Basic Control of Your Vehicle
Basic Control tests starting, steering, stopping, and backing a commercial vehicle smoothly and under control. The exam wants deliberate actions and awareness of clearance, not speed.
Starting and steering
Complete the pre-trip, secure the area, start the engine, and watch gauges for oil pressure and air pressure. Build air pressure before moving. Keep both hands on the wheel, except when shifting or operating controls; do not palm the wheel. Make smooth steering inputs because a long wheelbase and high center of gravity amplify them. Look far ahead and steer toward a path, not at the hood.
Stopping and backing
Brake progressively; hard braking can cause a skid or load shift. Back only when necessary. Get out and check behind the vehicle, use a spotter when possible, and back toward the driver side so the vehicle moves to your side. If you lose sight of the spotter, stop. Use mirrors, but remember they leave blind spots. Roll down the window and listen.
Worked example
You must back into a dock on the right. Reasoning: a right-side back puts the vehicle on your left, away from your view; a left-side back keeps it on your side. Choose the left-side back if the dock layout permits, use a spotter, and stop if the spotter disappears.
Traps
Backing without a spotter or get-out check, steering with one hand at the bottom of the wheel, and braking late are common errors. A smooth stop is not a slow stop; it is controlled.