Washington Written Drivers Permit Practice Test

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

1. Hit the brakes hard

2. Steer in the direction you want to go

3. Turn the wheel in the opposite direction

4. Let go of the steering wheel

The correct answer is: Steer in the direction you want to go

When your vehicle starts to skid, the best action to take is to steer in the direction you want to go. This technique, known as "steering into the skid," helps regain control of the vehicle as it allows the wheels to align with the direction of the movement. By doing so, you can effectively counteract the loss of traction that caused the skid in the first place. It's important to avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can further destabilize the vehicle and exacerbate the skid. Similarly, turning the wheel in the opposite direction can lead to overcorrection, which often results in a more severe loss of control. Letting go of the steering wheel is also not advisable, as maintaining control is crucial in recovering from a skid. Therefore, steering towards your intended path is the most effective way to manage and recover from a skidding situation.