Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

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Prepare for the Delaware Driver Education State Test with quizzes and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Gear up for your success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What should you do if your brakes fail?

Pump the brake pedal several times and then use the parking brake
Shift into neutral and coast to a stop
Pull onto the shoulder and call for assistance
Turn off the engine immediately

The correct answer is: Pump the brake pedal several times and then use the parking brake

When facing brake failure, the best immediate response is to pump the brake pedal several times in an attempt to build up pressure in the brake lines. This can help restore some braking ability temporarily. If that does not work, using the parking brake becomes essential. The parking brake is independent of the hydraulic braking system and can be used to slow down the vehicle. Caution is advised when engaging the parking brake, as it should be pulled gradually to avoid skidding. Shifting into neutral and coasting to a stop may sound plausible, but this option does not allow for effective control of the vehicle's speed or maneuverability, and it could lead to unsafe situations. Pulling onto the shoulder and calling for assistance is a viable option once the vehicle has been safely controlled, but it doesn’t address the immediate need to stop if the brakes have failed. Turning off the engine immediately can lead to loss of steering control and power brakes, which could make the situation worse, preventing the driver from controlling the vehicle effectively.