2005 Commercial Driver’s License Manual Figure 6.2 Stop Using the Brake. Release the brakes to get traction back. Do not use the trailer handbrake (if you have one) to "straighten out the rig" This is the wrong thing to do since the brakes on the trailer wheels caused the skid in the first place. Once the trailer
wheels grip the road again, the trailer will start to follow the tractor and straighten out.
6.1.6 – Turn Wide When
a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels. This is called off-tracking or "cheating" Figure 6.3 shows how off-tracking causes the path followed by a tractor to be wider than the rig itself. Longer vehicles will offtrack more. The rear wheels of the powered unit (truck or tractor) will offtrack some, and the rear wheels of the trailer will offtrack even more. If
there is more than one trailer, the rear wheels of the last trailer will offtrack the most. Steer the front end wide enough around a corner so the rear
end does not run over the curb,
pedestrians, etc. However, keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb. This will stop other drivers from passing you on the right. If you cannot complete your turn without
entering another traffic lane, turn wide as you complete the turn. This is better than swinging wide to the left before starting the turn because it will keep other drivers from passing you on the right. See Figure 6.4.
Table of contentsWho needs a commercial driver license?Commercial learner permit (clp)Farm-related service industry (frsi) waiverCodetpnhxscodeGeneral requirementsCommercial driver license (cdl)Safety inspectionTexas drivers applying foraOthers applying fora commercial driver licenseDisqualificationsAre the tests difficult?Section 1 introductionFigure 1.1 note:School bust testWhat sections should you study?Interstate non-exceptedIntrastate non-exceptedSection 1 - introductionThe irp registrant and the ifta licensee mayFigure 1 – individual vehicle mileage & fuel record (example)Vehicle inspection.Section 2 – driving safelyFigure 2.1suspension system defects.Exhaust system defects.Approaching the vehicle.Step 2: check engine compartmentPage 2-3 version: july 2013Look at the gaugesCheck condition of controls.Left front sideStep 6: check signal lightsStep 7: start the engine and checkTest service brake stopping actionSafety inspection.Back slowly.Knowing when to shift up.Basic procedures for shifting downBefore starting down a hill.Subsections 2.2 and 2.3Importance of looking far enough ahead.Look for traffic.Mirror adjustment.Check your vehicle.Lane changes.Stopping on the roadDon't direct traffic.When it's hard to see.Reaction distanceThe effect of vehicle weight on stoppingJust after rain beginsFigure 2.12 2.7.2 – space behindPage 2-16 version: july 2013Staying centered in a lane.Strong winds.Seeing hazards lets you be prepared.Learning to see hazards.Work zones.Foreign objects.Off ramps/on ramps.Delivery trucks can present a hazard.Pedestrians and bicyclists can also beSlow drivers.Drivers in a hurry.Driver body movement as a clue.Subsections 2.7 and 2.8Subsections 2.9 and 2.10Fatigue and lack of alertness.Warning signs of fatigueMaintaining alertness while drivingPoor lighting.Drunk drivers.Other lights.Avoid blinding others.Use high beams when you can.Wipers and washers.Lights and reflectors.Radiator shutters and winterfront.Slippery surfaces.Adjust space to conditions.Engine oil.Engine belts.Go slowly enough to prevent overheating.Passive crossings.Advance warning signs.Cross-buck signs.Don't rely on signals.Subsections 2.15 and 2.16Keep both hands on the steering wheel.Where to steer.Leaving the road.Returning to the road.Controlled braking.Find an escape route.Respond to tire failure.Check the tires.Abs won’t allow you to drive fasterAbs won’t change the way you normallyOver-steering.Figure 2.19Follow safe procedures.Pull off the road.Extinguish the fire.Class/type of firesFigure 2.21 section 2 – driving safelyHow alcohol works.What determinesHow alcohol affects driving.What is a drinkEffects of increasingTo communicate the risk.Figure 2.24 2.23.3 – lists of regulated productsSubsections 2.22 and 2.23Figure 3.2 section 3 - transporting cargo safelySection 3 test your knowledgeSection 3 - transporting cargo safelyFigure 4.1 4.2.2 – forbidden hazardous materialsSection 4 - transporting passengers safelyThe most common bus accidents.Stop at drawbridges.Section 4 test your knowledgeFigure 5.1 section 5 – air brakesS-cam brakes.Figure 5.2 wedge brakes.Modulating control valves.Figure 5.3 5.1.16 – antilock braking systems (abs)Section 5 – air brakesCheck brake drums Test low pressure warning signal.Check rate of air pressure buildup.Test air leakage rate.Check air compressor governor cut-in andTest parking brake.Section 6 - combination vehiclesFigure 6.3 figure 6.4Subsection 6.1Emergency air-line.Figure 6.6 section 6 - combination vehiclesSubsection 6.2Figure 6.7 6.3.2 – braking with absStep 5. secure tractorStep 8. supply air to trailerStep 9. lock trailer brakesStep 12. secure vehicleStep 14. connect the electrical cord and checkStep 16. remove trailer wheel chocksStep 3. chock trailer wheelsStep 5. disconnect airlines and electricalTest tractor protection valve.Test trailer emergency brakes.Subsection 6.5Section 7 - doubles and triplesConnect converter dolly to front trailerUncouple rear trailerUncouple triple-trailer rigCoupling system areasDouble and triple trailersSection 7 test your knowledgeFigure 8.1 8.2.1 – high center of gravitySection 8 - tank vehiclesSection 9 - hazardous materialTransportation—who does whatHazardous materials classExamples of hazmat placardsThe hazardous materials table.Appendix b to 49 cfr 172.101 – list of marineSpecial instructions:Placard table 2Figure 9.8 section 9 - hazardous materialSubsections 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3No smoking.Use closed cargo space.Class 4 (flammable solids) and class 5Class 8 (corrosive) materials.Class 2 (compressed gases) includingClass 7 (radioactive) materials.Do not load tableFigure 9.9 mixed loads.Subsection 9.5Emergencies 9.7.1 – emergency response guidebookPage 9-15 version: july 2013Class 1 (explosives).Class 7 (radioactive materials).National response centerFigure 9.10 classes of hazardous materialsFigure 9.11 subsections 9.6 and 9.7Radioactive separationDivision – a subdivision of a hazard class. epaGross weight or gross massHazardous substanceLimited quantityOutage or ullageProper shipping nameSection 10 – school busesAdditional procedures for students that mustDropped or forgotten objects.Handrail hang-ups.Determine need to evacuate bus.Mandatory evacuations.Active crossings.Figure 10.5Figure 10.7 flashing red light signals.Approaching the crossingCrossing the trackPolice officer at the crossing.Containment or storage areas.Power steering fluidOil pressure gaugeAmmeter/voltmeterLights/reflectors/reflector tape conditionHorn check that air horn and/or electric horn work. heater/defrosterSection 11 - vehicle inspectionSteering box/hosesShock absorbersHub oil seals/axle sealsDoor(s)/mirror(s)Splash guardsCatwalk/stepsHitch release leverLocking pins (fifth wheel)Tongue storage areaLights/reflectorsLanding gearEmergency exitsLevel/air leaksRemainder of vehicleOutside vehicle observations (looks)Final positionFigure 12.2: offset back/rightSection 13 – on-road drivingSpecial permits.Two way roadwayLighting and reflectors.Divided highwayImplements of husbandry.Dard vehicle size requirementsSchool buses, recreational vehicles, and othersTest your knowledgeTexas commercial driver licenseEmail (pdf format only):Share with your friends: