Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

How should you respond if you start to skid?

1. Steer in the same direction as the rear of the car

2. Brake hard immediately

3. Turn the steering wheel aggressively

4. Accelerate to regain control

The correct answer is: Steer in the same direction as the rear of the car

When you start to skid, the appropriate response is to steer in the same direction as the rear of the vehicle. This technique, often referred to as "steering into the skid," helps to realign the vehicle with the direction you want to go. When a car skids, it loses traction, and the rear end can slide out. By turning the steering wheel in the same direction the back of the car is sliding, you help the vehicle regain its grip on the road. This action allows the front wheels to point in the direction that the driver intends to travel, thereby helping to regain control of the vehicle. Other actions like braking hard can exacerbate the skid by shifting weight and further disrupting traction, while aggressive steering or accelerating can increase the loss of control. Therefore, the best practice to follow during a skid is to gently steer toward where you want the front of the car to go.