Vehicle Control and Safe Driving Practices
What this domain tests
This domain tests smooth control of a heavy passenger vehicle: speed selection, following distance, turning geometry, backing, mirror use, and grade management. The exam looks for answers that protect standing or unbelted passengers from sudden movement.
Core rules and concepts
- Drive smoothly: progressive braking, gentle acceleration, and early speed reduction for curves, traffic, and passengers who are standing.
- Following distance: at least four seconds in good conditions, and more when loaded, raining, dark, or downhill. Increase space rather than tailgate.
- Turns: a long rear overhang can swing the tail into the next lane. Position to clear parked vehicles and curbs, check mirrors through the turn, and wait for adequate space before starting.
- Backing: avoid it when possible. Use a trained spotter and stop if you lose sight of the spotter. If no spotter is available, get out and check the path before backing.
- Mirrors: adjust before moving; use flat and convex mirrors for blind spots, but do not rely on mirrors alone.
- Downgrades: select a lower gear before descending; do not ride the brakes and overheat them.
Worked example
A bus with a long rear overhang makes a right turn. Reasoning: the rear can swing left into the adjacent lane even though the front clears. The driver waits for a gap, checks the left mirror, and turns slowly so the tail does not strike a vehicle.
Traps
Late braking; cutting a right turn too tightly; backing without a spotter; speeding downhill; forgetting that a loaded bus needs longer stopping distance; relying on mirrors without a shoulder check.