Saskatchewan Driver Education GDL Class 7 Learner Practice Test

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

1. Accelerate to regain control

2. Steer in the opposite direction of the skid

3. Steer in the direction you want to go

4. Pull the handbrake

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

When your vehicle starts to skid, the proper response is to steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. This technique is often referred to as "steering into the skid." By doing so, you help align the front wheels with the direction of travel, which can assist in regaining control of the vehicle. In a skid, the back wheels lose traction, and steering toward the direction you want to go allows the front tires to regain grip and stabilize the vehicle, particularly if the rear wheels begin to move back into line. This method helps prevent further loss of control and reduces the likelihood of overcorrecting, which can lead to more serious skidding or spinning. The other methods, such as accelerating or pulling the handbrake, generally do not offer effective solutions in a skid situation, as they can exacerbate the loss of control. Steering in the opposite direction of the skid may result in the vehicle becoming unbalanced and can lead to further skidding or even a spin-out. Thus, focusing on steering toward your intended path is key to effective and safe recovery from a skid.