Texas Defensive Driving Written Practice Test

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Study for the Texas Defensive Driving Written Test. Boost your confidence with our comprehensive practice quizzes and detailed solutions. Get ready to ace your exam with our expertly crafted materials!

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What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

Shift to a lower gear and pump brakes
Panic and apply the emergency brake
Drive to the nearest repair shop
Turn off the ignition

The correct answer is: Shift to a lower gear and pump brakes

When experiencing brake failure while driving, shifting to a lower gear and pumping the brakes is a vital response. This action helps to reduce the vehicle's speed by utilizing the power of engine braking, which occurs when the transmission is shifted to a lower gear. Pumping the brakes can also help build up hydraulic pressure in some brake systems, potentially allowing you to regain some braking effectiveness. It is crucial to remain calm and focused during this situation. Panic can lead to poor decision-making or loss of control, making the situation worse. Applying the emergency brake suddenly, as mentioned in another option, could result in skidding or loss of control, which is why using the brake smoothly and gradually is advisable. Driving to a repair shop might not be feasible if the brakes fail completely, as it could endanger not only the driver but also others on the road. Turning off the ignition can create additional hazards, such as loss of power steering and braking control, making it more difficult to maneuver the vehicle safely.