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. How should you back to correct steering errors most easily and stop quickly if needed?

   Correct answer: Back as slowly as possible in the lowest reverse gear

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

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Backing Safely)

2. 2. To test the parking brake, what should you do after setting it?

   Correct answer: Gently pull forward in a low gear to see if it holds

   Put the vehicle in a low gear and gently pull forward against the parking brake to be sure it holds.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Seven-Step Inspection Method)

3. 3. For vehicles required to stop at a crossbuck where no white stop line is painted, where must they stop?

   Correct answer: No closer than 15 feet and no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail

   They must stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the nearest track.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Warning Signs and Devices)

4. 4. When you park a large vehicle, how should you position it to make leaving safer?

   Correct answer: So you can pull forward when leaving

   Whenever you can, park so that you will be able to pull forward when you leave, because backing is always dangerous.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Backing Safely)

5. 5. How can you test the service brakes' stopping action after starting a trip?

   Correct answer: At about 5 mph, apply the brake firmly and note any pulling

   At about five miles per hour, push the brake pedal firmly; pulling to one side or unusual pedal feel can mean brake trouble.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Seven-Step Inspection Method)

6. 6. When you park at the side of the road, what must you not rely on to warn approaching drivers?

   Correct answer: The taillights alone

   Do not trust the taillights alone; drivers have rear-ended parked vehicles thinking they were still moving, so use the four-way flashers.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Communicating Your Presence)

7. 7. Before you can consider a hydraulic-braked vehicle ready to drive, how do you test for a hydraulic leak?

   Correct answer: Pump three times, then hold firm pressure for five seconds

   Pump the brake pedal three times, then hold firm pressure for five seconds; if the pedal moves, there may be a leak that must be fixed first.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Seven-Step Inspection Method)

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

   Correct answer: Apply the parking brake

   Always apply the parking brake when you leave the vehicle so it cannot roll.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Basic Control of Your Vehicle)

9. 9. Before backing into an area, what should you get out and check for overhead?

   Correct answer: Overhanging branches, wires, or other objects

   Get out and check for overhanging objects such as tree branches, wires, or limbs, which are easy to miss while backing.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Space Overhead)

10. 10. When you must set out warning devices and there is a hill or curve behind your stopped vehicle, what should you do?

    Correct answer: Move the rear triangle back beyond the hill or curve

    Move the rearmost triangle back beyond the obstruction so drivers get warning at least 500 feet before they reach your vehicle.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Communicating Your Presence)

11. 11. When stopping at a rail crossing where required, what should you do to warn traffic behind you?

    Correct answer: Turn on your four-way emergency flashers

    Turn on your four-way emergency flashers, check for traffic behind you, and stop gradually, using a pullout lane if one is available.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Stopping Safely at Railroad Crossings)

12. 12. When a truck or bus stops in the roadway to unload or at a rail crossing, how should the driver warn following traffic?

    Correct answer: Flash the brake lights to warn them

    Warn drivers behind you by flashing your brake lights, and never stop suddenly.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Communicating)