Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

12 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. When you park, how should you position the vehicle to make leaving safer?

   Correct answer: So you can pull forward when you leave

   Try to park so you can pull forward when you leave, since backing is always dangerous and should be avoided when possible.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.2.4 (Backing Safely)

2. 2. Before backing into an area, why should you get out and check for overhanging objects?

   Correct answer: Because overhead objects such as branches or wires are easy to miss while backing

   It is easy to miss trees, branches, or electric wires overhead while backing, so get out and check clearance and other hazards first.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.7.4 (Space Overhead)

3. 3. Whenever you leave your vehicle, what should you do with the parking brake?

   Correct answer: Apply the parking brake

   Apply the parking brake whenever you leave your vehicle so it cannot roll away.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.2 (Basic Control of Your Vehicle)

4. 4. Before you leave your vehicle during a roadside stop, why should you not trust your taillights to warn traffic?

   Correct answer: Because approaching drivers may think a lit vehicle is still moving

   Drivers have crashed into the rear of parked vehicles because the taillights made them think the vehicle was still moving normally.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (Communicating Your Presence)

5. 5. Within how many minutes of stopping on a road or shoulder must a driver put out the emergency warning devices?

   Correct answer: Within 10 minutes

   You must place your emergency warning devices within ten minutes of stopping on a road or the shoulder.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (Communicating Your Presence)

6. 6. How should you hold the reflective triangles while walking out to place them?

   Correct answer: Between yourself and the oncoming traffic

   Hold the triangles between yourself and oncoming traffic as you set them out, so other drivers can see you for your own safety.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (Communicating Your Presence)

7. 7. If your stopped vehicle is hidden by a hill or curve, what should you do with the rear warning device?

   Correct answer: Move the rear triangle farther back, beyond the obstruction

   Move the rearmost triangle back down the road, beyond the hill or curve, so approaching drivers get warning within 500 feet.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (Communicating Your Presence)

8. 8. When truck or bus drivers must stop in the roadway to unload or at a rail crossing, how should they warn following drivers?

   Correct answer: By flashing the brake lights and not stopping suddenly

   Alert the drivers behind you by flashing the brake lights, and avoid any sudden stop.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Signal Your Intentions)

9. 9. The first action to take at an accident scene is to do what?

   Correct answer: Protect the area to prevent another crash

   Protect the area first to keep another crash from happening in the same spot: move your vehicle aside if possible, turn on flashers, and set out triangles.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.20.1 (Protect the Area)

10. 10. When a school bus, passenger vehicle, or placarded hazmat vehicle stops at a rail crossing, how should the driver come to a stop relative to following traffic?

    Correct answer: Stop gradually while checking traffic behind, using a pullout lane if there is one

    Watch the traffic behind as you slow to a gradual stop, pull into a designated lane when one exists, and never form a second lane.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.15.4 (Stopping Safely at Railroad-highway Crossings)

11. 11. When stopping to help at an accident that involves other vehicles, where should you park?

    Correct answer: Away from the accident, leaving room for emergency vehicles

    Park away from the accident, because the area immediately around it will be needed for emergency vehicles.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.20.1 (Protect the Area)

12. 12. If your vehicle is involved in an accident, what should you try to do with it first?

    Correct answer: Move it to the side of the road if you can

    If your vehicle is in the accident, try to move it to the side of the road to prevent another crash and let traffic move.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.20.1 (Protect the Area)