CDL General Knowledge TestCombination Vehicles (if applicable)Hard
You are backing a combination vehicle and need to turn right. To initiate the turn, which way should you initially turn the steering wheel?
- ATurn the steering wheel gently to the right.
- BKeep the steering wheel straight until the trailer moves.
- CTurn the steering wheel sharply to the left.
- DTurn the steering wheel sharply to the right.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left.
When backing a combination vehicle, the steering wheel is turned in the opposite direction you want the trailer to go. To make the trailer go right, you must initially turn the steering wheel to the left. This pushes the tractor's rear to the left, which in turn pushes the trailer's front to the right.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Turning right would cause the trailer to go left, or 'jackknife' in the wrong direction.
- B. Keeping the wheel straight will only back the vehicle straight, not initiate a turn.
- D. Turning sharply right would accelerate the trailer's leftward movement or cause a jackknife.
Backing Combination Vehicles (Steering)
The technique of steering a combination vehicle in reverse, where the steering wheel is initially turned opposite to the desired direction of the trailer's movement.
- Steer opposite to trailer's desired direction.
- Small corrections are key.
- Use mirrors frequently.
Memory trick: To go right, steer left; to go left, steer right.