Philadelphia Drivers License Practice Test

What is the best way to bring your car out of a skid?

1. Turn your wheel in the opposite direction of the skid

2. Turn your wheel in the direction of the skid and pump brakes lightly

3. Apply the brakes firmly and steer straight

4. Shift into neutral and continue straight

The correct answer is: Turn your wheel in the direction of the skid and pump brakes lightly

To effectively bring your car out of a skid, the best approach is to turn your wheel in the direction of the skid and pump the brakes lightly. This technique allows you to regain traction and control over the vehicle. When the vehicle begins to skid, the rear wheels lose grip on the road, causing the car to rotate. By steering in the direction of the skid, you align the front wheels with the direction the car is sliding, which helps to stabilize and guide the vehicle back onto the proper path. Pumping the brakes lightly also aids in this process. It allows you to reduce speed without locking up the wheels, which can lead to further loss of control. In contrast, braking firmly can exacerbate the skid because it might cause the wheels to lock, especially in vehicles without anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Shifting into neutral does not provide a solution to regain control, as this method would disable engine braking and may lead to a loss of steering control. Therefore, understanding how to manage the steering and braking in a skid is crucial for safely regaining control of the vehicle.