Practice question

When stopping a heavy vehicle on an uphill grade, what is a good rule to follow when getting it back in motion?

  1. Let the vehicle roll backwards slightly before engaging the clutch
  2. Keep the clutch slipping while slowly accelerating
  3. Use the parking brake to hold the vehicle until the clutch engages
  4. Shift into a lower gear immediately to avoid rolling back

Answer: C — Use the parking brake to hold the vehicle until the clutch engages

Using the parking brake to hold the vehicle until the clutch engages is considered a good practice when restarting a heavy vehicle on an uphill grade. This method provides a stable point of reference, preventing the vehicle from rolling back. When parked on an incline, relying solely on the clutch to hold the vehicle can lead to difficulty in managing the balance of the vehicle, which may result in rolling backward. By engaging the parking brake, the driver ensures that the vehicle remains stationary until they are ready to move forward. Once the driver is ready to start moving, they can gradually release the parking brake while applying power and smoothly engaging the clutch. This technique provides better control and helps prevent stalling. It also alleviates the stress on the clutch and minimizes the risk of rollback, making it a safer and more reliable method for overcoming the challenge of starting up an incline.

Practice more: New Hampshire Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Practice Test →