Communication and Space Management
Communication and Space Management tests how you tell other drivers what you intend and how you protect space around a heavy vehicle. Mirrors, signals, lane position, and following distance are all scored.
Communicating
Signal early-at least 100 feet before a turn-and cancel the signal after the turn. Use four-way flashers when moving slowly or stopped in a hazard. At night, flash high beams to let a passing driver know it is safe. Tap the brakes to warn following traffic.
Space management
Keep a cushion ahead, beside, and behind. Avoid blind spots; if you cannot see a car's mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you. In traffic, leave room to pull forward if the vehicle behind is closing too fast. Change lanes only when you have a clear mirror view and a signal.
Worked example
You are merging onto a freeway with a 70-foot combination. A car is alongside your trailer, in your blind spot. You check the mirror, see no headlights, and start to move-then a second mirror check catches the car. You wait, let it pass, and merge behind it. The lesson: the first mirror check is not enough; look twice and use the signal early.
Traps
Signaling after starting the turn; assuming a car in the mirror is the only car; crowding the vehicle ahead; and forgetting to cancel a signal.