Basic vehicle control: Texas CDL practice questions

Part of the General Knowledge test. We have 6 checked questions on this topic. Here are the key rules, and two to try.

Key facts

Part of	the General Knowledge test (80% to pass)	DL-7C p. iv
Handbook section	§2.2 Basic vehicle control	DL-7C p. 2-8
Questions in CDL Mile's bank	6	CDL Mile, checked against DL-7C

§ 2.2.1p. 2-8
With a manual transmission, partly engage the clutch first, and only then take your right foot off the brake. If you use the parking brake, release it only once the engine is giving enough power to hold the truck.
Accelerating
§ 2.2.4p. 2-9
Backing toward the driver's side lets you watch the rear of your vehicle through the side window. Backing toward the right is very dangerous because your view is poor, so a trip around the block to set up a driver-side back is worth it.
Backing Safely

General Knowledge · Basic vehicle control

When you are pulling a trailer, why is it important to speed up smoothly rather than roughly?

Tap an answer to see the explanation and the handbook page.

General Knowledge · Basic vehicle control

You are pulling away on a snow-covered road when the drive wheels start to spin. What should you do?

Tap an answer to see the explanation and the handbook page.

Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook (DL-7C), revised March 2026, Texas Department of Public Safety. Page references are to its printed page numbers. CDL Mile is independent and not affiliated with Texas DPS.

Updated for the March 2026 Texas CDL handbook (DL-7C). Last checked November 4, 2026.

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