Braking Systems
Air brakes, ABS, retarders, brake fade and emergency stops.
What this topic covers
Air brakes, ABS, retarders, brake fade and emergency stops. The full PCV Theory Test app contains 57 questions on this topic, drawn from the official DVSA bank.
Worked examples
Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.
Example 1
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. This allows you to
- A. follow vehicles more closely
- B. steer while braking ✓ correct
- C. drive faster on wet roads
- D. brake later than normal
Explanation: Although anti-lock braking gives you the ability to brake and steer, it should not be relied on to keep you out of trouble. Good forward planning and anticipation will minimise the risk of skidding more effectively than relying on your braking system.
Example 2
As the driver of a vehicle fitted with an anti-lock braking system, you should check it is working before each
- A. service
- B. day's work
- C. week's work
- D. journey ✓ correct
Explanation: Modern anti-lock braking systems rely on electrical power for their operation. The satisfactory operation of the system can be checked from the warning signal on the dashboard. The warning signal should go out by the time the vehicle has reached a speed of about 10 kph (6 mph).
Example 3
What is brake fade ?
- A. Reduction of air pressure
- B. Smooth progressive braking
- C. Reduction of braking effectiveness ✓ correct
- D. Low hydraulic brake fluid level
Explanation: Continually using the brakes could cause them to ‘fade’. This will mean that they are less effective. Make sure that you’re in the correct gear before you negotiate downhill stretches of road. A low gear will assist with braking and help prevent the vehicle gaining momentum as you negotiate the hill. Look out for road signs and ‘dead ground’, which indicate a dip or a hill.
Example 4
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. This means that when you brake normally you will
- A. not need to alter the way you brake ✓ correct
- B. be able to brake much later
- C. need to brake more firmly
- D. not need to brake so early
Explanation: Plan well ahead to enable you to brake normally. You shouldn’t rely on anti-lock brakes to make up for deficiencies in your driving.
Get all 57 questions on this topic in the PCV Theory Test app.
