California Car / Permit practice question · Handling Emergencies
If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should:
Answer choices
- Slow down gradually without braking— Correct answer
- Brake hard to regain traction
- Accelerate to push through the water
- Turn the wheel sharply to shake off the water
Why this is the answer
If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, slow down gradually and stay off the brakes. Braking suddenly can make you lose control. Hydroplaning means the tires have lost all contact with the road, and even a slight change of direction can throw the vehicle into a skid, so do not accelerate or turn sharply.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Hydroplaning
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
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