Skid Control, Emergencies, and Crash Procedures
What the exam tests
Skid Control, Emergencies, and Crash Procedures tests recovery from loss of traction and correct action after a failure or crash. The focus is on controlled, deliberate responses.
Core rules
- Skid: ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking, and steer toward the path you want. Avoid overcorrecting.
- Tire blowout: hold the wheel, keep the vehicle straight, slow gradually, and move off the road.
- Brake failure: downshift, use engine braking, pump if appropriate, and use an escape route.
- Crash: protect the scene, call 911, give first aid if trained, exchange required information, and report as required.
- Use warning devices when stopped on or near the roadway.
Worked example
A tractor-trailer begins a rear-wheel skid on a wet curve. The driver releases the accelerator, steers gently toward the intended lane, and does not stab the brake. Once the trailer follows, the driver reduces speed before the next curve. Hard braking or a large countersteer would likely worsen the skid.
Traps that cost marks
Slamming brakes, oversteering, leaving the scene, and forgetting warning devices. Another trap is trying to steer sharply out of a skid before the tires regain traction. In a crash, do not move injured people unless there is immediate danger such as fire.
Key idea
Recovery is gentle and early; panic inputs make a bad situation worse.