Georgia Commercial Driver License Practice Test

The term for the phenomenon that causes large vehicles to need to make wide turns is off-tracking. This occurs because the rear wheels of a large vehicle follow a different path than the front wheels when the vehicle makes a turn. In larger vehicles like trucks and buses, the length and width contribute to the off-tracking effect. As the front of the vehicle swings around a corner, the rear wheels trail behind in a tighter arc. This results in the rear of the vehicle sometimes needing more space to complete the turn than the front, which can lead to the rear wheels crossing over the curb or even into adjacent lanes. Understanding this concept is crucial for safe maneuvering, particularly in urban environments where space may be limited. Other terms, while they may describe aspects of vehicle handling or turning behavior, do not accurately depict this specific phenomenon. Thus, knowing off-tracking is essential for truck drivers to navigate turns without causing accidents or property damage.