Start it up and drive it gently at first and give the brakes a couple of test stops on roads without any traffic before you get out on the open road. Next fill the gas tank up with fresh gas, get the oil changed, and consider changing out most of the fluids (coolant, brake, transmission, etc.) in the next month or so. Since your dad said the car needs brake work, you should have the brakes checked. A service station can pull the wheels and inspect the brakes for pad wear and function.