Texas CDL General Knowledge Practice Exam

When starting a vehicle in motion from a stop and the drive wheels start to spin, what should you do?

1. Accelerate further to gain traction

2. Apply brakes immediately

3. Take your foot off the accelerator

4. Shift to a lower gear

The correct answer is: Take your foot off the accelerator

When starting a vehicle in motion from a stop and experiencing wheel spin, the appropriate action is to take your foot off the accelerator. This reduces engine power to the wheels, helping to regain traction. When the drive wheels begin to spin, it indicates that the tires are losing grip, often due to slippery conditions or inadequate traction. By easing off the accelerator, you allow the wheels to regain their grip on the road surface, which is essential for maintaining control and safety. Accelerating further in response to wheel spin can exacerbate the issue by causing even more loss of traction, which could lead to loss of control of the vehicle. Applying the brakes immediately may create a sudden stop or skid, making it more hazardous, especially in slick conditions. Shifting to a lower gear might not be effective in regaining traction under these circumstances. Taking your foot off the accelerator is the safest and most effective method to regain control when facing wheel spin.