When inspecting a vehicle that is equipped with power steering, check the hoses, pumps, and fluid level. In particular, you should look for leaks in the hoses.

When braking a vehicle equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should not brake any differently than you would if driving a vehicle with a different braking system.

If you remain in neutral for too long while switching gears, you may have difficulty putting the vehicle into the next gear. If this happens, do not try to force the gear shift. Instead, return to neutral, release the clutch, increase the engine speed to match the road speed, and try again.

Check hydraulic brakes by pumping the brake pedal three times before applying firm pressure to the pedal for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or some other problem in the braking system.

Under slippery conditions, you should drive slowly and smoothly. Make turns as gently as possible and do not pass other vehicles unless you have to.

It is important to observe other drivers' actions and identify clues that a person could be driving impaired. Drivers who have had too much to drink, are sleepy, are on drugs, or are ill can present hazards to other drivers. One sign that a driver may be impaired is that they stop in inappropriate places, such as at green traffic lights.

The first step of a vehicle inspection is to review the last vehicle inspection report. Only sign the report if noted defects are certified to have been repaired.

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.

If you begin to feel tired while driving, the only safe action to take is to stop and get some sleep. Trying to fight the fatigue and press on is very dangerous and can result in a fatal crash. You should not rely on artificial stimulants; these may help keep you awake a while longer, but they won't make you more alert.

If your drive wheels begin to spin while accelerating on a surface with poor traction, you should remove your foot from the accelerator.

Distractions while driving can be physical (such as reaching for an object), mental (such as making conversation with a passenger), or both (such as holding a phone to send texts). Strategies to help you avoid distracted driving include pre-programming radio stations; planning out your route in advance; avoiding complex or emotionally taxing conversation while driving; adjusting your mirrors before setting out; and not eating, drinking, or smoking while behind the wheel.

An encroachment during the basic vehicle control skills test is when an exercise boundary line is touched or crossed by any portion of the applicant's vehicle. Every encroachment will be counted as an error.

It is essential that your vehicle will be able to stop within the area of the road that you are able to see. This means that you must slow down whenever conditions reduce visibility.

Bridges tend to freeze before other parts of the roadway. Be particularly careful on bridges when temperatures are close to the freezing point.

Look at your truck's gauges when starting the engine. The oil pressure in an engine should come up to a normal level within seconds of the vehicle's engine being started.

Never assume that the posted height on a bridge or other overhead object is correct. Even if it was accurate when posted, things may have changed that affect clearance, either permanently (such as a repaving of the road) or temporarily (such as packed snow on the road).

While speaking on a hands-free phone while driving is less dangerous than speaking on a hand-held phone, it is just as likely to mentally distract a driver. Simply engaging in conversation takes their mental focus away from the task of driving.

All commercial motor vehicles must carry appropriate emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers.

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.

While driving, you should watch your vehicle's gauges for signs of trouble. Be sure to inspect your gauges before beginning a trip to ensure that they are in proper working order.