Practice question

What should you do if your motorcycle begins to skid?

  1. Avoid steering and maintain throttle control
  2. Brake immediately
  3. Accelerate sharply
  4. Steer hard in the opposite direction

Answer: A — Avoid steering and maintain throttle control

When a motorcycle begins to skid, maintaining throttle control and avoiding steering is crucial. This helps stabilize the bike. What happens in a skid is that the tires lose grip on the road, and any abrupt changes can worsen the situation. By keeping a steady throttle, you allow the rear wheel to regain traction gradually, as opposed to rapidly decelerating or accelerating, which could lead to a loss of control. Steering too sharply, whether in the direction of the skid or the opposite, can also lead to a more severe loss of control. In essence, keeping steady throttle control while remaining calm can help a rider navigate the skid safely, ultimately leading to regaining control of the motorcycle.

Practice more: West Virginia Motorcycle Permit Practice Test →