shipping paper. the premises?
The only exceptions are when a shipper is a private
carrier transporting their own product and when the
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What type of package is being shipped? Cylinders transported is 1,001 pounds or more including the
and drums are often used for hazardous materials package. Add the amounts from all shipping papers
shipments. for all the Table 2 products you have on board. See
Is a hazard class label, proper shipping name, or Figure 9.8.
identification number on the package? Placard Table 1
Are there any handling precautions? Any Amount
IF YOUR VEHICLE
9.3.9 – Hazardous Waste Manifest CONTAINS ANY AMOUNT PLACARD AS…
When transporting hazardous wastes, you must sign OF……
by hand and carry a Uniform Hazardous Waste 1.1 Mass Explosives Explosives 1.1
Manifest. The name and EPA registration number of 1.2 Project Hazards Explosives 1.2
the shippers, carriers, and destination must appear 1.3 Mass Fire Hazards Explosives 1.3
on the manifest. Shippers must prepare, date, and 2.3 Poisonous/Toxic Gases Poison Gas
sign by hand the manifest. Treat the manifest as a Dangerous When
shipping paper when transporting the waste. Only 4.3 Dangerous When Wet
Wet
give the waste shipment to another registered carrier
or disposal / treatment facility. Each carrier 5.2 (Organic Peroxide, Type
transporting the shipment must sign by hand the B, liquid or solid, Organic Peroxide
manifest. After you deliver the shipment, keep your Temperature controlled)
copy of the manifest. Each copy must have all
6.1 (Inhalation hazard zone Poison / toxic
needed signatures and dates, including those of the A & B only) inhalation
person to whom you delivered the waste.
7 (Radioactive Yellow III
Radioactive
9.3.10 – Placarding label only)
Attach the appropriate placards to the vehicle before Figure 9.7
you drive it. You are only allowed to move an Placard Table 2
improperly placarded vehicle during an emergency, 1,001 Pounds Or More
in order to protect life or property. Category of Material (Hazard
Placards must appear on both sides and both ends class or division number and
Placard Name
of the vehicle. Each placard must be: additional description, as
appropriate)
Easily seen from the direction it faces. 1.4 Minor Explosion Explosives 1.4
Placed so the words or numbers are level and read 1.5 Very Insensitive Explosives 1.5
from left to right. At least three inches away from any 1.6 Extremely Insensitive Explosives 1.6
other markings. 2.1 Flammable Gases Flammable Gas
Kept clear of attachments or devices such as 2.2 Non- Flammable Gases Non-Flammable Gas.
ladders, doors, and tarpaulins. 3 Flammable Liquids Flammable
Combustible Liquid Combustible*
Kept clean and undamaged so that the color, format,
4.1 Flammable Solids Flammable Solid
and message are easily seen.
4.2 Spontaneously Spontaneously
Be affixed to a background of contrasting color. Combustible Combustible
The use of “Drive Safely” and other slogans is 5.1 Oxidizers Oxidizer
prohibited. 5.2 (other than organic
The front placard may be on the front of the tractor peroxide, Type B, liquid or
Organic Peroxide
solid, Temperature
or the front of the trailer.
Controlled)
To decide which placards to use, you need to know:
6.1 (other than inhalation
The hazard class of the materials. Poison
hazard zone A or B)
The amount of hazardous materials shipped. 6.2 Infectious Substances (None)
The total weight of all classes of hazardous materials 8 Corrosives Corrosive
in your vehicle. 9 Miscellaneous Hazardous
Class 9**
Materials
9.3.11 – Placard Tables ORM-D (None)
There are two placard tables, Table 1 and Table 2. * FLAMMABLE may be used in place of a
Table 1 materials must be placarded whenever any COMBUSTIBLE on a cargo tank or portable tank.
amount is transported. See Figure 9.7. ** Class 9 Placard is not required for domestic
transportation.
Except for bulk packaging, the hazard classes in
Table 2 need placards only if the total amount Figure 9.8
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You may use DANGEROUS placards instead of

separate placards for each Table 2 hazard class
when: Subsections 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3
You have 1,001 pounds or more of two or more Test Your Knowledge
Table 2 hazard classes, requiring different placards,
and 1. Shippers package in order to (fill in the
blank) the material.
You have not loaded 2,205 pounds or more of any
2. Driver placard their vehicle to (fill in the
Table 2 hazard class material at any one place. (You
blank) the risk.
must use the specific placard for this material.)
3. What three things do you need to know to
The dangerous placard is an option, not a
decide which placards (if any) you need?
requirement. You can always placard for the
materials. 4. A hazardous materials identification number
must appear on the (fill in the blank) and on
If the words INHALATION HAZARD are on the the (fill in the blank). The identification
shipping paper or package, you must display number must also appear on cargo tanks
POISON GAS or POISON INHALATION placards in and other bulk packaging.
addition to any other placards needed by the
product's hazard class. The 1,000 pound exception 5. Where must you keep shipping papers
does not apply to these materials. describing hazardous materials?
Materials with a secondary hazard of dangerous These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
when wet must display the DANGEROUS WHEN answer them all, re-read subsections 9.1, 9.2 and
WET placard in addition to any other placards 9.3.
needed by the product’s hazard class. The 1,000-
pound exception to placarding does not apply to
these materials. 9.4 – Loading and Unloading
Do all you can to protect containers of hazardous
Placards used to identify the primary or subsidiary
materials. Don't use any tools, which might damage
hazard class of a material must have the hazard
containers or other packaging during loading. Don't
class or division number displayed in the lower
use hooks.
corner of the placard. Permanently affixed subsidiary
hazard placards without the hazard class number 9.4.1 – General Loading Requirements
may be used as long as they stay within color Before loading or unloading, set the parking brake.
specifications. Make sure the vehicle will not move.
Placards may be displayed for hazardous materials Many products become more hazardous when
even if not required so long as the placard identifies exposed to heat. Load hazardous materials away
the hazard of the material being transported. from heat sources.
Watch for signs of leaking or damaged containers:
Bulk packaging is a single container with a capacity LEAKS SPELL TROUBLE! Do not transport leaking
greater than 119 gallons. A bulk package, and a packages. Depending on the material, you, your
vehicle transporting a bulk package, must be truck, and others could be in danger. It is illegal to
placarded, even if it only has the residue of a move a vehicle with leaking hazardous materials.
hazardous material. Certain bulk packages only Containers of hazardous materials must be braced
have to be placarded on the two opposite sides or to prevent movement of the packages during
may display labels. All other bulk packages must be transportation.
placarded on all four sides.
No Smoking. When loading or unloading hazardous
materials, keep fire away. Don't let people smoke
nearby. Never smoke around:
Class 1 (Explosives)
Class 2.1 (Flammable Gas )
Class 3 (Flammable Liquids)
Class 4 (Flammable Solids)
Class 5 (Oxidizers)

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Secure Against Movement. Brace containers so set out red warning reflectors, flags, or electric
they will not fall, slide, or bounce around during lanterns. You must warn others on the road.
transportation. Be very careful when loading Never transport damaged packages of explosives.
containers that have valves or other fittings. All Do not take a package that shows any dampness or
hazardous materials packages must be secured oily stain.
during transportation.
Do not transport Division 1.1 or 1.2 in vehicle
After loading, do not open any package during your combinations if:
trip. Never transfer hazardous materials from one
package to another while in transit. You may empty There is a marked or placarded cargo tank in the
a cargo tank, but do not empty any other package combination.
while it is on the vehicle. The other vehicle in the combination contains:
Cargo Heater Rules. There are special cargo heater Division 1.1 A (Initiating Explosives).
rules for loading: Packages of Class 7 (Radioactive) materials labeled
Class 1 (Explosives) "Yellow III."
Class 2.1 (Flammable Gas ) Division 2.3 (Poisonous Gas) Hazard zone A or B or
Class 3 (Flammable Liquids) Division 6.1 (Poisonous) materials Hazard zone A.
The rules usually forbid use of cargo heaters, Hazardous materials in a portable tank, on a DOT
including automatic cargo heater / air conditioner Spec 106A or 110A tank.
units. Unless you have read all the related rules, Class 4 (Flammable Solids) and Class 5
don't load the above products in a cargo space that (Oxidizers) Materials. Class 4 materials are solids
has a heater. that react (including fire and explosion) to water,
Use Closed Cargo Space. You cannot have heat, and air or even react spontaneously.
overhang or tailgate loads of: Class 4 and 5 materials must be completely
enclosed in a vehicle or covered securely. Class 4
Class 1 (Explosives) and 5 materials, which become unstable and
Class 4 (Flammable Solids) dangerous when wet, must be kept dry while in
Class 5 (Oxidizers) transit and during loading and unloading. Materials
that are subject to spontaneous combustion or
You must load these hazardous materials into a heating must be in vehicles with sufficient ventilation.
closed cargo space unless all packages are:
Class 8 (Corrosive) Materials. If loading by hand,
Fire and water resistant. load breakable containers of corrosive liquid one by
Covered with a fire and water resistant tarp. one. Keep them right side up. Do not drop or roll the
containers. Load them onto an even floor surface.
Precautions for Specific Hazards
Stack carboys only if the lower tiers can bear the
Class 1 (Explosives) Materials. Turn your engine weight of the upper tiers safely.
off before loading or unloading any explosives. Then
Do not load nitric acid above any other product.
check the cargo space. You must:
Load charged storage batteries so their liquid won't
Disable cargo heaters. Disconnect heater power
spill. Keep them right side up. Make sure other cargo
sources and drain heater fuel tanks.
won't fall against or short circuit them.
Make sure there are no sharp points that might
Never load corrosive liquids next to or above:
damage cargo. Look for bolts, screws, nails, broken
side panels, and broken floorboards. Division 1.4 (Explosives C).
Use a floor lining with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3. The Division 4.1 (Flammable Solids).
floors must be tight and the liner must be either non- Division 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet).
metallic material or non-ferrous metal. (Non-ferrous
Class 5 (Oxidizers).
metals are any metal that does not contain iron or
iron alloys). Division 2.3, Zone B (Poisonous Gases).
Use extra care to protect explosives. Never use Never load corrosive liquids with:
hooks or other metal tools. Never drop, throw, or roll Division 1.1 or 1.2
packages. Protect explosive packages from other
Division 1.3
cargo that might cause damage.
Division 1.5 (Blasting Agents).
Do not transfer a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 from one
vehicle to another on a public roadway except in an Division 2.3, Zone A (Poisonous Gases).
emergency. If safety requires an emergency transfer, Division 4.2 (Spontaneously Combustible Materials).
Division 6.1, PGI, Zone A (Poison Liquids).
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Class 2 (Compressed Gases) Including

Do Not Load Table
Cryogenic Liquids. If your vehicle doesn't have Do Not Load In The Same Vehicle With
racks to hold cylinders, the cargo space floor must Animal or human food unless the
be flat. The cylinders must be: Division 6.1 or 2.3 poison package is over packed in
(POISON or poison an approved way. Foodstuffs are
Held upright. inhalation hazard anything you swallow. However,
In racks attached to the vehicle or in boxes that will labeled material). mouthwash, toothpaste, and skin
creams are not foodstuff.
keep them from turning over. Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Explosives,
Cylinders may be loaded in a horizontal position Division 5.1 (Oxidizers), Class 3
Division 2.3 (Flammable Liquids), Class 8
(lying down) if it is designed so the relief valve is in (Poisonous) gas Zone (Corrosive Liquids), Division 5.2
the vapor space. A or Division 6.1 (Organic Peroxides),
(Poison) liquids, PGI, Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Explosives,
Division 2.3 (Poisonous Gas) or Division 6.1 Zone A. Division 1.5 (Blasting Agents),
(Poisonous) Materials. Never transport these Division 2.1 (Flammable Gases),
materials in containers with interconnections. Never Class 4 (Flammable Solids).
load a package labeled POISON or POISON Charged storage
Division 1.1.
batteries.
INHALATION HAZARD in the driver's cab or sleeper Any other explosives unless in
or with food material for human or animal Class 1 (Detonating
authorized containers or
primers).
consumption. There are special rules for loading and packages.
unloading Class 2 materials in cargo tanks. You must Acids, corrosive materials, or other
acidic materials which could
have special training to do this. Division 6.1 release hydrocyanic acid.
(Cyanides or cyanide For Example:
Class 7 (Radioactive) Materials. Some packages
mixtures). Cyanides, Inorganic, n.o.s.
of Class 7 (Radioactive) materials bear a number Silver Cyanide
called the "transport index." The shipper labels these Sodium Cyanide.
packages Radioactive II or Radioactive III, and prints Other materials unless the nitric
the package's transport index on the label. Radiation Nitric acid (Class 8). acid is not loaded above any other
material.
surrounds each package, passing through all nearby
packages. To deal with this problem, the number of Figure 9.9
packages you can load together is controlled. Their
closeness to people, animals, and unexposed film is Mixed loads. The rules require some products to be
also controlled. The transport index tells the degree loaded separately. You cannot load them together in
of control needed during transportation. The total the same cargo space. Figure 9.9 lists some
transport index of all packages in a single vehicle examples. The regulations (the Segregation Table
must not exceed 50.Table A to this section (49 CFR for Hazardous Materials) name other materials you
177-842) shows rules for each transport index. It must keep apart.
shows how close you can load Class 7 (Radioactive)
materials to people, animals, or film. For example,
you can't leave a package with a transport index of
1.1 within two feet of people or cargo space walls. Subsection 9.4
Test Your Knowledge
1. Around which hazard classes must you
never smoke?
2. Which three hazard classes should not be
loaded into a trailer that has a heater / air
conditioner unit?
3. Should the floor liner required for Division
1.1 or 1.2 materials be stainless steel?
4. At the shipper’s dock you’re given a paper
for 100 cartons of battery acid. You already
have 100 pounds of dry Silver Cyanide on
board. What precautions do you have to
take?
5. Name a hazard class that uses transport
indexes to determine the amount that can be
loaded in a single vehicle.
These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
answer them all, re-read subsection 9.4.

