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Maryland driving lesson · Driving Conditions

Skids & hydroplaning

A 2-minute lesson from the Maryland course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Driving Conditions
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
29, 30

A skid starts when your tires lose grip. Knowing the recovery steps ahead of time turns panic into a plan: get off the pedals, steer where you want to go, and brake only when the tires grip again.

Things that reduce traction:

  • Sand
  • Gravel
  • Uneven road surfaces
  • Oil slicks/spills
  • Increased speed
  • Water on the road
Handbook p. 29 ↗

Know the rule

The chance of skidding or sliding increases when traction decreases.

Handbook p. 29 ↗

If your vehicle begins to skid:

  • Release the accelerator or brake pedal, whichever you're using
  • Steer in the direction you are skidding
  • Look where you want the vehicle to go
  • Press the brake only after the tires grip the road again
  • Slowly accelerating may help if your back wheels lose traction
Handbook p. 29 ↗

Hydroplaning

Riding on a sheet of water so your tires lose contact with the road. It happens as speed and the amount of water increase, and can cost you some or all control.

Handbook p. 30 ↗

Know the rule

To prevent hydroplaning, keep your tires in good condition and lower your speed on wet roads.

Handbook p. 30 ↗

If you start to hydroplane and lose control:

  • Take your foot off the gas
  • Do not apply your brakes
  • Keep your vehicle going straight
  • Slow down until you get control back
Handbook p. 30 ↗

Put it into practice

On a rainy highway your steering suddenly feels light and the car floats. You're hydroplaning: lift off the gas, don't touch the brake, hold the wheel straight, and let the car slow until the tires grip.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What is the first thing to do if your vehicle begins to skid?
  1. Turn the wheel sharply away from the skid
  2. Apply the brakes hard immediately
  3. Accelerate hard to regain traction
  4. Release the gas or brake pedal

Answer: Release the gas or brake pedal

If skidding, first release whichever pedal (gas or brake) you are using to help regain control.

Handbook p. 29 ↗
Which direction should you steer if your vehicle begins to skid?
  1. In the direction you are skidding
  2. Opposite the direction you are skidding
  3. Straight ahead regardless of the skid
  4. Toward the shoulder immediately

Answer: In the direction you are skidding

You should steer in the direction you are skidding to help regain control.

Handbook p. 29 ↗
When should you press the brake pedal again after your vehicle starts to skid?
  1. Immediately, to stop as fast as possible
  2. Only after you regain traction
  3. Never; coast until you stop
  4. As soon as you start steering

Answer: Only after you regain traction

You should press the brake pedal only after you have regained traction, once your tires are gripping the road again.

Handbook p. 29 ↗
What causes hydroplaning?
  1. Overinflated tires on a dry road
  2. Driving too slowly in the rain
  3. Tires losing road contact on water
  4. Braking hard on a dry road

Answer: Tires losing road contact on water

Hydroplaning happens when your vehicle rides on a sheet of water and your tires lose contact with the road.

Handbook p. 29 ↗
If you start to hydroplane, what should you do with your brakes?
  1. Brake hard and steer away
  2. Pump the brakes rapidly
  3. Apply the parking brake only
  4. Do not apply the brakes

Answer: Do not apply the brakes

If you start to lose control from hydroplaning, take your foot off the gas and do not apply your brakes.

Handbook p. 30 ↗
What should you check on your tires to help prevent hydroplaning?
  1. Good condition, with enough tread
  2. That they are slightly underinflated
  3. That they are brand new only
  4. Nothing; tires don't affect hydroplaning

Answer: Good condition, with enough tread

Keeping your tires in good condition helps prevent hydroplaning; also lower your speed on wet roads.

Handbook p. 29 ↗
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