Texas CDL General Knowledge Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Texas CDL General Knowledge Exam. Study with interactive quizzes, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations to increase your chances of passing the exam.

Practice this question and more.

You are driving a new truck with a manual transmission, what gear will you probably have to use to take a long steep downgrade hill?

A lower gear than you would use to climb the hill.
The highest gear possible for speed
Neutral gear for more control
A gear higher than you would typically use

The correct answer is: A lower gear than you would use to climb the hill.

Choosing a lower gear while driving down a long, steep downgrade is essential for maintaining control of the vehicle. When descending, a lower gear provides engine braking, which helps slow the truck down without relying solely on the brakes. This reduces the risk of brake overheating and failure, ensuring a safer descent. Higher gears, while suitable for climbing, can lead to increased speeds downhill due to a lack of resistance. Additionally, using neutral gear is not advisable because it eliminates engine braking, making it harder to control the vehicle. Selecting a gear higher than typically used could also increase speed unnecessarily, which is dangerous on a steep descent. Thus, engaging a lower gear is the best practice for managing a long, steep downgrade effectively and safely.