Safety First 04: Basic Control

Safety First · Lesson 04 of 30 · Basic Operation
Free safety education based on the federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory curriculum. This is not certified ELDT training and does not count toward a CDL.

The fourth unit of the federal Class A theory curriculum is Basic Control. It covers how a combination vehicle starts, stops, turns, and fits into traffic.

A tractor-trailer is longer and heavier than a car, and its trailer does not follow the exact path of the tractor. Basic control means planning for those differences.

Prefer to listen? Hear this lesson on the 18whings Safety podcast.

What this unit covers

Under 49 CFR Part 380, Appendix A, this unit introduces basic vehicle control and handling as it applies to combination vehicles. It includes executing sharp left and right turns, centering the vehicle, maneuvering in restricted areas, and entering and exiting the interstate or other controlled-access highways.

1. Starting and stopping

  • Start smoothly. Speed up smoothly and gradually so the vehicle does not jerk. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage.
  • Starting on a hill. Use the parking brake as needed to keep the vehicle from rolling back. Release it only when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back.
  • Stop smoothly. Push the brake pedal down gradually, and control the pressure so the vehicle comes to a smooth, safe stop.

2. Off-tracking

When a vehicle turns, the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels. CDL manuals call this off-tracking. Longer vehicles off-track more, and the rear wheels of a trailer off-track even more than those of the tractor.

Because of wide turning and off-tracking, a large vehicle can hit other vehicles or objects during a turn. CDL manuals tell drivers to steer the front end wide enough around corners so the rear of the vehicle does not run over the curb, pedestrians, or other objects.

3. Right turns

CDL manuals give these points for right turns:

  • Turn slowly, to give yourself and others more time to avoid problems.
  • Keep the rear of the vehicle close to the curb. This stops other drivers from passing you on the right.
  • If you cannot make the turn without swinging into another lane, turn wide as you complete the turn. Do not turn wide to the left as you start the turn.
  • If you must cross into the oncoming lane to make the turn, watch for vehicles coming toward you, give them room to go by or to stop, and do not back up for them.

4. Left turns

  • Make sure you have reached the center of the intersection before you start the left turn. If you turn too soon, the left side of your vehicle may hit another vehicle because of off-tracking.
  • If there are two left-turn lanes, CDL manuals say to always select the outside left-turn lane. Do not start in the inside left-turn lane, because you might have to swing wide to make the turn, and then you would have to watch for anyone coming alongside you in the lane to your right, where your ability to see is limited. Drivers on your left can be more readily seen.

5. Mirrors and lane position

  • Check your mirrors before, during, and after an intersection.
  • Keep the vehicle centered in its lane to keep a safe clearance on both sides. A wide vehicle has little room to spare.

6. Entering and leaving the highway

  • Entering traffic. Because a large vehicle accelerates slowly and needs more space, you may need a much larger gap to enter traffic than you would in a car. Allow more room when the vehicle is heavily loaded.
  • Leaving the highway. Slow down smoothly once you are in the exit lane.
  • Ramps and curves. Posted speeds on off ramps and on ramps may be safe for cars but not for larger or heavily loaded vehicles. Tests have shown that trucks with a high center of gravity can roll over at the posted speed limit for a curve. Slow to a safe speed before you enter a curve, and never exceed the posted speed for the curve.

Quick check

  1. What do CDL manuals call it when a vehicle's rear wheels follow a different path than its front wheels in a turn? (Answer: off-tracking.)
  2. During a right turn, why should the rear of the vehicle stay close to the curb? (Answer: to stop other drivers from passing on the right.)
  3. If there are two left-turn lanes, which one should a combination vehicle use? (Answer: the outside left-turn lane.)

Find every Safety First lesson under DRIVE.

This lesson is general education, not legal advice. Follow the procedures in your state CDL manual and your training provider, and confirm current rules with FMCSA. Drivers getting their first Class A or Class B CDL, upgrading from Class B to Class A, or getting a hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus endorsement for the first time must, with limited exceptions, complete entry-level driver training from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.

Sources

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