Get ready for the Colorado CDL Test with comprehensive quizzes and study materials. Our platform features multiple-choice questions and hints to prepare you effectively for your commercial driver's license 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 to regain control of your vehicle while hydroplaning?

  1. Use the brakes immediately

  2. Steer sharply to the left

  3. Release the accelerator and push in the clutch

  4. Accelerate quickly to regain traction

The correct answer is: Release the accelerator and push in the clutch

Regaining control of a vehicle while hydroplaning requires careful handling to manage the loss of traction. The correct action to take is to release the accelerator and push in the clutch. When hydroplaning occurs, the tires lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water, leading to a loss of steering, braking, and accelerating control. By releasing the accelerator, you reduce the speed of the vehicle, which allows for the tires to reconnect with the road surface as the water is displaced. Engaging the clutch in a manual transmission vehicle further helps by disconnecting the engine from the wheels, which can prevent the vehicle from accelerating unintentionally and promotes smoother recovery. This method gives the driver a better chance to regain control without making sudden movements that could exacerbate the situation, such as abrupt steering or braking actions. Using the brakes immediately or steering sharply could lead to further loss of control, while accelerating could worsen the hydroplaning effect.