California Driver License (DMV) Written Practice Test 2026 - Free DMV Practice Questions and Study Guide

When your vehicle's headlights fail while driving at night, the best course of action is to pull over and stop until the headlights are repaired. Headlights are essential for safe driving in low visibility conditions, and without them, it becomes increasingly hazardous for you and other road users. Stopping ensures that you are not putting yourself at risk while essentially blind to the road conditions. Additionally, when you stop, you allow yourself the opportunity to assess the situation, whether that means calling for assistance or attempting to fix the issue safely, as opposed to continuing to drive without adequate lighting, which could lead to accidents.

Continuing to drive, even with parking lights or hazard lights on, does not provide adequate illumination for navigating dark roads, making these options less safe. Using high beam headlights temporarily may not be feasible without functioning headlights, and it may also cause further problems if the lights are fully out. Stopping your vehicle is the most responsible and safest action in this scenario.