When the ABS begins to operate, your immediate reaction should be?
- Press harder on the brake pedal
- Continue applying pressure as before (Hold the pressure) ✓
- Pump the brake pedal
- Release the brake pedal
Answer: B. Continue applying pressure as before (Hold the pressure)
When ABS begins to operate, continue applying pressure as before and hold the brake pedal steady.
Why this is the answer
The commercial driving handbook says that in an ABS stop you keep firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal until you stop. It warns not to pump the brakes, because that switches the system on and off. It also says noise, pedal movement or shudder are normal, so you should not ease off; keep the pressure on. The air-brake chapter explains that ABS applies and releases the brakes itself, so your job is simply to maintain steady brake pressure and let the system cycle.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Press harder on the brake pedal — Pressing harder is not what the handbook calls for; once ABS is working, you maintain firm continuous pressure rather than adding more force.
- C. Pump the brake pedal — Pumping the brake pedal is wrong because it turns the ABS on and off instead of letting the system control the brake pressure.
- D. Release the brake pedal — Releasing the brake pedal would stop the braking input ABS needs, while the handbook says to keep firm pressure applied until the vehicle stops.
Remember it
If you feel the pedal shudder, keep your foot steady and let the ABS do the cycling.
Official handbook: ICBC Driving Commercial Vehicles, 2 Heavy vehicle braking – Braking, p. 26