When backing up, it is always a good idea for a driver to use a helper who can watch the vehicle's blind spots. The helper should stand near the back of the vehicle in a location where they are visible to the driver.

While swerving can sometimes be the safest way to handle a hazard on the roadway, doing so is not without risk. Top-heavy vehicles and tractors with multiple trailers may flip over in a swerve.

Because you can't see everything behind you, driving in reverse is always dangerous and should be done only when necessary. Before backing into an area, you should exit your vehicle and inspect the path of travel to check for potential hazards, especially overhanging objects that would otherwise be difficult to spot in a mirror.

When operating a new vehicle, you should familiarize yourself with its features and equipment before getting behind the wheel.

The body removes alcohol at a fixed rate. The more alcohol consumed, the longer it will take for the body to remove the alcohol from its system.

All commercial motor vehicles are required to be equipped with the proper emergency equipment. This may include spare electrical fuses; three red reflective triangles, six fuses, or three liquid burning flares; and at least one properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.

It is essential that you are aware of what is happening on all sides of your vehicle at all times. Scan the road ahead and make regular checks of the mirrors on both sides of your vehicle while you are driving.

You will not be able to brake or steer your vehicle without adequate traction. Ensure that your tires are in proper working condition before beginning a trip.

If you are not sure which kind of extinguisher should be used on a fire in your vehicle, particularly a hazardous materials fire, you should wait for the firefighters to arrive and allow them to extinguish it.

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 posted speed limit on a curve may be safe to be taken by cars, but can still be too fast to be taken by larger vehicles, such as trucks. An operator driving their truck at the posted limit on a curve could cause their vehicle to tip over.

All commercial motor vehicles are required to be equipped with the proper emergency equipment. This may include spare electrical fuses; three red reflective triangles, six fuses, or three liquid burning flares; and at least one properly charged and rated fire extinguisher. Optional equipment includes tire chains, tire changing equipment, a list of emergency phone numbers, and an accident reporting kit/packet.

When inspecting a tractor/trailer coupling, look into the fifth wheel gap and make sure the locking jaws are fully closed around the kingpin.

When driving, you should regularly check your mirrors, both to be aware of traffic and to check for problems on your own vehicle.

If you must drive in reverse, you should first walk around your vehicle to look at the path of travel and check for obstacles. Because mirrors have blind spots, you cannot rely exclusively on them. It is recommended to use a helper whenever possible.

A vehicle's weight is an important factor affecting its stopping distance. The heavier a vehicle is, the more work the brakes will need to do to bring it to a complete stop.

In heavy traffic, it is safest to travel at the same speed as other vehicles. If two vehicles continue to drive in the same direction at the same speed, they cannot hit each other.

If you are not certain that your vehicle will fit under overhead objects, you should slow down and take a different route, if possible.

During the vehicle inspection test, you will be asked to do a complete inspection of your vehicle. You will need to explain what you are inspecting and why.

When doing a pre-trip inspection on a vehicle with power steering, be sure to check the hoses, pumps, and fluid level. In particular, you should check the hoses for leaks.