Connecticut permit test: emergencies & crashes

Vehicle failures, what to do at a crash and reporting requirements. 6 questions.

Question 1 of 6
Emergencies & crashes

Your brakes suddenly stop working. What should you try first?

Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.

Sample emergencies & crashes questions

  1. Your brakes suddenly stop working. What should you try first?

    • A Pump the brake pedal several times
    • B Turn off the engine
    • C Shift into park
    • D Pull the parking brake as hard as you can
    Show answer

    A. Pump the brake pedal several times

    If your brakes fail, pump the pedal to build up pressure. If that fails, pull the parking brake slowly, then shift to lower gears and find a safe place to stop.

    Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 41

  2. A front tire blows out while you are driving. What should you do?

    • A Brake hard right away
    • B Steer sharply onto the shoulder right away
    • C Grip the wheel firmly and steer straight
    • D Speed up to keep control
    Show answer

    C. Grip the wheel firmly and steer straight

    Hold the steering wheel tightly, keep going straight, and slow down gradually. Take your foot off the gas, brake lightly, and pull off the road where it is safe.

    Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 41

  3. Your car has antilock brakes (ABS) and you must stop quickly. What should you do?

    • A Pump the brake pedal rapidly
    • B Press lightly and let up if it vibrates
    • C Press the brake hard and keep pressing
    • D Use only the parking brake
    Show answer

    C. Press the brake hard and keep pressing

    With ABS, press the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing. You may feel the pedal push back; do not let up, because ABS works only with the pedal held down.

    Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 42

  4. Your car starts to skid on an icy road. What should you do?

    • A Stay off the brake and steer where you want to go
    • B Brake hard
    • C Steer the opposite way from where you want the car to go
    • D Turn off the engine
    Show answer

    A. Stay off the brake and steer where you want to go

    Stay off the brake and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. As it straightens, steer back the other way to avoid a new skid.

    Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 42