Hmm - that is a rotten exam question - the difference is quite subtle. My dictionary even defines to skid as to slide! I guess I would say the car slid across the ice - sliding has a sense of smooth, continuous movement across a smooth, slick surface. You (or a vehicle) would slide on ice, or an oily, slick surface. A skid usually refers to a vehicle sliding across a road or gravel surface. Vehicles leave skid marks in accidents, where the driver brakes, but the car continues to move - often sideways. Skids occur in a vehicle, or on a bicycle, where the driver brakes, in an attempt to stop but the forward momentum keeps the vehicle moving for a while longer. You will often read the expression, 'skidded to a halt'. Hope that helps.