BMV Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

When faced with brake failure while driving, the appropriate reaction involves shifting to a lower gear and gradually using the emergency brake. This approach is crucial because shifting to a lower gear helps reduce the vehicle's speed through engine braking, which can assist in maintaining better control of the vehicle.

Using the emergency brake slowly and steadily allows for a gradual reduction in speed rather than an abrupt stop, which can cause skidding or loss of control. It's important to apply the emergency brake cautiously to avoid locking the rear wheels; if rear wheels lock, it can lead to a spin or further instability.

Shifting to a higher gear and accelerating would only exacerbate the situation, as increasing speed with non-functional brakes puts more strain on the vehicle's control. Turning off the engine is also not advisable because shutting off the engine can lead to loss of power steering and loss of braking assistance, making the vehicle much harder to control. Finally, braking hard is typically counterproductive in this scenario since it can lead to a loss of traction and could worsen the situation.

Thus, the chosen answer provides a safer and more effective strategy to handle brake failure, prioritizing vehicle control and gradual deceleration.