2 - Frame and Cargo Body +12Quebec · CDL · English

Check the solidity and condition of side rails and cross members (joists). Inspect visible sections around the vehicle for cracks and breaks. A side rail has a web and a flange. A scratch is not a crack; if unsure how serious a crack is, consult the person in charge of mechanical inspection.

• ✓Defect 2.A (major): A side rail is in danger of breaking
• ✓Defect 2.B (major): A side rail or cross member sags making a moving part (tires, wheels, steering, suspension) contact the body
• ✓Defect 2.1 (minor): The side rail web is cracked, the flange is cracked, or a cross member is cracked or broken

Check for the presence and locked position of the locking pins that secure a sliding bogie under the semi-trailer. Inspect outside the vehicle on both sides of the semi-trailer's rear wheels, ensuring pins are present and in the locked position.

• ✓Defect 2.C (major): More than 25% of the locking pins are missing or not in the locked position
• ✓Inspect the sliding bogie from both sides of the semi-trailer's rear wheels

Check whether fixed components of the body (hood, body panels, fenders, bumpers) are present and securely mounted. Inspect around the vehicle.

• ✓Defect 2.2 (minor): A fixed component of the body is missing or improperly mounted
• ✓Covers hood, body panels, fenders, and bumpers

Additional check for buses including motor coaches. Check the presence and solidity of outside doors of luggage and auxiliary compartments (such as the battery compartment). A door is inadequate when it does not close or is not in proper working order.

• ✓Defect 2.3 (minor): An outside door of a luggage or auxiliary compartment is inadequate or improperly mounted
• ✓A door is inadequate when it does not close or is not in proper working order

LCVs are permitted to travel only on specifically authorized road types, mainly highways and short access routes.

• ✓Permitted on divided lane highways and highway entrance/exit ramps
• ✓Permitted on road segments linking entrance and exit ramps leading to opposite directions
• ✓Permitted to access a municipal industrial park from a highway ramp for no more than 2 km
• ✓Permitted on other roads from a highway ramp for no more than 500 m (e.g. going to a restaurant)
• ✓Permitted on roads within a municipal industrial park and on Route 271 in Laurier-Station/Saint-Flavien for 2 km southward from boulevard Laurier

Even with a special operating permit, certain highway exits remain off-limits to LCVs.

• ✓Not authorized to use exit 174 on highway 40 to enter or exit the highway
• ✓Not authorized to use exit 203 on highway 40 to enter or exit the highway

The motor coach circle check is a sight and sound check of accessible parts following the same steps as a city bus. However, the vehicle's configuration may make the suspension system inaccessible, and the chassis frame and body components are usually monocoque, making parts and accessories specific to this vehicle type.

• ✓Follow the same circle check steps as a city bus
• ✓The suspension system may be inaccessible due to vehicle configuration
• ✓Chassis frame and body are generally monocoque type with specific parts

Check the curve's sharpness as far in advance as possible. You cannot change the curve or pavement, but you control your speed — the crucial factor. To slow, ease off the accelerator or downshift; if you must brake, do so before the curve while still travelling straight. Choose a gear allowing slight acceleration in the curve to keep the vehicle stable.

• ✓Speed is the crucial factor when negotiating a curve
• ✓Brake before entering the curve while travelling in a straight line, not in the curve
• ✓Select the right gear before the curve and avoid braking or downshifting in the curve

Because most heavy vehicles have a high centre of gravity, entering a curve at high speed could cause loss of control, swerving or overturning. High driving skill is required.

• ✓Heavy vehicles have a high centre of gravity and can overturn if speed is too high
• ✓Reduce speed before curves to avoid losing control or rolling over

Speed is the crucial factor in curves. Visually check the sharpness of a curve as far in advance as possible. If you must brake, do so before the curve while travelling in a straight line, and choose a gear that lets you accelerate slightly in the curve to keep the vehicle stable.

• ✓Brake before the curve while travelling in a straight line, not in the curve
• ✓Avoid braking or downshifting while in a curve
• ✓Be in the right gear before entering the curve
• ✓Slightly accelerate through the curve to keep the vehicle stable

Most heavy vehicles have a high centre of gravity, so drivers need high skill in curves. Going into a curve at high speed can cause loss of control, swerving or overturning.

• ✓Entering a curve too fast can cause loss of control, swerving or rollover
• ✓A high centre of gravity increases rollover risk in curves

Keep an eye on oncoming vehicles straying near the centre line. For a right curve, edge toward the centre line/far left of your lane, hold until you exit, then return to the middle. For a left curve, edge to the right side of your lane, hold until exit, then return to the middle. Accelerate gradually as you exit.

