District of Columbia driving lesson · Sharing the Road
Trucks: passing, turning & stopping
A 3-minute lesson from the District of Columbia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Trucks carry goods, not agility. They have longer stopping and accelerating distances, a wider turning radius, and much more weight. Most car-truck crashes come from cars misjudging this.
Know the rule
On multi-lane highways, tractor-trailers generally stay in the center lane. It helps traffic flow on and off the highway and gives the truck driver more options in an emergency.
On a downgrade, the truck's momentum makes it go faster, so you may need to increase your speed to pass. If the driver blinks the lights after you pass, it may mean it's clear to pull back in.
Trucks must make wide right or left turns so the rear clears the corner, sometimes using space from other lanes. Watch their turn signals, don't squeeze between a truck and the curb, and don't pass until the turn is complete.
In rain or snow, spray from a truck's wheels can cut visibility to nearly zero. Make sure your wipers work, your washer reservoir has fluid, and your headlights are on.
A truck ahead signals right and swings left into your lane to make the turn. Stay back. Don't try to slip by on its right side, because the driver can't see you between the truck and the curb. Wait until the turn is complete.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
On a level highway, about how much longer does it take to pass a truck compared to passing a car?
No difference at all
20 to 30 seconds longer
Three to five seconds longer
One full minute longer
Answer: Three to five seconds longer
On a level highway, passing a truck takes only about three to five seconds longer than passing a car.