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CDL · General

If your drive wheels (tractor) begin to skid and the tractor starts to jackknife, what should you do?

Correct answer

Stop braking (release the brakes) to let the drive wheels regain traction and roll, then steer to maintain control

  1. A Brake harder
  2. B Stop braking (release the brakes) to let the drive wheels regain traction and roll, then steer to maintain control
  3. C Accelerate hard
  4. D Turn the wheel sharply

Why this is the answer

If the tractor DRIVE WHEELS skid and the tractor begins to JACKKNIFE (the tractor swings relative to the trailer), you should STOP BRAKING (release the brakes) to let the drive wheels regain traction and roll again — rolling wheels can grip and steer, allowing you to regain control; then steer to keep the vehicle straight. CDL combination. THE CAUSE: locked/skidding drive wheels lose traction and the tractor can swing. RELEASING the brakes lets the wheels roll and regain traction (the counterintuitive but correct action). SAME PRINCIPLE applies to trailer skids (release brakes to let the trailer wheels roll and come back in line). PREVENTION: smooth, gradual braking; slow down for curves and conditions; don't over-brake. Knowing to release the brakes to recover from a drive-wheel skid/jackknife is commonly tested and safety-critical.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Combination, Tractor Jackknife Recovery

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Related questions

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If the trailer wheels begin to skid and the trailer starts to swing out (trailer jackknife), what should the driver do?

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To prevent a trailer skid (and possible jackknife), what is the most important driving practice?

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