• ✓Right curve: position near the centre line/left side of the lane
• ✓Left curve: position toward the right side of the lane
• ✓Hold the position until exiting, then return to lane centre and accelerate gradually

Watch oncoming vehicles for straying toward the centre line. Before a right curve, edge to the far left of your lane (near the centre line) and hold until exiting, then return to the middle. Before a left curve, edge to the right side of the lane and hold until exiting. Accelerate gradually when exiting.

• ✓Before a right-turning curve, edge toward the centre line/far left of your lane
• ✓Before a left-turning curve, edge to the right side of your lane
• ✓Hold the position until you exit the curve, then return to lane centre
• ✓Accelerate gradually as you exit the curve

Skidding is usually caused by travelling too fast on damaged, slippery or snow-covered surfaces, causing tires to lose traction. It can happen from braking too abruptly, taking a curve too quickly, or driving up or down a hill.

• ✓Skidding is most often caused by travelling too fast for road conditions
• ✓Common causes: braking too abruptly, taking curves too fast, driving up/down hills

It is very hard to regain control of a heavy vehicle once it skids, so drive defensively to prevent skidding. Reduce speed according to road conditions, keep a safe following distance, check the semi-trailer in mirrors when braking, and do not use the hand brake to slow down.

• ✓Reduce speed as dictated by road conditions and layout
• ✓Maintain sufficient distance from other road users to avoid abrupt braking
• ✓Check the semi-trailer in rearview mirrors every time you brake and release brakes if it starts to skid
• ✓Do NOT use the hand brake to slow down the vehicle

Braking can lock the wheels and send a vehicle into a skid. On a vehicle NOT equipped with ABS, locked wheels reduce traction and skid, requiring greater stopping distance. You must adjust driving to maintain control.

• ✓Locked wheels (no ABS) reduce traction and increase stopping distance
• ✓Abrupt braking can cause wheels to lock and skid

A skid can occur going up or down a hill when acceleration force exceeds traction, especially on slippery pavement or when going too fast. Going up a hill, wheels spin in place and the rear veers to the side. Going down, skid risk is greater on slippery pavement or when braking.

• ✓Uphill skid: wheels spin in place and rear end veers to the side
• ✓Downhill skid risk is greater on slippery pavement or when braking to slow down

A skid can occur when the force of acceleration exceeds the traction between tires and pavement, especially on slippery surfaces or when travelling too fast. Going uphill, the wheels spin and the rear end veers to the side. Going downhill, the risk is greater if the pavement is slippery or you brake to slow down.

• ✓Skidding occurs when acceleration force exceeds tire traction
• ✓Uphill: wheels spin in place and rear end veers to the side
• ✓Downhill: braking on slippery pavement increases skid risk
• ✓Apply proper hill driving techniques from Chapter 5

Drivers must perform a visual inspection of the vehicle's securement components and ensure cargo does not interfere with driving or exiting the cab.

• ✓Ensure the tailgate, tailboard, doors, tarpaulins, spare tire, tire rack and other operating equipment are secured
• ✓Ensure cargo does not interfere with your ability to drive the vehicle safely
• ✓Ensure cargo does not hinder a person from freely exiting the cab or driver's compartment

Drivers must inspect and adjust the cargo securement system before driving and shortly after loading.

• ✓Inspect and make necessary adjustments before driving the vehicle
• ✓Inspect and make adjustments not more than 80 km from the point where cargo was loaded

The cargo and securement system must be re-inspected regularly, with adjustments including adding tiedowns, when specific conditions occur.

• ✓Re-inspect when your activities or duty status changes
• ✓Re-inspect when the vehicle has been driven for 3 hours
• ✓Re-inspect when the vehicle has travelled 240 km
• ✓Make necessary adjustments including adding more tiedowns if needed

Drivers are exempt from inspecting cargo and the securement system only in two specific situations under the Regulation.

• ✓Exempt when cargo is sealed in a vehicle and the driver has been ordered not to open it
• ✓Exempt when the vehicle is loaded in a manner that prevents access to the cargo or portions of it

Drivers must inspect cargo and the securement system and make adjustments before driving and again not more than 80 km from the loading point. Regular re-inspection with adjustments (including adding tiedowns) is required in specific situations.

• ✓Inspect before driving and again within 80 km of the loading point
• ✓Re-inspect when your activities or duty status changes
• ✓Re-inspect after the vehicle has been driven for 3 hours
• ✓Re-inspect after the vehicle has travelled 240 km

Before departure and during the trip, drivers must visually inspect that the tailgate, tailboard, doors, tarpaulins, spare tire, tire rack and other equipment are secured, and ensure cargo does not interfere with safe driving or block exit from the cab.

