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. Why should you avoid pressing the brake pedal while the spring brakes are applied?

   Correct answer: The combined spring and air forces could damage the brakes

   Adding pedal-applied air pressure on top of the spring force can overload and damage the brakes, so it is best to never do it.

   Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual, Section 5 (Air Brakes), 5.1.15 Parking Brake Controls - Caution

2. 2. How do you test that the parking brake will hold?

   Correct answer: Set the parking brake, then gently try to pull forward in a low gear

   With the parking brake set, ease against it in a low gear; if it holds the vehicle in place, the parking brake passed the test.

   Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual, Section 5 (Air Brakes), 5.3.3 Final Air Brake Check - Test Parking Brake

3. 3. On newer air-brake vehicles, how do you set the parking (spring) brakes?

   Correct answer: Pull out the yellow, diamond-shaped knob

   Newer vehicles use a yellow, diamond-shaped push-pull knob: pull it out to apply the parking brakes and push it in to release them.

   Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual, Section 5 (Air Brakes), 5.1.15 Parking Brake Controls

4. 4. If your tanks have manually operated drain valves rather than automatic ones, how often should you drain them?

   Correct answer: At the end of each driving day

   Manual drains have to be opened by the driver, and this should be done at the close of every day of driving to clear out accumulated water and oil.

   Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual, Section 5 (Air Brakes), 5.1.4 Air Tank Drains

5. 5. How should you test the service brakes at the end of the brake check?

   Correct answer: Roll forward slowly, about 5 mph, then press firmly and note any pulling or delay

   Move ahead at about 5 mph and apply the brakes firmly; watch for the vehicle pulling to one side, an odd feel, or a slow response.

   Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual, Section 5 (Air Brakes), 5.3.3 Final Air Brake Check - Test Service Brakes