Texas CDL General Knowledge Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the Texas CDL General Knowledge Exam. Study with interactive quizzes, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations to increase your chances of passing the exam.

Practice this question and more.

What should you do if your brakes fail?

Accelerate to gain momentum
Use the emergency brake gradually
Steer into a wall to stop
Honk the horn continuously

The correct answer is: Use the emergency brake gradually

When faced with brake failure, using the emergency brake gradually is a crucial step. The emergency brake, also known as the parking brake, is a backup system designed to help bring the vehicle to a stop in situations where the primary brake system has failed. Engaging it gradually allows you to slow down the vehicle without locking up the wheels and losing control, which is particularly important for maintaining steering ability. This careful application is vital in preventing a sudden stop that could lead to skidding. Additionally, this option emphasizes maintaining vehicle control while reducing speed. It is essential for drivers to remember that abrupt and full application of the emergency brake could cause the vehicle to destabilize, especially in larger vehicles or those carrying a load. The other choices provided do not contribute to effective collision avoidance or safe stopping methods. Accelerating to gain momentum, for instance, could exacerbate the situation by increasing speed when braking is needed. Steering into a wall not only poses a serious risk of injury but also fails to effectively manage the vehicle's trajectory. Continuously honking the horn is unlikely to alert others to your predicament or assist in stopping the vehicle safely. Hence, the best course of action is to use the emergency brake gradually.