Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Permit Practice Test

When a vehicle makes a turn, the behavior of the rear wheels is different from that of the front wheels due to the vehicle's pivoting motion. The front wheels, which are responsible for steering, carve a path that is tighter and more curved in order to navigate the turn. Meanwhile, the rear wheels tend to follow a broader path compared to the front wheels.

This phenomenon occurs because as the vehicle turns, the rear wheels, which are not actively steering, are positioned further away from the center of the turn, and thus they travel a longer distance around the turn. The rear wheels follow a path that is less curved and extends outward from the turn compared to the sharper, inward path taken by the front wheels.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for vehicle maneuvering, especially in tight spaces or during sharp turns, as it helps in judging how to position the vehicle correctly and avoid obstacles. This principle is essential for safe driving, particularly in scenarios such as parking or navigating around corners.