California Driver License (DMV) Written Practice Test

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Study for the California DMV Driver License Test with a comprehensive quiz that includes multiple-choice questions designed to help you master the essential road rules and regulations. Prepare effectively and confidently for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane on a wet road?

Slam on the brakes to regain traction.
Accelerate to regain control.
Steer in the opposite direction of the skid.
Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until you regain traction.

The correct answer is: Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until you regain traction.

When a vehicle begins to hydroplane, which occurs when water on the road causes the tires to lose contact with the surface, the best action is to ease off the accelerator and steer straight. Reducing speed helps to decrease the chances of further losing control, as maintaining acceleration can exacerbate the situation and lead to a more severe loss of traction. By steering straight, you allow the tires to slowly regain contact with the road as your vehicle slows down, giving you better control and stability. This method is the most effective way to recover from hydroplaning and return to safe driving. Options that suggest rapid movements—such as slamming on the brakes or accelerating—can cause additional skidding or loss of control. Steering in the opposite direction of the skid can also be dangerous and lead to a loss of control, making it ineffective in managing the situation.