Questions about the q&a from the practice tests

these trucks stop better loaded. cant explain the physics but someone else will

 

I think thats it. empty theres not enough weight on the tires

 

1) Read the question again carefully. It specifically asks for the distance in seconds.

2) How you know you're being tailgated is irrelevant to answering the question. But the #1 answer is you should be checking your mirrors regularly, and therefore saw the tailgating vehicle moving towards tailgating position. There's also shadows if the sun is to one of your sides, as well as subtle swaying within your lane which can increase visibility behind you, among other things. But the point of the question is to identify how you can take control of the situation to increase safety. If your ever in doubt about the correct answer to any question on the test, just remember: safety is the magic word. Pick the safest response and you will be right at least 70% of the time.

3) Engine brake does not have an antilock feature. If your tires are spinning slower than the truck is traveling then you have zero traction.

4) If you attempt to shift and fail, then you are in neutral and have no engine brake, so your only brakes are on the wheels, and if you are using only those, then they will fairly quickly become glazed and stop working, or catch fire, or both. Shifting while going downhill is tough because it's the only time that the truck accelerates while you're between gears, instead of decelerating like it normally does, which is a big part of what allows you to grab the next gear.

 

" If you are driving below 40 mph, you should leave at least one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length."
CMV Driving Tips - Following Too Closely

 

Why are you supplying air to the trailer if you haven't hooked up to the trailer?

 

Hmm, releasing the brakes on a trailer that isn't hooked to anything seems dodgy to me. Unless they just want you to supply air to the trailer so you can listen for leaks I guess...