Handling Emergencies

Study questions with answers

9 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 your brakes suddenly stop working, you should first:

   Correct answer: Pump the pedal, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually

   If your brakes fail, pump the brake pedal quickly to try to build pressure, shift to a lower gear, and use the parking brake gradually. Steer to a safe place off the road.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Handling Emergencies / Brake Failure

2. 2. When driving in high winds, you should avoid using cruise control because:

   Correct answer: You need full control of the accelerator to react to gusts

   Cruise control reduces your control over the accelerator, and you need to be able to react quickly to sudden wind gusts, so it is safer to control your speed manually.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — High Winds

3. 3. If a front tire suddenly blows out while you are driving, you should:

   Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas

   In a blowout, hold the steering wheel firmly, ease your foot off the gas, and let the vehicle slow before easing off the road. Braking hard can cause you to lose control.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Handling Emergencies / Tire Blowout

4. 4. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should:

   Correct answer: Slow down gradually without braking

   Slow down gradually and do not brake; sudden braking during hydroplaning can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Hydroplaning

5. 5. If your vehicle has four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) and begins a locked-wheel skid, you should:

   Correct answer: Apply firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal

   With four-wheel ABS, apply firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal; the system will manage wheel lockup so you can still steer.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Skids

6. 6. Your vehicle stops running on the freeway and you manage to reach the right shoulder. What should you do next?

   Correct answer: Stay inside the vehicle with your seat belt on until help arrives

   Should you need to step out, use the door farthest from moving traffic, then get back in the same way once you are ready, buckle your seat belt, and remain in the vehicle until assistance shows up.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Disabled Vehicles on the Freeway

7. 7. If your right wheels drift off the pavement onto the dirt shoulder, you should:

   Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer back gently

   Do not brake hard or jerk the wheel. Ease off the gas, hold the wheel firmly, and steer gently back onto the pavement once your speed has dropped.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Handling Emergencies

8. 8. If the high beams of an oncoming car are blinding you at night, you should:

   Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane until it passes

   Look toward the right edge of your lane and use it as a guide until the vehicle passes. Do not stare into the lights or switch on your own high beams to retaliate.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Driving at Night

9. 9. If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is approaching, you should:

   Correct answer: Get everyone out and move away from the tracks

   Do not try to restart the car. Get everyone out immediately and move well away from the tracks, walking toward the train at an angle so you avoid flying debris, then call for help.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Railroad Crossings