ICBC British Columbia Written Exam Practice Test 2025

What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?

1. Accelerate quickly to regain control

2. Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go

3. Brake hard to stop the vehicle immediately

4. Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left or right

The correct answer is: Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go

When a vehicle starts to hydroplane, the correct response is to ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires of the vehicle and the road surface, causing a loss of traction. By gently easing off the accelerator, you allow the vehicle to decelerate naturally, which can help restore traction. Steering in the direction you want to go is crucial because it helps you maintain control of the vehicle. When you hydroplane, you may feel the steering become unresponsive; by steering into the desired path, you guide the car back onto the road as traction is regained. Accelerating quickly is not advisable during hydroplaning, as it can worsen the loss of control due to the increased speed and reduced tire grip. Hard braking can also exacerbate the situation, potentially leading to skidding or spinning out. Similarly, turning the steering wheel sharply can lead to a loss of control, as it creates an abrupt shift in weight distribution that tires cannot handle without sufficient grip. Thus, easing off the gas and steering calmly are the best practices to safely navigate through a hydroplaning situation.