Arkansas Commercial Driver License (CDL) Practice Test

What happens during a rear wheel braking skid?

1. Rear of the vehicle lifts up

2. Rear wheels lock, causing a spinout

3. The front wheels lock up

4. The vehicle loses power

The correct answer is: Rear of the vehicle lifts up

A rear wheel braking skid occurs when the rear wheels of a vehicle lock up due to excessive braking force, especially in slippery conditions. When this happens, the rear of the vehicle can lose traction and may begin to slide or skid backwards. This skidding can lead to a loss of control, causing the vehicle to spin out in the direction of the skid. Understanding this, the correct scenario in a rear wheel braking skid is that the rear wheels lock, which can potentially lead to the vehicle spinning out. This is a critical aspect for drivers to understand, as it can significantly affect vehicle handling and safety. On the contrary, when the rear wheels lock, they do not lift the rear of the vehicle but create instability, which can lead to a complete loss of control, unlike situations where the front wheels might lock up causing different handling issues. Therefore, recognizing the dynamics of a rear wheel braking skid is vital for safe vehicle operation.