California Car / Permit practice question · Handling Emergencies
If your brakes suddenly stop working, you should first:
Answer choices
- Turn off the engine immediately
- Pump the pedal, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually— Correct answer
- Steer into oncoming traffic to slow down
- Open the door and drag your foot
Why this is the answer
When the brake pedal sinks to the floor, pump the brakes quickly by applying and releasing pressure. Then shift down into a lower or neutral gear to slow the vehicle, and try the emergency brake to stop. Turning off the engine is not among these steps, and none of the handbook's guidance involves steering into oncoming traffic.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Handling Emergencies / Brake Failure
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
More Handling Emergencies questions
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