Philadelphia Drivers License Practice Test

When facing brake failure while driving, the most critical immediate action is to pump the brake pedal to try and build pressure. This technique can often restore some functionality to the braking system, especially if the failure is partial or caused by air in the brake lines. Pumping the brake pedal can help engage the brakes momentarily, allowing you to slow down the vehicle more effectively.

In contrast, pulling over immediately without attempting to regain brake pressure could lead to a situation where you might not have enough control over the vehicle to safely stop it, especially if you're on a busy road. Shifting into park is not advisable either, as this could cause loss of control over the vehicle, and may lead to further complications involving the transmission and engine. Lastly, turning off the engine is generally not practical in this scenario; it could disable power steering and make the vehicle harder to control, especially at high speeds.

Therefore, the best initial strategy when brakes fail is to pump the brake pedal, as this might help to restore or maintain some braking capability to bring the vehicle to a safe stop.