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SA Learner's Theory Test study materials
SA Learner's Theory Test study resources

SA Learner's Theory Test practice questions

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Question 1Rules of the road

What does a steady red traffic light require a driver to do?

  1. Stop only when pedestrians are actually crossing the road
  2. Stop before the stop line or crossing point and wait until the light turns green Correct answer.
  3. Sound the horn once and continue through the junction carefully
  4. Slow down and proceed only if the road appears clear of traffic

Explanation

A steady red light is an absolute instruction to stop. The driver must halt before the stop line, or before the pedestrian crossing if there is one, and remain stationary until a green signal appears. Proceeding on red is an offence even when the road looks empty.

Question 2Rules of the road

A driver approaches a junction where a police officer is directing traffic and the traffic lights show green. Whose instruction should the driver follow?

  1. The police officer's signals Correct answer.
  2. The traffic lights
  3. The vehicle directly ahead
  4. Whichever signal changes first

Explanation

Police officers directing traffic take priority over fixed signals and road markings. Drivers must obey the officer's hand and arm signals even when the lights indicate otherwise. This allows safe management of incidents, congestion, or signal failure.

Question 3Rules of the road

On a two-lane road with no markings, what is the general rule about which side to drive on in countries that drive on the left?

  1. Drive in the centre of the road
  2. Keep to the left side of the road Correct answer.
  3. Keep to the right side of the road
  4. Use whichever side has less traffic

Explanation

In left-hand traffic systems the default position is the left side of the carriageway. Drivers keep left unless overtaking or positioning to turn. Staying left keeps opposing traffic separated and predictable.

Question 4Rules of the road

When may a driver legally cross a continuous solid white line in the centre of the road?

  1. Whenever the road ahead is clear for a long distance
  2. Only when travelling above the posted speed limit
  3. Never, under any circumstances
  4. To pass a stationary obstruction such as a parked vehicle, when it is safe Correct answer.

Explanation

A solid centre line normally prohibits crossing, but a limited exception exists to pass a stationary obstruction when visibility and safety allow. The manoeuvre must be brief and must not endanger oncoming traffic. Otherwise the line must not be crossed.

Question 5Rules of the road

What is the purpose of a broken white line down the centre of a two-way road?

  1. To indicate that parking is prohibited at all times
  2. To mark a lane reserved for buses only
  3. To separate opposing traffic streams and permit overtaking when safe Correct answer.
  4. To show where pedestrians should cross

Explanation

Broken centre lines divide traffic moving in opposite directions and signal that crossing is permitted when it is safe. Drivers may overtake or turn across them after checking mirrors and signals. They do not create a reserved lane or a no-parking zone.

Question 6Rules of the road

A driver wishes to overtake a slower vehicle on a single carriageway. Which condition must be satisfied before starting the manoeuvre?

  1. There must be enough clear road ahead to complete the overtake and return safely Correct answer.
  2. The driver must flash headlights to warn the vehicle ahead
  3. The vehicle ahead must be travelling below the speed limit
  4. The overtake must be completed within a built-up area

Explanation

Overtaking is only lawful when the driver can see far enough ahead and has space to complete the move and return to the correct side. Insufficient clear distance is the main cause of head-on collisions during overtaking. Signals do not create a right of way.

Question 7Rules of the road

Where is overtaking prohibited regardless of how clear the road appears?

  1. On roads with two or more lanes in the same direction
  2. Immediately after a roundabout exit
  3. On the approach to a pedestrian crossing and on a blind bend Correct answer.
  4. On any road with a speed limit above 60 km/h

Explanation

Overtaking is banned where visibility is restricted or where vulnerable road users are likely, such as blind bends and the approach to pedestrian crossings. These locations offer no safe opportunity to abort the manoeuvre. The rule applies even when the road momentarily looks empty.

Question 8Rules of the road

What is the correct action when an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens and flashing lights while you are in a queue at a red light?

  1. Drive through the red light to clear the way immediately
  2. Mount the pavement to let it pass
  3. Stop in the middle of the junction and wait
  4. Stay where you are unless you can move aside safely without breaking the law Correct answer.

Explanation

Drivers should help emergency vehicles pass but must not commit an offence such as running a red light or mounting the pavement. Move aside only where it is safe and lawful. Blocking a junction is also unsafe and illegal.

