Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

6 sample Parking & Stopping questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. On newer air brake vehicles, how do you apply the parking brakes?

   Correct answer: Pull out the yellow, diamond-shaped knob

   You pull out the yellow, diamond-shaped push-pull knob to set the parking (spring) brakes and push it in to release them.

   Source: Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual (DR 2251), Section 5.1.15 - Parking Brake Controls

2. 2. What should you always do before leaving your vehicle unattended?

   Correct answer: Apply the parking brakes or chock the wheels

   Never leave the vehicle unattended without applying the parking brakes or chocking the wheels, or it could roll away and cause harm.

   Source: Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual (DR 2251), Section 5.4.8 - Parking Brakes

3. 3. Why should you avoid pressing the brake pedal while the spring brakes are already applied?

   Correct answer: The combined spring and air forces can damage the brakes

   Combining the spring force with added air pressure can damage the brakes, so it is best never to push the pedal while the spring brakes are on.

   Source: Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual (DR 2251), Section 5.1.15 - Parking Brake Controls

4. 4. How do you test that the parking brake will hold?

   Correct answer: Set the parking brake and gently tug against it in a low gear

   After governor cut-out, set the parking brake and gently pull against it in a low gear to confirm it holds the vehicle.

   Source: Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual (DR 2251), Section 5.3.3 - Final Air Brake Check

5. 5. If your air tanks have manually operated drain valves, how often should you drain them?

   Correct answer: At the end of each day of driving

   Manual drains do not empty themselves, so the driver must open them to remove moisture and oil at the end of every driving day.

   Source: Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual (DR 2251), Section 5.1.4 - Air Tank Drains

6. 6. When should you NOT use the parking brakes?

   Correct answer: When the brakes are very hot, or very wet in freezing temperatures

   Avoid setting the parking brakes when the brakes are very hot from a grade or very wet in freezing temperatures; use wheel chocks instead until they cool or dry.

   Source: Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual (DR 2251), Section 5.4.8 - Parking Brakes