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CDL · Basic Vehicle Control

What is meant by the term 'off-tracking' in a commercial vehicle?

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

The rear wheels of a tractor-trailer following a tighter path than the front wheels during a turn

  1. A The trailer skidding sideways during emergency braking
  2. B The vehicle drifting off the road shoulder
  3. C An older brake design that no longer meets federal standards
  4. D The rear wheels of a tractor-trailer following a tighter path than the front wheels during a turn

Why this is the answer

Off-tracking is the natural geometric tendency of the rear wheels of a tractor-trailer to follow a tighter path through a turn than the front wheels. The longer the wheelbase, the more pronounced the off-track. This is why a tractor-trailer making a right turn must swing wide to the left before turning, to give the trailer's rear wheels room to clear the curb on the inside of the turn. Failing to swing wide enough causes the trailer's rear wheels to climb the curb or run over a pedestrian or vehicle in the right turn lane. New drivers often turn too sharply because they steer like a car. Always plan the turn so that the trailer ends up in the correct lane, even if the tractor has to take an unusual line to get there.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 2.2.2 Turning

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About this topic: Basic Vehicle Control

Basic vehicle control is the foundation: starting, stopping, turning, backing, and judging where the trailer is at every moment. Off-tracking and trailer swing are the biggest sources of city-driving incidents for new CDL holders. This is one of 6 General Knowledge questions on basic vehicle control, 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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