New Jersey Drivers PracticeTest

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Get ready for your New Jersey Driver's Test. Study with flashcards and tackle multiple choice questions with helpful explanations. Prepare for your driving exam confidently!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

If your brakes fail while driving, what should you do?

Shift to a higher gear
Pump your brakes and shift to a lower gear
Immediately stop the car
Use the emergency brake

The correct answer is: Pump your brakes and shift to a lower gear

In the event of brake failure while driving, pumping the brakes as mentioned in the correct answer is a crucial initial action. This technique can sometimes build pressure back into the brake system if it's a minor failure, allowing you to regain some braking ability. Shifting to a lower gear helps reduce speed by using engine braking, a useful technique when conventional brakes are not functioning properly. Gradually downshifting allows for better control over the vehicle's speed as you are attempting to come to a stop. Using the emergency brake is also a valid option but should be executed with caution, as it can cause the wheels to lock up if applied too vigorously at high speeds, potentially leading to a loss of control. Shifting to a higher gear would not be advisable, as it could result in an increase in speed, making it even more challenging to stop the vehicle safely. The primary aim during such a critical situation is to slow down and regain control before coming to a complete stop. This sequence of actions reflects an appropriate response to a brake failure scenario.