Alberta Written Drivers Learners Test Practice

What should be your first action if your vehicle starts to skid?

1. Brake hard and hold the steering wheel tightly

2. Steer in the opposite direction of the skid

3. Steer in the direction of the skid

4. Accelerate to regain control

The correct answer is: Steer in the direction of the skid

When your vehicle starts to skid, the safest and most effective action is to steer in the direction of the skid. This technique helps to realign the vehicle with the direction in which it is moving. For example, if the rear of your car is sliding to the right, you should gently steer to the right. This action allows the front wheels of the vehicle to regain traction and can help you maintain control and correct the skid. Steering into the skid helps prevent further loss of control and can significantly reduce the risk of overcorrecting, which might lead to additional skidding or collisions. It is important to do this gently without making abrupt movements, as sudden steering can exacerbate the situation. Other options, such as braking hard or accelerating, can worsen the instability of the vehicle by either locking up the wheels or causing further loss of traction. Steering in the opposite direction of the skid can also lead to additional loss of control rather than helping to stabilize the vehicle. Therefore, knowing to steer into the skid is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring your safety while driving in slippery conditions.