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9.5 – Bulk Packaging Marking, Loading There are special attendance rules for cargo tanks
and Unloading transporting propane and anhydrous ammonia.
The glossary at the end of this section gives the Close all manholes and valves before moving a tank
meaning of the word bulk. Cargo tanks are bulk of hazardous materials, no matter how small the
packaging permanently attached to a vehicle. Cargo amount in the tank or how short the distance.
tanks remain on the vehicle when you load and Manholes and valves must be closed to prevent
unload them. Portable tanks are bulk packaging, leaks. It is illegal to move a cargo tank with open
which are not permanently attached to a vehicle. The valves or covers unless it is empty according to 49
product is loaded or unloaded while the portable CFR 173.29.
tanks are off the vehicle. Portable tanks are then put 9.5.3 – Flammable Liquids
on a vehicle for transportation. There are many types
Turn off your engine before loading or unloading any
of cargo tanks in use. The most common cargo tanks
flammable liquids. Only run the engine if needed to
are MC306 for liquids and MC331 for gases.
operate a pump. Ground a cargo tank correctly
9.5.1 – Markings before filling it through an open filling hole. Ground
You must display the identification number of the the tank before opening the filling hole, and maintain
hazardous materials in portable tanks and cargo the ground until after closing the filling hole.
tanks and other bulk packaging (such as dump 9.5.4 – Compressed Gas
trucks). Identification numbers are in column 4 of the
Keep liquid discharge valves on a compressed gas
Hazardous Materials Table. The rules require black
tank closed except when loading and unloading.
100 mm (3.9 inch) numbers on orange panels,
Unless your engine runs a pump for product transfer,
placards, or a white, diamond-shaped background if
turn it off when loading or unloading. If you use the
no placards are required. Specification cargo tanks
engine, turn it off after product transfer, before you
must show re-test date markings.
unhook the hose. Unhook all loading / unloading
Portable tanks must also show the lessee or owner's connections before coupling, uncoupling, or moving
name. They must also display the shipping name of a cargo tank. Always chock trailers and semi-trailers
the contents on two opposing sides. The letters of to prevent motion when uncoupled from the power
the shipping name must be at least two inches tall on unit.
portable tanks with capacities of more than 1,000
gallons and one-inch tall on portable tanks with
capacities of less than 1,000 gallons. The
identification number must appear on each side and Subsection 9.5
each end of a portable tank or other bulk packaging Test Your Knowledge
that hold 1,000 gallons or more and on two opposing 1. What are cargo tanks?
sides, if the portable tank holds less than 1,000
2. How is a portable tank different from a cargo
gallons. The identification numbers must still be
tank?
visible when the portable tank is on the motor
vehicle. If they are not visible, you must display the 3. Your engine runs a pump used during delivery of
identification number on both sides and ends of the compressed gas. Should you turn off the engine
motor vehicle. before or after unhooking hoses after delivery?
Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are bulk These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
packages, but are not required to have the owner’s answer them all, re-read subsection 9.5.
name or shipping name.
9.5.2 – Tank Loading
The person in charge of loading and unloading a
cargo tank must be sure a qualified person is always
watching. This person watching the loading or
unloading must:
Be alert.
Have a clear view of the cargo tank.
Be within 25 feet of the tank.
Know of the hazards of the materials involved.
Know the procedures to follow in an emergency.
Be authorized to move the cargo tank and able to do
so.

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9.6 – Hazardous Materials -- Driving and Tank used for Class 3 (Flammable Liquids) or
Parking Rules Division 2.1 (Flammable Gas) whether loaded or
empty.
9.6.1 – Parking with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Vehicle loaded with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3
Explosives Explosives.
Never park with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives
within five feet of the traveled part of the road. Except 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions
for short periods of time needed for vehicle operation Some states and counties require permits to
necessities (e.g., fueling), do not park within 300 feet transport hazardous materials or wastes. They may
of: limit the routes you can use. Local rules about routes
A bridge, tunnel, or building. and permits change often. It is your job as driver to
find out if you need permits or must use special
A place where people gather. routes. Make sure you have all needed papers
An open fire. before starting.
If you must park to do your job, do so only briefly. If you work for a carrier, ask your dispatcher about
route restrictions or permits. If you are an
Don't park on private property unless the owner is
independent trucker and are planning a new route,
aware of the danger. Someone must always watch
check with state agencies where you plan to travel.
the parked vehicle. You may let someone else watch
Some localities prohibit transportation of hazardous
it for you only if your vehicle is:
materials through tunnels, over bridges, or other
On the shipper's property. roadways. Always check before you start.
On the carrier's property. Whenever placarded, avoid heavily populated areas,
On the consignee's property. crowds, tunnels, narrow streets, and alleys. Take
other routes, even if inconvenient, unless there is no
You are allowed to leave your vehicle unattended in
other way. Never drive a placarded vehicle near
a safe haven. A safe haven is an approved place for
open fires unless you can safely pass without
parking unattended vehicles loaded with explosives.
stopping.
Designation of authorized safe havens is usually
made by local authorities. If transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives,
you must have a written route plan and follow that
9.6.2 – Parking a Placarded Vehicle Not plan. Carriers prepare the route plan in advance and
Transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3) Explosives give the driver a copy. You may plan the route
You may park a placarded vehicle (not laden with yourself if you pick up the explosives at a location
explosives) within five feet of the traveled part of the other than your employer's terminal. Write out the
road only if your work requires it. Do so only briefly. plan in advance. Keep a copy of it with you while
Someone must always watch the vehicle when transporting the explosives. Deliver shipments of
parked on a public roadway or shoulder. Do not explosives only to authorized persons or leave them
uncouple a trailer and leave it with hazardous in locked rooms designed for explosives storage.
materials on a public street. Do not park within 300 A carrier must choose the safest route to transport
feet of an open fire. placarded radioactive materials. After choosing the
9.6.3 – Attending Parked Vehicles route, the carrier must tell the driver about the
radioactive materials, and show the route plan.
The person attending a placarded vehicle must:
9.6.6 – No Smoking
Be in the vehicle, awake, and not in the sleeper
berth, or within 100 feet of the vehicle and have it Do not smoke within 25 feet of a placarded cargo
within clear view. tank used for Class 3 (flammable liquids) or Division
2.1 (gases). Also, do not smoke or carry a lighted
Be aware of the hazards of the materials being
cigarette, cigar, or pipe within 25 feet of any vehicle,
transported.
which contains:
Know what to do in emergencies.
Class 1 (Explosives)
Be able to move the vehicle, if needed.
Class 3 (Flammable Liquids)
9.6.4 – No Flares! Class 4.1 (Flammable Solids)
You might break down and have to use stopped Class 4.2 (Spontaneously Combustible)
vehicle signals. Use reflective triangles or red electric
lights. Never use burning signals, such as flares or Class 5 (Oxidizers)
fuses, around a:

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9.6.7 – Refuel with Engine Off Drivers must sign a receipt for these documents.
Turn off your engine before fueling a motor vehicle You must be familiar with, and have in your
containing hazardous materials. Someone must possession while driving, the:
always be at the nozzle, controlling fuel flow. Shipping papers.
9.6.8 – 10 B C Fire Extinguisher Written emergency instructions.
The power unit of placarded vehicles must have a Written route plan.
fire extinguisher with a UL rating of 10 B:C or more.
A copy of FMCSR, Part 397.
9.6.9 – Check Tires
9.6.11 – Equipment for Chlorine
Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
A driver transporting chlorine in cargo tanks must
You must examine each tire on a motor vehicle at the have an approved gas mask in the vehicle. The
beginning of each trip and each time the vehicle is driver must also have an emergency kit for
parked. controlling leaks in dome cover plate fittings on the
The only acceptable way to check tire pressure is to cargo tank.
use a tire pressure gauge. 9.6.12 – Stop before Railroad Crossings
Do not drive with a tire that is leaking or flat except Stop before a railroad crossing if your vehicle:
to the nearest safe place to fix it. Remove any
overheated tire. Place it a safe distance from your Is placarded.
vehicle. Don't drive until you correct the cause of the Carries any amount of chlorine.
overheating. Remember to follow the rules about Has cargo tanks, whether loaded or empty used for
parking and attending placarded vehicles. They hazardous materials.
apply even when checking, repairing, or replacing
tires. You must stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail.
Proceed only when you are sure no train is coming
9.6.10 – Where to Keep Shipping Papers and and you can clear the tracks without stopping. Don't
Emergency Response Information shift gears while crossing the tracks.
Do not accept a hazardous materials shipment
without a properly prepared shipping paper. A 9.7 – Hazardous Materials -Emergencies
shipping paper for hazardous materials must always
be easily recognized. Other people must be able to 9.7.1 – Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
find it quickly after a crash. The Department of Transportation has a guidebook
Clearly distinguish hazardous materials shipping for firefighters, police, and industry workers on how
papers from others by tabbing them or keeping them to protect themselves and the public from hazardous
on top of the stack of papers. materials. The guide is indexed by proper shipping
name and hazardous materials identification
When you are behind the wheel, keep shipping number. Emergency personnel look for these things
papers within your reach (with your seat belt on), or on the shipping paper. That is why it is vital that the
in a pouch on the driver's door. They must be easily proper shipping name, identification number, label,
seen by someone entering the cab. and placards are correct.
When not behind the wheel, leave shipping papers
9.7.2 – Crashes / Incidents
in the driver's door pouch or on the driver's seat.
As a professional driver, your job at the scene of a
Emergency response information must be kept in the
crash or an incident is to:
same location as the shipping paper.
Keep people away from the scene.
Papers for Division 1.1, 1.2 or, 1.3 Explosives.
Limit the spread of material, only if you can safely do
A carrier must give each driver transporting Division
so.
1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives a copy of Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), Part 397. The Communicate the danger of the hazardous materials
carrier must also give written instructions on what to to emergency response personnel.
do if delayed or in an accident. The written Provide emergency responders with the shipping
instructions must include: papers and emergency response information.
The names and telephone numbers of people to Follow this checklist:
contact (including carrier agents or shippers).
Check to see that your driving partner is OK.
The nature of the explosives transported.
Keep shipping papers with you.
The precautions to take in emergencies such as
fires, accidents, or leaks.

