Arkansas Commercial Driver License (CDL) Practice Test

What should you do if your drive wheels start to skid?

1. Accelerate immediately

2. Maintain your current speed

3. Push in the clutch to let them turn freely

4. Turn off the engine

The correct answer is: Accelerate immediately

When your drive wheels start to skid, the most effective response is to maintain control of the vehicle by allowing the drive wheels to regain traction. Accelerating immediately can worsen the skid, as it causes the wheels to spin faster without gaining grip, thus exacerbating the loss of control. The recommended action is to gently ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This helps in realigning the vehicle with the path you intend to travel while allowing the tires to regain traction. Pushing in the clutch can sometimes be beneficial in certain situations, as it disconnects the engine power from the wheels, allowing them to turn freely; however, this is not a comprehensive solution and varies depending on the specific circumstances of the skid. Understanding the mechanics of vehicle skidding is key to making effective decisions when driving under challenging conditions. It is essential to focus on regaining control rather than accelerating, which can lead to more significant issues on the road.