Illinois Driving Permit Practice Test

What should you do when the rear end of your car starts to skid?

1. Apply brakes firmly

2. Continue accelerating

3. Take your foot off the gas/brakes, steer in the direction of the skid until traction is gained, straighten vehicle

4. Turn the steering wheel sharply

The correct answer is: Take your foot off the gas/brakes, steer in the direction of the skid until traction is gained, straighten vehicle

When the rear end of your car starts to skid, the best course of action is to take your foot off the gas and brakes, then steer in the direction of the skid until you regain traction, and finally straighten the vehicle. This technique is crucial because it helps realign the wheels with the direction of the skid, allowing the tires to regain grip on the road. Applying brakes firmly or accelerating further can exacerbate the skid and make the situation worse, leading to loss of control. Sharp steering movements can also destabilize the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of a spin. Therefore, calmly steering into the skid is the safest and most effective method for regaining control of a skidding vehicle.