• ✓Verify tailgate, tailboard, doors, tarpaulins, spare tire, tire rack and equipment are secured
• ✓Cargo must not interfere with the ability to drive safely
• ✓Cargo must not hinder a person from freely exiting the cab or driver's compartment

Improper load distribution can cause loss of control when reacting quickly. To improve stability and avoid overturning, keep the centre of gravity as low as possible. Load in each semi-trailer must be distributed properly over the axle groups in compliance with the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation.

• ✓Distribute load evenly to avoid losing control during quick reactions
• ✓Keep the centre of gravity as low as possible to improve stability and avoid overturning
• ✓Distribute load in each semi-trailer properly over axle groups per the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation

The longest and heaviest semi-trailer must be hitched to the tractor. If the semi-trailers are not positioned in this order, you could lose control of the second semi-trailer when braking.

• ✓The longest and heaviest semi-trailer must be hitched to the tractor (first position)
• ✓Incorrect positioning can cause loss of control of the second semi-trailer when braking

Increasing a vehicle's load reduces its acceleration force. A double road train needs more time to enter traffic or resume speed after stopping, and the extra load forces you to reduce speed even more in curves.

• ✓Increased load reduces acceleration force, requiring more time to enter traffic or resume speed
• ✓Extra load requires you to reduce speed even more in curves

Because of its length, a double road train performs poorly when passing or making evasive manoeuvres. Crosswinds aggravate this problem, especially in curves. You must anticipate how the vehicle will react to maintain control.

• ✓A double road train does not perform as well as shorter vehicles when passing or making evasive manoeuvres
• ✓Crosswinds aggravate handling problems, especially when negotiating a curve
• ✓Anticipate the vehicle's reaction to react in time and maintain control

Space needed for manoeuvres depends on number and position of axles, length of tractor and semi-trailers, and number of articulations. More articulations increase the risk of the second semi-trailer weaving, deviating from the tractor's trajectory, crossing lanes, and overturning.

• ✓The more articulations a combination has, the greater the risk of the second semi-trailer weaving
• ✓A weaving second semi-trailer may deviate from the tractor's trajectory and cross into another lane
• ✓Double road trains take up a lot of road space, increasing collision risks with installations, vehicles and pedestrians

A double road train's length and multiple articulations reduce its ability to pass or make evasive manoeuvres and increase the risk of the rear trailer weaving.

• ✓Long length reduces passing and evasive performance; crosswinds worsen this, especially in curves
• ✓More articulations increase the risk of the second semi-trailer weaving and crossing lanes
• ✓Consider number/position of axles, length of tractor and trailers, and number of articulations when turning
• ✓Double road trains take much space, increasing collision risk with installations, parked vehicles and pedestrians

Operating an LCV requires a top-level licence class with an additional endorsement that has strict experience and training prerequisites.

• ✓Must hold a Class 1 driver's licence with a T endorsement
• ✓Must have held a Class 1 licence for at least 5 years to obtain the T endorsement
• ✓Must complete the mandatory LCV training program (vehicles longer than 25 m) at a road transport training centre (Charlesbourg or Saint-Jérôme)

The holder of a special LCV operating permit has several ongoing legal responsibilities regarding data, incident reporting, and driver compliance.

• ✓Must provide driver monitoring system data when requested by a carrier enforcement officer or peace officer
• ✓Must notify the Ministère des Transports du Québec of any accident or traffic jam caused by the LCV within two days
• ✓Must operate the tractor as an operator under the Act respecting owners, operators and drivers of heavy vehicles
• ✓Must ensure the driver complies with all driving restrictions on roads, hours and weather conditions

During a trip you must perform certain mandatory inspections, including stopping at areas designated by the brake-check road sign to test your brakes. You should also re-inspect the braking system as done during the circle check; this takes only a few minutes and can be done from the cab.

• ✓Stop at areas designated by the brake-check road sign to test your brakes
• ✓Perform a braking system inspection as done during the circle check, which can be done in the cab in a few minutes

During a trip, check wheel temperature to confirm proper brake adjustment and reduce risk of losing a wheel. Look for lubricant traces near hubs, intense heat, smoke, or burnt smell. Lubricant near a hub may mean a damaged hub ring seal or a bearing about to slip out of the cup.

• ✓Check wheel temperature to ensure adequate brake adjustment and no risk of losing a wheel
• ✓Check for lubricant traces near wheel hubs, intense heat, smoke, or burnt smell before continuing
• ✓Traces of lubricant near a hub may indicate a damaged hub ring seal or a bearing about to slip out of the cup

If one wheel produces more heat than the others, the wheel bearing may be faulty or the brake misadjusted. Wait for the wheel to cool before making a thorough check to determine the cause and ensure safe continuation.

