Revision question · Braking systems

When is trailer swing most likely to occur on a lorry and drawbar combination?

Revision material from the imported DVSA bank includes source-checked Lanekind learning corrections. These corrections are not newly issued official examination questions, and practice does not reproduce a live test paper.

Answer options

While you're braking on a bend

While you're using an endurance brake

While you're steering at slow speed and fully loaded

While you're moving off at an angle

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While you're braking on a bendThis was the right answer

The forces that act on your vehicle if you brake while cornering can lead to instability and may cause trailer swing. You should try to plan ahead so that you brake smoothly and in good time as you approach a bend.

Reviewed reading for this question

Brake before turning, not sharply in the bendReviewed guidance summary · These ask about drawbar trailer swing, an abrupt low-gear change, heavy braking and braking before a bend; all involve combining forces that destabilise the combination.

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