Chapter 8-5: Vehicle breakdowns

The BC driver’s knowledge test features a section on “Vehicle breakdowns,” teaching drivers how to respond safely if their vehicle stops working on the road.

BC Driving Test - Chapter 8-5: Vehicle breakdowns

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How should the parking brake be applied in a brake failure situation?

In short, repeated bursts

Hard and suddenly

Only after the car has completely stopped

Gently and gradually

2 / 22

What is a potential cause of a gas pedal sticking?

A floor mat jammed beneath the pedal

An open window

Low fuel level

A malfunctioning radio

3 / 22

Once you have safely stopped the car after the gas pedal was stuck, what should you do?

Leave the car and walk to the nearest service station

Try to start the engine again

Turn off the engine and call for help

Attempt to fix the pedal yourself

4 / 22

What should you do if your hood flies up while you are driving?

Accelerate to create a larger air gap

Immediately get out of the vehicle

Try to look through the crack below the hood or open your window

Brake as hard as possible

5 / 22

What is described as the best prevention for an unexpected vehicle breakdown?

Carrying a cellphone

Having a well-maintained vehicle and doing regular checks

Knowing how to do roadside repairs

Driving at low speeds

6 / 22

What is a likely effect of a front tire blowout, especially at high speeds?

The brakes will automatically engage

The vehicle will be pulled in the direction of the deflated tire

The steering will become easier

The vehicle will immediately start skidding sideways

7 / 22

If your engine fails on a busy freeway, what is the recommended course of action?

Try to restart the engine while moving

Pull off the road as far as possible

Stop immediately in your lane

Get out and direct traffic around your car

8 / 22

If your engine fails, where should you avoid stopping if at all possible?

Near a service area

On a bridge or in a tunnel

In a residential neighborhood

On the shoulder of the road

9 / 22

To warn drivers behind you that you're slowing down because your hood flew up, you should:

Pump your brakes

Honk the horn continuously

Turn your headlights on and off

Wave your arm out the window

10 / 22

What is the first step you should take if your headlights fail while driving?

Slow down and pull over immediately

Turn the light switch on and off quickly

Stop the car in the middle of the road

Turn on the hazard lights

11 / 22

What should you do if a stranger stops to help after your engine has failed?

Give them your keys to try and fix the car

Ask them to continue ahead and phone for you

Ignore them and wait for police

Accept a ride from them to the nearest town

12 / 22

What is the primary danger of a hood flying up while driving?

It makes a loud noise

It can cause the tires to deflate

It can damage the engine

It obstructs your view of the road

13 / 22

After shifting to neutral due to a stuck gas pedal, what might you notice about steering and braking?

The brakes will lock up

They become harder

They are not affected

They become easier

14 / 22

If your gas pedal sticks, what is a crucial step to disconnect the engine from the wheels?

Apply the parking brake

Turn on the hazard lights

Shift to neutral

Pump the gas pedal

15 / 22

In addition to your hazard lights, what else can you use to warn other drivers of brake failure?

The horn

Your interior dome light

Hand signals

Your headlights

16 / 22

According to the text, what is the first thing you should do when a tire blows out?

Brake suddenly

Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel

Immediately pull off the road

Accelerate to regain control

17 / 22

What action should you AVOID immediately after a tire blowout to prevent loss of steering control?

Putting on hazard lights

Steering in the direction you want to go

Easing off the accelerator

Braking suddenly

18 / 22

What is the purpose of gearing down to the lowest gear during brake failure?

To allow the engine to help slow the vehicle down

To restart the engine

To disengage the wheels

To make steering easier

19 / 22

What should you NOT attempt on crowded and fast-moving freeways during a breakdown?

Doing roadside repairs

Putting an S.O.S. notice in your windshield

Turning on your hazard lights

Staying with your vehicle

20 / 22

If your brakes fail, what is the first recommended action to regain some braking power?

Turn off the engine

Pump the brakes hard and fast

Shift to neutral immediately

Apply the parking brake forcefully

21 / 22

What can a rear tire blowout cause the vehicle to do?

Steer to the left

Start skidding

Accelerate unexpectedly

Lose all braking power

22 / 22

If turning the light switch on and off doesn't work, what is the next step during headlight failure?

Speed up to get off the road faster

Continue driving with your parking lights

Try to follow another car closely

Turn on the hazard lights

Your score is

Key advice includes moving the car to a safe location, turning on hazard lights, and using warning triangles to alert other drivers. The section emphasizes staying inside the vehicle if it’s unsafe to exit and calling for roadside assistance. Drivers should avoid trying to fix major issues themselves on busy roads. Understanding the correct steps during a breakdown helps keep everyone safe and is a vital part of the BC driver’s knowledge test.