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Keep people far away and upwind. The proper shipping name, hazard class, and
Warn others of the danger. identification number of the hazardous materials, if
you know them.
Call for help.
This is a lot for someone to remember. It is a good
Follow your employer's instructions. idea to write it all down for the person you send for
9.7.3 – Fires help. The emergency response team must know
You might have to control minor truck fires on the these things to find you and to handle the
road. However, unless you have the training and emergency. They may have to travel miles to get to
equipment to do so safely, don't fight hazardous you. This information will help them to bring the right
materials fires. Dealing with hazardous materials equipment the first time, without having to go back
fires requires special training and protective gear. for it.
When you discover a fire, call for help. You may use Never move your vehicle, if doing so will cause
the fire extinguisher to keep minor truck fires from contamination or damage the vehicle. Keep upwind
spreading to cargo before firefighters arrive. Feel and away from roadside rests, truck stops, cafes,
trailer doors to see if they are hot before opening and businesses. Never try to repack leaking
them. If hot, you may have a cargo fire and should containers. Unless you have the training and
not open the doors. Opening doors lets air in and equipment to repair leaks safely, don't try it. Call your
may make the fire flare up. Without air, many fires dispatcher or supervisor for instructions and, if
only smolder until firemen arrive, doing less damage. needed, emergency personnel.
If your cargo is already on fire, it is not safe to fight 9.7.4 – Responses to Specific Hazards
the fire. Keep the shipping papers with you to give to Class 1 (Explosives). If your vehicle has a
emergency personnel as soon as they arrive. Warn breakdown or accident while carrying explosives,
other people of the danger and keep them away. warn others of the danger. Keep bystanders away.
If you discover a cargo leak, identify the hazardous Do not allow smoking or open fire near the vehicle. If
materials leaking by using shipping papers, labels, or there is a fire, warn every one of the danger of
package location. Do not touch any leaking material- explosion.
-many people injure themselves by touching Remove all explosives before separating vehicles
hazardous materials. Do not try to identify the involved in a collision. Place the explosives at least
material or find the source of a leak by smell. Toxic 200 feet from the vehicles and occupied buildings.
gases can destroy your sense of smell and can injure Stay a safe distance away.
or kill you even if they don't smell. Never eat, drink,
or smoke around a leak or spill. Class 2 (Compressed Gases). If compressed gas
is leaking from your vehicle, warn others of the
If hazardous materials are spilling from your vehicle, danger. Only permit those involved in removing the
do not move it any more than safety requires. You hazard or wreckage to get close. You must notify the
may move off the road and away from places where shipper if compressed gas is involved in any
people gather, if doing so serves safety. Only move accident.
your vehicle if you can do so without danger to Unless you are fueling machinery used in road
yourself or others. construction or maintenance, do not transfer a
Never continue driving with hazardous materials flammable compressed gas from one tank to another
leaking from your vehicle in order to find a phone , on any public roadway.
truck stop, help, or similar reason. Remember, the
Class 3 (Flammable Liquids). If you are
carrier pays for the cleanup of contaminated parking
transporting a flammable liquid and have an accident
lots, roadways, and drainage ditches. The costs are
or your vehicle breaks down, prevent bystanders
enormous, so don't leave a lengthy trail of
from gathering. Warn people of the danger. Keep
contamination. If hazardous materials are spilling
them from smoking.
from your vehicle:
Never transport a leaking cargo tank farther than
Park it. needed to reach a safe place. Get off the roadway if
Secure the area. you can do so safely. Don't transfer flammable liquid
from one vehicle to another on a public roadway
Stay there. except in an emergency.
Call for help or send someone else for help.
Class 4 (Flammable Solids) and Class 5
When sending someone for help, give that person: (Oxidizing Materials). If a flammable solid or
A description of the emergency. oxidizing material spills, warn others of the fire
hazard. Do not open smoldering packages of
Your exact location and direction of travel.
flammable solids. Remove them from the vehicle if
Your name, the carrier's name, and the name of the
community or city where your terminal is located.
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you can safely do so. Also, remove unbroken One or more major transportation arteries or facilities
packages if it will decrease the fire hazard. are closed for one hour or more.
Class 6 (Poisonous Materials and Infectious Fire, breakage, spillage, or suspected radioactive
Substances). It is your job to protect yourself, other contamination occurs.
people, and property from harm. Remember that Fire, breakage, spillage or suspected contamination
many products classed as poison are also occur involving shipment of infectious substance(s)
flammable. If you think a Division 2.3 (Poison Gases) (bacteria or toxins).
or Division 6.1 (Poison Materials) might be
The release of a marine pollutant in a quantity
flammable, take the added precautions needed for
greater than 119 gallons for a liquid or 882 pounds
flammable liquids or gases. Do not allow smoking,
for a solid; or a situation exists of such a nature (e.g.,
open flame, or welding. Warn others of the hazards
continuing danger to life exists at the scene of an
of fire, of inhaling vapors, or coming in contact with
incident) that, in the judgment of the carrier, should
the poison.
be reported.
A vehicle involved in a leak of Division 2.3 (Poison
Gases) or Division 6.1 (Poisons) must be checked National Response Center
for stray poison before being used again. (800) 424-8802
If a Division 6.2 (Infectious Substances) package is Persons telephoning the National Response Center
damaged in handling or transportation, you should should be ready to give:
immediately contact your supervisor. Packages that
appear to be damaged or show signs of leakage Their name.
should not be accepted. Name and address of the carrier they work for.
Class 7 (Radioactive Materials). If radioactive Phone number where they can be reached.
material is involved in a leak or broken package, tell Date, time, and location of incident.
your dispatcher or supervisor as soon as possible. If
The extent of injuries, if any.
there is a spill, or if an internal container might be
damaged, do not touch or inhale the material. Do not Classification, name, and quantity of hazardous
use the vehicle until it is cleaned and checked with a materials involved, if such information is available.
survey meter. Type of incident and nature of hazardous materials
Class 8 (Corrosive Materials). If corrosives spill or involvement and whether a continuing danger to life
leak during transportation, be careful to avoid further exists at the scene.
damage or injury when handling the containers. If a reportable quantity of hazardous substance was
Parts of the vehicle exposed to a corrosive liquid involved, the caller should give the name of the
must be thoroughly washed with water. After shipper and the quantity of the hazardous substance
unloading, wash out the interior as soon as possible discharged.
before reloading. Be prepared to give your employer the required
If continuing to transport a leaking tank would be information as well. Carriers must make detailed
unsafe, get off the road. If safe to do so, contain any written reports within 30 days of an incident.
liquid leaking from the vehicle. Keep bystanders
away from the liquid and its fumes. Do everything
possible to prevent injury to yourself and to others.

9.7.5 – Required Notification

The National Response Center helps coordinate
emergency response to chemical hazards. It is a
resource to the police and firefighters. It maintains a
24-hour toll-free line listed below. You or your
employer must phone when any of the following
occur as a direct result of a hazardous materials
incident:
A person is killed.
An injured person requires hospitalization.
Estimated property damage exceeds $50,000.
The general public is evacuated for more than one
hour.

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CHEMTREC Classes of Hazardous Materials

(800) 424-9300 Hazardous materials are categorized into nine major
hazard classes and additional categories for
The Chemical Transportation Emergency Center
consumer commodities and combustible liquids. The
(CHEMTREC) in Washington also has a 24-hour toll-
classes of hazardous materials are listed in Figure
free line. CHEMTREC was created to provide
9.11.
emergency personnel with technical information
about the physical properties of hazardous
materials. The National Response Center and Hazard Class Definitions
CHEMTREC are in close communication. If you call Table B
either one, they will tell the other about the problem Class Class Name Example
when appropriate. Ammunition,
1 Explosives Dynamite,
Do not leave radioactive yellow - II or yellow - III Fireworks
labeled packages near people, animals, or film Propane,
longer than shown in Figure 9.10 2 Gases
Oxygen, Helium
Gasoline,
Radioactive Separation 3 Flammable
Acetone
Table A Flammable
4 Matches, Fuses
TRANSPORT

Solids
TO PEOPLE OR CARGO

MINIMUM DISTANCE IN FEET TO Ammonium

NEAREST UNDEVELOPED FILM
5 Oxidizers Nitrate, Hydrogen
COMPARTMENT

Peroxide
PARTITIONS

Pesticides,
6 Poisons
0-2 2-4 4-8 8-12 Over 12 Arsenic
TOTAL
INDEX

Hrs. Hrs. Hrs. Hrs. Hrs. Uranium,

7 Radioactive
Plutonium
None 0 0 0 0 0 0 Hydrochloric
8 Corrosives Acid, Battery
0.1 to
1.0
1 2 3 4 5 1 Fluid
1.1 to Miscellaneous
3 4 6 8 11 2 Formaldehyde,
5.0 9 Hazardous
Asbestos
5.1 to
4 6 9 11 15 3
Materials
10.0 ORM-D (Other
10.1 to
5 8 12 16 22 4 Regulated Hair Spray or
20.0 None
20.1 to Material- Charcoal
7 10 15 20 29 5 Domestic)
30.0
30.1 to
8 11 17 22 33 6
Combustible Fuel Oils, Lighter
40.0 None
Liquids Fluid
40.1 to
9 12 19 24 36
50.0 Figure 9.11
Figure 9.10

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9.8 – Hazardous Materials Glossary

Subsections 9.6 and 9.7 This glossary presents definitions of certain terms
Test Your Knowledge used in this section. A complete glossary of terms
can be found in the federal Hazardous Materials
1. If your placarded trailer has dual tires, how
Rules (49 CFR 171.8). You should have an up-to-
often should you check the tires?
date copy of these rules for your reference.
2. What is a safe haven?
(Note: You will not be tested on this glossary.)
3. How close to the traveled part of the roadway
can you park with Division 1.2 or 1.3 Sec. 171.8 Definitions and abbreviations.
materials? Bulk packaging – Packaging, other than a vessel,
4. How close can you park to a bridge, tunnel, or or a barge, including a transport vehicle or freight
building with the same load? container, in which hazardous materials are loaded
5. What type of fire extinguisher must placarded with no intermediate form of containment and which
vehicles carry? has:
6. You’re hauling 100 pounds of Division 4.3 A maximum capacity greater than 450 L (119
(dangerous when wet) materials. Do you need gallons) as a receptacle for a liquid;
to stop before a railroad-highway crossing? A maximum net mass greater than 400 kg (882
7. At a rest area you discover your hazardous pounds) or a maximum capacity greater than 450 L
materials shipments slowly leaking from the (119 gallons) as a receptacle for a solid; or
vehicle. There is no phone around. What A water capacity greater than 454 kg (1000 pounds)
should you do? as a receptacle for a gas as defined in Sec. 173.115.
8. What is the Emergency Response Guide
Cargo tank - A bulk packaging which:
(ERG)?
Is a tank intended primarily for the carriage of liquids
These questions may be on your test. If you can’t or gases and includes appurtenances,
answer them all, re-read subsections 9.6 and 9.7. reinforcements, fittings, and closures (for "tank", see
49 CFR 178.345-1(c), 178.337-1, or 178.338-1, as
applicable);
Is permanently attached to or forms a part of a motor
vehicle, or is not permanently attached to a motor
vehicle but which, by reason of its size, construction,
or attachment to a motor vehicle is loaded or
unloaded without being removed from the motor
vehicle; and
Is not fabricated under a specification for cylinders,
portable tanks, tank cars, or multi-unit tank car tanks.
Carrier – A person who transports passengers or
property in commerce by rail car, aircraft, motor
vehicle or vessel.
Consignee – The business or person to whom a
shipment is delivered.
Division – A subdivision of a hazard class.
EPA – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
FMCSR – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations.
Freight container – a reusable container having a
volume of 64 cubic feet or more, designed and
constructed to permit being lifted with its contents
intact and intended primarily for containment of
packages (in unit form) during transportation.
Fuel tank – A tank, other than a cargo tank, used to
transport flammable or combustible liquid or
compressed gas for the purpose of supplying fuel for
propulsion of the transport vehicle to which it is
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attached, or for the operation of other equipment on Intermediate bulk container (IBC) – A rigid or
the transport vehicle. flexible portable packaging, other than a cylinder or
portable tank, which is designed for mechanical
Gross weight or gross mass – The weight of the
handling. Standards for IBCs manufactured in the
packaging plus the weight of its contents.
United States are set forth in subparts N and O Part
Hazard class – The category of hazard assigned to 178.
a hazardous material under the definitional criteria of
Limited quantity – The maximum amount of a
Part 173 and the provisions of the Sec. 172.101
hazardous material for which there may be specific
Table. A material may meet the defining criteria for
labeling or packaging exception.
more than one hazard class but is assigned to only
one hazard class. Marking – The descriptive name, identification
number, instructions, cautions, weight, specification,
Hazardous materials – A substance or material
or UN marks or combinations thereof, required by
which has been determined by the Secretary of
this subchapter on outer packaging of hazardous
Transportation to be capable of posing an
materials.
unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property
when transported in commerce, and which has been Mixture – A material composed of more than one
so designated. The term includes hazardous chemical compound or element.
substances, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants,
Name of contents – The proper shipping name as
elevated temperature materials and materials
specified in Sec. 172.101.
designated as hazardous in the hazardous materials
table of §172.101, and materials that meet the Non-bulk packaging - A packaging, which has:
defining criteria for hazard classes and divisions in A maximum capacity of 450 L (119 gallons) as a
§173, subchapter c of this chapter. receptacle for a liquid;
Hazardous substance - A material, including its A maximum net mass less than 400 kg (882 pounds)
mixtures and solutions, that: and a maximum capacity of 450 L (119 gallons) or
Is listed in Appendix A to Sec. 172.101; less as a receptacle for a solid;
Is in a quantity, in one package, which equals or A water capacity greater than 454 kg (1,000 pounds)
exceeds the reportable quantity (RQ) listed in or less as a receptacle for a gas as defined in Sec.
Appendix A to Sec. 172.101; and 173.115;
When in a mixture or solution - Regardless of the definition of bulk packaging, a
maximum net mass of 400 kg (882 pounds) or less
For radionuclides, conforms to paragraph 7 of
for a bag or box conforming to the applicable
Appendix A to Sec. 172.101.
requirements for specification packagings, including
For other than radionuclides, is in a concentration by the maximum net mass limitations, provided in
weight which equals or exceeds the concentration subpart L of Part 178.
corresponding to the RQ of the material, as shown in
Figure 9.12. N.O.S. - Not otherwise specified.
Outage or ullage – The amount by which a
Hazardous Substance Concentrations packaging falls short of being liquid full, usually
Concentration by Weight expressed in percent by volume.
RQ Pounds
(Kilograms Percent PPM Portable tank – Bulk packaging (except a cylinder
having a water capacity of 1,000 pounds or less)
5,000 10 100,000 designed primarily to be loaded onto, or on, or
(2,270) temporarily attached to a transport vehicle or ship
1,000 (454) 2 20,000 and equipped with skids, mountings, or accessories
100 (45.4) .2 2,000 to facilitate handling of the tank by mechanical
10 (4.54) .02 200 means. It does not include a cargo tank, tank car,
1 (0.454) .002 20 multi-unit tank car tank, or trailer carrying 3AX,
3AAX, or 3T cylinders.
Figure 9.12
Proper shipping name – The name of the
This definition does not apply to petroleum products hazardous materials shown in Roman print (not
that are lubricants or fuels (see 40 CFR 300.6). italics) in Sec. 172.101.
Hazardous waste – Any material that is subject to P.s.i. or psi – Pounds per square inch.
the Hazardous Waste Manifest Requirements of the
P.s.i.a. or psia – Pounds per square inch absolute.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specified in
40 CFR Part 262.
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Reportable quantity (RQ) - The quantity specified

