Practice question

What should you do if your motorcycle starts to skid?

  1. Brake suddenly to regain control
  2. Steer in the opposite direction of the skid
  3. Avoid braking suddenly and steer in the direction you want to go
  4. Accelerate to regain traction

Answer: C — Avoid braking suddenly and steer in the direction you want to go

When a motorcycle begins to skid, the most effective action is to avoid braking suddenly and instead steer in the direction you want to go. This approach allows the rider to maintain control of the motorcycle and helps to guide it back on track. By steering into the skid, you can align the motorcycle with the direction of travel, which can help regain stability as you recover from the skid. Braking suddenly can lead to further loss of control and increase the chances of the motorcycle tipping over. Steering in the opposite direction of the skid may exacerbate the situation and can create a larger imbalance. Accelerating to regain traction is also not advisable, as it can cause the rear wheel to lose traction even more, making the skid worse instead of aiding recovery. Overall, the correct response focuses on maintaining control through steering and assessing the situation rather than reacting with abrupt movements.

Practice more: West Virginia Motorcycle Permit Practice Test →