Emergency Maneuvers
What the exam tests
Emergency maneuvers cover brake failure, tire blowout, skids, and off-road recovery. Questions test whether you can respond without making the situation worse.
Core rules
- Brake failure: pump the brakes, downshift, use engine braking, and look for an escape ramp.
- Tire blowout: hold the wheel firmly, avoid hard braking, and slow gradually.
- Skid: steer into the skid and avoid hard braking.
- Off-road recovery: slow down, then return to the road gradually.
- Do not use a retarder on slippery surfaces.
Worked example
A steer tire blows out at highway speed. You grip the wheel, keep the vehicle straight, ease off the accelerator, and slow gradually before pulling over. Hard braking or jerking the wheel can cause a loss of control. The reasoning is that a blown steer tire removes steering authority, so smooth inputs preserve what control remains.
Traps that cost marks
- Slamming the brakes during a blowout.
- Overcorrecting a skid and spinning the vehicle.
- Using a retarder on ice or wet pavement.
- Steering sharply off-road and then back on, which can roll the vehicle.
Exam tip
Emergency answers usually emphasize firm control, gradual speed reduction, and avoiding sudden inputs.