Arizona Driving Permit Written Practice Test

When faced with brake failure while driving, the first action to take is to shift to a lower gear and use the parking brake. This method is effective because shifting to a lower gear helps to slow the vehicle down without relying solely on the brakes. The engine's resistance in lower gears can assist in decelerating the car. Additionally, engaging the parking brake can provide extra stopping power. It’s essential to apply the parking brake gradually to avoid skidding, as pulling it abruptly could lead to loss of control. The other options lack practicality in a situation of brake failure. Hitting the horn continuously doesn’t help in stopping the vehicle and may distract or confuse other drivers. Steering off the road can be dangerous and might lead to collisions with obstacles. Accelerating to maintain speed can worsen the situation by increasing momentum, making it harder to regain control of the vehicle. Therefore, the correct action focuses on controlled deceleration to ensure safety.