in Column 2 of the Appendix to Sec. 172.101 for any
material identified in Column 1 of the Appendix.
PHMSA – The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Washington, DC 20590.
Shipper's certification – A statement on a shipping
paper, signed by the shipper, saying he / she
prepared the shipment properly according to law. For
example:
"This is to certify that the above named materials are
properly classified, described, packaged, marked
and labeled, and are in proper condition for
transportation according to the applicable
regulations or the Department of Transportation."; or
I hereby declare that the contents of this
consignment are fully and accurately described
above by the proper shipping name and are
classified, packaged, marked and labeled /
placarded, and are in all respects in proper condition
for transport according to applicable international
and national government regulations."
Shipping paper – A shipping order, bill of lading,
manifest, or other shipping document serving a
similar purpose prepared in accordance with subpart
C of Part 172.
Technical name – A recognized chemical name or
microbiological name currently used in scientific and
technical handbooks, journals, and texts.
Transport vehicle – A cargo-carrying vehicle such
as an automobile, van, tractor, truck, semi-trailer,
tank car, or rail car used for the transportation of
cargo by any mode. Each cargo-carrying body
(trailer, rail car, etc.) is a separate transport vehicle.
UN standard packaging – A specification
packaging conforming to the standards in the UN
recommendations.
UN – United Nations.

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Section 10
SCHOOL BUSES
This Section Covers

• Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors

• Loading and Unloading
• Emergency Exit and Evacuation
• Railroad-highway Grade Crossings
• Student Management
• Antilock Braking Systems
• Special Safety Considerations
Because state and local laws and regulations
regulate so much of school transportation and school
bus operations, many of the procedures in this
section may differ from state to state. You should be
thoroughly familiar with the laws and regulations in
your state and local school district.

10.1 – Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors

10.1.1 – Danger Zones
The danger zone is the area on all sides of the bus
where children are in the most danger of being hit,
either by another vehicle or their own bus. The Figure 10.1
danger zones may extend as much as 30 feet from
the front bumper with the first 10 feet being the most 10.1.3 – Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors
dangerous, 10 feet from the left and right sides of the These mirrors are mounted at the left and right front
bus and 10 feet behind the rear bumper of the school corners of the bus at the side or front of the
bus. In addition, the area to the left of the bus is windshield. They are used to monitor traffic, check
always considered dangerous because of passing clearances and students on the sides and to the rear
cars. Figure 10.1 illustrates these danger zones. of the bus. There is a blind spot immediately below
10.1.2 – Correct Mirror Adjustment and in front of each mirror and directly in back of the
rear bumper. The blind spot behind the bus extends
Proper adjustment and use of all mirrors is vital to the 5o to 150 feet and could extend up to 400 feet
safe operation of the school bus in order to observe depending on the length and width of the bus.
the danger zone around the bus and look for
students, traffic, and other objects in this area. You Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you
should always check each mirror before operating can see:
the school bus to obtain maximum viewing area. If 200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus.
necessary, have the mirrors adjusted.
Along the sides of the bus.
The rear tires touching the ground.
Figure 10.2 shows how both the outside left and right
side flat mirrors should be adjusted.

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Figure 10.2 Figure 10.3

10.1.4 – Outside Left and Right Side Convex right side of the bus, including the service door and
Mirrors front wheel area. The mirror presents a view of
The convex mirrors are located below the outside flat people and objects that does not accurately reflect
mirrors. They are used to monitor the left and right their size and distance from the bus. The driver must
sides at a wide angle. They provide a view of traffic, ensure that these mirrors are properly adjusted.
clearances, and students at the side of the bus. Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you
These mirrors present a view of people and objects can see:
that does not accurately reflect their size and The entire area in front of the bus from the front
distance from the bus. bumper at ground level to a point where direct vision
You should position these mirrors to see: is possible. Direct vision and mirror view vision
The entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts. should overlap.
Front of the rear tires touching the ground. The right and left front tires touching the ground.
At least one traffic lane on either side of the bus. The area from the front of the bus to the service door.
Figure 10.3 shows how both the outside left and right These mirrors, along with the convex and flat mirrors,
side convex mirrors should be adjusted. should be viewed in a logical sequence to ensure
that a child or object is not in any of the danger
10.1.5 – Outside Left and Right Side Crossover zones.
Mirrors
Figure 10.4 illustrates how the left and right side
These mirrors are mounted on both left and right crossover mirrors should be adjusted.
front corners of the bus. They are used to see the
front bumper “danger zone” area directly in front of
the bus that is not visible by direct vision, and to view
the “danger zone” area to the left side and the

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10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop

Each school district establishes official routes and
official school bus stops. All stops should be
approved by the school district prior to making the
stop. You should never change the location of a bus
stop without written approval from the appropriate
school district official.
You must use extreme caution when approaching a
school bus stop. You are in a very demanding
situation when entering these areas. It is critical that
you understand and follow all state and local laws
and regulations regarding approaching a school bus
stop. This would involve the proper use of mirrors,
alternating flashing lights, and when equipped, the
moveable stop signal arm and crossing control arm.
When approaching the stop, you should:
Approach cautiously at a slow rate of speed.
Look for pedestrians, traffic, or other objects before,
during, and after coming to a stop.
Figure 10.4 Continuously check all mirrors.
10.1.6 – Overhead Inside Rearview Mirror If the school bus is so equipped, activate alternating
flashing amber warning lights at least 200 feet or
This mirror is mounted directly above the windshield approximately 5-10 seconds before the school bus
on the driver’s side area of the bus. This mirror is stop or in accordance with state law.
used to monitor passenger activity inside the bus. It
may provide limited visibility directly in back of the Turn on right turn signal indicator about 100-300 feet
bus if the bus is equipped with a glass-bottomed rear or approximately 3-5 seconds before pulling over.
emergency door. There is a blind spot area directly Continuously check mirrors to monitor the danger
behind the driver’s seat as well as a large blind spot zones for students, traffic, and other objects.
area that begins at the rear bumper and could extend Move as far as possible to the right on the traveled
up to 400 feet or more behind the bus. You must use portion of the roadway.
the exterior side mirrors to monitor traffic that
approaches and enters this area. When stopping you should:
You should position the mirror to see: Bring school bus to a full stop with the front bumper
at least 10 feet away from students at the designated
The top of the rear window in the top of the mirror. stop. This forces the students to walk to the bus so
All of the students, including the heads of the you have a better view of their movements.
students right behind you. Place transmission in Park, or if there is no Park shift
point, in Neutral and set the parking brake at each
10.2 – Loading and Unloading stop.
More students are killed while getting on or off a Activate alternating red lights when traffic is a safe
school bus each year than are killed as passengers distance from the school bus and ensure stop arm is
inside of a school bus. As a result, knowing what to extended.
do before, during, and after loading or unloading
Make a final check to see that all traffic has stopped
students is critical. This section will give you specific
before completely opening the door and signaling
procedures to help you avoid unsafe conditions
students to approach.
which could result in injuries and fatalities during and
after loading and unloading students.
The information in this section is intended to provide
a broad overview, but is not a definitive set of
actions. It is imperative that you learn and obey the
state laws and regulations governing loading /
unloading operations in your state.

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10.2.2 – Loading Procedures 10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route

Perform a safe stop as described in subsection Perform a safe stop at designated unloading areas
10.2.1. as described in subsection 10.2.1.
Students should wait in a designated location for the Have the students remain seated until told to exit.
school bus, facing the bus as it approaches. Check all mirrors.
Students should board the bus only when signaled Count the number of students while unloading to
by the driver. confirm the location of all students before pulling
Monitor all mirrors continuously. away from the stop.
Count the number of students at the bus stop and be Tell students to exit the bus and walk at least 10 feet
sure all board the bus. If possible, know names of away from the side of the bus to a position where the
students at each stop. If there is a student missing, driver can plainly see all students.
ask the other students where the student is. Check all mirrors again. Make sure no students are
Have the students board the school bus slowly, in around or returning to the bus.
single file, and use the handrail. The dome light If you cannot account for a student outside the bus,
should be on while loading in the dark. secure the bus, and check around and underneath
Wait until students are seated and facing forward the bus.
before moving the bus. When all students are accounted for, prepare to
Check all mirrors. Make certain no one is running to leave by:
catch the bus. Closing the door.
If you cannot account for a student outside, secure Engaging transmission.
the bus, take the key, and check around and
underneath the bus. Releasing parking brake.
When all students are accounted for, prepare to Turning off alternating flashing red lights.
leave by: Turning on left turn signal.
Closing the door. Checking all mirrors again.
Engaging the transmission. Allowing congested traffic to disperse.
Releasing the parking brake. When it is safe, move the bus, enter the traffic flow
Turning off alternating flashing red lights. and continue the route.
Turning on left turn signal. Note. If you have missed a student’s unloading stop,
do not back up. Be sure to follow local procedures.
Checking all mirrors again.
Additional Procedures for Students That Must
Allowing congested traffic to disperse. Cross the Roadway. You should understand what
When it is safe, move the bus to enter traffic flow and students should do when exiting a school bus and
continue the route. crossing the street in front of the bus. In addition, the
The loading procedure is essentially the same school bus driver should understand that students
wherever you load students, but there are slight might not always do what they are supposed to do.
differences. When students are loading at the school If a student or students must cross the roadway, they
campus, you should: should follow these procedures:
Turn off the ignition switch. Walk approximately 10 feet away from the side of the
school bus to a position where you can see them.
Remove key if leaving driver’s compartment.
Walk to a location at least 10 feet in front of the right
Position yourself to supervise loading as required or corner of the bumper, but still remaining away from
recommended by your state or local regulations. the front of the school bus.
Stop at the right edge of the roadway. You should be
able to see the student’s feet.
When students reach the edge of the roadway, they
should:
Stop and look in all directions, making sure the
roadway is clear and is safe.
Check to see if the red flashing lights on the bus are
still flashing.
Wait for your signal before crossing the roadway.
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Upon your signal, the students should: Turning off alternating flashing red lights.
Cross far enough in front of the school bus to be in Turning on left turn signal.
your view. Checking all mirrors again.
Stop at the left edge of the school bus, stop, and look Allowing congested traffic to disperse.
again for your signal to continue to cross the
roadway. When it is safe, pull away from the unloading area.
Look for traffic in both directions, making sure 10.2.5 – Special Dangers of Loading and
roadway is clear. Unloading
Proceed across the roadway, continuing to look in all Dropped or Forgotten Objects. Always focus on
directions. students as they approach the bus and watch for any
Note: The school bus driver should enforce any state who disappear from sight.
or local regulations or recommendations concerning Students may drop an object near the bus during
student actions outside the school bus. loading and unloading. Stopping to pick up the
object, or returning to pick up the object may cause
10.2.4 – Unloading Procedures at School
the student to disappear from the driver’s sight at a
State and local laws and regulations regarding very dangerous moment.
unloading students at schools, particularly in
Students should be told to leave any dropped object
situations where such activities take place in the
and move to a point of safety out of the danger zones
school parking lot or other location that is off the
and attempt to get the driver’s attention to retrieve
traveled roadway, are often different than unloading
the object.
along the school bus route. It is important that the
school bus driver understands and obeys state and Handrail Hang-ups. Students have been injured or
local laws and regulations. The following procedures killed when clothing, accessories, or even parts of
are meant to be general guidelines. their body get caught in the handrail or door as they
When unloading at the school you should follow exited the bus. You should closely observe all
these procedures: students exiting the bus to confirm that they are in a
safe location prior to moving the bus.
Perform a safe stop at designated unloading areas
as described in subsection 10.2.1. 10.2.6 – Post-trip Inspection
Secure the bus by: When your route or school activity trip is finished, you
should conduct a post-trip inspection of the bus.
Turning off the ignition switch.
You should walk through the bus and around the bus
Removing key if leaving driver’s compartment.
looking for the following:
Have the students remain seated until told to exit.
Articles left on the bus.
Position yourself to supervise unloading as required
Sleeping students.
or recommended by your state or local regulations.
Open windows and doors.
Have students exit in orderly fashion.
Mechanical / operational problems with the bus, with
Observe students as they step from bus to see that
special attention to items that are unique to school
all move promptly away from the unloading area.
buses – mirror systems, flashing warning lamps and
Walk through the bus and check for hiding / sleeping stop signal arms.
students and items left by students.
Damage or vandalism.
Check all mirrors. Make certain no students are
Any problems or special situations should be
returning to the bus.
reported immediately to your supervisor or school
If you cannot account for a student outside the bus authorities.
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.

