Commercial Driver's License (General Knowledge)

Specialized & Licensing - Commercial Driver's License (General Knowledge) (part of DMV & Licensing)

Basic Concepts

Basic Vehicle Control

Steering, Shifting, and Stopping

Driving a large commercial vehicle is a whole different world compared to a car! You'll need to master techniques like smooth steering, proper shifting (if your vehicle has a manual transmission), and controlled braking.

  • Steering: Always use both hands and anticipate wide turns, especially with long vehicles.
  • Shifting: Many trucks have multi-speed transmissions. Double-clutching and knowing when to shift up or down are key skills.
  • Stopping: Big vehicles need more time and space to stop! Keep a safe following distance and plan your stops early.

Mirrors and Blind Spots

Commercial vehicles have huge blind spots. Proper mirror adjustment and frequent checks are essential for safe driving.

  • Always check mirrors before changing lanes or turning.
  • Blind spots are larger on the right and directly behind the vehicle.

Real-World Importance

Effective vehicle control prevents accidents, protects cargo, and keeps everyone on the road safe.

Examples

  • A driver checks all mirrors and signals before making a wide right turn.

  • A trucker uses the correct gear for downhill driving to avoid overheating brakes.

In a Nutshell

Safe operation of commercial vehicles depends on strong control skills and awareness.