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CDL · General

What is 'off-tracking' in a combination vehicle?

Correct answer

The phenomenon where the rear wheels of a turning vehicle follow a different (inner) path than the front wheels, so the trailer wheels track inside the tractor's turning path

  1. A Driving off the road
  2. B The phenomenon where the rear wheels of a turning vehicle follow a different (inner) path than the front wheels, so the trailer wheels track inside the tractor's turning path
  3. C A type of brake
  4. D Losing GPS signal

Why this is the answer

OFF-TRACKING (also called 'cheating' or 'tracking') is the phenomenon where, when a vehicle turns, the REAR wheels follow a DIFFERENT path than the front wheels — they track to the INSIDE of the turn. CDL combination. The longer the vehicle (and the more it bends at the articulation point), the GREATER the off-tracking. EFFECT: the trailer's rear wheels cut the corner inside the tractor's path, so the driver must turn WIDE enough that the trailer doesn't hit curbs, objects, or vehicles on the inside of the turn. This is why combination vehicles need extra room for turns and why drivers turn wide (keeping the rear near the curb on approach, swinging out as they complete the turn). Knowing off-tracking (rear wheels track inside the turn) and its effect on turning is commonly tested.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Combination, Off-Tracking

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