Basic Control
Basic control is the second domain of the Louisiana CDL General Knowledge exam. It tests whether you can start, steer, stop, and back a commercial vehicle smoothly and under control, including in tight spaces where a tractor-trailer does not track like a car.
Starting and moving
Adjust the seat and mirrors before moving, fasten the seat belt, confirm the transmission is in neutral or park, start the engine, check gauges for oil pressure, air pressure, and warning lights, then release the parking brake only when ready. A commercial vehicle should be moved only after a walk-around confirms clearance.
Steering and stopping
Use both hands and keep the wheel under control; do not palm the wheel. Brake early and smoothly. Controlled braking lets you steer while stopping; stab braking-hard application, release, and reapply-is for non-ABS emergencies and requires care. Stopping distance grows with speed and weight, so look far enough ahead to brake progressively rather than late.
Backing
Back toward the driver's side whenever possible. Use GOAL-Get Out And Look-before backing, and use a spotter if one is available. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the rear of the trailer to go, and correct drift early. If you lose sight of the spotter, stop.
Worked example
A driver must place a 53-foot trailer at a right-side dock. Rather than backing blind-side from the street, the driver pulls past the dock, sets up on the driver's side, gets out to check clearance, uses a spotter, and makes small corrections. The reasoning: a driver-side back gives the best mirror view and reduces the chance of striking a dock wall or parked vehicle.
Traps
Backing blind-side unnecessarily, relying only on mirrors without getting out, and oversteering-then overcorrecting-are common mark-losers.