59.2. When reversing in a vehicle with a trailer:
UAПри русі заднім ходом на автомобілі з причепом:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe execution of maneuvers, specifically reversing as part of a road train (a vehicle with a trailer). In real-life situations, reversing with a trailer most often leads to mistakes when parking, near a garage, or in a tight yard, so understanding the trailer's trajectory directly affects safety and the absence of obstacles for other road users, as required by the traffic rules.
The question tests knowledge of terms from the General Provisions section (point 1.10: what is a road train and a trailer) and the practical application of the requirements from the Maneuvering section (point 10.9 about safety when reversing and, if necessary, involving assistance). This "mirror" feature is often included in the theoretical exam: when reversing, the trailer deviates in the direction opposite to the steering wheel turn, because control is exercised by changing the position of the rear part of the vehicle and the coupling point.
In the option stating that when turning the steering wheel to the left the trailer goes to the right, the correct mechanics of the road train are described: the rear of the vehicle shifts to the left, "pulling" the coupling device, and the trailer begins to "break" and move to the right. The alternative option, that the trailer goes in the same direction, is a typical mistake of transferring the logic of forward movement to reversing: when reversing, the trailer's reaction does not follow the direction of the steering wheel turn, so this approach in practice quickly leads to the road train "jackknifing" and loss of control.
Clause 1.10 (term “Road train (vehicle combination)”)
Road train (vehicle combination) — a motor vehicle connected to one or more trailers (semi-trailers).
Clause 1.10 (term “Trailer”)
Trailer — a vehicle designed to move as part of a combination with a motor vehicle.
Clause 10.9
Reversing is allowed provided that it is safe and does not create obstacles or danger to other road users. If necessary, the driver must seek assistance from other persons.
Brief explanation of the clause’s application: when reversing, the driver is required to ensure the safety of the maneuver. For a road train (vehicle with a trailer), this means taking into account the characteristic “reverse” trajectory of the trailer relative to the steering wheel turn (the trailer “breaks” in the direction opposite to the steering wheel turn when reversing), so as not to create danger or obstacles.
That is, the correct answer is “When turning the steering wheel to the left, the trailer will start moving to the right,” given that, according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, a road train is a vehicle combination (car + trailer), and clause 10.9 requires reversing only if the maneuver is completely safe, which is impossible without considering the opposite deviation of the trailer when turning the steering wheel while reversing.
When reversing, a car with a trailer behaves differently than without one because the trailer is connected to the car via a coupling device and essentially "follows" the direction in which the rear part of the car moves. The driver controls only the car, and the trailer's trajectory changes as a result of the car turning around the coupling point.
Imagine you are reversing and turning the steering wheel to the left. In this situation, the rear part of the car begins to move to the left. The coupling point, along with the rear part, also goes to the left, and the trailer drawbar receives a "push" to the left. Because of this, the trailer begins to turn in the opposite direction from the steering wheel turn, that is, its rear part will go to the right, and the trailer itself will start to deviate to the right relative to the direction of movement.
This is clearly seen in a practical example: when moving forward, turning the steering wheel to the left leads both the car and the trailer to the left, but when reversing, everything works in a mirror image for the trailer. You turn the steering wheel to the left, the car "swings" its rear part to the left, but the trailer "breaks" and starts to go to the right. When turning the steering wheel to the right, the opposite happens: the trailer will deviate to the left.
Therefore, the correct answer is: "When turning the steering wheel to the left, the trailer will start to go to the right," because when reversing, the movement of the rear part of the car in the direction of the turn causes the trailer to deviate in the opposite direction due to the articulated connection.