Safe Driving

What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

Quick Answer

If your brakes fail: pump the brake pedal repeatedly to build pressure, downshift to a lower gear to slow down, use the emergency/parking brake gradually, look for a safe area to steer off the road, turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers.

Explanation

If your brakes fail: pump the brake pedal repeatedly to build pressure, downshift to a lower gear to slow down, use the emergency/parking brake gradually, look for a safe area to steer off the road, turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers. Understanding this concept is essential for safe driving and will help you answer similar questions on the DMV written test.

Why This Matters on the DMV Test

Questions about Safe Driving are among the most common on the permit test. Knowing the correct answer helps you pass your exam and stay safe on the road. Most states require a score of 70–83% to pass.

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