NC CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

If your brakes begin to fail while driving, shifting into a lower gear and pumping the brakes can help slow the vehicle safely. This technique uses engine braking, which relies on the vehicle’s engine to help reduce speed. By downshifting, you can control the vehicle's speed more efficiently, as the resistance caused by the engine will assist in slowing you down. Pumping the brakes can sometimes help restore brake pressure, especially if there is air in the brake lines or if the brakes have partially lost their effectiveness. However, this method may not work if the brake fluid has completely failed or if there is a total loss of braking power. It's crucial to stay calm and maintain control of the vehicle while trying to slow it down, which makes this choice a proactive and immediate response. Applying the emergency brake suddenly can lead to loss of control and skidding, particularly at higher speeds. Crashing into something soft is extremely dangerous and should never be considered a viable option for stopping a vehicle. Continuing to drive until the brakes regain functionality can lead to an accident or serious injury and is not a responsible choice.