Prepare for the California DMV Traffic School Test. Study with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and understand with detailed explanations. Get cleared for your driving confidently!

Multiple Choice

Which option describes a fishtailing skid?

A fishtailing skid is when the rear tires lose traction and slide sideways, causing the back end of the car to swing from one side to the other as the vehicle continues moving forward. That back-and-forth rear-end motion is the defining sign of this skid. If the front end were sliding sideways, you’d be dealing with a front-end skid (understeer), not a fishtail. Tire squeal without actual slipping means the tires are just chirping, not losing grip enough to slide. A forward spin describes the whole vehicle rotating, not the rear end skidding side to side.

A fishtailing skid is when the rear tires lose traction and slide sideways, causing the back end of the car to swing from one side to the other as the vehicle continues moving forward. That back-and-forth rear-end motion is the defining sign of this skid.

If the front end were sliding sideways, you’d be dealing with a front-end skid (understeer), not a fishtail. Tire squeal without actual slipping means the tires are just chirping, not losing grip enough to slide. A forward spin describes the whole vehicle rotating, not the rear end skidding side to side.