Question 9Rules of the road

At an uncontrolled T-junction, a driver emerging from the side road must generally do what?

  1. Expect main-road traffic to stop for emerging vehicles
  2. Sound the horn and move out slowly
  3. Give way to traffic on the main road Correct answer.
  4. Proceed first because the main road has a lower speed limit

Explanation

At an uncontrolled junction the driver joining the through road must yield to traffic already on it. Emerging traffic has the greater duty of care because it is entering an established traffic stream. Right of way is never assumed; it is given.

Question 10Rules of the road

When two vehicles arrive at the same time at an unmarked crossroads, what is the safest and generally accepted approach?

  1. Wait indefinitely until the junction is completely empty
  2. Assume the larger vehicle has priority
  3. Proceed with great caution, yielding to traffic approaching from the right where local rules require it Correct answer.
  4. Accelerate to clear the junction before the other vehicle

Explanation

Unmarked crossroads carry no automatic priority, so drivers must slow down and be prepared to give way. Many jurisdictions require yielding to traffic from the right in this situation. Caution and eye contact prevent collisions.

Question 11Rules of the road

What does a yellow box junction marking require?

  1. Treat the box as a pedestrian refuge
  2. Do not enter unless your exit is clear, except when turning right and blocked only by oncoming traffic Correct answer.
  3. Use the box only for loading and unloading
  4. Stop inside the box whenever the light ahead is red

Explanation

A box junction is designed to keep crossing traffic flowing. Drivers may only enter when they can clear it, with a limited exception for right turns blocked by oncoming vehicles. Stopping inside the box otherwise obstructs the junction.

Question 12Rules of the road

How should a driver approach a roundabout?

  1. Slow down, give way to traffic already circulating from the appropriate side, and enter when safe Correct answer.
  2. Stop completely at the entry line in all circumstances
  3. Always indicate right on approach regardless of exit
  4. Enter at speed to merge ahead of circulating vehicles

Explanation

The standard approach is to reduce speed, observe circulating traffic, and yield to vehicles already on the roundabout. Entering is permitted only when there is a safe gap. A full stop is not required when the way is clear.

Question 13Rules of the road

A driver intends to take the first exit at a roundabout in a left-hand traffic system. What is the usual signalling procedure?

  1. Signal left only after passing the exit before yours
  2. Signal right on approach, then left just before the exit
  3. Signal left on approach and maintain the signal until leaving the roundabout Correct answer.
  4. Give no signal because roundabout exits are obvious

Explanation

For a first exit, the vehicle will leave the roundabout almost immediately, so a left signal on approach warns following and waiting traffic. The signal is kept on until the vehicle has left. This makes intentions clear to everyone entering.

Question 14Rules of the road

What is the national speed limit on a single carriageway road outside a built-up area for a standard passenger car, where no lower limit is signed?

  1. The same as the motorway limit
  2. Unlimited, because no sign is displayed
  3. The default limit set by national law for that road type Correct answer.
  4. Whatever speed the traffic ahead is doing

Explanation

Where no lower limit is posted, the default national limit for that road type applies. Drivers must know the default limits for the roads they use. The absence of a sign does not mean the road is unrestricted.

Question 15Rules of the road

Why are speed limits reduced near schools during certain hours?

  1. To allow pedestrians to walk in the carriageway
  2. To give teachers priority parking
  3. To reduce noise from school buses only
  4. To protect children who may enter the road unpredictably Correct answer.

Explanation

Children are less able to judge vehicle speeds and may step into the road without warning. Lower limits shorten stopping distances and give drivers more time to react. The measure is about protecting vulnerable road users, not about parking or noise.

Question 16Rules of the road

What is the safest way to judge a safe following distance in good conditions?

  1. Follow as closely as possible to prevent others merging in
  2. Use a time gap of at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead Correct answer.
  3. Stay one car length behind for every 10 km/h of speed
  4. Keep exactly the same distance regardless of weather

Explanation

A time gap is more reliable than a fixed distance because it scales automatically with speed. The two-second rule gives adequate reaction and braking room in dry conditions. The gap should be increased in rain, darkness, or when following large vehicles.

Question 17Rules of the road

In wet weather, how should a driver adjust following distance?

