Practice question

What should you do if your vehicle's brakes fail?

  1. Pump the brakes rapidly to restore brake pressure.
  2. Shift into a lower gear and use the engine to slow down.
  3. Use the emergency or parking brake to slow down or stop.
  4. Look for an open area and steer away from traffic until you come to a stop.

Answer: C — Use the emergency or parking brake to slow down or stop.

If your vehicle's brakes fail, option C is the best choice because it will allow you to control the speed and direction of your vehicle. Option A may not work in a vehicle with anti-lock brakes and could potentially cause skidding. Option B is not recommended because it can put strain on the engine and cause damage. Option D should only be used as a last resort if there are no other options available.

Practice more: California Driver License (DMV) Written Practice Test →