Practice question

If your vehicle starts to skid, what should you do?

  1. Immediately slam on the brakes
  2. Steer towards the direction where you want the front to go
  3. Turn the steering wheel sharply left or right
  4. Shift into neutral

Answer: B — Steer towards the direction where you want the front to go

When your vehicle starts to skid, the best response is to steer towards the direction where you want the front of the vehicle to go. This technique, often referred to as "steering into the skid," helps to regain control over the vehicle. By steering in the intended direction, you align the vehicle's tires with its path of travel, promoting stabilization and reducing the risk of a spin-out. Other methods, like slamming on the brakes, can worsen the skid, as they may lock the wheels and prevent the tires from regaining traction. Turning the steering wheel sharply left or right can also lead to further loss of control, as it may cause the back end of the vehicle to fishtail. Shifting into neutral is not commonly recommended for handling skids, as it removes engine braking and does not assist in controlling the vehicle's direction effectively. In contrast, steering towards the intended path not only addresses the immediate issue but also aids in managing the vehicle’s response during stressful driving conditions.

Practice more: Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B Practice Test →