Passing a truck — Delaware Permit Test

If needed, let a truck driver know you are passing by blinking your headlights, especially at night.

A truck driver who does not know you are beside them may start to change lanes into you.

If needed, let the truck driver know you are passing by blinking your headlights, especially at night.

On a level highway, it takes only 3 to 5 seconds longer to pass a truck than a car.

A driver who pulls out without enough room for the longer pass can be caught beside the truck by oncoming traffic.

On a level highway, it takes only three to five seconds longer to pass a truck than a car.

On an upgrade, a truck often loses speed, so it is easier to pass than a car.

Knowing when a truck slows lets a driver plan a pass instead of waiting behind it for miles.

On an upgrade, a truck often loses speed, so it is easier to pass than a car.

On a downgrade, a truck’s momentum makes it go faster, so you may need to increase your speed to pass it.

A driver who starts a pass downhill at the same speed ends up stuck beside a truck that keeps speeding up.

On a downgrade, the truck’s momentum will cause it to go faster, so you may need to increase your speed.

How can you let a truck driver know you are passing, especially at night?

Blink your headlights. A truck driver who does not know you are beside them may start to change lanes into you. Delaware Driver Manual, p.102: “If needed, let the truck driver know you are passing by blinking your headlights, especially at night.”