After an engine is started, the coolant temperature should begin a gradual rise toward the normal operating range.

Good drivers look down the road at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of their vehicles. This makes it possible to identify hazards early, when drivers are more likely to have time to respond appropriately.

A steering wheel should be held firmly with both hands, placed on opposite sides of the wheel.

Parking brakes should always be checked before driving as a part of your pre-trip inspection. If the parking brakes do not hold, the vehicle is faulty and should be fixed.

Use your low beam headlights when traveling near other drivers at times when it is difficult to see, such as at dawn, at dusk, or in poor weather conditions. Using the high beam setting under certain conditions could make it difficult for other drivers to see.

You may be asked to complete a conventional parallel parking maneuver into a parking space that is to the right of your vehicle. You should drive past the parking space before backing into it while bringing the rear of your vehicle as close to the rear of the space as possible. Your vehicle should be completely within the boundaries of the space.

Black ice is a layer of ice that is thin and clear enough for the road to be visible through it. The surface will look like a wet road. Always be alert to black ice if the road looks wet when the temperature is below freezing.

Texting while driving is even more dangerous than speaking on a phone while driving. In addition to being mentally distracting, texting is also physically distracting.

Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees (about two inches of movement at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel) can make it difficult to steer.

Driving while fatigued can be extremely dangerous. Strategies for preventing drowsiness while driving include getting a full night's sleep before a trip; having someone ride with you; scheduling trips for times during which you are normally awake; and avoiding medications that may cause drowsiness. Exercising regularly can increase your energy levels and make you less likely to become tired while driving.

During an inspection, ensure that the wheel bearing/seals are not leaking.

If you begin to feel sleepy while driving, the only safe response is to stop driving and get some sleep. Attempting to fight off exhaustion is dangerous and a major cause of fatal crashes. Stimulants are not a safe solution because they may help keep you awake but will not make you more alert. Once stimulants wear off, you will be even more tired than you were originally.

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.

Vehicles must be equipped with the appropriate emergency equipment. When inspecting a CMV, you should check for at least one fire extinguisher; spare electrical fuses, unless the vehicle is equipped with circuit breakers; and the appropriate warning devices to be used when the vehicle is parked.

Posted speed limits on exit and entrance ramps often show speeds that are safe to be driven by cars. However, these speed limits may be too fast for large or heavily-loaded vehicles and CMV drivers will likely need to slow down to a speed below the posted limit.

Bus passengers should not be allowed to leave baggage in any doorway or aisle. Baggage and freight must be secured in a manner that will prevent damage, allow the driver to move freely and easily, allow riders to exit by any window or door in an emergency, and protect riders from injury if the items fall or shift.

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

Potential problems to check for when inspecting brakes include cracked drums; shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them; and shoes that are missing, broken, or worn dangerously thin.

Strategies to reduce the risk of fatigue while driving include getting seven to eight hours of sleep beforehand; scheduling trips for the hours during which you are normally awake; planning to take breaks during the trip; and exercising regularly.

Passing parked delivery or postal trucks can be dangerous because the driver may be in a hurry and pull into traffic without warning, or may they suddenly step out of the vehicle without checking for other traffic.