Arkansas Driving Permit Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Arkansas Driving Permit Test with our comprehensive quiz featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions designed to simulate the real exam experience. Get ready to hit the road with confidence!

Practice this question and more.

If your brakes fail while driving, what should you do first?

Apply the parking brake immediately
Pump the brake pedal several times
Switch to a lower gear
Turn off the engine

The correct answer is: Pump the brake pedal several times

When your brakes fail while driving, the most appropriate first action to take is to pump the brake pedal several times. Pumping the brake pedal can often help restore some brake function by building up hydraulic pressure in the braking system. This may give you enough stopping power to slow down and bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Applying the parking brake immediately (Option A) might cause the vehicle to skid, especially at high speeds. Switching to a lower gear (Option C) can help slow down the vehicle, but it is not as effective as pumping the brake pedal. Turning off the engine (Option D) should be a last resort after you have tried other methods as it will make steering more difficult.