Nova Scotia Knowledge Test Coach
Safe driving and emergenciesQuestion 277 of 296

Your brakes fail. What should you try first?

  1. Pump the brake pedal several times
  2. Turn off the engine at once
  3. Shift to park
  4. Pull the parking brake all the way up and hold it
Show answer

Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal several times

Pumping can build up the pressure that you need to stop. If it does not work, use the parking brake gently while you hold the release button. When you stop, do not drive on. Get help.

Source: Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook (Service Nova Scotia, 2000, reprinted with revisions to 2017), Chapter 5, Adverse Driving Conditions: Brake failure, page 144

Practice safe driving and emergencies

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026