Nova Scotia Driving Test Practice: Ace your driving test

How should a driver handle a tire blowout?

1. Brake hard immediately

2. Gradually reduce speed and steer straight

3. Turn sharply to avoid obstacles

4. Accelerate to gain control

The correct answer is: Gradually reduce speed and steer straight

When experiencing a tire blowout, the most effective approach is to gradually reduce speed and steer straight. This method helps maintain control of the vehicle, preventing swerving or loss of traction that can occur if the driver reacts abruptly. In the event of a blowout, braking hard can cause the vehicle to become unstable and may lead to a loss of control. Likewise, a sharp turn to avoid obstacles can be dangerous, as it might result in further instability, especially if the blowout affects a front tire. Acceleration in such a scenario could create additional challenges in controlling the vehicle and increasing the risk of an accident. Therefore, the best practice is to ease off the accelerator, allow the vehicle to slow naturally, and keep it on a straight path until coming to a complete stop in a safe location.