Massachusetts Permit Practice Test 2026 - Free Permit Practice Questions and Answers

When your vehicle's wheels drift onto the shoulder of the road, the safest course of action is to gradually slow down and then steer back onto the road. This method allows you to maintain better control of your vehicle and reduces the risk of losing traction or stability, which can occur if you make sudden movements.

Slowing down helps to minimize the effects of any oversteering or understeering that might occur if you were to make a quick or sharp turn. By gradually adjusting your speed, you can create a smooth transition back onto the pavement. Once your speed is appropriately reduced, you can then gently steer back onto the road without creating sudden changes in direction, which helps prevent a potential loss of control or swerving.

In contrast, attempts to turn back onto the pavement suddenly can lead to dangerous situations, as the vehicle may not be aligned correctly to make a safe return to the road. Similarly, pulling the car back quickly or speeding up could amplify the risk of losing control or veering off course, leading to an accident or a dangerous situation. Therefore, the method of gradually slowing down ensures the safest and most controlled approach to re-entering the road.