Tennessee driving lesson · Speed, Space & Stopping
Braking, ABS & covering the brake
A 3-minute lesson from the Tennessee course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Good braking is smooth, early and predictable. It gives drivers behind you warning and keeps your tires gripping. Many cars have anti-lock brakes (ABS), which work very differently from older brakes in an emergency.
Know the rule
By law every automobile must have two separate ways to brake: the regular foot brake and a parking (emergency or 'hand') brake.
Without ABS, if the car starts to skid, take your foot off the brake and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid — if you can do it without running off the road or into traffic.
You're rolling past a row of parked cars near a school. Lift off the gas and cover the brake. When a child steps out, you're already in position. If your car has ABS, stomp and hold the pedal and steer around — don't pump.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS) and you must stop quickly. What should you do?
Brake firmly and steer; don't pump
Pump the brake pedal rapidly
Let up when the pedal vibrates
Shift to neutral, then brake
Answer: Brake firmly and steer; don't pump
With ABS you apply firm, steady pressure and 'brake and steer'; pumping or lifting disengages the system.
Answer: Resting your foot on the brake while driving
Riding the brake means keeping your foot resting on the pedal; it wears the brakes and falsely signals a stop. Hovering is 'covering' the brake, which is smart.