Arkansas Commercial Driver License (CDL) Practice Test

When making a left turn in a commercial vehicle, what should you ensure before starting the turn?

1. Press the brakes

2. Reach the center of the intersection

3. Check your mirrors

4. Sound the horn

The correct answer is: Reach the center of the intersection

Reaching the center of the intersection before making a left turn is crucial when operating a commercial vehicle because it allows for a safer and more effective maneuver. By positioning the vehicle towards the center, you can ensure that you have ample space to complete the turn without encroaching on the lanes intended for oncoming traffic. This positioning also helps in avoiding potential collisions and provides a clearer view of the traffic coming from the opposite direction. Furthermore, while checking mirrors and ensuring the vehicle is stopped might seem important, they do not specifically address the need to properly align the vehicle for a safe left turn. Pressing the brakes could potentially lead to unnecessary stops or delays in the turn process, and sounding the horn may alert others, but it does not contribute to the physical execution of the turn itself.