Washington Written Drivers Permit Practice Test

What occurs on wet roads when your tires start to ride on water instead of the road?

1. Aquaplaning

2. Hydroplaning

3. Traction loss

4. Skidding

The correct answer is: Hydroplaning

When your tires start to ride on water instead of the road on wet roads, it is commonly referred to as hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction and the vehicle's ability to respond to steering inputs or braking. This can be dangerous as it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It is important for drivers to slow down and avoid sudden movements when driving on wet roads to reduce the risk of hydroplaning. While aquaplaning may sound similar to hydroplaning, aquaplaning is not a commonly used term in driving contexts. Traction loss is a general term that could describe various situations involving a loss of grip, but it does not specifically refer to riding on water. Skidding can occur due to various reasons, including loss of traction, but it is not the specific term for the situation described in the question.