Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

5 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. For a smooth normal stop with a manual transmission, when should you push in the clutch?

   Correct answer: Not until the engine rpm drops close to idle

   Control the pedal for a smooth stop and, with a manual gearbox, wait to press the clutch until the engine speed is near idle, then choose a starting gear.

   Source: Section 5.4.1 - Normal Stops

2. 2. On newer air brake vehicles, what does the parking brake control knob look like?

   Correct answer: A yellow, diamond-shaped push-pull knob

   Newer vehicles use a yellow, diamond-shaped push-pull knob; pull it out to set the parking (spring) brakes and push it in to release them.

   Source: Section 5.1.15 - Parking Brake Controls

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 could damage the brakes

   Adding pedal air pressure on top of the spring force can overload and damage the brakes; some systems guard against this, but not all, so build the habit of not doing it.

   Source: Section 5.1.15 - Parking Brake Controls

4. 4. When should you avoid setting the parking brakes?

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

   Hot brakes can be damaged and wet brakes can freeze solid, so in those cases use wheel chocks instead; let hot brakes cool, or dry wet ones by driving lightly in a low gear.

   Source: Section 5.4.8 - Parking Brakes

5. 5. What should you never do when leaving your vehicle unattended?

   Correct answer: Walk away without setting the parking brakes or chocking its wheels

   Always set the parking brakes or chock the wheels before walking away; otherwise the vehicle could roll and cause injury or damage.

   Source: Section 5.4.8 - Parking Brakes