CDL · General

When making a right turn with a combination vehicle, why must the driver avoid swinging wide to the left before turning?

Correct answer

Swinging left first can mislead following drivers into thinking you're changing lanes or turning left, and a vehicle may try to pass on the right and be caught between your trailer and the curb as you turn — instead, turn wide as you complete the turn, keeping the rear close to the curb on approach

  1. A It wastes fuel
  2. B Swinging left first can mislead following drivers into thinking you're changing lanes or turning left, and a vehicle may try to pass on the right and be caught between your trailer and the curb as you turn — instead, turn wide as you complete the turn, keeping the rear close to the curb on approach
  3. C It is illegal in all states
  4. D It damages the tires

Why this is the answer

RIGHT TURNS WITH COMBINATION VEHICLES — OFF-TRACKING: Because the trailer wheels track INSIDE the tractor's path (off-tracking), drivers need extra room for right turns. CORRECT TECHNIQUE: Turn wide as you COMPLETE the turn (swing out as you go through/finish the turn), keeping the rear of the vehicle close to the curb on the approach; this prevents the trailer from cutting over the curb or hitting objects/vehicles to the right; AVOID swinging wide to the LEFT before starting the turn because: it misleads following drivers (looks like a lane change or left turn); a driver may attempt to pass you on the RIGHT; when you then turn right, that vehicle is trapped between your trailer and the curb — a 'squeeze' that causes serious accidents; INSTEAD: keep the rear close to the curb on approach; if you must swing wide, do it as you complete the turn while watching your mirrors; block the right lane if necessary rather than inviting a pass on the right; off-tracking and proper turning are key combination vehicle skills tested on the exam and in the road test.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Combination Turns, Off-Tracking

Practice more questions

This question is from our CDL Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all General and other topics.

Take the Combination Vehicles practice test →

New to this exam? Our CDL exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.