Methods for testing the operation of an aircraft braking system utilize the steps of applying a predetermined electrical energy level to an electromechanical actuator attached to a brake assembly, followed by discontinuing electrical energy to the electromechanical actuator. In some test methods, an actuation level of the electromechanical actuator is determined and used to evaluate braking performance. In other tests, a voltage generated by an electric motor in an actuator is measured and used to evaluate braking performance.