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CDL · Space Management

How long does a tractor-trailer typically need to clear an intersection from a complete stop?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

About 14 seconds for a 53-foot trailer

  1. A About 14 seconds for a 53-foot trailer
  2. B Less than 5 seconds in any case
  3. C It varies but is roughly the same as a passenger car
  4. D About 3 seconds

Why this is the answer

A loaded 53-foot tractor-trailer accelerating from a standstill needs roughly 14 seconds to fully clear a standard intersection. This is far longer than the time a passenger car needs and matters enormously when judging gaps in cross traffic. A driver pulling onto a road without enough gap can leave the rear of the trailer hanging in the intersection long after the light cycle changes. The exact time depends on grade, load, and gear, but plan for at least 14 seconds when crossing or merging. Underestimating this gap is a common cause of fatal collisions involving commercial vehicles. When in doubt, wait for a clearly larger gap than seems necessary.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 2.6.4 Space to Cross or Enter Traffic

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About this topic: Space Management

Heavy vehicles need much more space than passenger cars, and other drivers consistently underestimate this. Following distance, stopping distance, and gap judgment are core CDL skills. This is one of 6 General Knowledge questions on space management, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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