Rhode Island CDL DMV Endorsement Double 1

When backing with a trailer, begin by turning the steering wheel in the direction opposite of the turn. Once the trailer starts to turn, reverse the direction of the steering wheel to follow the trailer.

When backing up to couple a trailer, you should position the tractor directly in front of the trailer. Trying to couple while backing at an angle could cause the trailer to move and the landing gear to break.

In single air systems, air pressure should build from approximately 50 to 90 psi within three minutes.

It is important to inspect your tires before every drive. Rust around wheel nuts may indicate that they are loose.

Making a sudden lane change can be dangerous while driving a combination vehicle. You can avoid the need to make a sudden lange change by looking down the road for upcoming obstacles that will require you to change lanes.

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).

The trailer hand valve (also referred to as the trolley valve or Johnson bar) is a mechanism that works the trailer brakes. It should only be used to test the brakes. Using it while the vehicle is being driven could cause a skid. Never use the trailer hand valve while parking because doing so may release the air pressure from the braking system, releasing the brakes that are holding the vehicle in place.

You should always slow down to a safe speed and shift into a lower gear before entering a curve.

Because you can't see everything behind you, backing is always dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. Choose parking spaces from which you can pull forward when you leave.

Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage, so be sure to accelerate smoothly and gradually.

Tractor protection controls in older vehicles may be operated by levers instead of knobs. If an air supply control is set in its "emergency" position, the air supply will be stopped and the trailer emergency brakes will be applied.

When using your turn signals, you should signal well before the turn or lane change, signal continuously throughout the turn or lane change, and cancel the signal after you have completed your move.

While driving, spring brakes are generally held in place by air pressure. If the air pressure gets low enough, the springs will activate the brakes.

To prevent a vehicle with manual transmission from rolling backward when you begin to move forward from a stopped position, you can partly engage the clutch before removing your foot from the brake pedal.

Never attempt to beat a train to a railroad crossing. It is very difficult to accurately judge the speed of an approaching train. If you come upon a crossing that is being approached by a train, you must stop and wait for the train to pass before you attempt to cross the tracks.

Federal and state laws require drivers to inspect their vehicles before every trip, regardless of length.

Smoking, eating, or drinking are distracting activities and should be avoided while you are driving. Instead, plan ahead and allow yourself time to stop to eat when making a lengthy trip.

A faulty exhaust system is a serious safety hazard. It may allow poisonous fumes to enter the vehicle's cab or sleeper berth.

Always apply the parking brake when leaving your vehicle unattended.

In a vehicle with dual parking control valves, there is a separate air tank that can be used to temporarily release the spring brakes if they have been activated due to low air pressure. Pushing in the proper control will release the spring brakes for a short period of time, allowing the driver to move the vehicle in an emergency.