Hydroplaning — Tennessee Permit Test

In heavy rain your tires can lose all contact with the road and ride on the water; this is called hydroplaning.

Once your tires float on water, a small turn of the wheel or a gust of wind can send the car into a spin.

In heavy rain, your tires can lose all contact with the roadway due to water or "hydroplaning".

If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, slow down gradually by letting up on the gas, and do not slam on the brakes.

Slamming the brakes while the tires are on water locks the wheels, and the car slides wherever it was pointed.

If you vehicle starts to hydroplane, slow down gradually by letting up on the gas.

When you hydroplane, stopping distances may be tripled and steering control may be reduced or lost.

A stop that takes the length of a few cars on a dry road can take three times as far on water, often too far.

Stopping distances may be tripled and steering control may be reduced or lost.

Hydroplaning is more common at higher speeds, but under certain conditions tires can hydroplane at any speed.

Driving slowly in rain makes hydroplaning less likely, but it is not a promise. Stay alert for deep water at any speed.

Hydroplaning is more common at higher speeds, although tires can hydroplane under certain conditions at ANY speed.

What is hydroplaning?

Tires riding on water instead of the road. Once your tires float on water, a small turn of the wheel or a gust of wind can send the car into a spin. Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p.76: “In heavy rain, your tires can lose all contact with the roadway due to water or "hydroplaning".”