Iowa CDL DMV Endorsement Passenger 1

To help stop an engine fire from spreading, turn the engine off as soon as possible.

After finishing a day of driving, you may have to complete a written report on the condition of your vehicle. Be sure to mention anything that could affect safety or lead to mechanical breakdown.

If you must stop on the side of the road, you must place the appropriate emergency warning devices within 10 minutes of stopping.

Texting while driving is a dangerous distraction and is prohibited at all times when operating a CMV.

If you think the road surface may be becoming icy but you are not certain, you can open your window and feel the front of the side mirror, mirror support, or antenna. If ice has formed on any of these items, the road is likely becoming icy as well.

Roads are particularly slippery when it first begins to rain. The water mixes with oil drippings on the road that have not yet washed away, creating a slippery and dangerous mixture.

The securement of cargo must be checked within the first 50 miles of a trip, and then again every three hours or 150 miles.

Backing up is always dangerous because it is impossible to see everything that is behind you. Only drive in reverse if it is absolutely necessary.

To avoid engaging in aggressive driving behavior, it is helpful to give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Assume that they have valid reasons for what they are doing and don't take their actions personally.

Before slowing down, it can be a good idea to lightly tap your brakes. This will cause your brake lights to flash, providing a warning to motorists behind you.

Controlled braking is the method of applying a vehicle's brakes as hard as possible without locking the wheels. A driver should keep steering wheel movements very small if braking while using this method.

If you are asked to alley dock, you should first pull past the alley and stop your vehicle in a position that is parallel to the outer boundary. From there, you should back your vehicle entirely into the alley parking area. Your vehicle should be parked in a straight position within the boundaries of the parking space.

The driver's seat of a bus should be equipped with a seat belt, which should always be used by the driver.

When inspecting your windshield, you should look for cracks or other problems that could interfere with your ability to clearly see the road. The windshield wiper arms should be checked for proper spring tension. The wiper blades should be checked for damage, stiff rubber, and improper securement.

Lane changes should be made slowly and smoothly.

If you must drive so slowly that you will impede the flow of traffic, you should turn on your four-way flashers to alert drivers behind you (as long as local laws allow the use of flashers).

Posted speed limits on exit and entrance ramps often show speeds that are safe to be driven by cars. However, these speed limits may be too fast for large or heavily-loaded vehicles and CMV drivers will likely need to slow down to a speed below the posted limit.

Texting while driving is even more dangerous than speaking on a phone while driving. In addition to being mentally distracting, texting is also physically distracting.

If confronted by an aggressive driver, don't let yourself be provoked by their actions or angry gestures. Do not risk provoking the other driver by making eye contact. Get out of their way if you can do so safely.

If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, do not apply the brakes. Instead, slow down by releasing the accelerator and pushing in the clutch. This will help you to regain traction.