• ✓A wheel hotter than others may signal a faulty bearing or misadjusted brake
• ✓Wait for the wheel to cool before a thorough check and confirm you can continue safely

If a wheel has recently been changed, check that it is tight enough after travelling between 80 and 160 km. Wheels should preferably be tightened by a mechanic according to manufacturer standards.

• ✓Recheck the tightness of a recently changed wheel after travelling 80 to 160 km
• ✓Wheels should preferably be tightened by a mechanic per manufacturer standards

Under the Highway Safety Code, drivers must have their vehicle inspected each day and at intervals (circle check). The Regulation respecting hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers reduces accident risk; operators must ensure drivers can drive safely.

• ✓Vehicles must undergo a daily inspection known as a circle check
• ✓The Regulation respecting hours of driving and rest applies to drivers and operators
• ✓Operators must ensure their drivers are able to drive safely

The Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation sets standards limiting size, load per axle group and total loaded mass on public roads. Vehicles not meeting these standards are outsized or overloaded and cannot use public roads without a special permit.

• ✓The regulation limits size, load per axle group and total loaded mass
• ✓Outsized or overloaded vehicles require a special permit to use public roads
• ✓Consult the Ministère des Transports for special permit information

Drivers of dangerous substances must be trained and carry an employer's certificate. School bus drivers must be trained on school children safety and hold a certificate of competency. Drivers outside Québec must know local laws; U.S. heavy vehicle drivers must be at least 21, and driving-hour rules and defect classifications may differ.

• ✓Dangerous substance drivers need training and an employer's certificate
• ✓School bus drivers need training and a certificate of competency on child safety
• ✓Heavy vehicle drivers in the United States must be at least age 21

When downshifting a non-synchromesh manual transmission, you must use double-declutching to prevent friction between components and premature wear. It requires shifting into neutral and increasing engine speed before engaging the lower gear.

• ✓Use double-declutching to protect non-synchromesh transmission
• ✓Must shift into neutral
• ✓Must increase engine speed before downshifting

Slow with the service brake until 1,200 RPM and push clutch to friction point; keep RPM steady and push clutch to position 3 while releasing accelerator; shift to neutral; release clutch to position 1; press accelerator to raise engine speed by 300 RPM to reach 1,500 RPM; release accelerator while pushing clutch to position 3 and shift into 4th; release clutch to complete.

• ✓Reduce engine speed to no faster than its maximum RPM in neutral
• ✓Slow with service brake to 1,200 RPM before starting
• ✓Increase RPM by 300 (to 1,500) before engaging lower gear
• ✓Practise double-clutching on flat terrain

Operating an LCV requires a Class 1 licence with a special T endorsement, obtained after experience and mandatory training.

• ✓Must hold a Class 1 driver's licence with a T endorsement to operate an LCV
• ✓Must have held a Class 1 driver's licence for at least 5 years to obtain a T endorsement
• ✓Must complete the mandatory training program for drivers of LCVs (longer than 25 m) at Charlesbourg or Saint-Jérôme training centres

Holders of a special LCV operating permit have several obligations regarding data provision, incident reporting, and compliance oversight.

• ✓Must provide driver monitoring system data when requested by a carrier enforcement officer or peace officer
• ✓Must notify the Ministère des Transports du Québec of any accident or traffic jam caused by the LCV within two days
• ✓Must operate the tractor as an operator under the Act respecting owners, operators and drivers of heavy vehicles
• ✓Must ensure the driver complies with driving restrictions on roads, hours and weather conditions

Conduct a new inspection 80 kilometres after setting out on a trip, since all systems have generally been used by then. After that, inspect every 160 kilometres or every two hours, checking critical systems: tires, brakes, lighting, coupling mechanism, and cargo securement.

• ✓Perform a new inspection 80 km after starting a trip
• ✓After that, inspect every 160 km or every two hours
• ✓Check tires, brakes, lighting, coupling mechanism, and cargo securement
• ✓Perform checks during rest stops and prefer service areas for safety

Vehicle safety depends on more than maintenance and circle checks; component conditions can deteriorate at any time. Drivers must be attentive to signs of breakdown or degraded cargo securement and should stop in a safe location to inspect if they note unusual noises, reactions, or warning lights.

• ✓Stop in a safe, appropriate location if you notice unusual noise or reaction
• ✓Stop and inspect if a warning light switches on
• ✓Be attentive to signs of eventual breakdown or degradation of securement