South Carolina Driver's Permit Practice Exam

What should you do when your car begins to skid?

1. Accelerate to regain control

2. Take your foot off the accelerator and turn in the direction of the skid

3. Apply the brakes firmly

4. Steer in the opposite direction of the skid

The correct answer is: Take your foot off the accelerator and turn in the direction of the skid

When your car begins to skid, the most appropriate response is to take your foot off the accelerator and turn in the direction of the skid. This technique helps to regain traction and control over the vehicle. By steering in the direction the back of your car is sliding, you can align the wheels with the path of travel, which helps counteract the skid and stabilizes the vehicle. This method is crucial because it allows you to steer out of the skid effectively and recover from a loss of control. Driving experts recommend this approach because accelerating can lead to further loss of traction, while hard braking can increase the risk of skidding. Additionally, steering in the opposite direction may cause the vehicle to spin, further complicating the situation. Therefore, turning into the skid is the correct maneuver to help maintain control and avoid potential accidents.