Practice question

What should you do if you start to skid while riding a motorcycle?

  1. Accelerate and steer in the opposite direction
  2. Release the throttle and steer in the direction you want to go
  3. Apply the brakes firmly and hold on tight
  4. Lean away from the skid

Answer: B — Release the throttle and steer in the direction you want to go

When you find yourself skidding while riding a motorcycle, the best response is to release the throttle and steer in the direction you want to go. This approach helps regain control over the motorcycle and allows it to align with the path you intend to follow. By releasing the throttle, you reduce power to the rear wheel, which can help it re-establish traction and stop sliding. Steering in the direction you want to go aids in guiding the motorcycle back onto a stable trajectory. If you were to accelerate during a skid, this could exacerbate the skid since more power would be applied to the rear wheel, making it more likely to lose traction. Applying the brakes firmly can lead to a loss of control as well, since braking during a skid may cause the wheels to lock up, preventing you from recovering stability. Leaning away from the skid does not effectively reposition the motorcycle toward the path you wish to take and could create further instability.

Practice more: Washington Motorcycle Permit Practice Test →