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. Why should you never let traffic conditions trap you into stopping on railroad tracks?

   Correct answer: Because you could be stuck in the path of a train

   Never stop on the tracks; be sure you can get all the way across before you start, because a raised crossing or stall can leave you stuck in a train's path.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Crossing the Tracks)

2. 2. When you must leave the roadway to avoid a collision, how should you handle braking?

   Correct answer: Avoid braking until about 20 mph, then brake gently

   Avoid using the brakes until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph, then brake gently to avoid skidding on the loose surface.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Leaving the Road)

3. 3. On a manual-transmission vehicle stopped on a hill, how can you keep from rolling back when starting?

   Correct answer: Partly engage the clutch before releasing the brake

   Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake, and use the parking brake as needed until you apply enough power.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Accelerating)

4. 4. To avoid backing later, how should you try to park a commercial vehicle?

   Correct answer: So that you will be able to pull forward when leaving

   Because backing is always dangerous, avoid it when you can and park so you can pull forward when you leave.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Backing Safely)

5. 5. If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is approaching, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Get out and move away from the tracks

   Leave the vehicle immediately and get away from the tracks, walking at an angle toward the direction the train is coming from to avoid debris.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Stalling on Railroad Tracks)

6. 6. Where should you park before trying to put out a vehicle fire?

   Correct answer: In an open area away from anything that might catch fire

   Get the vehicle off the road and park in an open area away from buildings, trees, brush, and other vehicles; never pull into a service station.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Fire Fighting)

7. 7. When you have to back, what reverse gear should you use?

   Correct answer: The lowest reverse gear

   Always back as slowly as possible using the lowest reverse gear, so you can correct steering errors and stop quickly.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Back Slowly)

8. 8. When stopping at a railroad crossing, what should a driver do to protect against being rear-ended?

   Correct answer: Check behind, stop gradually, and turn on four-way flashers

   Check for traffic behind you while stopping gradually, use a pull-out lane if one is available, and turn on your four-way flashers.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Stopping Safely at Railroad-highway Crossings)

9. 9. How should the brake pedal be applied to bring a commercial vehicle to a normal stop?

   Correct answer: Push it down gradually for a smooth stop

   Push the brake pedal down gradually and control the pressure so the vehicle comes to a smooth, safe stop.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Stopping)

10. 10. What should a driver do with the parking brake whenever leaving the vehicle?

    Correct answer: Apply the parking brake

    Apply the parking brake whenever you leave your vehicle, and fasten your seatbelt when on the road.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Basic Control of Your Vehicle)

11. 11. If your brakes fail and there is no escape ramp, what alternative does the manual suggest?

    Correct answer: Take the least hazardous route, like an open field or uphill road

    If no escape ramp is available, take the least hazardous escape route, such as an open field or a side road that flattens or turns uphill, and act right away.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Brake Failure on Downgrades)

12. 12. What is an escape ramp built to do on a steep mountain downgrade?

    Correct answer: Stop a runaway vehicle safely using soft material

    Escape ramps use a long bed of loose, soft material, sometimes combined with an upgrade, to stop a runaway vehicle safely.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Mountain Driving)