California Driver License (DMV) Written Practice Test

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Prepare for your California Driver License Test. Sharpen your skills with multiple choice questions, each accompanied by explanations. Ace your upcoming DMV written exam!

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.


What should you do if your brakes fail?

  1. Shift to lower gear

  2. Push the brake pedal

  3. Use your emergency brake

  4. Press the gas pedal

The correct answer is: Use your emergency brake

If your brakes fail, it is important to use your emergency brake immediately to bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Option A, shifting to a lower gear, may help you slow down but it will not stop your vehicle completely. Option B, pushing the brake pedal, will not be effective as it relies on the brakes working properly. Option D, pressing the gas pedal, should never be done if your brakes are not working. It will only make your vehicle go faster and potentially cause a more dangerous situation. Therefore, using your emergency brake is the best and most effective option in this scenario.