CDL Vehicle Combination Practice Test

What is the earliest indication of a trailer skid?

1. By feeling vibrations in the steering wheel

2. By hearing unusual noises from the trailer

3. By seeing it in your mirrors

4. By monitoring the dashboard displays

The correct answer is: By seeing it in your mirrors

The earliest indication of a trailer skid is typically observed by seeing it in your mirrors. When towing a trailer, monitoring the mirrors is crucial for maintaining awareness of the trailer's position and stability. If the trailer begins to skid or sway, it is often visible in the mirrors before the driver can perceive it through other senses, such as feeling vibrations or hearing noises. This visual cue allows the driver to react more promptly by either adjusting speed or making necessary steering corrections to regain control. Being adept at observing the trailer's behavior through mirrors is vital for safe handling, especially in adverse conditions where skidding is more likely to occur. While vibrations in the steering wheel, unusual noises, and dashboard alerts can also indicate issues, these signals tend to arise after the driver has already lost some degree of control. Hence, visual monitoring through the mirrors is your best first line of defense in detecting a trailer skid.