Ontario MTO Truck Knowledge Practice Test

Compared to a normal car, a tractor-trailer requires how much more stopping distance?

1. Three times as much

2. Twice as much

3. Four times as much

4. Five times as much

The correct answer is: Twice as much

A tractor-trailer requires significantly more stopping distance compared to a standard car due to its larger size, heavier weight, and the physics involved in stopping a vehicle of that magnitude. Trucks have more momentum, which means that they need more distance to safely come to a stop. While the answer suggests that it requires twice as much stopping distance, it’s actually important to recognize that the increase in stopping distance can be more significant than that, depending on various factors such as load, road conditions, and speed. In practice, most guidelines suggest that a fully loaded tractor-trailer can require stopping distances that are at least three times or even more compared to a standard passenger vehicle. Factors such as the weight of the cargo, the condition of the brakes, and weather conditions further affect these distances. It's crucial for drivers to be cognizant of these differences in order to maintain safe driving practices and prevent accidents.