Vehicle Control & Handling Skills Flashcards

When instructing a student on proper steering wheel recovery after completing a turn, what technique should be used?

Answer: Use controlled shuffle steering to return the wheel smoothly

Shuffle steering during wheel return maintains controlled hand positions and prevents the wheel from spinning uncontrolled, which could cause sudden over-steering.

A student encounters a vehicle stopped in their lane ahead on the highway. What search pattern should the trainer have taught to detect this hazard earliest?

Answer: Scan far ahead and identify stopped traffic or brake lights well in advance

Scanning 12-15 seconds ahead gives early hazard detection, providing time to slow gradually rather than braking hard near the stopped vehicle.

What is the danger of 'riding the clutch' that a CDT instructor should explain to manual transmission students?

Answer: Partial clutch engagement creates friction heat, accelerating clutch disc wear

Keeping the clutch pedal partially depressed causes slippage between the disc and flywheel, generating excessive heat that degrades the clutch lining prematurely.

During a tire blowout while driving at highway speed, what sequence should a CDT instructor teach?

Answer: Grip the wheel firmly, maintain direction, ease off accelerator, then brake gently and pull over

Sudden braking after a blowout can cause a spin; maintaining direction and gently decelerating keeps the vehicle stable while moving toward safety.

What does 'brake fade' mean, and when is it most likely to occur?

Answer: Reduced braking effectiveness due to heat buildup during prolonged or repeated heavy braking

Brake fade occurs when friction materials or brake fluid overheat, reducing the system's ability to generate stopping force, most commonly on long downhill grades.

When teaching a student to back a vehicle in a straight line, what visual reference should the instructor emphasize?

Answer: Use a reference point at the rear of the vehicle aligned with a fixed landmark, checking all mirrors alternately

Combining a rear reference point with alternating mirror checks gives a complete picture of vehicle alignment and surrounding clearance during reversing.

A student reports that the vehicle 'pulls to the right' while driving straight. As a CDT instructor, what is the most likely cause you would mention first?

Answer: Unequal tire pressure or misaligned front wheels

Uneven tire inflation or front-end misalignment are the most common mechanical causes of vehicle pull, and should be checked before any driving lesson continues.