Mississippi CDL Combination study plan

Explain, in writing, why a combination vehicle's stopping distance and off-tracking differ from a straight truck's, citing the pivot point, rearward amplification, and the effect of trailer length.

Identify the three causes of trailer swing-out during a turn and state the countermeasure a driver applies for each.

Describe how to check that the trailer brakes, lights, and air lines are functioning before a trip, listing the sequence a driver follows at the rear of the trailer.

Practice the 6-point visual search pattern for a combination vehicle at highway speed and write out what each mirror and the road ahead should show.

Trace the path of air through a tractor-trailer system from the compressor to the trailer spring brakes and label each component's function on a hand-drawn diagram.

Explain the difference between a supply line and a service line, and state what happens if the supply line is disconnected while the trailer is loaded.

State the correct gauge readings and warning signals for a tractor-trailer air system, including the low-air warning and the pressure at which the spring brakes apply.

Describe the procedure for performing a trailer air leakage test and the maximum allowable pressure loss for a single and a combination vehicle.

List the coupling sequence in order from the pre-coupling inspection to the pull test, and explain why the pull test must be performed with the trailer brakes set.

Explain the cause of a 'high hook' and describe how a driver verifies the kingpin is locked in the fifth wheel before driving.

Describe the uncoupling sequence in order, including the order of chocking, landing gear, air line disconnection, and the reason for each step.

State the correct landing gear height and explain why a loaded trailer should not be left resting on the landing gear without the tractor's support.

Explain how to check the fifth wheel jaws and the locking mechanism visually before coupling.

Perform a complete walk-around inspection of a combination vehicle in the correct order and state what is checked at each stop.

Identify the inspection items that cause an out-of-service condition for a combination vehicle, such as brake defects, coupling defects, and lighting failures.

Describe the brake adjustment check for a slack adjuster and state the allowable pushrod travel for a typical chamber.

Explain how to inspect the fifth wheel, kingpin, and trailer frame for cracks, wear, and missing fasteners.

Describe the correct turn path for a combination vehicle making a right turn, including when to swing wide and when not to.

Explain the lane-change procedure for a combination vehicle, including mirror checks, signal timing, and the danger of a trailer cutting the corner.

Describe the backing maneuvers a combination vehicle driver uses, including the setup, GOAL, and the use of a spotter.

Explain how weight distribution affects a combination vehicle's handling and how to check axle weights against legal limits.

Identify the causes of rollover in a combination vehicle and state the safe speed for a curve based on posted advisory speed.

Explain how to recognize the onset of a skid and describe the recovery procedure for a drive-axle skid, a steer-axle skid, and a trailer skid.

Describe what to do if the trailer begins to swing or jackknife, including the correct use of the accelerator and steering.

Explain the effect of speed, weight, and road surface on stopping distance and how to adjust following distance for a combination vehicle.

Describe the correct response to a tire blowout on a combination vehicle, including steering and braking technique.

Explain the procedure for a runaway trailer or a brake failure on a downgrade.

Compare the handling characteristics of a tractor-trailer, a doubles/triples combination, and a straight truck with a trailer, listing at least three differences for each pair.

Explain the special inspection requirements for doubles and triples, including the converter dolly and the shut-off valves.

Describe the safe speed and following distance for doubles and triples and explain why they require more room.

Explain the special considerations for a tanker or a flatbed combination, including surge, load securement, and center of gravity.

Complete a full-length practice test covering all eight domains and score at least 85 percent.

Review every missed question and write a one-sentence explanation of the correct answer for each.

Re-perform the coupling and uncoupling checklist and the walk-around inspection from memory without notes.

Explain the top five combination-vehicle safety rules in your own words to a study partner.