IPA: /ˈskɪdˌpæd/
KK: /ˈskɪdˌpæd/
A flat, circular area used to test how well a car can handle turns and maneuvers.
The race car driver practiced on the skidpad to improve their cornering skills.
Skidpad is formed from "skid" (from Middle English *skidden*, meaning to slide or slip) and "pad" (from Old English *pædd*, meaning a flat surface). The word refers to a flat surface used for testing a vehicle's ability to skid or slide.
Think of a 'flat surface' ('pad') where a vehicle can 'slide' ('skid') to test its handling.
No commonly confused words.