ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Skid Control and Recovery Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: While driving on a slippery road, the rear of your tractor begins to slide to the right. To correct this drive-wheel skid, what is the proper steering input?
- Steer sharply to the left to counter the slide.
- Hold the steering wheel straight and wait for the skid to stop.
- Steer to the right, in the direction of the skid. (Correct answer)
- Apply the trailer hand brake to straighten the vehicle.
Correct answer: Steer to the right, in the direction of the skid.
When the rear of the vehicle skids, the driver must steer in the same direction that the rear is sliding. This action, known as counter-steering, helps to realign the tractor with the trailer and regain control.
Question 2: A driver is operating a tractor-trailer and the front wheels lose traction, causing the vehicle to continue straight ahead despite turning the steering wheel. This is known as a front-wheel skid. Which of the following is the correct recovery action?
- Apply the brakes hard to shift weight to the front axle.
- Accelerate to pull the vehicle through the turn.
- Turn the steering wheel more aggressively in the desired direction.
- Take your foot off the accelerator and avoid braking. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Take your foot off the accelerator and avoid braking.
In a front-wheel skid, the tires have lost their grip. The primary goal is to let the wheels regain traction. Taking your foot off the accelerator allows the vehicle to slow, and avoiding the brakes prevents them from locking, which would prolong the skid.
Question 3: What is the most common cause of skids in a commercial motor vehicle?
- Improperly adjusted brakes
- Driving too fast for road conditions (Correct answer)
- A sudden shift of cargo
- Under-inflated tires
Correct answer: Driving too fast for road conditions
Driving too fast for the conditions (e.g., rain, ice, curves) is the leading cause of skids. Exceeding a safe speed reduces the available traction and gives the driver less time to react to hazards, making a loss of control more likely.
Question 4: You are driving a tractor-trailer when the trailer wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out and start to jackknife. What is the FIRST and most critical action to take?
- Accelerate hard to pull the trailer straight.
- Steer in the opposite direction of the trailer's slide.
- Release the service brakes. (Correct answer)
- Apply the trailer hand brake (trolley valve).
Correct answer: Release the service brakes.
A trailer jackknife is often caused by the trailer's wheels locking up. Releasing the service brake pedal is the crucial first step to allow the wheels to start rolling again, which is necessary to regain traction and stop the skid.
Question 5: Which of the following actions is a critical technique for preventing skids while descending a long, steep grade?
- Riding the brakes lightly to maintain a constant speed.
- Using a higher gear to increase momentum.
- Selecting an appropriate low gear before starting the descent. (Correct answer)
- Turning the engine off to cool the brakes.
Correct answer: Selecting an appropriate low gear before starting the descent.
Using the engine's braking power by selecting a low gear is the correct method for controlling speed on downgrades. This prevents the service brakes from overheating and fading, which could lead to a loss of braking ability and cause a skid.
Question 6: If your commercial vehicle begins to skid, which of the following actions should you generally AVOID doing?
- Taking your foot off the accelerator.
- Steering in the direction you want to go.
- Slamming on the brake pedal. (Correct answer)
- Disengaging the clutch (in a manual transmission).
Correct answer: Slamming on the brake pedal.
Slamming on the brakes during a skid will almost always make it worse by keeping the wheels locked and preventing them from regaining traction. The correct initial response is to get off the pedals to allow the wheels to roll.
ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Skid Control and Recovery Questions and Answers 1
While driving on a slippery road, the rear of your tractor begins to slide to the right.
To correct this drive-wheel skid, what is the proper steering input?