Georgia Commercial Driver License Practice Test

What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

1. Shift to a lower gear

2. Use the emergency brake immediately

3. Turn off the engine

4. Accelerate to gain control

The correct answer is: Shift to a lower gear

When brakes fail while driving, shifting to a lower gear is a recommended action because it utilizes engine braking, which can help slow the vehicle down more effectively than relying solely on the brake pedal. By downshifting, the engine's resistance to the wheels increases, allowing for additional deceleration. This can be particularly useful in maintaining control of the vehicle while bringing it to a stop. Using the emergency brake immediately may not be the best first step, as it can cause a sudden stop that may lead to a loss of control, especially if the road conditions are not ideal. Turning off the engine is also not advisable because it would disable power steering and power brakes, making it much more difficult to maneuver the vehicle. Accelerating to gain control is counterintuitive, as it would only increase the vehicle's speed and reduce the driver's ability to manage the situation effectively. Thus, shifting to a lower gear employs a controlled technique to manage the vehicle's speed in the face of brake failure, contributing to a safer outcome.