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CDL · Driving Combination Vehicles

When backing a trailer, which way do you initially turn the steering wheel to make the trailer go to the left?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Turn the steering wheel to the right (the opposite of the direction you want the trailer to go), then follow the trailer once it starts turning

  1. A Turn the wheel all the way around
  2. B Don't turn the wheel
  3. C Turn the steering wheel to the right (the opposite of the direction you want the trailer to go), then follow the trailer once it starts turning
  4. D Turn the wheel to the left

Why this is the answer

To back a TRAILER to the LEFT, you initially turn the steering wheel to the RIGHT (the OPPOSITE direction of where you want the trailer rear to go); once the trailer begins turning the desired way, you then turn the wheel back to FOLLOW the trailer. CDL combination. This is the counterintuitive part of trailer backing — the trailer goes opposite to your initial steering input.

General backing tips: back slowly; make small steering movements and correct early; use both mirrors; pull forward to reposition if the trailer gets too far off (don't over-correct); back toward the driver's (left) side when possible for better visibility; GOAL (Get Out And Look) before and during backing; use a spotter when available. Knowing the opposite-steering principle for trailer backing is commonly tested.

Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Combination, Trailer Backing Steering

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About this topic: Driving Combination Vehicles

Off-tracking, jackknife risk, and rearward amplification mean a tractor-trailer behaves nothing like a single vehicle. Smooth inputs and conservative speed prevent the worst outcomes. This is one of 20 Combination Vehicles questions on driving combination vehicles, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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

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