South Carolina CDL — General Knowledge: Handling Emergencies Practice Test

Question 1

Which of these is a major sign that a tire has failed?

Accepted Answer

A loud bang or heavy vibration — A loud bang, heavy vibration, or a heavy feel in the steering are all major signs that a tire has failed.

Answer

A smoother, quieter ride

Answer

Improved fuel economy

Answer

The engine losing power

Question 2

While making a quick emergency turn, what should you avoid doing with the brakes?

Accepted Answer

Braking while you are turning — Do not apply the brakes while turning, because it is very easy to lock the wheels and skid out of control.

Answer

Keeping both hands on the wheel

Answer

Being ready to counter-steer

Answer

Turning only as much as needed

Question 3

To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, what should you do first?

Accepted Answer

Stop braking to let the rear wheels roll — Stop braking so the rear wheels can roll again and regain traction, then counter-steer as the vehicle comes back on course.

Answer

Accelerate to pull the vehicle straight

Answer

Brake even harder to regain grip

Answer

Turn the wheel toward the skid and hold it

Question 4

When cargo catches fire inside an enclosed van or box trailer, how should you handle the doors?

Accepted Answer

Keep them shut — Keep the doors shut, because opening them supplies oxygen that can make the fire burn much faster, especially with hazardous cargo.

Answer

Open them wide to release smoke

Answer

Remove them entirely

Answer

Open one door and close the other

Question 5

How does the controlled braking method work in an emergency stop?

Accepted Answer

Apply firm pressure just short of locking the wheels — Controlled braking means pressing the brakes nearly to the point of lockup while keeping any steering inputs slight.

Answer

Slam the pedal fully to lock every wheel

Answer

Pump the pedal rapidly the entire time

Answer

Barely touch the pedal and coast

Question 6

In the stab braking method, what do you do after the wheels lock up?

Accepted Answer

Release the brakes, then reapply when the wheels roll again — With stab braking you apply the brakes fully, release when the wheels lock, and reapply once the wheels start rolling again.

Answer

Hold the brakes fully locked until you stop

Answer

Steer sharply while keeping the wheels locked

Answer

Release the brakes and coast without reapplying

Question 7

When using a fire extinguisher, where should you aim it?

Accepted Answer

At the base or source of the fire — Point the extinguisher toward the fire's base or origin instead of at the flames, and keep as much distance from it as possible.

Answer

At the top of the flames

Answer

At the smoke above the fire

Answer

At the ground several feet away

Question 8

When you do not have enough room to stop, what is often a better emergency response than braking?

Accepted Answer

Steering around the obstacle — You can almost always steer around an obstacle faster than you can stop, so steering to avoid it may be safer than braking.

Answer

Closing your eyes and holding steady

Answer

Braking as hard as possible

Answer

Shifting into a higher gear

Question 9

What is an escape ramp designed to do?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Provide a shortcut around a downgrade

Answer

Let trucks bypass a weigh station

Answer

Serve as a rest area for tired drivers

Question 10

If a tire blows out, what should you do with the brakes at first?

Accepted Answer

Stay off the brake until the vehicle slows — Stay off the brake until the vehicle slows down, because braking right after a tire failure can cause a loss of control.

Answer

Pump the brakes rapidly at once

Answer

Brake as hard as possible right away

Answer

Apply the parking brake immediately

Question 11

If your hydraulic brakes lose pressure, which of these can help slow the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Downshifting to a lower gear — Downshifting, pumping the pedal, and using the separate parking or emergency brake can all help slow a vehicle after a hydraulic brake failure.

Answer

Shifting into a higher gear

Answer

Steering onto the smoothest pavement

Answer

Turning off the engine immediately

Question 12

What does an antilock braking system (ABS) do for you?

Accepted Answer

It keeps the wheels from locking during hard braking — ABS keeps the wheels from locking up during hard braking so you keep control, though it does not necessarily shorten stopping distance.

Answer

It always shortens your stopping distance

Answer

It lets you follow other vehicles more closely

Answer

It replaces the need for normal brakes

Handling Emergencies

Study questions with answers

1. Which of these is a major sign that a tire has failed?

2. While making a quick emergency turn, what should you avoid doing with the brakes?

3. To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, what should you do first?

4. When cargo catches fire inside an enclosed van or box trailer, how should you handle the doors?

5. How does the controlled braking method work in an emergency stop?

6. In the stab braking method, what do you do after the wheels lock up?

7. When using a fire extinguisher, where should you aim it?

8. When you do not have enough room to stop, what is often a better emergency response than braking?

9. What is an escape ramp designed to do?

10. If a tire blows out, what should you do with the brakes at first?

11. If your hydraulic brakes lose pressure, which of these can help slow the vehicle?

12. What does an antilock braking system (ABS) do for you?

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