  1. Keep the same gap as in dry weather
  2. Reduce speed only and keep the gap unchanged
  3. Increase the gap to at least double the normal dry-weather distance Correct answer.
  4. Reduce the gap to prevent others cutting in

Explanation

Wet roads reduce tyre grip and lengthen braking distances significantly. Doubling the normal time gap compensates for the extra stopping distance. Slowing down alone is not enough if the gap remains short.

Question 18Rules of the road

What must a driver do before changing lanes on a multi-lane road?

  1. Signal after beginning the lane change
  2. Check mirrors and blind spot, signal in good time, and move only when it is safe Correct answer.
  3. Accelerate sharply to fit into the new lane
  4. Rely on the vehicle's sensors alone

Explanation

Lane changes require observation of mirrors and the blind spot, a timely signal, and a safe gap. Signalling after moving defeats its purpose of warning others. Sensors assist but do not replace direct observation.

Question 19Rules of the road

A driver is being overtaken by another vehicle. What is the correct response?

  1. Maintain a steady speed and position, and move slightly left if safe to help Correct answer.
  2. Move to the centre of the road
  3. Brake hard to force the other vehicle back
  4. Accelerate to prevent the overtake

Explanation

When being overtaken, the driver should hold a predictable course and speed. A slight move to the left, where safe, gives the overtaking vehicle more room. Accelerating or braking suddenly creates danger for both vehicles.

Question 20Rules of the road

What is the rule about using a mobile phone while driving?

  1. Hand-held use is prohibited; hands-free use is permitted but should be avoided Correct answer.
  2. Any use, including hands-free, is always illegal
  3. Texting is allowed when stopped in traffic
  4. Hand-held use is allowed at low speed

Explanation

Hand-held phone use while driving is prohibited because it distracts the driver and removes a hand from the controls. Hands-free use is generally lawful but still distracts attention and should be minimised. Being stationary in traffic does not create an exception.

Question 21Rules of the road

At a pedestrian crossing with no traffic lights, when must a driver give way?

  1. Never, because vehicles have priority at zebra crossings
  2. When a pedestrian has stepped onto the crossing or is clearly waiting to cross Correct answer.
  3. Only when a pedestrian is already halfway across
  4. Only if a crossing guard is present

Explanation

Drivers must yield to pedestrians on or about to use a marked crossing. Waiting pedestrians should be given time to cross safely. Vehicles do not have priority at pedestrian crossings.

Question 22Rules of the road

A school bus has stopped with its warning lights flashing and children are nearby. What should a driver do?

  1. Pass slowly while sounding the horn
  2. Continue at normal speed because the bus is off the carriageway
  3. Overtake the bus quickly before children step out
  4. Slow down and stop as required, remaining stopped until the lights stop and the way is clear Correct answer.

Explanation

Flashing warning lights on a school bus signal that children are getting on or off. Drivers must stop as required by local law and stay stopped until the lights are switched off and the road is clear. Children may move unpredictably around the bus.

Question 23Rules of the road

What does a flashing amber light at a pelican-style crossing mean for drivers?

  1. Proceed at normal speed without checking
  2. Reverse away from the crossing
  3. Stop and wait until a green light appears
  4. Give way to pedestrians on the crossing, but proceed if it is clear Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing amber phase allows pedestrians already on the crossing to finish while drivers may proceed if no one is crossing. It places responsibility on the driver to check carefully. It is not a full stop signal like steady amber.

Question 24Rules of the road

When may a vehicle stop on a clearway during its operating hours?

  1. To pick up or set down passengers
  2. To make a short phone call
  3. To wait for a passenger for up to five minutes
  4. Only in an emergency or when directed by police or authorised officers Correct answer.

Explanation

Clearways exist to keep traffic flowing and prohibit stopping during their hours of operation. The only permitted exceptions are emergencies or directions from police or authorised officers. Picking up passengers or making calls is not an exception.

Question 25Rules of the road

What is the purpose of a bus lane marked with a sign showing operating times?

  1. To provide a permanent overtaking lane for all traffic
  2. To reserve the lane for buses during the stated hours, with other vehicles excluded unless permitted Correct answer.
  3. To indicate a lane for slow-moving lorries only
  4. To mark an area where parking is free

Explanation

Bus lanes keep public transport running reliably by reserving road space during specified hours. Other vehicles may use the lane outside those hours unless signs say otherwise. Entering during operating hours without permission is an offence.

