California Car / Permit practice question · Safe Driving Practices
A road surface is usually most slippery:
Answer choices
- During the first rain after a dry period— Correct answer
- After it has rained hard for several hours
- On a clear, hot afternoon
- Only when the surface is icy
Why this is the answer
The road is most slippery during the first rain after a dry, hot spell, because the oil and dust on the surface have not yet been washed away. Slow down as soon as you see any rain, drizzle, or snow. It does not get worse after hours of heavy rain, since the surface has been rinsed by then.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Driving in Bad Weather
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
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