National Driver Training Level 1 Practice Test

If your brakes fail while driving, pumping the brakes can help you regain some braking power. This technique can create pressure in the braking system, which may restore some functionality, especially in situations where the brake pedal feels soft or goes to the floor. Additionally, downshifting can help slow the vehicle by using the engine's resistance to reduce speed. This combined approach can be crucial in bringing the vehicle to a safe stop under challenging conditions.

Coasting to a stop may not provide enough control, particularly if you're on a hill or in traffic. Pulling the handbrake immediately can lead to a loss of vehicle control, particularly if you're traveling at a high speed. Speeding up could worsen the situation, making it more difficult to stop safely and increasing the risk of an accident. Therefore, the correct response in the event of brake failure is to attempt pumping the brakes and downshifting to slow down safely.