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10.3 – Emergency Exit and Evacuation 10.3.2 – Evacuation Procedures

An emergency situation can happen to anyone, Be Prepared and Plan Ahead. When possible,
anytime, anywhere. It could be a crash, a stalled assign two responsible, older student assistants to
school bus on a railroad-highway crossing or in a each emergency exit. Teach them how to assist the
high-speed intersection, an electrical fire in the other students off the bus. Assign another student
engine compartment, a medical emergency to a assistant to lead the students to a “safe place” after
student on the school bus, etc. Knowing what to do evacuation. However, you must recognize that there
in an emergency–before, during and after an may not be older, responsible students on the bus at
evacuation–can mean the difference between life the time of the emergency. Therefore, emergency
and death. evacuation procedures must be explained to all
students. This includes knowing how to operate the
10.3.1 – Planning for Emergencies
various emergency exits and the importance of
Determine Need to Evacuate Bus. The first and listening to and following all instructions given by
most important consideration is for you to recognize you.
the hazard. If time permits, school bus drivers should Some tips to determine a safe place:
contact their dispatcher to explain the situation
before making a decision to evacuate the school bus. A safe place will be at least 100 feet off the road in
the direction of oncoming traffic. This will keep the
As a general rule, student safety and control is best students from being hit by debris if another vehicle
maintained by keeping students on the bus during an collides with the bus.
emergency and / or impending crisis situation, if so
doing does not expose them to unnecessary risk or Lead students upwind of the bus if fire is present.
injury. Remember, the decision to evacuate the bus Lead students as far away from railroad tracks as
must be a timely one. possible and in the direction of any oncoming train.
A decision to evacuate should include consideration Lead students upwind of the bus at least 300 feet if
of the following conditions: there is a risk from spilled hazardous materials.
Is there a fire or danger of fire? If the bus is in the direct path of a sighted tornado
Is there a smell of raw or leaking fuel? and evacuation is ordered, escort students to a
nearby ditch or culvert if shelter in a building is not
Is there a chance the bus could be hit by other readily available, and direct them to lie face down,
vehicles? hands covering their head. They should be far
Is the bus in the path of a sighted tornado or rising enough away so the bus cannot topple on them.
waters? Avoid areas that are subject to flash floods.
Are there downed power lines?
General Procedures. Determine if evacuation is in
Would removing students expose them to speeding the best interest of safety.
traffic, severe weather, or a dangerous environment
Determine the best type of evacuation:
such as downed power lines?
Front, rear or side door evacuation, or some
Would moving students complicate injuries such as
combination of doors.
neck and back injuries and fractures?
Roof or window evacuation.
Is there a hazardous spill involved? Sometimes, it
may be safer to remain on the bus and not come in Secure the bus by:
contact with the material. Placing transmission in Park, or if there is no shift
Mandatory Evacuations. The driver must evacuate point, in Neutral.
the bus when: Setting parking brakes.
The bus is on fire or there is a threat of a fire. Shutting off the engine.
The bus is stalled on or adjacent to a railroad- Removing ignition key.
highway crossing. Activating hazard-warning lights.
The position of the bus may change and increase the If time allows, notify dispatch office of evacuation
danger. location, conditions, and type of assistance needed.
There is an imminent danger of collision. Dangle radio microphone or telephone out of driver’s
There is a need to quickly evacuate because of a window for later use, if operable.
hazardous materials spill. 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.
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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
spinal injury victims to prevent further injury.
Direct a student assistant to lead students to the
nearest safe place.
Walk through the bus to ensure no students remain
on the bus. Retrieve emergency equipment.
Join waiting students. Account for all students and
check for their safety.
Protect the scene. Set out emergency warning
devices as necessary and appropriate. Figure 10.5
Prepare information for emergency responders.
Pavement Markings. Pavement markings mean the
10.4 – Railroad-highway Crossings same as the advance warning sign. They consist of
an “X” with the letters “”RR” and a no-passing
10.4.1 – Types of Crossings marking on two-lane roads.
Passive Crossings. This type of crossing does not There is also a no passing zone sign on two-lane
have any type of traffic control device. You must stop roads. There may be a white stop line painted on the
at these crossings and follow proper procedures. pavement before the railroad tracks. The front of the
However, the decision to proceed rests entirely in school bus must remain behind this line while
your hands. Passive crossings require you to stopped at the crossing. See Figure 10.6.
recognize the crossing, search for any train using the
tracks and decide if there is sufficient clear space to
cross safely. Passive crossings have yellow circular
advance warning signs, pavement markings and
cross-bucks to assist you in recognizing a crossing.
Active Crossings. This type of crossing has a traffic
control device installed at the crossing to regulate
traffic at the crossing. These active devices include
flashing red lights, with or without bells and flashing
red lights with bells and gates.
10.4.2 – Warning Signs and Devices
Advance Warning Signs. The round, black-on-
yellow warning sign is placed ahead of a public
railroad-highway crossing. The advance warning
sign tells you to slow down, look and listen for the
train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks if a train
is coming. See Figure 10.5. Figure 10.6

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Cross-buck Signs. This sign marks the crossing. It

requires you to yield the right-of-way to the train. If
there is no white line painted on the pavement, you
must stop the bus before the cross-buck sign. When
the road crosses over more than one set of tracks, a
sign below the cross-buck indicates the number of
tracks. See Figure 10.7.

Figure 10.8

A school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the

highway. However, a school bus does not have the
slightest edge when involved in a crash with a train.
Because of a train’s size and weight it cannot stop
quickly. An emergency escape route does not exist
Figure 10.7 for a train. You can prevent school bus / train crashes
by following these recommended procedures.
Flashing Red Light Signals. At many highway-rail Approaching the Crossing:
grade crossings, the cross-buck sign has flashing
red lights and bells. When the lights begin to flash, Slow down, including shifting to a lower gear in a
stop! A train is approaching. You are required to yield manual transmission bus, and test your brakes.
the right-of-way to the train. If there is more than one Activate hazard lights approximately 200 feet before
track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing. the crossing. Make sure your intentions are known.
See Figure 10.8. Scan your surroundings and check for traffic behind
Gates. Many railroad-highway crossings have gates you.
with flashing red lights and bells. Stop when the Stay to the right of the roadway if possible.
lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers
Choose an escape route in the event of a brake
across the road lane. Remain stopped until the gates
failure or problems behind you.
go up and the lights have stopped flashing. Proceed
when it is safe. If the gate stays down after the train At the Crossing:
passes, do not drive around the gate. Instead, call Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50
your dispatcher. See Figure 10.8. feet from the nearest rail, where you have the best
10.4.3 – Recommended Procedures view of the tracks.
Each state has laws and regulations governing how Place the transmission in Park, or if there is no Park
school buses must operate at railroad-highway shift point, in Neutral and press down on the service
crossings. It is important for you to understand and brake or set the parking brakes.
obey these state laws and regulations. In general, Turn off all radios and noisy equipment, and silence
school buses must stop at all crossings, and ensure the passengers.
it is safe before proceeding across the tracks. The
specific procedures required in each state vary. Open the service door and driver’s window. Look and
listen for an approaching train.
Crossing the Track:
Check the crossing signals again before proceeding.

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At a multiple-track crossing, stop only before the first If there is a behavior problem on the bus, wait until
set of tracks. When you are sure no train is the students unloading are safely off the bus and
approaching on any track, proceed across all of the have moved away. If necessary, pull the bus over to
tracks until you have completely cleared them. handle the problem.
Cross the tracks in a low gear. Do not change gears 10.5.2 – Handling Serious Problems
while crossing.
Tips on handling serious problems:
If the gate comes down after you have started
Follow your school’s procedures for discipline or
across, drive through it even if it means you will break
refusal of rights to ride the bus.
the gate.
Stop the bus. Park in a safe location off the road,
10.4.4 – Special Situations perhaps a parking lot or a driveway.
Bus Stalls or Trapped on Tracks. If your bus stalls Secure the bus. Take the ignition key with you if you
or is trapped on the tracks, get everyone out and off leave your seat.
the tracks immediately. Move everyone far from the
Stand up and speak respectfully to the offender or
bus at an angle, which is both away from the tracks
offenders. Speak in a courteous manner with a firm
and toward the train.
voice. Remind the offender of the expected behavior.
Police Officer at the Crossing. If a police officer is Do not show anger, but do show that you mean
at the crossing, obey directions. If there is no police business.
officer, and you believe the signal is malfunctioning, If a change of seating is needed, request that the
call your dispatcher to report the situation and ask for student move to a seat near you.
instructions on how to proceed.
Never put a student off the bus except at school or
Obstructed View of Tracks. Plan your route so it at his or her designated school bus stop. If you feel
provides maximum sight distance at highway-rail that the offense is serious enough that you cannot
grade crossings. Do not attempt to cross the tracks safely drive the bus, call for a school administrator or
unless you can see far enough down the track to the police to come and remove the student. Always
know for certain that no trains are approaching. follow your state or local procedures for requesting
Passive crossings are those that do not have any assistance.
type of traffic control device. Be especially careful at
“passive” crossings. Even if there are active railroad 10.6 – Antilock Braking Systems
signals that indicate the tracks are clear, you must
look and listen to be sure it is safe to proceed. 10.6.1 – Vehicles Required to Have Antilock
Braking Systems
Containment or Storage Areas. If it won’t fit, don’t
commit! Know the length of your bus and the size of The Department of Transportation requires that
the containment area at highway-rail crossings on antilock braking systems be on:
the school bus route, as well as any crossing you Air brakes vehicles, (trucks, buses, trailers and
encounter in the course of a school activity trip. converter dollies) built on or after March 1, 1998.
When approaching a crossing with a signal or stop
Hydraulically braked trucks and buses with a gross
sign on the opposite side, pay attention to the
vehicle weight rating of 10,000 lbs or more built on
amount of room there. Be certain the bus has
or after March 1, 1999.
enough containment or storage area to completely
clear the railroad tracks on the other side if there is a Many buses built before these dates have been
need to stop. As a general rule, add 15 feet to the voluntarily equipped with ABS.
length of the school bus to determine an acceptable Your school bus will have a yellow ABS malfunction
amount of containment or storage area. lamp on the instrument panel if it is equipped with
ABS.
10.5 – Student Management 10.6.2 – How ABS Helps You
10.5.1 – Don’t Deal with On-bus Problems When When you brake hard on slippery surfaces in a
Loading and Unloading vehicle without ABS, your wheels may lock up. When
In order to get students to and from school safely and your steering wheels lock up, you lose steering
on time, you need to be able to concentrate on the control. When your other wheels lock up, you may
driving task. skid or even spin the vehicle.
Loading and unloading requires all your ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up and maintain
concentration. Don’t take your eyes off what is control. You may or may not be able to stop faster
happening outside the bus. with ABS, but you should be able to steer around an
obstacle while braking, and avoid skids caused by
over braking.
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10.6.3 – Braking with ABS Remember: If you need it, ABS could help to prevent
When you drive a vehicle with ABS, you should a serious crash.
brake as you always have. In other words:
Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely
10.7 – Special Safety Considerations
and stay in control. 10.7.1 – Strobe Lights
Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have Some school buses are equipped with roof-mounted,
ABS on the bus. However, in emergency braking, do white strobe lights. If your bus is so equipped, the
not pump the brakes on a bus with ABS. overhead strobe light should be used when you have
As you slow down, monitor your bus and back off the limited visibility. This means that you cannot easily
brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control. see around you – in front, behind, or beside the
school bus. Your visibility could be only slightly
10.6.4 – Braking if ABS is Not Working limited or it could be so bad that you can see nothing
Without ABS, you still have normal brake functions. at all. In all instances, understand and obey your
Drive and brake as you always have. state or local regulations concerning the use of these
lights.
Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to
tell you if something is not working. The yellow ABS 10.7.2 – Driving in High Winds
malfunction lamp is on the bus’s instrument panel. Strong winds affect the handling of the school bus!
As a system check on newer vehicles, the The side of a school bus acts like a sail on a sailboat.
malfunction lamp comes on at start-up for a bulb Strong winds can push the school bus sideways.
check and then goes out quickly. On older systems, They can even move the school bus off the road or,
the lamp could stay on until you are driving over five in extreme conditions, tip it over.
mph. If you are caught in strong winds:
If the lamp stays on after the bulb check, or goes on Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. Try to
once you are under way, you may have lost ABS anticipate gusts.
control at one or more wheels.
You should slow down to lessen the effect of the
Remember, if your ABS malfunctions, you still have wind, or pull off the roadway and wait.
regular brakes. Drive normally, but get the system
serviced soon. Contact your dispatcher to get more information on
how to proceed.
10.6.5 – Safety Reminders
10.7.3 – Backing
ABS won’t allow you to drive faster, follow more
closely, or drive less carefully. Backing a school bus is strongly discouraged. You
should back your bus only when you have no other
ABS won’t prevent power or turning skids – ABS safe way to move the vehicle. You should never back
should prevent brake-induced skids but not those a school bus when students are outside of the bus.
caused by spinning the drive wheels or going too fast Backing is dangerous and increases your risk of a
in a turn. collision. If you have no choice and you must back
ABS won’t necessarily shorten stopping your bus, follow these procedures:
distance. ABS will help maintain vehicle control, but Post a lookout. The purpose of the lookout is to warn
not always shorten stopping distance. you about obstacles, approaching persons, and
other vehicles. The lookout should not give directions
ABS won’t increase or decrease ultimate
on how to back the bus.
stopping power – ABS is an “add-on” to your
normal brakes, not a replacement for them. Signal for quiet on the bus.
ABS won’t change the way you normally brake. Constantly check all mirrors and rear windows.
Under normal brake conditions, your vehicle will stop Back slowly and smoothly.
as it always stopped. ABS only comes into play when
If no lookout is available:
a wheel would normally have locked up because of
over braking. Set the parking brake.
ABS won’t compensate for bad brakes or poor brake Turn off the motor and take the keys with you.
maintenance. Walk to the rear of the bus to determine whether the
Remember: The best vehicle safety feature is still a way is clear.
safe driver. If you must back-up at a student pick-up point, be
Remember: Drive so you never need to use your sure to pick up students before backing and watch
ABS. for late comers at all times.

