Michigan Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Practice Exam

What is countersteering in driving?

1. Turning the wheel in the opposite direction after an evasive maneuver.

2. Correcting steering after a skid.

3. Steering left to prevent oversteering right.

4. Adjusting speed in response to steering adjustments.

The correct answer is: Turning the wheel in the opposite direction after an evasive maneuver.

Countersteering refers to the technique of turning the wheel in the opposite direction after an evasive maneuver. This is an important skill in maintaining control of a vehicle, particularly during situations where the vehicle may begin to skid or lose traction. When a driver executes an evasive action that causes a loss of control, immediately countersteering helps to stabilize the vehicle by redirecting the front wheels towards the intended direction of travel. For example, if a car is skidding to the right, the driver would turn the steering wheel slightly to the left to regain control. This action helps to align the wheels with the direction of the vehicle's movement, allowing the tires to regain traction and minimizing the risk of spinning out. Practicing countersteering enhances a driver's ability to respond effectively in high-stress situations and can prevent accidents caused by overcorrection or loss of control. The other options provided relate to different aspects of driving control but do not accurately define countersteering itself. For instance, correcting steering after a skid or adjusting speed based on steering inputs are important driving skills, but they do not specifically describe the act of countersteering. Steering left to prevent oversteering right is a related concept but does not encompass the broader definition of counterste