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On-Road Driving Test (part 4)
General Driving Behaviors
You will be scored on your overall performance in the following general driving behavior categories:
Clutch Usage (for Manual Transmission)
- Always use clutch to shift.
- Double-clutch when shifting. Do not rev or lug the engine.
- Do not ride clutch to control speed. Do not coast with the clutch depressed or “pop” the clutch.
Gear Usage (for Manual Transmission)
- Do not grind or clash gears.
- Select gear that does not rev or lug engine.
- Do not shift in turns and intersections.
Brake Usage
- Do not ride or pump brake.
- Do not brake harshly. Brake smoothly using steady pressure.
Lane Usage
- Do not put vehicle over curbs, sidewalks or lane markings.
- Stop behind stop lines, crosswalks or stop signs.
- Complete a turn in the proper lane on a multiple lane road (vehicle should finish a left turn in the lane directly to the right of the center line).
- Finish a right turn in the right-most (curb) lane.
- Move to or remain in right-most lane unless lane is blocked.
Steering
- Do not over or under steer the vehicle.
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times unless shifting. Once you have completed the shift, return both hands to the steering wheel.
Regular Traffic Checks
- Check traffic regularly.
- Check mirrors regularly.
- Check mirrors and traffic before, while in and after an intersection.
- Scan and check traffic in high-volume areas and areas where pedestrians are expected to be present.
Use of Turn Signals
- Use turn signals properly.
- Activate turn signals when required.
- Activate turn signals at appropriate times.
- Cancel turn signals upon completion of a turn or lane change.
Upgrade and Downgrade
- Select the proper gear to maintain speed and not lug the engine.
- Check traffic thoroughly in all directions and move to the right-most or curb lane.
- If legal to do so, use the four-way flashers if traveling too slowly for the flow of traffic.
Before Starting Down the Grade. Downshift as needed to help control engine speed and test brakes by gently applying the foot brake to ensure they are functioning properly. As your vehicle moves down the grade, continue checking traffic in all directions, stay in the right-most or curb lane, and, if legal to do so, use the four-way flashers if your vehicle is moving too slowly for traffic. Increase following distance and observe the following downhill braking procedures:
- Select a “safe” speed, one that is not too fast for the weight of the vehicle, length and steepness of the grade, weather, and road conditions.
- Once a “safe” speed has been reached, apply the brake hard enough to feel a definite slowdown.
- When speed has been reduced to 5 mph below the “safe” speed, release the brakes. (This application should last for about three seconds.)
- Once the speed has increased to the “safe” speed, repeat the procedure.
Example: If your “safe” speed is 40 mph, you should apply the brakes once your vehicle speed reaches 40 mph. Your brakes should be applied hard enough to reduce your speed to 35 mph. Once your vehicle speed reaches 35 mph, release the brakes. Repeat this procedure as often as necessary until you have reached the end of the downgrade. This braking technique is called “snubbing.”
When operating any commercial vehicle, do not ride the clutch, race the engine, change gears, or coast while driving down the grade. At the bottom of the grade, be sure to cancel the four-way flashers. Not all test routes will contain an area of sufficient grade to test your skills adequately. Therefore, you may be asked to simulate (verbally) driving up and down a steep hill. You must be familiar with the upgrade/downgrade procedures so that you can explain and/or demonstrate them to the examiner at any time during the driving exam.
Electronic Device Law
Laws prohibit the use of hand-held cellphones, texting, or using other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free devices or Blue Tooth technology is allowed for persons over age 18. Even using a hands-free device is considered a distraction while driving and can be dangerous.
If you must make a phone call, even with hands-free technology, it is recommended that you pull off to the side of the road before making the call.
Drivers are exempt from using a cellphone or text messaging while driving only when:
- Reporting an emergency situation.
- Using the device hands-free or in voice-activated mode.
- Parked on the shoulder of a highway.
- Stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.
Multiple-Choice Questions:
When operating any commercial vehicle, which of the following should you NOT do while driving down a steep grade?
- All these are correct
- Change gears
- Ride the clutch
- Coast
Which of the following is NOT true about gear usage with a manual transmission?
- Do not shift in turns and intersections
- You can shift gears when crossing railroad tracks
- Do not grind or clash gears
- Select gear that does not rev or lug engine
Gear Usage (for Manual Transmission)
- Do not grind or clash gears.
