Illinois Driving Permit Practice Test

What action should you take if your vehicle begins to skid?

1. Steer in the opposite direction of the skid

2. Stay steady on the gas pedal

3. Turn into the direction of the skid

4. Brake hard immediately

The correct answer is: Turn into the direction of the skid

When your vehicle begins to skid, the appropriate action is to turn into the direction of the skid. This means if the rear of your vehicle is sliding to the right, you should steer to the right; if it is sliding to the left, you should steer to the left. By doing so, you are aligning your tires with the direction in which the vehicle is sliding, helping to regain control. This technique works because it allows the tires to have a better grip on the road surface, allowing for a more stable recovery from the skid. Maintaining pressure on the gas pedal can exacerbate the skid, as it might lead to further loss of control, while braking hard can cause the wheels to lock up, increasing the risk of a spin-out. Conversely, steering in the opposite direction of the skid may lead to overcorrection and further loss of control. Therefore, turning into the skid is the most effective method for regaining control of your vehicle in such situations.