Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Practice Exam

The vehicle with the longest stopping distance is typically the loaded truck. This is mainly due to its weight; when fully loaded, a truck weighs significantly more than other types of vehicles. The higher weight increases the momentum and requires a greater force to stop, resulting in a longer stopping distance.

Loaded trucks are also designed with larger brakes to account for the extra weight, but the braking force still cannot compensate for the mass during emergency situations. In contrast, bobtail tractors, which are trucks without a trailer, may have shorter stopping distances compared to fully loaded trucks because they are lighter. Passenger cars and buses, while also large, do not approach the same weight as a fully loaded truck, making their stopping distances shorter.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for safe driving, particularly for commercial drivers, as they must be aware of how the weight of their vehicle affects stopping distance and overall control.