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Be sure that all students are in the bus before

backing.
If you must back-up at a student drop-off point, be
sure to unload students after backing.
10.7.4 – Tail Swing
A school bus can have up to a three-foot tail swing.
You need to check your mirrors before and during
any turning movements to monitor the tail swing.

Section 10
Test Your Knowledge
1. Define the danger zone. How far does the
danger zone extend around the bus?
2. What should you be able to see if the outside
flat mirrors are adjusted properly? The
outside convex mirrors? The crossover
mirrors?
3. You are loading students along the route.
When should you activate your alternating
flashing amber warning lights?
4. You are unloading students along your
route. Where should students walk to after
exiting the bus?
5. After unloading at school, why should you
walk through the bus?
6. What position should students be in front of
the bus before they cross the roadway?
7. Under what conditions must you evacuate
the bus?
8. How far from the nearest rail should you stop
at a highway-rail crossing?
9. What is a passive highway-rail crossing?
Why should you be extra cautious at this
type of crossing?
10. How should you use your brakes if your
vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes
(ABS)?
These questions may be on your test. If you can’t
answer them all, re-read Section 10.

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Water pump belt.

Section 11 Alternator belt.
Vehicle Inspection Test Air compressor belt.
Note: If any of the components listed above are not
belt driven, you must:
This Section Covers
Tell the examiner which component(s) are not belt
driven.
• Internal Inspection
• External Inspection Make sure component(s) are operating properly, are
not damaged or leaking, and are mounted securely.

During the Vehicle inspection, you must show that Safe Start
the vehicle is safe to drive. You will have to walk Place gearshift lever in neutral (or park, for automatic
around the vehicle, name and point to / touch each transmissions).
item and explain to the examiner what you are
Depress clutch before attempting to start the vehicle
checking and why.
Start the vehicle and keep clutch depressed until
Any vehicle that has components marked or labeled
engine reaches idling speed.
cannot be used for the Vehicle Inspection test.
Then release clutch slowly.
Each pre-trip inspection test is a time-limited test.
The maximum time allowed to complete the test is 11.1.2 – Cab Check / Engine Start
thirty minutes.
Oil Pressure Gauge
11.1 All Vehicles Make sure oil pressure gauge is working.
Study the following vehicle parts for the type of Check that pressure gauge shows increasing or
vehicle you will be using during the CDL skills tests. normal oil pressure or that the warning light goes off.
You should be able to identify each part and tell the
If equipped, oil temperature gauge should begin a
examiner what you are looking for or inspecting.
gradual rise to the normal operating range.
11.1.1 Engine Compartment (Engine Off)
Temperature Gauge
Leaks / Hoses Make sure the temperature gauge is working.
Look for puddles on the ground. Temperature should begin to climb to the normal
Look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and operating range or temperature light should be off.
transmission.
Air Gauge
Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
Check that the air gauge is working properly and that
Oil Level the air compressor builds the air pressure to
Check oil level when engine is off. governor cut-out at approximately 120-140 psi or as
specified by manufacturer.
Indicate where dipstick is located.
Ammeter / Voltmeter
Check that the oil level is within safe operating range.
Level must be above refill mark. Check that gauges show alternator and / or
generator is charging or that warning light is off.
Coolant Level
Mirrors and Windshield
Looks at sight glass on radiator or coolant reservoir;
adequate level will show in sight glass. If no sight Mirrors should be clean and adjusted properly from
glass is available, you must describe what s/he the inside.
would look for after removing radiator cap. Windshield should be clean with no illegal stickers,
Power Steering Fluid no obstructions, or damage to the glass.

Checks the dipstick and sees where the fluid level is Emergency Equipment
relative to the refill mark or checks sight glass. Level Check for spare electrical fuses.
must be above refill mark.
Check for three red reflective triangles and 6 fuses
Engine Compartment Belts or 3 liquid burning flares.
Check the following belts for snugness (1/2 to 3/4 Check that the fire extinguisher is properly charged
inch play at center of belt), cracks, frays, loose fibers and securely mounted.
or signs of wear:
Power steering belt.
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Note: If the vehicle is not equipped with electrical Hydraulic Brake Check
fuses, you must mention this to the examiner. Pump the brake pedal three times with the engine
Wipers / Washers on, then hold it down for five seconds. The brake
pedal should not move (depress) during the five
Check that wiper arms and blades are secure, not
seconds.
damaged, and operate smoothly.
Failure to perform correctly will result in an automatic
If equipped, windshield washers must operate
failure of the vehicle inspection test.
correctly.
Air Brake Check (Air Brake Equipped Vehicles
Lights / Reflectors / Reflector Tape Condition
Only)
(Sides & Rear)
Failure to perform all three components of the air
Test that dash indicators work when corresponding
brake check correctly will result in an automatic
lights are turned on:
failure of the vehicle inspection test. Air brake safety
Left turn signal. devices vary. However, this procedure is designed to
Right turn signal. see that any safety device operates correctly as air
pressure drops from normal to a low air condition.
Four-way emergency flashers.
For safety purposes, in areas where an incline is
High beam headlight. present, you will use wheel chocks during the air
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) indicator. brake check. The proper procedures for inspecting
the air brake system are as follows:
Check that all external lights and reflective
equipment are clean and functional and none or 1. With the air pressure built up to governor cutoff
broken or missing. Light and reflector checks include (120 – 140 psi), shut off the engine leaving the
verification of correct color: key in the “on” or “battery charge” position, chock
your wheels if necessary, release the parking
Clearance lights (red on rear, amber elsewhere). brake (all vehicles), and the tractor protection
Headlights (high and low beams). valve (combination vehicle) and fully apply the
Taillights. foot brake. Hold the foot brake for one minute.
Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure
Backing lights. drops more than three pounds in one minute
Turn signals. (single vehicle) or four pounds in one minute
Four-way flashers. (combination vehicle).
Brake lights. 2. Without re-starting the engine, turn electrical
power to the “on” or “battery charge” position.
Red reflectors (on rear) and amber reflectors Begin fanning off the air pressure by rapidly
(elsewhere). applying and releasing the foot brake. Low air
Reflector tape condition warning devices (buzzer, light, flag) should
Note: Checks of brake, turn signal and four-way activate before air pressure drops below 55 psi
flasher functions must be done separately. or level specified by the manufacturer..
3. Continue to fan off the air pressure. At
Horn
approximately 40 psi on a tractor-trailer
Check that air horn and / or electric horn work. combination vehicle (or level specified by the
Heater / Defroster manufacturer), the tractor protection valve and
parking brake valve should close (pop out). On
Test that the heater and defroster work. other combination vehicle types and single
Parking Brake Check vehicle types, the parking brake valve should
close (pop out).
With air pressure built to governor cutout and the
parking brake engaged (trailer brakes released on Service Brake Check
combination vehicles), check that the parking brake You will be required to check the application of air or
will hold vehicle by gently trying to pull forward with hydraulic service brakes. This procedure is designed
parking brake on. to determine that the brakes are working correctly
With air pressure built to governor cutout, the parking and that the vehicle does not pull to one side or the
brake released and the trailer parking brake engaged other.
(combination vehicles only), check that the trailer Pull forward at 5 mph, apply the service brake and
parking brake will hold vehicle by gently trying to pull stop. Check to see that the vehicle does not pull to
forward with the trailer parking brake on. either side and that it stops when brake is applied.

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Safety Belt Brake Chambers

Check that the safety belt is securely mounted, See that brake chambers are not leaking, cracked,
adjusts, latches properly and is not ripped or frayed. or dented and are mounted securely. There are no
loose or missing clamps.
11.2 – External Inspection (All Vehicles) Brake Hoses / Lines
11.2.1– Steering Look for cracked, worn, or leaking hoses, lines, and
couplings.
Steering Box / Hoses
Check that the steering box is securely mounted and Drum Brake
not leaking. Look for any missing nuts and / or bolts. Check for cracks, dents, or holes. Also check for
Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to loose or missing bolts.
power steering hoses. Check for contaminates such debris or oil / grease.
Steering Linkage Brake linings (where visible) should not be worn
dangerously thin.
See that connecting links, arms, and rods from the
steering box to the wheel are not worn or cracked. Brake Linings
Check that joints and sockets are not worn or loose On some brake drums, there are openings where the
and that there are no missing nuts, bolts, or cotter brake linings can be seen from outside the drum. For
keys. this type of drum, check that a visible amount of
brake lining is showing.
11.2.2 – Suspension
Note: Be prepared to perform the same brake
Springs / Air / Torque components inspection on every axle (power unit
Look for missing, shifted, cracked, or broken leaf and trailer, if equipped).
springs. 11.2.4 – Wheels
Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
Rims
If vehicle is equipped with torsion bars, torque arms,
or other types of suspension components, check that Check for damaged or bent rims. Rims cannot have
they are not damaged and are mounted securely. welding repairs. Check rims for rust trails that may
indicate the rim is loose on the wheel.
Air ride suspension should be checked for damage
and leaks. Tires

Mounts The following items must be inspected on every tire:

Look for cracked or broken spring hangers, missing Tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32
or damaged bushings, and broken, loose, or missing on steering axle tires, 2/32 on all other tires).
bolts, u-bolts or other axle mounting parts. (The Tire condition: Check that tread is evenly worn and
mounts should be checked at each point where they look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls.
are secured to the vehicle frame and axle[s]). Also, make sure that valve caps and stems are not
Shock Absorbers missing, broken, or damaged.
See that shock absorbers are secure and that there Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a
are no leaks. tire gauge. Note: You will not get credit if you simply
Note: Be prepared to perform the same kick the tires or use a mallet to check for proper
suspension components inspection on every axle inflation.
(power unit and trailer, if equipped). Hub Oil Seals / Axle Seals
11.2.3 – Brakes See that hub oil / grease seals and axle seals are not
leaking and, if wheel has a sight glass, oil level is
Slack Adjustors and Pushrods adequate.
Look for broken, loose, or missing parts.
Lug Nuts
For manual slack adjustors, the brake pushrod
should not move more than one inch (with the brakes Check that all lug nuts are present, free of cracks and
released) when pulled by hand. distortions, and show no signs of looseness such as
rust trails or shiny threads.
Make sure all bolt holes are not cracked or distorted.

