Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

7 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. When should you avoid setting the parking brakes?

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

   Don't set the parking brakes if they are very hot from a steep grade or very wet in freezing weather, since heat can damage them and freezing can lock them; use wheel chocks instead.

   Source: Section 5.4.8 - Parking Brakes

2. 2. On tractors and straight trucks, spring brakes come fully on when air pressure falls into which range?

   Correct answer: 20 to 45 psi

   The spring brakes on tractors and straight trucks apply fully once air pressure drops to somewhere in the 20 to 45 psi range, often 20 to 30 psi.

   Source: Section 5.1.14 - Spring Brakes

3. 3. While a vehicle is being driven, what holds the powerful springs of the spring brakes back?

   Correct answer: Air pressure

   During driving the strong springs are held off by air pressure; if that air is taken away, the springs apply the brakes.

   Source: Section 5.1.14 - Spring Brakes

4. 4. 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

   Pushing the brake pedal with the spring brakes set can damage the brakes because of the combined force of the springs plus the applied air pressure.

   Source: Section 5.1.15 - Parking Brake Controls

5. 5. On newer air brake vehicles, how do you apply the parking brakes?

   Correct answer: Pull out a yellow, diamond-shaped control knob

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

   Source: Section 5.1.15 - Parking Brake Controls

6. 6. What must you always do before leaving your vehicle unattended?

   Correct answer: Apply the parking brakes or chock the wheels

   Never leave the vehicle unattended without setting the parking brakes or chocking the wheels, or it could roll away and cause injury or damage.

   Source: Section 5.4.8 - Parking Brakes

7. 7. How should you test that the parking brake will actually hold the vehicle?

   Correct answer: Set the parking brake and gently pull against it in a low gear

   To check the parking brake, stop the vehicle, set the parking brake, and gently try to pull forward against it in a low gear to confirm that it holds.

   Source: Section 5.3.3 - Final Air Brake Check (Test Parking Brake)