Do not apply brakes when you are doing which action?

• A. Stopping for a pedestrian
• B. Turning left at an intersection
• C. Passing a vehicle
• D. Accelerating through an intersection

Answer: (C)

Passing a vehicle is the action where you should not apply brakes. When you’re passing, the goal is to maintain or safely increase speed to complete the maneuver quickly and with enough clearance. Braking during the pass slows you down, which can shorten the passing window, increase the risk of collision with the vehicle you’re overtaking or with oncoming traffic, and disrupt the smooth flow of emergency response. Instead, check mirrors and blind spots, signal, move into the passing lane with adequate clearance, and return to your lane once you can see the other vehicle in your mirror.

The other scenarios normally involve reducing speed or stopping when safety requires it—stopping for a pedestrian, turning left at an intersection, or adjusting speed while accelerating through an intersection—so braking is appropriate in those cases.