Washington Written Drivers Permit Practice Test

If your brakes fail while driving, shifting into a lower gear and pumping the brakes is an appropriate response.

When you shift to a lower gear, it helps to decelerate the vehicle due to engine braking, which can reduce speed even if the brake system is not functioning. Pumping the brakes can sometimes generate enough hydraulic pressure to engage the brakes temporarily, allowing you to regain some control. This method is particularly useful in situations where the brakes might not be entirely non-functional but are having issues, as it can help create the conditions needed to slow the vehicle down more safely.

Other options may not provide effective control or could even exacerbate the situation. For instance, turning off the engine could lead to a loss of power steering and power brakes, making it significantly harder to steer and stop the vehicle. Accelerating to gain control could also be dangerous, as it would increase the speed and make it even harder to manage the vehicle's movements. Steering off the road to stop could lead to unexpected obstacles or hazards, which could result in a crash. Thus, the most prudent course of action when faced with brake failure is to maneuver using the lower gears and attempt to pump the brakes for maximum control over the situation.