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Spacers or Budd Spacing 11.2.7 – Tractor / Coupling

If equipped, check that spacers are not bent, Air / Electric Lines
damaged, or rusted through; and are centered with
Listen for air leaks. Check that air hoses and
dual tires evenly separated..
electrical lines are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn
Check the space between the tires for debris and / (steel braid should not show through).
or foreign objects.
Make sure air and electrical lines are not tangled,
Note: Be prepared to perform the same wheel pinched, or dragging against tractor parts.
inspection on every axle (power unit and trailer, if
Catwalk / Steps
equipped).
Check that the catwalk is solid, clear of objects, and
11.2.5 – Side of Vehicle securely bolted to tractor frame.
Door(s) / Mirror(s) Check that steps leading to the cab entry and
Check that door(s) are not damaged and that they catwalk (if equipped) are solid, clear of objects, and
open and close properly from the outside. securely bolted to tractor frame.
Hinges should be secure with seals intact. Mounting Bolts
Check that mirror(s) and mirror brackets are not Look for loose or missing mounting brackets,
damaged and are mounted securely with no loose clamps, bolts, or nuts. Both the fifth wheel and the
fittings. slide mounting must be solidly attached.
Fuel Tank Check for loose or missing mounting bolts and for
broken welds for pintle hook or other type of hitch
Check that tank(s) are secure, cap(s) are tight, and mount, and tongue / draw-bar assembly to ensure
that there are no leaks from tank(s) or lines. that they are solidly attached in place.
Drive Shaft On other types of coupling systems (i.e., ball hitch,
See that drive shaft is not bent or cracked. pintle hook, etc.), inspect all coupling components
and mounting brackets for missing or broken parts.
Couplings should be secure and free of foreign
objects. Hitch Release Lever
Exhaust System Check to see that the hitch release lever is in place
and is secure.
Check system for damage and signs of leaks such
as rust or carbon soot. Exhaust system should not Locking Jaws
have cracks, holes or severe dents Look into fifth wheel gap and check that locking jaws
System should be connected tightly and mounted are fully closed around the kingpin.
securely. On other types of coupling systems (i.e., ball hitch,
Frame pintle hook, etc.), inspect the locking mechanism for
missing or broken parts and make sure it is locked
Look for cracks, broken welds, holes or other
securely. If present, safety cables or chains must be
damage to the longitudinal frame members, cross
secure and free of kinks and excessive slack.
members, box, and floor.
5th Wheel Skid Plate
11.2.6 – Rear of Vehicle
Check for proper lubrication and that 5th wheel skid
Splash Guards plate is securely mounted to the platform and that all
If equipped, check that splash guards or mud flaps bolts and pins are secure and not missing.
are not damaged and are mounted securely.
Platform (Fifth Wheel)
Doors / Ties / Lifts Check for cracks or breaks in the platform structure
Check that doors and hinges are not damaged and which supports the fifth wheel skid plate.
that they open, close, and latch properly from the
Release Arm (Fifth Wheel)
outside, if equipped.
If equipped, make sure the release arm is in the
Ties, straps, chains, and binders must also be engaged position and the safety latch is in place.
secure.
If equipped with a cargo lift, look for leaking, Kingpin / Apron / Gap
damaged or missing parts and explain how it should Explain that locking jaws holds kingpin in place and
be checked for correct operation. that the kingpin is not bent or damaged
Lift must be fully retracted and latched securely. Make sure the visible part of the apron is not bent,
cracked, or broken.
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Check that the trailer is lying flat on the fifth wheel Strobe light, if equipped is operational and is not
skid plate (no gap). broken.
Check for kingpin lock. Stop arm light, if equipped.
Locking Pins (Fifth Wheel) Alternately flashing amber lights, if equipped are
If equipped, look for loose or missing pins in the slide operational and not broken.
mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel. If air powered, Alternately flashing red lights, on both the front and
check for leaks. back of the vehicle are operational and not broken
Make sure locking pins are fully engaged.
Student Mirrors
Check that the fifth wheel is positioned properly so
In addition to checking the external mirrors, school
that the tractor frame will clear the landing gear
bus drivers must also check the internal and external
during turns.
mirrors used for observing students:
Sliding Pintle Check for proper adjustment.
Check the sliding pintle hook for excessive wear and Checks that all internal and external mirrors and
to ensure it is secure with no loose or missing nuts mirror brackets are not damaged and are mounted
or bolts and cotter pin is in place. securely with no loose fittings.
Tongue or Draw-bar Checks that visibility is not impaired due to dirty
Check that the tongue / draw-bar is not bent or mirrors.
twisted and checks for broken welds and stress Stop Arm / Safety Arm
cracks.
If equipped, check the stop arm to see that it is
Check that the tongue / draw-bar eye is not worn
mounted securely to the frame of the vehicle. Also,
excessively.
check for loose fittings and damage. Checks that
Tongue Storage Area stop arm extends fully when operated
Check that the storage area is solid and secured to Passenger Entry / Lift
the tongue.
Check that the entry door is not damaged, operates
Check that cargo in the storage area i.e. chains, smoothly, and closes securely from the inside.
binders, etc. are secure.
Hand rails are secure and the step light is working, if
equipped.
11.3 – School Bus Only
The entry steps must be clear with the treads not
Emergency Equipment loose or worn excessively.
In addition to checking for spare electrical fuses (if If equipped with a handicap lift, look for leaking,
equipped), three red reflective triangles, 6 fuses or 3 damaged, or missing parts and explain how lift
liquid burning flares and a properly charged and should be checked for correct operation. Lift must be
rated fire extinguisher, school bus drivers must also fully retracted and latched securely.
inspect the following emergency equipment:
Emergency Exit
Emergency Kit
Demonstrate that at least one emergency exit is not
Body Fluid Cleanup Kit damaged, operates smoothly, and closes securely
Lighting Indicators from the inside.
In addition to checking the lighting indicators listed in Check that release handle can be operated properly
Section 10.2 of this manual, school bus drivers must from both inside and outside the vehicle.
also check the following lighting indicators (internal Point out and describe how all other emergency exits
panel lights): operate
Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if Check that any emergency exit warning devices are
equipped. working properly.
Alternately flashing red lights indicator. Seating
Strobe light indicator, if equipped. Look for broken seat frames and check that seat
Lights / Reflectors frames are firmly attached to the floor.

In addition to checking the lights and reflective Check that seat cushions are attached securely to
devices listed in Section 10.2 of this manual, school the seat frames.
bus drivers must also check the following (external)
lights and reflectors:
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11.4 – Trailer Splash guards.

11.4.1 – Trailer Front
11.5 – Coach / Transit Bus
Air / Electrical Connections
11.5.1 – Passenger Items
Check that trailer air connectors are sealed and in
good condition. Passenger Entry / Lift
Make sure glad hands are locked in place, free of Check that entry doors operate smoothly and close
damage or air leaks. securely from the inside.
Make sure the trailer electrical plug is firmly seated Check that hand rails are secure and, if equipped,
and locked in place. that the step light(s) are working.
Check that the entry steps are clear, with the treads
Header Board
not loose or worn excessively.
If equipped, check the header board to see that it is
If equipped with a handicap lift, look for any leaking,
secure, free of damage, and strong enough to
damaged or missing part, and explain how it should
contain cargo.
be checked for correct operation.
If equipped, the canvas or tarp carrier must be
Lift should be fully retracted and latched securely.
mounted and fastened securely.
On enclosed trailers, check the front area for signs Emergency Exits
of damage such as cracks, bulges, or holes. Make sure that all emergency exits are not damaged,
operate smoothly, and close securely from the
11.4.2 – Side of Trailer
inside.
Landing Gear Check that any emergency exit warning devices are
Check that the landing gear is fully raised, has no working.
missing parts, crank handle is secure, and the
Passenger Seating
support frame and landing pads are not damaged.
Look for broken seat frames and check that seat
If power operated, check for air or hydraulic leaks.
frames are firmly attached to the floor.
Doors / Ties / Lifts Check that seat cushions are attached securely to
If equipped, check that doors are not damaged. the seat frames.
Check that doors open, close, and latch properly
11.5.2 – Entry / Exit
from the outside.
Check that ties, straps, chains, and binders are Doors / Mirrors
secure. Check that entry / exit doors are not damaged and
If equipped with a cargo lift, look for leaking, operate smoothly from the outside. Hinges should be
damaged or missing parts and explain how it should secure with seals intact.
be checked for correct operation. Make sure that the passenger exit mirrors and all
Lift should be fully retracted and latched securely. external mirrors and mirror brackets are not
damaged and are mounted securely with no loose
Frame fittings.
Look for cracks, broken welds, holes or other 11.5.3 – External Inspection of Coach / Transit
damage to the frame, cross members, box, and floor. Bus
Tandem Release Arm / Locking Pins Level / Air Leaks
If equipped, make sure the locking pins are locked in See that the vehicle is sitting level (front and rear),
place and release arm is secured. and if air-equipped, check for audible air leaks from
11.4.3 – Remainder of Trailer the suspension system.
Remainder of Trailer Fuel Tank(s)
Please refer to Section 11.2 of this manual for See that fuel tank(s) are secure with no leaks from
detailed inspection procedures regarding the tank(s) or lines.
following components:
Baggage Compartments
Wheels.
Check that baggage and all other exterior
Suspension system. compartment doors are not damaged, operate
Brakes. properly, and latch securely.
Doors / ties / lift.
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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.
11.5.4 – Remainder of Coach / Transit Bus
Remainder of Vehicle
Please refer to Section 11.2 of this manual for
detailed inspection procedures for the remainder of
the vehicle.
Remember, the Vehicle Inspection must be passed
before you can proceed to the Basic Control Skills
test.
11.6 – Taking the CDL Vehicle
Inspection Test
11.6.1 – Class A Vehicle Inspection Test
If you are applying for a Class A CDL, you will be
required to perform one of the four versions of a
Vehicle inspection in the vehicle you have brought
with you for testing. Each of the four tests are
equivalent and you will not know which test you will
take until just before the testing begins.
All of the tests include an engine start, an in-cab-
inspection, and an inspection of the coupling system.
Then, your test may require an inspection of the
entire vehicle or only a portion of the vehicle which
your CDL Examiner will explain to you.
11.6.2 – Class B and C Vehicle Inspection Test
If you are applying for a Class B CDL, you will be
required to perform one of the three versions of a
Vehicle inspection in the vehicle you have brought
with you for testing. Each of the three tests are
equivalent and you will not know which test you will
take until just before the testing begins.
All of the tests include an engine start and an in-
cab inspection. Then, your test may require an
inspection of the entire vehicle or only a portion of
the vehicle which your CDL Examiner will explain to
you. You will also have to inspect any special
features of your vehicle (e.g, school or transit bus).

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Outside Vehicle Observations (Looks) – You may

Section 12 be permitted to safely stop and exit the vehicle to
Basic Vehicle Control check the external position of the vehicle (look).
When doing so, you must place the vehicle in neutral
Skills Test and set the parking brake(s). Then, when exiting the
vehicle, you must do so safely by facing the vehicle
and maintaining three points of contact with the
This Section Covers vehicle at all times (when exiting a bus, maintain a
• Skills Test Scoring firm grasp on the handrail at all times). If you do not
safely secure the vehicle or safely exit the vehicle it
• Skills Test Exercises may result in an automatic failure of the basic control
skills test.
Your basic control skills could be tested using one or The maximum number of times that you may look to
more of the following exercises off-road or check the position of you vehicle is two (2) except for
somewhere on the street during the road test: the Straight Line Backing exercise, which allows one
Straight line backing. look. Each time you open the door, move from a
Offset back / right seated position where in physical control of the
vehicle or on a bus walk to the back of a bus to get a
Offset back / left better view, it is scored as a “look”.
Parallel park (driver side).
Final Position / Inside Parallel – It is important that
Parallel park (conventional). you finish each exercise exactly as the examiner has
Alley dock. instructed you. If you do not maneuver the vehicle
into its final position as described by the examiner,
These exercises are shown in Figures 12-1 through you will be penalized and could fail the basic skills
12-6. test.
Note: Basic Vehicle Control Test is a time-limited
test. The maximum time allowed to complete the test
is forty minutes. 12.2 – Exercises
Fail the Basic Control Test 12.2.1 – Straight Line Backing
You cannot continue to the Road Test: and scores You may be asked to back your vehicle in a straight
for the passing segments of the test are only valid line between two rows of cones without touching or
during initial issuance of the CLP. If the CLP is crossing over the exercise boundaries. (See Figure
renewed, all three segments of the skills test must be 12.1.)
retaken. 12.2.2 – Offset Back / Right
12.1 – Scoring You may be asked to back into a space that is to the
right rear of your vehicle. You will drive straight
Crossing Boundaries (encroachments)
forward the outer boundary. From that position you
Pull-ups must back the vehicle into the opposite lane until the
Outside Vehicle Observations (looks) front of your vehicle has passed the first set of cones
without striking boundary lines or cones. (See Figure
Final Position / Inside Parallel 12.2)
Encroachments – The examiner will score the
12.2.3 – Offset Back / Left
number of times you touch or cross over an exercise
boundary line or cone with any portion of your You may be asked to back into a space that is to the
vehicle. Each encroachment will count as an error. left rear of your vehicle. You will drive straight
forward the outer boundary. From that position, you
Pull-ups – When a driver stops and pulls forward to must back the vehicle into the opposite lane until the
clear an encroachment or to get a better position, it front of your vehicle has passed the first set of cones
is scored as a “pull-up”. Stopping without changing without striking boundary lines or cones. (See Figure
direction does not count as a pull-up. You will not be 12.3)
penalized for initial pull-ups. However, an excessive
number of pull-ups, will count as errors.

