Handling Emergencies

Study questions with answers

12 sample Handling Emergencies questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. If a tire blows out at highway speed, what is the correct first response?

   Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly, stay off the brake, and let the vehicle slow

   Hold the steering wheel firmly and stay off the brake at first; let the vehicle slow on its own, then brake gently when it is under control. Braking hard right away can make you lose control.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Driving Emergencies)

2. 2. How do you recover from a drive-wheel (rear) skid where the back of the vehicle slides out?

   Correct answer: Stop braking, steer where you want to go, and be ready to countersteer

   Stop braking so the rear wheels can roll, then steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, and be ready to countersteer as it straightens. Over-braking or over-accelerating is what usually starts this kind of skid.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — Driving Safely (Skid Control and Recovery)

3. 3. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet road, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and keep the wheel straight

   Ease off the accelerator and keep the steering wheel straight; do not brake hard. Hydroplaning means the tires have lost contact with the road, so slowing gently lets the tires touch the pavement again.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — Driving Safely (Driving in Bad Weather)

4. 4. In an emergency stop with a vehicle that does NOT have anti-lock brakes, how can you keep control?

   Correct answer: Use controlled braking or stab braking so the wheels do not stay locked

   Use controlled or stab braking so the wheels do not stay locked. With controlled braking you apply the brakes firmly without locking the wheels; with stab braking you brake fully, release when wheels lock, and reapply.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Driving Emergencies)

5. 5. What does an anti-lock braking system (ABS) do?

   Correct answer: Keeps the wheels from locking so you can steer while braking hard

   ABS keeps your wheels from locking up when you brake hard, so you can keep steering control and avoid a skid. In a hard stop with ABS, press the brake firmly and hold it.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Antilock Braking Systems)

6. 6. What is a common cause of skids?

   Correct answer: Driving too fast for conditions or braking too hard

   Most skids happen because the driver is going too fast for conditions, brakes too hard, steers too sharply, or accelerates too much. Slowing down for the conditions is the best way to prevent a skid.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Skid Control and Recovery)

7. 7. If your wheels drift off the pavement onto the shoulder, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Ease off the gas, keep straight, then steer back gently when slowed

   Stay on the shoulder, ease off the accelerator, and hold the wheel straight; do not brake hard or yank the wheel back. When it is safe and you have slowed down, steer gently back onto the road.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Driving Emergencies)

8. 8. What usually happens in a front-wheel skid, and how do you recover?

   Correct answer: The vehicle keeps going straight; ease off and let the front tires regain grip

   In a front-wheel skid the vehicle keeps going straight even when you turn the wheel, usually because you are going too fast or the front tires are worn. To recover, stop turning and braking so hard and let the vehicle slow until the front tires grip again.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — Driving Safely (Skid Control and Recovery)

9. 9. Which statement about anti-lock brakes (ABS) is TRUE?

   Correct answer: ABS does not shorten stopping distance or let you follow more closely

   ABS does not shorten your stopping distance and does not let you drive faster or follow more closely. It only helps you keep steering control during hard braking.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Antilock Braking Systems)

10. 10. Which conditions make hydroplaning more likely?

    Correct answer: Higher speed with standing water and worn tires

    Higher speed, standing or pooling water, and worn or underinflated tires all raise the risk of hydroplaning. It can begin at speeds as low as 30 mph, so slow down and keep good tread on wet roads.

    Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — Driving Safely (Driving in Bad Weather)

11. 11. If your hydraulic brakes fail while driving, what should you try?

    Correct answer: Pump the pedal, downshift, use the parking brake, and seek an escape ramp

    Pump the brake pedal to try to build up pressure, downshift to use engine braking, and use the parking (emergency) brake. Look for an escape ramp or an open path to slow the vehicle safely.

    Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Driving Emergencies)

12. 12. When using a fire extinguisher, where should you aim it?

    Correct answer: At the base of the fire, sweeping side to side

    Aim at the base (bottom) of the fire and sweep side to side, staying upwind so the flames and smoke blow away from you. Aiming at the flames instead of the base wastes the extinguisher.

    Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Fires)