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. When you stop on a hill or curve that blocks other drivers' view, what should you do with the rear warning device?

   Correct answer: Move it back beyond the obstruction so warning reaches 500 feet

   Move the rearmost triangle farther back beyond the hill or curve so drivers get warning at least 500 feet before reaching your vehicle.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating Your Presence)

2. 2. How many tie-downs are needed as a minimum for a 20-foot flatbed load?

   Correct answer: Two

   With at least one tie-down for every ten feet of cargo, a 20-foot load needs a minimum of two.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo (Cargo Tie-Down)

3. 3. When going down a long grade using proper braking, when do you release the brakes?

   Correct answer: After speed drops about 5 mph below your safe speed

   Apply the brakes hard enough to feel a clear slowdown, then let off once your speed drops to about five mph below your chosen safe speed.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Proper Braking Technique)

4. 4. When should you shift into a low gear if you plan to descend a steep grade?

   Correct answer: Before you start down the grade

   Put the transmission in a low gear before the descent begins; after speed builds, downshifting may become impossible.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Select the Right Gear)

5. 5. Within how many minutes must you set out warning devices after stopping on a road or shoulder?

   Correct answer: Within 10 minutes

   Emergency warning devices must be placed within ten minutes whenever you stop on a road or shoulder.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating Your Presence)

6. 6. In the controlled braking method, what do you do if the wheels lock or you need a larger steering move?

   Correct answer: Release the brakes, then reapply

   Controlled braking means applying brakes hard without locking the wheels; if they lock or you must steer more, release the brakes and reapply as soon as you can.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Stop Quickly and Safely)

7. 7. What is an escape ramp designed to do?

   Correct answer: Stop a runaway vehicle safely

   An escape ramp relies on a long stretch of soft, loose material, at times paired with an incline, to halt a runaway rig without harming those inside.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Escape Ramps)

8. 8. What is the correct way to bring a heavy vehicle to a smooth stop with a manual transmission?

   Correct answer: Press the brake gradually and clutch near idle

   Apply brake pressure gradually for a smooth, safe stop, and push in the clutch only when the engine nears idle.

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

9. 9. On a divided highway, where do you place the three warning triangles behind a stopped vehicle?

   Correct answer: At 10, 100, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic

   For a one-way or divided road, set the devices toward oncoming traffic at distances of 10, 100, and 200 feet behind the rig.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating Your Presence)

10. 10. Where should you try to park so you can leave more safely?

    Correct answer: So you can pull forward when leaving

    Because backing is always risky, park so that you can pull forward when you leave rather than having to back out.

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

11. 11. What should you do with the parking brake whenever you leave your vehicle?

    Correct answer: Set the parking brake

    Apply the parking brake every time you leave the vehicle so it cannot roll away.

    Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Basic Control)

12. 12. At minimum, how many tie-downs must any flatbed load have, no matter how small it is?

    Correct answer: Two

    Even the smallest cargo requires at least two tie-downs, plus at least one tie-down for every ten feet of cargo length.

    Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo (Cargo Tie-Down)