Texas CDL General Knowledge Practice Exam

What factors affect a vehicle's stopping distance?

1. Vehicle weight, speed, road conditions, and brake efficiency

2. Engine size, tire pressure, transmission type, and fuel efficiency

3. Driver experience, time of day, weather, and visibility

4. Road signage, traffic volume, lane width, and vehicle color

The correct answer is: Vehicle weight, speed, road conditions, and brake efficiency

The correct answer highlights the crucial elements that impact a vehicle's stopping distance. Vehicle weight is significant because heavier vehicles require more distance to come to a complete stop due to the greater momentum they possess. Speed is an essential factor as well; as a vehicle travels faster, the stopping distance increases exponentially due to the physics involved in kinetic energy. Road conditions, such as wet or icy surfaces, can drastically affect traction, thereby influencing how quickly a vehicle can stop. Lastly, brake efficiency is vital; well-maintained brakes can significantly reduce stopping distance compared to poorly maintained ones. The other factors from the additional options, such as engine size or vehicle color, do not directly influence stopping distance in the same manner. While driver experience and visibility can affect reaction time, they don’t change the physical distance that a vehicle travels once brakes are applied. Similarly, aspects like traffic volume and lane width relate more to overall driving safety and behavior rather than to the mechanics of stopping a vehicle.