Alabama CDL DMV Combination 1

Bobtail tractors are tractors that are not attached to any semitrailers. When operating a bobtail, you should be aware that stopping can be difficult and that it will take a longer distance to come to a complete stop than a tractor attached to a loaded semitrailer.

Be sure to test the trailer emergency brakes before beginning a trip. After ensuring that the trailer rolls freely, you can test the emergency brakes by pulling out the trailer air supply control, or placing it in the "emergency" position. Pull forward slightly with the tractor and make sure the trailer does not move.

When coupling, be sure to couple the proper glad hands. When glad hands are connected, the seals should be pressed together at a 90-degree angle.

Correctly following the steps to couple and uncouple trailers is vital to safely operating a combination vehicle. Before backing your tractor under the trailer while coupling, make sure your trailer brakes are locked.

If your trailer starts to skid while you are braking, you should release the brakes and allow them to begin to regain traction. Once its wheels have regained their grip on the road, the trailer will begin to straighten out and follow the tractor.

While inspecting a coupling, you should go under the trailer and look into the back of the fifth wheel. Ensure that the fifth wheel jaws are secured around the shank of the kingpin.

Combination vehicles have two air lines: a service line and an emergency line.

Combination vehicles need more space on the road than other commercial vehicles because they are longer and need more space to turn and stop. It is especially important to properly manage space when you are operating a combination vehicle.

If a trailer begins to jackknife, you should release the brakes and allow the trailer wheels to regain traction with the road. Do not apply the trailer hand brake to attempt to straighten out the rig because the application of brakes is what caused the wheels to lock in the first place.

Failure to keep the fifth wheel plate properly lubricated can create friction between the tractor and trailer, causing steering problems.

When making a turn, be sure to steer gently and smoothly. Making a quick turn while pulling trailers is dangerous and can increase the risk of the last trailer rolling over.

A rollover happens as a result of a driver taking a turn at too high a speed. Be sure to take turns and curves safely and slowly.

The service air line carries air and is controlled by either the foot brake or trailer hand brake. The service air line is attached to relay valves, which allow the trailer brakes to be applied quickly.

Knowing proper coupling and uncoupling technique is fundamental to the safe operation of combination vehicles. Improper coupling can be very dangerous.

The emergency air line (also known as the supply line) has two functions. The first is to supply air to the trailer air tanks on a combination vehicle, and the second is to control the emergency brakes.

When making a turn, be sure to steer gently and smoothly. Making a quick turn while pulling trailers is dangerous and can increase the risk of the last trailer rolling over.

At speeds below 40 mph, you should allow at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle. Follow the same formula when traveling at faster speeds, then add one additional second to your following distance. Remember that larger vehicles require more space to stop than smaller vehicles.

If you are experiencing a trailer jackknife, you can help your tires regain traction by releasing the brakes. Using a trailer hand brake while experiencing a skid will only cause the skid to continue.

More than half of all accident-related truck driver deaths are a result of truck rollovers. To help prevent a rollover, be sure to load cargo low to the ground and centered on your rig. Take corners slowly and carefully.

When operating a vehicle with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should apply your brakes in the same manner as you would if operating a vehicle without ABS.