Utah CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The function of a governor on a commercial vehicle is to limit the maximum speed of the vehicle. This is an important safety feature designed to help ensure that vehicles do not exceed safe operating speeds, which can reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall road safety. By setting a maximum speed, the governor helps maintain control over the vehicle, especially in heavy traffic or adverse conditions.

In addition to safety, limiting speed can also have regulatory benefits, as many jurisdictions have laws that mandate speed limits for commercial vehicles. Thus, the presence of a governor can assist drivers in complying with these legal requirements.

Although the other options may touch on various aspects of vehicle performance, they do not accurately describe the primary function of a governor. For instance, while fuel efficiency and engine performance are important for the overall operation of commercial vehicles, they are not directly managed by the governor. Enhancing braking power is also not a function of the governor, as braking systems are independently designed to handle stopping capabilities.