TL;DR:

Remain calm and pull off the road safely.
Turn on your hazard lights and make your car visible.
Stay inside the vehicle unless it’s unsafe.
Contact the appropriate roadside assistance service.
Learn emergency and breakdown handling skills with Get Drivers Ed.

Whether you’re cruising down the highway or just running errands in town, a car breakdown can happen when you least expect it. For new drivers especially, this situation can feel overwhelming or even scary. But with the right steps, you can protect yourself and others—and get help on the way quickly.

In this blog, we’ll go over exactly what to do if your car breaks down on the road. From safety protocols to calling for help, we’ll walk through practical steps to keep you calm and in control. If you're learning to drive or want to build more confidence in emergencies, the lessons in Get Drivers Ed are designed with real-life situations like this in mind.

1. Stay Calm and Get to Safety

React Smartly, Not Hastily

Panicking won’t help—but staying calm can make all the difference.

What to Do Immediately:

Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
Turn on your hazard lights to alert others.
Guide your vehicle to the right shoulder or nearest safe zone.

Staying calm is key when your car breaks down. Panicking can exacerbate the situation. Read more on How to Effectively Handle a Car Breakdown: Essential Tips.

2. Make Your Vehicle Visible to Others

Warn Other Drivers

A non-functioning vehicle is a hazard on the road—especially at night or during bad weather.

Safety Measures to Increase Visibility:

Keep hazard lights blinking continuously.
Place reflective triangles or flares at least 10 feet and 100 feet behind your vehicle.
Raise your car’s hood as a universal distress signal.

Check out our guide on the Breakdown Survival Guide for more roadside visibility tips and preparedness strategies.

3. Stay in Your Car Unless It’s Dangerous

Don’t Risk Exposure

Unless you see smoke, fire, or you're in direct danger from traffic, staying inside is the safest choice.

Staying Inside Keeps You Safe From:

Oncoming traffic, especially on highways
Weather conditions like cold, rain, or extreme heat
Wildlife or hazards if you’re in a rural area

Our blog on car breakdowns in Fort Worth outlines more location-specific tips if you're navigating city highways or metro areas.

4. Call for Help

Know Your Roadside Assistance Options

Once you're safe, it’s time to get help on the way.

Who to Call:

Roadside assistance services (AAA, your insurance, or app-based services)
911, if your breakdown poses immediate danger or blocks traffic
A friend or family member for backup or guidance

The AAA Roadside Assistance Program is a reliable resource, offering 24/7 help with flat tires, dead batteries, and tows.

5. Be Prepared Before a Breakdown Happens

Emergency Kits Save Time and Reduce Stress

Being prepared ahead of time makes a huge difference in an emergency.

What to Include in Your Car Emergency Kit:

Jumper cables
Flashlight with extra batteries
Water bottles and snacks
First aid kit
Road flares or reflective triangles
Portable phone charger

Use Ready.gov’s Car Emergency Kit Guide to make sure your vehicle is equipped with essentials.

Perform Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Prevention is always better than the cure—especially on the road.

Simple Maintenance Tips:

Check tire pressure, oil level, and coolant monthly.
Pay attention to dashboard warning lights.
Listen for unusual noises and have them checked early.

We also cover maintenance-related issues in our post on what to do when your car breaks down.

6. Learn How to Handle Roadside Emergencies with Confidence

Education Builds Confidence Behind the Wheel

Breakdowns are easier to handle when you’ve prepared for them in advance.

That’s why programs like Get Drivers Ed are designed to go beyond test prep. Our course teaches you how to think and react in real-world driving situations—like breakdowns, weather hazards, and more.

Need additional confidence-building techniques? Our defensive driving course reinforces these lessons and adds extra layers of safety awareness for drivers of all experience levels.

Conclusion: Stay Calm, Stay Safe, Stay Prepared

Breakdowns are never convenient—but they’re manageable with the right knowledge and preparation. Whether it’s turning on your hazard lights, calling for help, or using an emergency kit, these small steps help keep you—and others—safe.

At Get Drivers Ed, we don’t just prepare you for your test—we prepare you for life on the road. With real-world scenarios, practical checklists, and support every step of the way, we help you build confidence that lasts long after the engine starts.

Ready to be road-prepared for anything?

Enroll in Get Drivers Ed today and become the driver who knows what to do—no matter what.