Question 26Rules of the road

What do double solid white lines along the centre of a road mean for a driver?

  1. They must not be crossed or straddled at any time Correct answer.
  2. They may be crossed to enter a driveway on the left
  3. They may be crossed when the road ahead is clear for 100 metres
  4. Crossing them is permitted only to overtake a slow tractor

Explanation

A double solid white centre line is the strictest lane marking: neither line may be crossed or even straddled, so no overtaking or turning across it is allowed. A driver who needs to reach a property on the other side must continue until the marking changes to a broken line or a gap.

Question 27Rules of the road

A traffic light shows a single flashing amber signal at a junction. What does this require of drivers?

  1. Sound the horn before moving off
  2. Stop completely and wait for a green light
  3. Treat the junction as closed and turn back
  4. Proceed only if the way is clear, giving way as required Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing amber signal means the lights are not controlling the junction in the normal sequence, so drivers may proceed cautiously but must apply the ordinary give-way rules. They should be ready to stop for traffic already on the main road or approaching from the right where relevant.

Question 28Rules of the road

What is the normal rule about driving with headlights during daylight hours?

  1. Headlights are needed only after dark
  2. Headlights must be used whenever visibility is seriously reduced Correct answer.
  3. Headlights should be switched off in rain to avoid glare
  4. Headlights are required only on motorways

Explanation

Headlights must be switched on whenever visibility is seriously reduced, for example in fog, heavy rain or falling light, so that the vehicle can be seen by others. Using them in poor daytime visibility is a legal requirement, not merely a courtesy.

Question 29Rules of the road

When may a driver sound the horn in a built-up area at night?

  1. To greet a friend on the pavement
  2. To hurry a slow vehicle ahead
  3. To warn of immediate danger Correct answer.
  4. To signal arrival at a destination

Explanation

The horn is a warning device and should be used only to alert others to immediate danger. In built-up areas at night it should be avoided except for that purpose, because it disturbs residents and is not a way to express impatience.

Question 30Rules of the road

A driver approaches a junction where a stop sign is displayed. What must the driver do?

  1. Come to a complete stop and then give way before moving off Correct answer.
  2. Stop only when a red light also shows
  3. Stop only if another vehicle is visible
  4. Slow down and continue if nothing is coming

Explanation

A stop sign requires a complete halt at the stop line or, if there is none, at the edge of the junction, regardless of whether traffic is visible. The driver then gives way to traffic on the priority road before proceeding.

Question 31Rules of the road

What does a broken white line along the centre of the road generally permit?

  1. Crossing to overtake when it is safe to do so Correct answer.
  2. Straddling the line for long distances
  3. Driving on the wrong side as a shortcut
  4. Parking on the carriageway overnight

Explanation

A broken centre line may be crossed to overtake or turn when the driver has checked that the manoeuvre is safe and legal. It is a permission, not an instruction, so the driver must still judge sight lines, speed and other traffic.

Question 32Rules of the road

A driver intends to turn left at a junction. What should be done before the turn?

  1. Signal in good time and position correctly for the turn Correct answer.
  2. Flash the headlights at following traffic
  3. Move to the right side of the road to widen the turn
  4. Accelerate hard to clear the junction quickly

Explanation

A left turn should be signalled early enough to inform others and the vehicle should be positioned correctly before the junction. The turn itself is then made at a speed that allows the driver to give way to pedestrians and other traffic.

Question 33Rules of the road

What is the purpose of a hatched area bounded by solid white lines in the centre of the road?

  1. A place to stop for a rest
  2. A refuge separating opposing traffic flows Correct answer.
  3. A lane reserved for buses
  4. A parking bay for delivery vehicles

Explanation

Hatched markings separate streams of traffic or protect turning vehicles and should not be entered except in an emergency. Where the boundary is a solid line, driving over the hatching is prohibited.

Question 34Rules of the road

A driver is following a large lorry on a wet road and cannot see the road ahead. What is the best course of action?

  1. Overtake immediately without further checks
  2. Move closer so the lorry blocks less spray
  3. Drop back to increase the view and the gap Correct answer.
  4. Switch on high beam and stay directly behind

Explanation

Dropping back opens up the forward view around the lorry and increases the stopping distance available in wet conditions. It also reduces the spray thrown onto the windscreen, making the road easier to read.

