If you begin to skid on a wet road and your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, what is the first action you should take?

The first action you should take when skidding on a wet road, especially in a vehicle without anti-lock brakes, is to release the footbrake fully. When you are braking hard in a skid, you risk locking the wheels, which can cause a loss of steering control and make it harder to regain traction. By releasing the footbrake, you allow the wheels to start turning again, which can help you regain control of the vehicle.

This action is crucial as it helps prevent the skidding situation from worsening. Once the brakes are released, you can then steer into the skid to regain control. It's important to understand that the dynamics of a skid require careful handling; maintaining wheel movement by releasing the brake is key to safely recovering from a skid.