2.2 - Basic Control of Your Vehicle 2.3 - Shifting Gears

Question 1

Why should you back toward the driver’s side?

Answer 1

So you can see better

Question 2

If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?

Answer 2

By partly engaging the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake. You can also engage the parking brake. If you do so, only release the parking brake when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back. On a tractor-trailer equipped with a trailer brake hand valve, the hand valve can be applied to keep from rolling back.

Question 3

When backing, why is it important to use a helper?

Answer 3

Because there are spots you cannot see.

Question 4

What’s the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?

Answer 4

Signal for stop

Question 5

What are the two special conditions where

you should downshift?

Answer 5

Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve.

Question 6

When should you downshift automatic transmissions?

Answer 6

You can select a low range to get greater engine braking when going down grades.

Question 7

Retarders keep you from skidding when

the road is slippery. True or False?

Answer 7

False. Retarders help slow a vehicle, reducing the need for using your brakes. When your drive wheels have poor traction, the retarder may cause them to skid. Therefore, you should turn the retarder off whenever the road is wet, icy, or snow covered. (pages 2-11 thru 2-12)

Question 8

What are the two ways to know when to

shift?

Answer 8

Use engine speed. Watch your tachometer, and shift up when your engine reaches the top of the range for your engine.

Use road speed. Learn what speeds each gear is good for. Then by using the speedometer, you’ll know when to shift up.