Question 35Rules of the road

A driver is entering a motorway from a slip road. What is the correct procedure?

  1. Build up speed to match traffic and merge when a safe gap appears Correct answer.
  2. Cross the hard shoulder to join the fastest lane
  3. Enter slowly and expect motorway traffic to change lanes
  4. Stop at the end of the slip road and wait for a gap

Explanation

The slip road exists so that a driver can accelerate to a speed close to that of motorway traffic and join smoothly when a suitable gap appears. Traffic already on the motorway has priority, so the joining driver must adjust speed and position rather than force others to move.

Question 36Rules of the road

What is the general rule about using the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway when the left lanes are clear?

  1. It is reserved for vehicles exceeding the speed limit
  2. It may be used for cruising to avoid lane changes
  3. It must be used at all times by cars towing trailers
  4. It should be used only for overtaking and then vacated Correct answer.

Explanation

On a multi-lane road the normal driving lane is the leftmost one that is clear, and the outer lanes are for overtaking. A driver who has finished overtaking should return to the left when it is safe, keeping the outer lanes free for faster traffic.

Question 37Rules of the road

A driver's view is suddenly blocked by a low sun while driving at speed. What is the safest response?

  1. Close one eye and continue at the same speed
  2. Speed up to pass through the glare as quickly as possible
  3. Follow the vehicle ahead more closely for guidance
  4. Slow down and use the sun visor and a clean windscreen to reduce glare Correct answer.

Explanation

Reducing speed shortens the distance travelled while the driver cannot see clearly and gives more time to react. A clean windscreen and a correctly set visor reduce the glare, and the driver should be ready to stop if the view does not improve.

Question 38Rules of the road

What does a solid white line at the edge of the carriageway usually indicate?

  1. A place where parking is always allowed
  2. The edge of the carriageway, beyond which may be a hard shoulder or verge Correct answer.
  3. The centre of a two-way road
  4. A lane reserved for overtaking

Explanation

An edge line marks the boundary of the carriageway and helps the driver judge position, particularly in poor visibility. Beyond it there may be a hard shoulder, a verge or a cycle facility, which is not a normal driving lane.

Question 39Rules of the road

A driver reaches a junction where the traffic lights have failed completely. What should the driver do?

  1. Treat the junction as uncontrolled and apply give-way rules with great care Correct answer.
  2. Use the horn continuously while crossing
  3. Proceed at normal speed because the lights are off
  4. Wait until a police officer arrives before moving

Explanation

When signals fail, the junction reverts to the ordinary priority rules and the driver must approach slowly, be prepared to stop and give way as at any uncontrolled junction. Extra caution is needed because other drivers may not have noticed the failure.

Question 40Rules of the road

Why should a driver avoid coasting downhill in neutral gear?

  1. It is only a problem for automatic cars
  2. It removes engine braking and reduces control of the vehicle Correct answer.
  3. It causes the brake lights to stay on
  4. It uses more fuel than staying in gear

Explanation

Coasting in neutral disconnects the engine from the wheels, so engine braking is lost and the vehicle can pick up speed on a descent. Control is reduced, particularly on bends, and the driver relies entirely on the footbrake.

Question 41Rules of the road

A driver approaches a bend marked with a chevron sign showing a sharp curve to the right. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Brake firmly only after the curve begins
  2. Reduce speed before the bend and keep to the left of the lane Correct answer.
  3. Overtake any slower vehicle before entering the curve
  4. Maintain speed and cut across the inside of the curve

Explanation

Speed should be adjusted before the bend so that the vehicle can be steered through it without harsh braking. Keeping well to the left of the lane preserves the view and leaves room for any oncoming traffic that strays over the centre.

Question 42Rules of the road

What is the effect of a red traffic light combined with a green filter arrow pointing left?

  1. All traffic must stop and wait for a full green
  2. Traffic must turn right instead
  3. Traffic may proceed only in the direction of the arrow if it is safe Correct answer.
  4. Traffic may proceed straight ahead as well

Explanation

A green filter arrow permits movement only in the direction shown, even while the main signal remains red. Drivers using the arrow must still give way to pedestrians and to traffic already in the junction.

