Courtesy Driving School State Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

In a rear-wheel skid, the rear wheels lose traction with the road, resulting in the back of the vehicle sliding to one side. This causes the vehicle to move sideways without any additional steering input from the driver. This type of skid often occurs when there is a loss of traction due to wet or slippery road conditions, sharp turns, or sudden acceleration. It requires the driver to regain control by countersteering—turning the steering wheel in the direction opposite to where the rear of the vehicle is sliding.

While it's true that a vehicle may spin in circles or move forward without steering input in certain scenarios, these are not typical outcomes of a rear-wheel skid. Flipping over is highly unlikely under normal conditions during a rear-wheel skid. Understanding how to recognize and respond to a rear-wheel skid is essential for safe driving, especially in adverse weather conditions.