My grandson wants to take his driving test. My state requires that the test administrator have access to an emergency brake should the applicant screw up. My Dodge Caravan can’t be used because the emergency brake is only accessible to the driver.
My Honda Accord has a push-button “parking brake” in the center console, but can that be used if my regular brakes fail? How does one use it?
The car does have an emergency braking system (EBS) which automatically applies the regular brakes if the computer detects an imminent collision. This did activate once when an impatient oncoming vehicle made a left turn right in front of me. If I google “Honda emergency brake”, all I get is talk about the EBS. I want something should a runaway-truck-ramp not be available.
The “parking brake” and the “e-brake” are the same thing. In an emergency, you just yank the handle up. It doesn’t have the full stopping power of the normal braking system, but assuming everything is in proper working order, it will slow the car down. I’m certain that’s enough to qualify for your state’s test.
I believe your Honda has an Electronic Parking Brake which should meet the state requirements. Emergency braking systems are out of the test administrator’s controls and probably don’t qualify.
Your Honda has an electronic parking brake, as you know it is that little switch by the gear shift on the console. The brake will release automatically when either the brake pedal or the gas/accelerator on the floor is used. Sounds like what the testing people want is a manual lever withing the instructors reach that they can pull up on to stop the car if they need to. I don’t thing this car will meet that requirement.
Good info for cars made 20 years ago. Not so true for cars from the last 10-ish years.
As others have said, the new electronic brake systems are quite different. When I pull the switch the normal brakes on all 4 wheels are applied to the max with no antiskid protection. Which I discovered by accident grabbing the wrong switch in a parking lot at ~20mph. 20-to-zero in about 3 feet. It was … attention-attracting.
