Always signal before turning or changing lanes to ensure that other drivers are aware of your intentions.

However you choose to deal with a brake failure on a downhill slope, it is important that you make your decision as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to act, the faster your vehicle will be moving, and the harder it will become to stop.

When approaching a railroad crossing, bus drivers should stop their vehicle between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest track and look both ways for a train. The driver should not proceed until they are certain no trains are approaching.

When asked to make a lane change during the on-road driving test, you should make the proper traffic checks, use your turn signal, and smoothly change lanes when it is safe to do so.

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 instead of icy. Always be on the lookout for black ice if a road surface looks wet and temperatures are around the freezing mark.

Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it is both a mental and physical distraction to the driver. In addition to diverting a driver's mental attention away from the road, texting requires a person to remove at least one hand from the vehicle's controls.

Always use your turn signals and check your mirrors when changing lanes.

If a passenger is drunk and disruptive, you are still responsible for their safety. They should be discharged in a safe location, which may be the next scheduled stop or another well-lit area where other people are present.

Defects in an exhaust system are very dangerous because they can cause poisonous fumes to enter the cab or sleeper berth.

It is critical that an engine have sufficient oil pressure. The engine can be destroyed rapidly if run without oil.

When approaching a railroad crossing while driving a bus, you must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest track to look and listen for any approaching trains. Only proceed once you are certain that there are no approaching trains. You do not need to stop at streetcar crossings; if a police officer or flagger is directing traffic; if there is a green traffic signal at the crossing; or at crossings marked "exempt" or "abandoned."

To avoid becoming fatigued on a long trip, you should take a break after every 100 miles or two hours of driving. Driving through the night, or during any other time when you would normally be asleep, raises the danger of fatigue.

Strong winds can make it difficult for a driver to maintain control of their vehicle. Usually, this is especially true for drivers of lighter CMVs.

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.

Drivers behind you may not anticipate how slowly your CMV must travel to safely make a right turn. You can help warn them in advance by braking early and slowing gradually.

Mirror adjustment should be checked prior to the start of any trip. If your vehicle has a trailer, the trailer must be straight in order for the mirrors to be checked accurately.

A common cause of vehicle fires in the aftermath of an accident is the improper use of flares near spilled fuel. Use flares with caution.

A vehicle inspection report keeps the carrier informed about any problems that need to be fixed.

Your truck may block the views of drivers behind you, making them unaware of any upcoming hazards that require you to stop. For this reason, it is a good idea to flash your brakes and warn other drivers before slowing or stopping.

Using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a CMV is both illegal and dangerous.