Colorado CDL Practice Test 2025 - Free Commercial Driver’s License Practice Questions and Study Guide

Regaining control of a vehicle while hydroplaning requires careful handling to manage the loss of traction. The correct action to take is to release the accelerator and push in the clutch. When hydroplaning occurs, the tires lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water, leading to a loss of steering, braking, and accelerating control.

By releasing the accelerator, you reduce the speed of the vehicle, which allows for the tires to reconnect with the road surface as the water is displaced. Engaging the clutch in a manual transmission vehicle further helps by disconnecting the engine from the wheels, which can prevent the vehicle from accelerating unintentionally and promotes smoother recovery. This method gives the driver a better chance to regain control without making sudden movements that could exacerbate the situation, such as abrupt steering or braking actions.

Using the brakes immediately or steering sharply could lead to further loss of control, while accelerating could worsen the hydroplaning effect.