Chapter 2-15: Steering (forward) and off-track

The Ontario truck driver knowledge test covers “Steering (forward) and Off-track,” focusing on the challenges of maneuvering large vehicles.

Ontario Truck Driver Test - Chapter 2-15: Steering (forward) and off-track

1 / 8

How does increasing the distance (wheel base) between the front and rear wheels affect off-track?

It increases the amount of off-track

It decreases the amount of off-track

It has no effect on off-track

It eliminates off-track

2 / 8

When a large vehicle travels through a curve, why do the rear wheels not follow the same path as the front wheels?

Because the rear wheels are larger than the front wheels

Because the rear wheels are steering the vehicle

Because the rear wheels do not pivot and the vehicle off-tracks

Because the rear wheels have more traction

3 / 8

What is the recommended practice regarding lane changes when making a steep turn in a large or combination vehicle?

Avoid changing lanes to turn if possible, and if you must use part of another lane, ensure it is done safely without interfering with traffic

Use as many lanes as needed without signalling

Drive onto the shoulder to complete the turn

Always change lanes well in advance and ignore other traffic

4 / 8

On a left-hand curve on the open highway, how should you position the front wheels to prevent the rear wheels from crossing into the other traffic lane?

Keep the front wheels close to the right edge of the pavement

Move partially onto the shoulder

Keep the front wheels close to the left edge of the pavement

Keep the front wheels in the exact centre of the lane

5 / 8

Compared to the path of the front wheels, the off-track path of the rear wheels has:

A longer radius

A shorter radius

The same radius

No consistent radius

6 / 8

In a combination vehicle such as a truck-tractor and semi-trailer, how does off-track behave?

Off-track is the same for all axles in the combination

Only the semi-trailer has off-track; the tractor does not

Each unit has its own off-track, and the semi-trailer’s rear wheels off-track more than the tractor’s

Only the tractor has off-track; the semi-trailer does not

7 / 8

What factors determine the amount of off-track in a truck-tractor and semi-trailer combination?

The number of gears in the transmission

The length of the combination and the wheel base of the units

The tire pressure on the front wheels only

The colour of the truck and trailer

8 / 8

On a right-hand curve on the open highway, how should you position the front wheels to avoid dropping the rear wheels off the pavement?

Keep the front wheels close to the right edge of the pavement

Keep the front wheels in the exact centre of the lane

Keep the front wheels close to the left side of the lane

Move into the oncoming lane

Your score is

As trucks move forward, their rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels, a phenomenon known as “off-tracking.” Drivers must understand off-tracking to avoid clipping curbs, signs, or other obstacles, especially on tight turns or narrow roads. Proper steering techniques, such as taking wider turns and closely monitoring mirrors, are essential for maintaining safe lane position and preventing accidents. Mastering forward steering and off-tracking principles helps ensure safety, protect property, and meet the professional standard required by Ontario laws.