Basic Control of Your Vehicle
Control starts with the driver
Basic control covers starting, steering, shifting, and stopping smoothly. The test checks that you understand how a heavy vehicle responds.
Concepts to master
- Starting: Check mirrors, signal, and move slowly. Use the clutch and throttle smoothly.
- Steering: Use both hands; do not grip the wheel too tightly. Look ahead, not at the hood.
- Shifting: Know the shift pattern and match speed to gear. Do not coast in neutral.
- Stopping: Brake early and gradually; avoid locking the wheels.
- Backing: Get out and look, use a spotter, and back slowly. If unsure, stop.
- Turning: Slow before the turn, then accelerate gently through it.
- Skids: Release the brakes to regain traction, then steer.
Traps
Questions ask whether you should coast downhill in neutral (never) or whether you can back without a spotter (only if you have checked and it is safe). Another trap: locking the wheels increases stopping distance.
Worked example
Backing into a loading dock, you get out to check the area, use a spotter, and back slowly with the windows down. When the spotter disappears from view, you stop immediately until you can see them again.
Rule of thumb
Smooth inputs, eyes ahead, and never back up blind.