Illinois CDL Practice Exam

What is the function of the governor in a commercial vehicle?

1. To operate the vehicle's lights

2. To control the maximum speed of the vehicle

3. To adjust the tire pressure

4. To manage fuel consumption

The correct answer is: To control the maximum speed of the vehicle

The governor plays a critical role in maintaining safety and efficiency in a commercial vehicle by controlling the maximum speed it can achieve. This device works by monitoring the vehicle's speed and regulating the fuel flow to the engine, thereby limiting the vehicle's speed in order to prevent it from exceeding a predetermined limit. This is particularly important in commercial vehicles, which are often subject to specific speed regulations to ensure safe operation on roadways. When a vehicle reaches its set speed limit, the governor activates to restrict additional acceleration, contributing to safer driving practices and compliance with laws that help prevent accidents caused by excessive speed. Proper functioning of the governor is essential not just for safety but also for managing operational costs, as maintaining a consistent speed can enhance fuel efficiency and reduce wear and tear on the vehicle components. The other functions listed, such as operating the lights, adjusting tire pressure, or managing fuel consumption directly are not the primary roles of the governor in a commercial vehicle. Instead, those functions are handled by other systems designed specifically for those purposes.