Texas CDL General Knowledge Practice Exam

What factors can lead to "oversteering"?

1. Driving too slow for conditions

2. Excessive steering input

3. Maintaining a steady speed

4. Using larger than recommended tires

The correct answer is: Excessive steering input

Oversteering occurs when the rear wheels lose grip while the front wheels maintain traction, resulting in a loss of control over the vehicle's direction. One significant factor that contributes to this phenomenon is excessive steering input. When a driver turns the steering wheel too sharply or makes abrupt maneuvers, it can cause the rear end of the vehicle to slide out. This action displaces the weight and causes instability, particularly in rear-wheel-drive vehicles or in adverse conditions like wet or icy roads. Driving too slow for conditions may actually help maintain control rather than contribute to oversteering. Maintaining a steady speed can promote stability and reduce the chances of losing control, while the effect of using larger than recommended tires may not inherently lead to oversteering in all situations, but it could potentially alter the vehicle's handling characteristics, possibly leading to issues under specific conditions. Therefore, the key factor leading to oversteering is indeed the excessive steering input, which disrupts the vehicle's balance.