The answer options
- Breakaway cableCorrect
- Stabiliser
- Corner steadies
- Jockey wheel
Why that is the answer
A breakaway cable is a mandatory safety device attached between the towing vehicle and the trailer braking mechanism. If the trailer becomes uncoupled while moving, the cable pulls taut, applying the trailer's brakes to bring it to a safe stop before snapping away completely. While a stabiliser helps prevent snaking and jockey wheels help manoeuvre the trailer when parked, only the breakaway cable acts as an automatic emergency braking system.
How this comes up in the real test
Questions from vehicle loading appear throughout the 50-question multiple-choice section, and the wording changes between versions. Learn the rule rather than the sentence: the DVSA can ask the same point from the opposite direction, and a memorised answer falls over the moment the phrasing moves.
The pass mark is 43 out of 50, so seven wrong answers is your entire margin. If a whole category is shaky, run the topic practice below until you are getting every question right for the right reason, then go back to full mocks under the clock.
More vehicle loading questions
- A vehicle should never be overloaded. Who is responsible for ensuring this?
- Are passenger allowed to travel in a caravan when been towed?
- How will the handling of your car change if you have a large load on your roof rack?
- Sometimes you may need to increase your tyre pressure to above the normal value. When would this be necessary?
- What is the maximum authorised mass (MAM) you can tow in any trailer, having just passed your driving test?
- What is the minimum tyre tread depth for a trailer?