Tennessee Permit Practice Test

How should you respond if your vehicle starts to skid?

1. Hit the brakes immediately

2. Steer in the direction you want to go and avoid sudden movements

3. Turn off the ignition

4. Stay still and hold the steering wheel tight

The correct answer is: Steer in the direction you want to go and avoid sudden movements

When your vehicle begins to skid, the most effective response is to steer in the direction you want to go while avoiding sudden movements. This technique helps regain control of the vehicle by aligning the front wheels with the direction of travel. By doing so, you can help the tires regain traction and prevent further skidding. Hitting the brakes immediately can exacerbate the skid by causing the wheels to lock up, leading to a loss of control over the vehicle. Turning off the ignition is not advisable as it can disable your power steering and braking system, making it harder to control the vehicle. Similarly, simply holding the steering wheel tight without making any corrective steering adjustments does not address the skid and may prolong or worsen the situation.