North Carolina CDL DMV Endorsement Tank 1

When making a right turn, avoid turning too wide to the left. If you must swing into another lane to complete the turn, you should keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb. Leaving space to the right of your vehicle while turning right may indicate to other drivers that you are turning left, so they may attempt to pass you on your right.

If you use a helper while backing your vehicle, they should stand near the back of the vehicle in a place where they are visible to you. Before backing, work out a set of hand signals that both you and your helper understand. Agree on a signal for "stop."

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that is clear enough for the road surface to be seen through it. A road covered in black ice may look like it is merely wet. You should be very careful when temperatures are below freezing and the road looks wet.

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.

Retarders help to slow vehicles, reducing drivers' need to use brakes.

The trailer hand valve (also referred to as the "trolley valve" or "Johnson bar") works the trailer brakes and should be used only when testing them. Using the trailer hand valve while driving could result in a skid.

The suspension system is responsible for supporting a vehicle, supporting its load, and keeping its axles in place. When inspecting your vehicle, check for damaged or missing spring hangers, spring leaves, shock absorbers, u-bolts, and frame members. Broken parts in the suspension system are extremely dangerous.

Cargo needs to be secured appropriately to prevent it from moving in transit. Cargo should be arranged to keep the vehicle's center of gravity low and well-distributed.

In general, a smaller vehicle will be able to come to a complete stop faster than a larger vehicle. Keep this in mind when determining your following distance.

It is safest not to drive in foggy areas. However, if you must drive through fog, you should slow down, use your low beam headlights and fog lights, and turn on your four-way flashers.

Factors that can affect your vehicle's stopping distance include driving speed, the vehicle's weight, and the slipperiness of the road surface.

If you observe a crash involving an aggressive driver, you should stop a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for police to arrive, and inform them of the aggressive behavior you witnessed.

Parts of a vehicle that have been exposed to a corrosive material must be thoroughly washed with water.

A rollover is more likely if cargo is unevenly loaded in a rig. To help prevent a dangerous rollover, it is important to keep a load as centered on the rig as possible.

When inspecting any style of tank, the most important thing for a driver to check for is leaks. Transporting any type of gas or liquid in a leaking tank is illegal.

In work zones, you should observe posted speed limits. Slow down if road or weather conditions are poor, and slow down even further if workers are near the roadway.

When checking the exhaust system, you should verify that no parts of the system are loose, broken, or missing.

Mirror adjustment should be checked prior to the start of each trip. Any attached trailer should be straight while mirrors are being adjusted.

If you see, hear, smell, or feel anything while driving that does not feel right, you should have it checked out.

The best thing to do when confronted with an aggressive driver is to get out of their way, if possible. Avoid making eye contact, which could further provoke the driver. Ignore any hand gestures made by the driver.