- Select gear that does not rev or lug engine.
- Do not shift in turns and intersections.
Which of the following is NOT the correct procedure for upgrades and downgrades?
- Wait until you begin down the hill to choose the correct gear
- Check traffic thoroughly in all directions and move to the right-most or curb lane.
- Select the proper gear to maintain speed and not lug the engine.
- If legal to do so, use the four-way flashers if traveling too slowly for the flow of traffic.
Upgrade and Downgrade
- Select the proper gear to maintain speed and not lug the engine.
- Check traffic thoroughly in all directions and move to the right-most or curb lane.
- If legal to do so, use the four-way flashers if traveling too slowly for the flow of traffic.
Which of the following is NOT true about clutch usage?
- Do not ride clutch to control speed. Do not coast with the clutch depressed or “pop” the clutch.
- Double-clutch when shifting. Do not rev or lug the engine.
- You can shift without the clutch if circumstances permit
- Always use clutch to shift.
Clutch Usage (for Manual Transmission)
- Always use clutch to shift.
- Double-clutch when shifting. Do not rev or lug the engine.
- Do not ride clutch to control speed. Do not coast with the clutch depressed or “pop” the clutch.
Which of the following is true about making turns in a combination vehicle?
- Both right and left turns should finish the turn in the right-most lane
- Complete a right-hand turn in the left-most lane, a left turn in the lane directly to the left of the centerline
- Complete a right-hand turn in the right-most lane, a left turn in the lane directly to the right of the centerline
- When making turns, finish in the lane that is most convenient at the moment and switch lanes later if necessary
Lane Usage
- Do not put vehicle over curbs, sidewalks or lane markings.
- Stop behind stop lines, crosswalks or stop signs.
- Complete a turn in the proper lane on a multiple lane road (vehicle should finish a left turn in the lane directly to the right of the center line).
- Finish a right turn in the right-most (curb) lane.
- Move to or remain in right-most lane unless lane is blocked.
If your “safe” speed is 40 mph, you should apply the brakes once your vehicle speed reaches 40 mph. Your brakes should be applied hard enough to reduce your speed to 35 mph. Once your vehicle speed reaches 35 mph, release the brakes. Repeat this procedure as often as necessary until you have reached the end of the downgrade. This braking technique is called:
- Snubbing
- Stabbing
- Smearing
- Smashing
Drivers are exempt from using a cellphone or text messaging while driving only when:
- All these are correct
- Using the device hands-free or in voice-activated mode
- Reporting an emergency situation
- Stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park
Drivers are exempt from using a cellphone or text messaging while driving only when:
- Reporting an emergency situation.
- Using the device hands-free or in voice-activated mode.
- Parked on the shoulder of a highway.
- Stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.
If your “safe” speed for going down a grade is 40 mph, you should apply the brakes once your vehicle speed reaches:
- None of these are correct
- 40 mph
- 45 mph
- 35 mph
Before starting down a grade, which of the following is NOT true about your "safe speed?"
- When speed has been reduced to 5 mph below the “safe” speed, release the brakes. (This application should last for about three seconds.)
- Select a “safe” speed, one that is not too fast for the weight of the vehicle, length and steepness of the grade, weather, and road conditions.
- Once a “safe” speed has been reached, apply the brake hard enough to feel a definite slowdown.
- Your safe speed will be approximately 5 mph below the maximum speed you can safely descend the grade
Before Starting Down the Grade. Downshift as needed to help control engine speed and test brakes by gently applying the foot brake to ensure they are functioning properly. As your vehicle moves down the grade, continue checking traffic in all directions, stay in the right-most or curb lane, and, if legal to do so, use the four-way flashers if your vehicle is moving too slowly for traffic. Increase following distance and observe the following downhill braking procedures:
- Select a “safe” speed, one that is not too fast for the weight of the vehicle, length and steepness of the grade, weather, and road conditions.
- Once a “safe” speed has been reached, apply the brake hard enough to feel a definite slowdown.
- When speed has been reduced to 5 mph below the “safe” speed, release the brakes. (This application should last for about three seconds.)
- Once the speed has increased to the “safe” speed, repeat the procedure.
Complete!
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