Michigan Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Practice Exam

While driving, which of the following should you use your mirrors to check?

1. The fuel gauge and engine temperature

2. The condition of tires and cargo

3. The exterior lights on the vehicle

4. The cargo area for hidden passengers

The correct answer is: The condition of tires and cargo

Using mirrors while driving is essential for maintaining awareness of your surroundings, especially when operating larger vehicles like trucks or buses. Checking the condition of tires and cargo through mirrors is crucial for safety. By monitoring these elements, you can notice if there are any issues such as a tire that may be deflating or shifting cargo that could pose hazards. This proactive approach can help prevent accidents related to tire failure or unsecured loads, which are significant concerns for commercial drivers. It's important to note that while checking fuel gauges, engine temperature, or the condition of exterior lights are necessary for overall vehicle operation, those checks are typically performed when the vehicle is stationary or during pre-trip inspections. The cargo area for hidden passengers is also a critical safety aspect, but it cannot be effectively monitored via mirrors since it is not visible from the driver's seat. Thus, using mirrors specifically for checking tires and cargo is the most relevant and safety-oriented choice in this scenario.