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12.2.4 – Parallel Park (Driver Side)

You may be asked to park in a parallel parking space
that is on your left. You are to drive past the entrance
to the parallel parking space with your vehicle
parallel to the parking area; and back into the space
without crossing front, side or rear boundaries
marked by cones. You are required to get your entire
vehicle completely into the space. (See Figure 12.4)
12.2.5 – Parallel Park (Conventional)
You may be asked to park in a parallel parking space
that is on your right. You are to drive past the
entrance to the parallel parking space with your
vehicle parallel to the parking area; and back into the
space without crossing front, side or rear boundaries
marked by cones. You are required to get your entire
vehicle completely into the space. (See Figure 12.5)
12.2.6 – Alley Dock
You may be asked to sight-side back your vehicle
into an alley. You will drive past the alley and position
your vehicle parallel to the outer boundary. From that
position, back into the alley bringing the rear of your
vehicle within three feet of the rear of the alley
without touching boundary lines or cones. Your
vehicle must be straight within the alley / lane when
you have completed the maneuver. (See Figure
12.6.)

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Figure 12.1: Straight Line Backing

Figure 12.2: Offset Back / Right

Figure 12.3: Offset Back / Left

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Figure 12.4: Parallel Park (Driver Side)

Figure 12.5: Parallel Park (Conventional)

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Figure 12.6: Alley Dock

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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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Come to a complete stop behind the stop line,

Section 13 crosswalk, or stop sign.
If stopping behind another vehicle, stop where you
On-road Driving can see the rear tires on the vehicle ahead of you
(safe gap).
This Section Covers Do not let your vehicle roll.
Keep the front wheels aimed straight ahead.
• How You Will Be Tested
When ready to turn:
You will drive over a test route that has a variety of Check traffic in all directions.
traffic situations. At all times during the test, you must Keep both hands on the steering wheel during the
drive in a safe and responsible manner; and you turn.
must:
Keep checking your mirror to make sure the vehicle
Wear your safety belt. does not hit anything on the inside of the turn.
Obey all traffic signs, signals, and laws. Vehicle should not move into oncoming traffic.
Complete the test without an accident or moving Vehicle should finish turn in correct lane.
violation.
After turn:
During the driving test, the examiner will be scoring
Make sure turn signal is off.
you on specific driving maneuvers as well as on your
general driving behavior. You will follow the Get up to speed of traffic, use turn signal, and move
directions of the examiner. Directions will be given to into right-most lane when safe to do so (if not already
you so you will have plenty of time to do what the there).
examiner has asked. You will not be asked to drive Check mirrors and traffic.
in an unsafe manner.
13.1.2 – Intersections
If your test route does not have certain traffic
situations, you may be asked to simulate a traffic As you approach an intersection:
situation. You will do this by telling the examiner what Check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
you are or would be doing if you were in that traffic Decelerate gently.
situation.
Brake smoothly and, if necessary, change gears.
Fail the Road Test
If necessary, come to a complete stop (no coasting)
Reschedule the road test in seven days if available: behind any stop signs, signals, sidewalks, or stop
and scores for the passing segments of the test are lines maintaining a safe gap behind any vehicle in
only valid during initial issuance of the CLP. If the front of you.
CLP is renewed, all three segments of the skills test
must be retaken. Your vehicle must not roll forward or backward.
When driving through an intersection:
13.1 – How You Will Be Tested Check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
13.1.1 – Turns Decelerate and yield to any pedestrians and traffic in
You have been asked to make a turn: the intersection.
Check traffic in all directions. Do not change lanes while proceeding through the
intersection.
Use turn signals and safely get into the lane needed
for the turn. Keep your hands on the wheel.
As you approach the turn: Once through the intersection:
Use turn signals to warn otheprs of your turn. Continue checking mirrors and traffic.
Slow down smoothly, change gears as needed to Accelerate smoothly and change gears as
keep power, but do not coast unsafely. Unsafe necessary.
coasting occurs when your vehicle is out of gear 13.1.3 – Urban Business
(clutch depressed or gearshift in neutral) for more
During this part of the test, you are expected to make
than the length of your vehicle.
regular traffic checks and maintain a safe following
If you must stop before making the turn: distance. Your vehicle should be centered in the
Come to a smooth stop without skidding. proper lane (right-most lane) and you should keep up
with the flow of traffic but not exceed the posted
speed limit.
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13.1.4 –Lane Changes Check traffic and your mirrors thoroughly in all
During multiple lane portions of the test, you will be directions.
asked to change lanes to the left, and then back to Turn off your four-way flashers.
the right. You should make the necessary traffic Activate the left turn signal.
checks first, then use proper signals and smoothly
change lanes when it is safe to do so. When traffic permits, you should release the parking
brake and pull straight ahead.
13.1.5 – Expressway or Rural / Limited Access
Do not turn the wheel before your vehicle moves.
Highway
Check traffic from all directions, especially to the left.
Before entering the expressway:
Steer and accelerate smoothly into the proper lane
Check traffic.
when safe to do so.
Use proper signals.
Once your vehicle is back into the flow of traffic,
Merge smoothly into the proper lane of traffic. cancel your left turn signal.
Once on the expressway: 13.1.7 – Curve
Maintain proper lane positioning, vehicle spacing, When approaching a curve:
and vehicle speed.
Check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
Continue to check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
Before entering the curve, reduce speed so further
When exiting the expressway: braking or shifting is not required in the curve.
Make necessary traffic checks. Keep vehicle in the lane.
Use proper signals. Continue checking traffic in all directions.
Decelerate smoothly in the exit lane.
13.1.8 – Railroad Crossing
Once on the exit ramp, you must continue to Before reaching the crossing, all commercial drivers
decelerate within the lane markings and maintain should:
adequate spacing between your vehicle and other
Decelerate, brake smoothly, and shift gears as
vehicles.
necessary.
13.1.6 – Stop / Start Look and listen for the presence of trains.
For this maneuver, you will be asked to pull your Check traffic in all directions.
vehicle over to the side of the road and stop as if you
were going to get out and check something on your Do not stop, change gears, pass another vehicle, or
vehicle. You must check traffic thoroughly in all change lanes while any part of your vehicle is in the
directions and move to the right-most lane or crossing.
shoulder of road. If you are driving a bus, a school bus, or a vehicle
As you prepare for the stop: displaying placards, you should be prepared to
observe the following procedures at every railroad
Check traffic. crossing (unless the crossing is exempt):
Activate your right turn signal. As the vehicle approaches a railroad crossing,
Decelerate smoothly, brake evenly, change gears as activate the four-way flashers.
necessary. Stop the vehicle within 50 feet but not less than 15
Bring your vehicle to a full stop without coasting. feet from the nearest rail.
Once stopped: Listen and look in both directions along the track for
Vehicle must be parallel to the curb or shoulder of an approaching train and for signals indicating the
the road and safely out of the traffic flow. approach of a train. If operating a school bus, you will
be required to put it in neutral, set the brakes, and
Vehicle should not be blocking driveways, fire open the window / door prior to crossing tracks. If
hydrants, intersections, signs, etc. operating a passenger vehicle you will be required to
Cancel your turn signal. stop, look and listen prior to crossing tracks.
Activate your four-way emergency flashers. Keep hands on the steering wheel as the vehicle
Apply the parking brake. crosses the tracks.
Move the gear shift to neutral or park. Do not stop, change gears, or change lanes while
any part of your vehicle is proceeding across the
Remove your feet from the brake and clutch pedals. tracks.
When instructed to resume:

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Four-way flashers should be deactivated after the 13.1.11 – General Driving Behaviors
vehicle crosses the tracks. You will be scored on your overall performance in the
Continue to check mirrors and traffic. following general driving behavior categories:
Not all driving road test routes will have a railroad 13.1.11(a) – Clutch Usage (for Manual
crossing. You may be asked to explain and Transmission)
demonstrate the proper railroad crossing procedures
Always use clutch to shift.
to the examiner at a simulated location.
If equipped with an unsynchronized manual
13.1.9 – Bridge / Overpass / Sign transmission, you must double-clutch when shifting.
After driving under an overpass, you may be asked Do not rev or lug the engine.
to tell the examiner what the posted clearance or Do not ride clutch to control speed, coast with the
height was. After going over a bridge, you may be clutch depressed, or "pop" the clutch.
asked to tell the examiner what the posted weight
limit was. If your test route does not have a bridge or 13.1.12(b) – Gear Usage (for Manual
overpass, you may be asked about another traffic Transmission)
sign. When asked, be prepared to identify and Do not grind or clash gears.
explain to the examiner any traffic sign which may Select gear that does not rev or lug engine.
appear on the route.
Do not shift in turns and intersections.
13.1.10 – Student Discharge (School Bus)
13.1.13(c) – Brake Usage
If you are applying for a School Bus endorsement,
you will be required to demonstrate a student Do not ride or pump brake.
discharge. Please refer to section 10 of this manual. Do not brake harshly. Brake smoothly using steady
As you approach the student pickup, you must: pressure.
Decelerate and approach at a slow rate of speed 13.1.14(d) – Lane Usage
while continuing to check traffic. Do not put vehicle over curbs, sidewalks, or lane
Activate amber warning lights and right turn signals. markings.
Move as far as possible to the right on the traveled Stop behind stop lines, crosswalks, or stop signs.
portion of the roadway. Complete a turn in the proper lane on a multiple lane
Recheck traffic. road (vehicle should finish a left turn in the lane
As you stop for the student discharge, you must: directly to the right of the center line).
Bring school bus to a complete stop at least 10’ away Finish a right turn in the right-most (curb) lane.
from students at the stop. Move to or remain in right-most lane unless lane is
Place the transmission in neutral / park and set the blocked.
parking brake. 13.1.15 – Steering
Activate the stop arm and red warning lights. Do not over or under steer the vehicle.
When discharging students, you must: Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times
Communicate to students. unless shifting. Once you have completed shift,
Check traffic. return both hands to the steering wheel.
Open the student door. 13.1.16 – Regular Traffic Checks
Check for students. Check traffic regularly.
When students are crossing, you must: Check mirrors regularly.
Check traffic. Check mirrors and traffic before, while in and after an
Communicate to students. intersection.
Check for students. Scan and check traffic in high volume areas and
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.
Turn off warning lights and stop arm. Activate turn signals when required.
Close the door Activate turn signals at appropriate times.
Check traffic. Cancel turn signals upon completion of a turn or lane
Accelerate away from the stop area. change.

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State-operated CDL Skill / Testing Locations

Site Name Address City State Zip Telephone
Middletown CDL Facility 3701 Tytus Avenue Middletown OH 45042 513-422-1842

Findlay CDL Facility 8210 County Road 140 Findlay OH 45840 419-423-2841

Seville CDL Facility 8730 Lake Road Seville OH 44273 330-769-5090

Public / Third-Party CDL Skill / Testing Locations

Site Name Address City State Zip Telephone
*Pike County Joint Vocational 175 Beaver Creek Road Piketon OH 45661 740-289-5860

800-446-8875
*CDL of Northern Ohio 202 C. Republic Street Norwalk OH 44857
419-660-0016

*CDL Testing Inc. 4060 Perimeter Drive Columbus OH 43211 614-351-7680

*Northwest CDL Center 26718 Oregon Road Perrysburg OH 43551 419-837-9400

*Rathburn Enterprises P.O. Box 506 Lake Milton OH 44429 330-538-2216

*U.S. America / Manufacturing Inc. 8334 State Route 36 Gnadenhutten OH 44629 740-254-9313

14056 Moulton New

*Ameristar CDL Wapakoneta OH 45895 419-738-6800
Knoxville Rd.

*Atlas Massillon CDL Testing 1211 3rd Street NW Massillon OH 44647 330-456-4571

*Asterisk means the facility has rental vehicles.

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