Rev Up for Success: Conquer the 2026 Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Exam!

At a speed of 55 MPH, a fully loaded truck typically takes about 6 seconds to come to a complete stop. This duration is influenced by several factors including the weight of the truck, road conditions, and the driver's reaction time.

When considering the stopping distance, it’s important to remember that larger vehicles, such as fully loaded trucks, have significantly longer stopping distances due to their mass. In ideal conditions on a flat road, the stopping distance can be divided into two main components: the reaction distance (the distance traveled during the driver's reaction time) and the braking distance (the distance traveled while the vehicle is coming to a stop).

For a fully loaded truck, the total stopping distance can amount to approximately 300 feet or more at highway speeds. Given these dynamics, a stopping time of around 6 seconds aligns well with industry standards for large trucks and their operational safety practices. It emphasizes the need for truck drivers to maintain safe following distances and be vigilant for situations that may require sudden braking.