Basic Control of Your Vehicle
Basic control covers moving, stopping, turning, and backing a commercial vehicle without losing it. Maine's exam tests smooth acceleration, controlled braking, proper lane position, and backing discipline.
Starting and stopping
Start in the proper gear, release the parking brake only after you are ready to move, and accelerate smoothly so the load does not shift. Look far ahead and brake early. A loaded tractor-trailer needs roughly 400 feet to stop from 55 mph, so following the car ahead is not a plan. Brake before a curve, not in it; tires have only so much grip, and asking them to brake and turn at once can push you wide.
Turning and lane position
Make turns from the correct lane, and remember that rear wheels track inside the front wheels. A long trailer can cut a corner by several feet, so swing wide enough without crossing into oncoming traffic. Use pull-through turns where possible: go past the corner, then turn, so the trailer clears. Back only when necessary, and when you must, back toward the driver's side, use both mirrors, and get out and look (GOAL) if unsure.
Worked example
A 53-foot trailer turns right at a tight city corner. The driver stays close to the right curb and turns immediately; the trailer's right rear wheels climb the curb and strike a sign. Correct approach: move right but leave room, pull forward until the trailer's rear axle passes the corner, then turn slowly while watching the right mirror. The trailer off-tracks - its rear wheels follow a shorter path than the tractor's.
Traps
Backing on mirrors alone; braking hard in a curve; coasting in neutral to save fuel; and swinging so wide that you enter the opposing lane.