1. Commercial Driver License
Study Group
2012

2. Section 2
Driving Safely – part 1

3. Vehicle Inspection
Why?
 Types
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4. What to look for
Tires
 Wheels
 Brake drums/shoes
 Steering
 Suspension
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5. What to look for
Exhaust system
 Emergency equipment
 cargo
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6. Pre-trip Inspection
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Seven steps
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Vehicle overview
Engine compartment
Start engine, inspect cab
Turn off engine, check lights
Walk-around inspection
Check signal lights
Start engine, check hydraulic leaks

7. During a trip inspection
Instruments
 Gauges
 Ammeter/voltmeter
 Mirrors
 Tires
 Cargo
 Lights
 Etc…..
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8. During a trip inspection
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Inspect cargo with the first 50 miles of
a trip and every 150 miles or 3 hours
(whichever comes first) thereafter.

9. Basic control of vehicle
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Safe operation requires skill in:
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Accelerating
Steering
Stopping
Backing safely

10. Basic control of vehicle
Shifting gears
 Manual
 Rear axles
 Automatic
 Retarders
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11. Basic control of vehicle
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Seeing
◦ Ahead
◦ Sides and rear
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Communicating
◦ Turn signals
◦ Speed
◦ Warning devices

12. Basic control of vehicle
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Speed
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Stopping distance
Match speed to road surface
Speed and curves
Distance ahead
Traffic flow
Downgrades
Work zones

13. Basic control of vehicle
Managing space
 Space ahead
 Space behind
 Space on sides
 Space overhead
 Space below
 Space for turns
 Cross or enter traffic
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14. Basic control of vehicle
Seeing hazards
 Hazardous roads
 Drivers who are hazards
 Other hazards
 Always have a plan
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15. Basic control of vehicle
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Distracted driving
◦ Tips to avoid distraction
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Aggressive driving
◦ Be a professional driver
◦ Avoid confrontation