Question 43Rules of the road

A driver wishes to turn right into a side road on a busy two-way road. What is the safest sequence?

  1. Swing wide to the left before turning to increase the angle
  2. Sound the horn and turn without stopping
  3. Turn quickly across oncoming traffic to save time
  4. Move to the centre, signal early, give way to oncoming traffic and wait for a safe gap Correct answer.

Explanation

The correct position for a right turn is just left of the centre line, with an early signal so that following and oncoming drivers know the intention. The driver must give way to oncoming traffic and wait until a safe gap appears before completing the turn.

Question 44Rules of the road

What does a clearway sign with a red cross on a blue background mean during its stated hours?

  1. Only buses may use the road
  2. The road is closed to all traffic
  3. Parking is allowed for up to thirty minutes
  4. Vehicles may not stop on the carriageway except in an emergency Correct answer.

Explanation

A clearway prohibits stopping on the carriageway during the times shown, apart from emergencies or as directed by police. The aim is to keep the road free of obstruction for moving traffic.

Question 45Rules of the road

A driver is waiting to emerge from a side road and a pedestrian is crossing that side road. Who has priority?

  1. The driver, because the pedestrian is not on a marked crossing
  2. The pedestrian, because the driver is turning across their path Correct answer.
  3. Whoever moves first
  4. The driver, if the vehicle is larger

Explanation

A driver turning into or out of a side road should give way to pedestrians crossing that road, whether or not a marked crossing is present. The driver is the one changing direction and can wait safely, so the pedestrian's progress takes priority.

Question 46Rules of the road

A driver sees a solid white line on the left changing to a broken line with arrows pointing back toward the driver's lane. What does this indicate?

  1. An overtaking lane is opening on the right
  2. A lane is ending and traffic should merge into the continuing lane Correct answer.
  3. The road is becoming one-way in the opposite direction
  4. A parking area begins on the left

Explanation

A tapering line with merge arrows shows that the lane is closing and drivers in it must merge into the adjacent lane. The driver should adjust speed and position early rather than waiting until the lane runs out.

Question 47Rules of the road

A driver is on a road with a central reservation and wants to turn right into a gap in the reservation. What should the driver do?

  1. Reverse into the gap from the far side
  2. Wait in the designated gap until it is clear to join the opposite carriageway Correct answer.
  3. Cross the oncoming lane at speed to reach the gap
  4. Use the gap to make a U-turn regardless of signs

Explanation

A gap in the central reservation is a refuge where a driver turning right can wait for a safe gap in the opposing traffic before joining it. The vehicle should be positioned within the gap so that it does not obstruct either carriageway.

Question 48Rules of the road

Why is it unsafe to rely on a vehicle's mirrors alone before pulling out from a parked position?

  1. Mirrors cannot show moving traffic
  2. Mirrors leave blind spots that a shoulder check covers Correct answer.
  3. Mirrors are only useful at night
  4. Mirrors show a reversed image of the road

Explanation

Mirrors do not cover the areas directly beside and behind the vehicle, so a blind-spot check over the shoulder is needed before moving off. The driver should also signal and check that the way is clear in both directions.

Question 49Rules of the road

A driver is travelling behind a cyclist on a narrow road with a blind bend ahead. What is the correct approach?

  1. Hold back until the bend is passed and there is a clear view and enough space to pass Correct answer.
  2. Drive very close so the cyclist moves over
  3. Sound the horn and squeeze past
  4. Overtake at once because the cyclist is slow

Explanation

Overtaking must not begin unless the driver can see far enough ahead to complete the manoeuvre safely and leave adequate clearance for the cyclist. On a blind bend the oncoming view is insufficient, so the driver should wait and follow at a safe distance.

Question 50Rules of the road

A driver's vehicle begins to aquaplane on a wet motorway. What is the best response?

  1. Brake hard and steer sharply to the left
  2. Ease off the accelerator and hold the steering steady until grip returns Correct answer.
  3. Accelerate to push through the water
  4. Apply the handbrake to slow the wheels

Explanation

Aquaplaning occurs when water lifts the tyres off the road surface, so harsh inputs can trigger a skid. Easing off the accelerator lets the vehicle slow gradually and the tyres regain contact, after which the driver can steer gently.