Iowa: Weather, road surfaces and vehicle control

In a car without ABS, heavy braking locks the wheels and the car starts to skid. What should you do?

Correct answer: Ease off enough to regain grip, then reapply controlled braking.

Locked wheels reduce your ability to steer. Restore rolling traction and brake without locking them again; this is different from the steady-pressure procedure for functioning ABS.

Source: Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1, Edition 10, July 2026 (07222026); Avoiding Collisions: Without ABS; printed page 78, physical PDF page 90. Checked September 22, 2026. ↗

You approach a narrow rural bridge with little shoulder and an oncoming vehicle nearby. What should you be prepared to do?

Correct answer: Slow down and stop if needed to let the oncoming vehicle clear.

A narrow bridge may not leave enough room for simultaneous passage. The guide recommends slowing and being prepared to stop for oncoming traffic; do not assume there is a usable shoulder.

Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide linked by OMV (cover R08/25; internal revision markers vary); Rural roads: Narrow bridges and roads; printed page 103, physical PDF page 108; reviewed September 22, 2026. ↗

Ahead is a bridge with an open metal-grating surface. How should you adapt?

Correct answer: Reduce speed, hold the wheel firmly and increase the gap ahead.

Open grating or steel can reduce braking and steering traction. The guide advises lower speed, a firm steering grip and more following distance rather than aggressive corrections.

Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide linked by OMV (cover R08/25; internal revision markers vary); Rural roads: Open Bridge Gratings or Steel Bridges; printed page 103, physical PDF page 108; reviewed September 22, 2026. ↗