Ontario MTO Truck Knowledge Practice Test 2025 - Free Truck Knowledge Practice Questions and Study Guide

If you experience brake failure, the recommended procedure is to downshift, use the engine brake, and steer towards a safe area. This approach is considered the most effective way to regain control of the vehicle and slow it down as safely as possible.

Downshifting allows the engine's RPM to increase, which assists in slowing down the truck through engine braking. This method is particularly useful for large vehicles, as it can generate significant resistance and help reduce speed. The engine brake effectively reduces momentum without relying solely on the brake system that has failed.

Steering towards a safe area is essential for avoiding obstacles, other vehicles, or pedestrians. Selecting a safe area to steer toward may involve looking for a space free from traffic or a soft shoulder where the truck can come to a stop more gradually.

Applying the emergency brake immediately, while it may seem like a quick solution, can cause the vehicle to skid or spin out due to the sudden deceleration, especially in larger vehicles. Accelerating to find a safe area is not advisable, as this only increases speed, making it harder to control the situation. Turning off the ignition could lead to a loss of steering control and further complicate the situation.

By following the correct procedure of downshifting, using the engine