When you couple, the locking jaws of the fifth wheel must close around:
Correct. The locking jaws must engage the kingpin shank below the head. If the jaws close above the head, the connection is unsafe.
CDL Practice Question #205
Category: Combination Vehicles
Why this question matters
This question is one of 55 in our Combination Vehicles bank. The reasoning above comes directly from the AAMVA CDL Manual, the source document used by every U.S. state DMV. Memorizing the underlying rule — not just the letter answer — is what separates passing on the first attempt from a return trip and another fee.