Training For Permit And Have A Question!

First off - WOW. Thank you SO MUCH for this free CDL Handbook Study Guide. I'm really excited to get over to the DMV and ace the tests for my permit!!

I just want to double check this one question about tailgating. From what I've been reading, it's important to increase your following time if someone's too close behind you. Or is it true that you should pull over? I feel like if it were a real life situation and I was on a single lane road, I would pull over if I saw multiple cars behind me, but for the sake of the test... ?

Thanks for any help!

Kelly San Francisco

First off - WOW. Thank you SO MUCH for this free CDL Handbook Study Guide. I'm really excited to get over to the DMV and ace the tests for my permit!!

I just want to double check this one question about tailgating. From what I've been reading, it's important to increase your following time if someone's too close behind you. Or is it true that you should pull over? I feel like if it were a real life situation and I was on a single lane road, I would pull over if I saw multiple cars behind me, but for the sake of the test... ?

Thanks for any help!

Kelly San Francisco

1 second per 10 feet of vehicle. Add 1 second for speed over 40 and another second for inclement weather or more if necessary.

In real life, I add the extra 2 seconds anyway because I'm new to this. You're not going to see someone following too close, they'll be in your blind spot. As for the line of cars, you can't do anything about that. I tend to do 5 under the speed limit, cars usually go 10 over. I always have a line.

Don't let anybody influence your actions. That's how accidents happen. Follow all traffic laws and you'll be fine. Pulling in and out of traffic is a recipe for disaster.

I don't know how to say don't be courteous in a way that doesn't seem rude. But, don't be courteous. Never give someone a sign to go, never pullover to let people pass and never make a decision for the benefit of someone else.

Increasing the following distance is important because it will give you more time to slow down to a safe stop if needed and prevent the vehicle tailgating you from rear ending you. Many times slowing down just a little will cause the other vehicle to get out from behind you to pass. Pulling off on a 2 lane road isnt practical. The amount of time it takes to get moving, especially when loaded heavy will create a huge hazard. If I'm on a 2 lane whether it's in the truck or my personal vehicle I handle things the same. If I see a vehicle pretty close behind me I will hug the white line to my right giving them just a little bit better view to see if they can complete the pass. In the event it's a big rig, or if I can see traffic coming towards us I will also slow down after they've started the pass to allow them to complete it faster. I'm not obligated to do so but the faster they're away from me the better I will be, and I add literally maybe 5 seconds. If they run into another vehicle head on chances are now I'm involved. My experience with 2 lane highways in a truck are primarily all Iowa, however the roads I've dealt with typically have a passing zone every 10-15 miles where they add an extra lane, typically when about to go up a hill.

Welcome to Trucking Truth by the way! Have you started to look at what companies you're interested in driving for? Not sure your plan for schooling, but we feel very strongly Paid CDL Training Programs are the best way to get started. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. Just a heads up theres much more activity in the "General Discussions" portion of the forum so you may have more, and faster responses over there

"Increase your following distance" has at least two uses: Like Banks says, you have a bit more breathing room if you have to make a hard stop, to keep the guy in back from rear ending you. (Yes, trucks take much longer to stop than an automobile.)

Also, the increased distance might entice your follower to go ahead and pass the slow truck that you are.

Finally, slowing down to get that increased distance might just tick off the impatient guy enough to make him move into the oncoming lane and pass you, no mater what. That's his problem.