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. How do you test that the parking brake holds?

   Correct answer: In a low gear, gently pull forward against the set parking brake

   With the parking brake set and the vehicle in a low gear, gently pull forward; the brake should hold the vehicle.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.1.5 (Test parking brakes)

2. 2. Because backing is dangerous, how should you try to park?

   Correct answer: So you can pull forward when you leave

   Park so that you can pull forward when you leave, since you cannot see everything behind you when backing.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.2.4 (Backing safely)

3. 3. Why must you never let traffic trap you stopped on railroad tracks?

   Correct answer: A train could reach the crossing before you clear it

   A train could reach the crossing before you can clear it, so never stop in a position where you are stuck on the tracks.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15.5 (Crossing the tracks)

4. 4. How should you apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a normal stop?

   Correct answer: Push the pedal down gradually, controlling pressure for a smooth stop

   Push the brake pedal down gradually, controlling the pressure for a smooth, safe stop based on speed and how quickly you must stop.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.2.3 (Stopping)

5. 5. Before stopping on the road to unload cargo or at a crossing, how do you warn drivers behind you?

   Correct answer: Flash your brake lights and avoid stopping suddenly

   Flash your brake lights to warn following drivers, and do not stop suddenly.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Stopping on the Road)

6. 6. When you pull off and stop at the side of the road, what should you turn on?

   Correct answer: The four-way emergency flashers

   Turn on the four-way emergency flashers; do not rely on taillights, which drivers may mistake for a moving vehicle.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (When parked at the side of the road)

7. 7. When starting on an upgrade with a manual transmission, how do you avoid rolling back?

   Correct answer: Partly engage the clutch before releasing the brake, using the parking brake as needed

   Partly engage the clutch before releasing the brake, using the parking brake or trailer hand valve as needed to keep from rolling back.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.2.1 (Accelerating)

8. 8. When stopping at a railroad crossing, what precaution helps protect you from traffic behind?

   Correct answer: Check traffic behind, stop gradually, and use a pullout lane if available

   Check traffic behind you, stop gradually, and use a pullout lane if one is available.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15.4 (Stopping safely)

9. 9. How do you check hydraulic brakes for leaks before driving?

   Correct answer: Pump the pedal three times, then hold firm pressure for five seconds; it should not move

   Pump the pedal three times, then press firmly and hold for a five-second count; it should stay put.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.1.5 (Test for hydraulic leaks)

10. 10. If your vehicle catches fire, where should you pull off and stop?

    Correct answer: In an open spot, clear of buildings, trees, brush, and other vehicles

    Pull over in an open spot, well clear of buildings, trees, brush, and other vehicles, and never into a service station.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.21.3 (Pull off the road)

11. 11. When a vehicle required to stop at a railroad crossing finds no stop line, where must it stop relative to the nearest rail?

    Correct answer: Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail

    With no painted line, a vehicle that must stop has to halt somewhere between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 (Cross-buck signs)

12. 12. What should you always do when you leave your vehicle?

    Correct answer: Set the parking brake

    Set the parking brake whenever you leave the vehicle.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.2 (Basic control of your vehicle)