Large vehicle visibility — Hawaii Permit Test

A large vehicle's driver has a good view ahead but very little to the sides and rear, and cannot see the area right behind the vehicle at all.

A small car riding close behind a truck is invisible to its driver, who may stop or back up without knowing it is there.

However, visibility to the sides and rear is severely limited; other traffic can only be seen by the use of mirrors and the area to the immediate rear of the vehicle is not visible to the driver.

Large vehicles give their drivers better forward visibility than other vehicles because the driver sits above most other traffic.

A truck driver can often see a stalled car several cars ahead that you cannot, so the truck may slow before you know why.

Larger vehicles generally provide better forward visibility than other vehicles because the driver’s position is above most other vehicles.

Large vehicles need extra room for their width and length when turning, changing lanes or backing, and other drivers should give them additional space to do it safely.

A car that pulls up close beside a turning truck can be squeezed by the trailer as it swings through the turn.

Other drivers and highway users should allow the large vehicle driver additional space to make the maneuvers safely.

Which area around a large vehicle can its driver not see at all?

The area right behind it. A small car riding close behind a truck is invisible to its driver, who may stop or back up without knowing it is there. State of Hawaii Driver’s Manual, p.85: “However, visibility to the sides and rear is severely limited; other traffic can only be seen by the use of mirrors and the area to the immediate rear of the vehicle is not visible to the driver.”