Nova Scotia Driving Test Practice: Ace your driving test

What action should you take if your brakes fail?

1. Steer towards the nearest ditch

2. Shift to lower gears and apply the emergency brake

3. Panic and accelerate

4. Ignore the situation and continue driving

The correct answer is: Shift to lower gears and apply the emergency brake

When faced with brake failure, shifting to lower gears and applying the emergency brake is the most effective course of action. This method helps slow down the vehicle by using engine braking as you downshift, which can help reduce speed gradually. At the same time, engaging the emergency brake provides an additional layer of braking power. It is critical to remain calm in this situation, as panicking can lead to poor decision-making. Instead, focusing on controlling the vehicle through gradual deceleration is vital for maintaining safety. Using the emergency brake should be approached cautiously, as it can lock the rear wheels and cause the vehicle to skid if applied too abruptly. The other options would not effectively address the situation. Steering towards a ditch might result in a collision with obstacles or cause further loss of control. Panicking and accelerating would certainly increase the danger by speeding up the vehicle, making it harder to manage. Ignoring the brake failure and continuing to drive could lead to more severe consequences, including accidents or injuries. Therefore, the action of shifting to lower gears and utilizing the emergency brake stands out as the safest and most sensible response in the event of brake failure.