You're driving in heavy rain. What should you do if your steering suddenly feels very light?
- A Steer towards the side of the road
- B Apply gentle acceleration
- C Brake firmly to reduce speed
- D Ease off the accelerator
Why this is the answer
If the steering feels light when you're driving in heavy rain, it's probably due to water that has built up between your tyres and the road surface. This is called aquaplaning. Easing off the accelerator should allow your tyres to displace the film of water and they should then regain their grip on the road.
Why the other answers don't fit
- A
- Steer towards the side of the road — Steering while the tyres are on water achieves nothing and aims you at the kerb.
- B
- Apply gentle acceleration — Accelerating lifts the tyres further off the surface.
- C
- Brake firmly to reduce speed — Firm braking on a tyre riding on water has nothing to push against.
Where this comes from
- Driving: the essential skills — section 12
- The Highway Code — rule 227
Rule numbers link to The Highway Code on gov.uk.
Where this question comes from
The question, its options and the explanation are reproduced word for word from the DVSA revision question bank under licence. The licence requires them to appear unaltered, so we cannot reword them and neither can anyone else — that is why you will meet the same wording on other sites. Everything else on this page is written by Theory Hub: the explanation of why each wrong answer is wrong, the topic guide and the revision notes.
Asked in: Driving Instructor (ADI Part 1)
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