Video lessons · Unit 10: Defensive driving

Braking with ABS

Emergency stop? Do you pump the brakes or press hard? Grandpa explains it in one minute.

What you'll learn

• If your car has ABS on all four wheels: press the brake FIRMLY and keep it down.
• If it does NOT have ABS and starts to skid, then yes: pump the brakes quickly until you're at a safe speed.
• Don't know if your car has ABS? It's in the owner's manual.

Test yourself: 5 exam-style questions

1. 1. How far ahead should you look while driving?

   1. Only at the bumper of the car in front
   2. About 2 or 3 seconds, the time it takes to brake
   3. About 10 to 15 seconds ahead
   4. As far as possible, ignoring what's close
   Show answer

   Answer: About 10 to 15 seconds ahead

   Look far and you'll spot trouble before it shows up, kiddo.

2. 2. In city driving, looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead is about…

   1. One block
   2. Up to the next traffic light that's green
   3. Two or three cars ahead of yours
   4. A quarter mile
   Show answer

   Answer: One block

   In town, about a block. That's where you spot who's braking.

3. 3. You're coming up on a light that has been green for a long time. What do you do?

   1. Nothing, green lasts until you get there
   2. Speed up to make it through on green
   3. Get ready for it to turn yellow
   4. Brake hard just in case it changes
   Show answer

   Answer: Get ready for it to turn yellow

   Stale green, yellow's coming. Ease off the gas and think.

4. 4. You're passing kids playing near the street. «Covering the brake» means…

   1. Foot off the gas, ready over the brake
   2. Pressing the brake and gas at the same time
   3. Setting the parking brake halfway to be safe
   4. Braking hard every few seconds as a warning
   Show answer

   Answer: Foot off the gas, ready over the brake

   With your foot ready, you gain time if someone runs out.

5. 5. Your car has ABS brakes. You need to make an emergency stop. What do you do?

   1. Pump the brake quickly several times
   2. Press and release until the car stops
   3. Press firmly and hold the pedal
   4. Brake gently so the ABS doesn't kick in
   Show answer

   Answer: Press firmly and hold the pedal

   With ABS, press hard and hold. The car pumps for you.