Michigan CDL — General Knowledge practice
Handling Emergencies
What to do when things go wrong — brake failure, tire blowouts, skids, and stalling on railroad tracks.
16 questions · pass with 13 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
Study questions with answers
12 sample Handling Emergencies questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
1. How can you tell that your ABS may not be working?
Correct answer: A yellow ABS warning lamp remains lit after the start-up bulb check
A yellow ABS malfunction lamp that stays lit after the start-up bulb check, or comes on while driving, signals a possible ABS problem.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.18.7 (Braking if ABS is not working)
2. What defines the controlled braking method?
Correct answer: Braking as hard as possible without locking the wheels, using small steering inputs
Apply the brakes as hard as possible without locking the wheels, keeping steering movements small; release if the wheels lock.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.17.2 (Controlled braking)
3. What is an escape ramp designed to do?
Correct answer: Stop a runaway vehicle safely, often using soft gravel
An escape ramp stops a runaway vehicle safely, often using a long bed of soft gravel, sometimes combined with an upgrade.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.16.4 (Escape ramps)
4. What are the basic steps to take at an accident scene?
Correct answer: Secure the scene, alert the authorities, and tend to anyone injured
The basic steps are to protect the area, notify the authorities, and care for anyone injured.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.20 (Accident procedures)
5. If you must drive onto the shoulder to avoid a crash, when should you brake?
Correct answer: Only after your speed drops to about 20 mph, then brake gently
Avoid braking until your speed drops to about 20 mph, then brake gently to keep from skidding on the loose surface.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.17.1 (Leaving the road)
6. For a cargo fire inside a closed van or box trailer, what should you do with the doors?
Correct answer: Keep them shut so you do not feed the fire with oxygen
Keep the doors shut; opening them feeds the fire with oxygen and can make it burn much faster.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.21.3 (Keep the fire from spreading)
7. When making a quick emergency turn, what should you avoid?
Correct answer: Braking while turning, which can lock the wheels
Do not brake while making the turn; braking during a hard turn can lock the wheels and send you into a skid.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.17.1 (How to turn quickly and safely)
8. Which of these are major signs that a tire has failed?
Correct answer: A loud bang, heavy vibration, or a change in steering feel
A loud bang, heavy thumping or vibration, and a change in steering feel are the main signs of tire failure.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.17.4 (Recognize tire failure)
9. After steering quickly around an obstacle, what must you be ready to do?
Correct answer: Counter-steer by turning the wheel back the other way
Be prepared to counter-steer, turning the wheel back the other way, so the vehicle does not keep turning off course.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.17.1 (How to turn quickly and safely)
10. If an oncoming vehicle drifts into your lane, which way is usually best to steer?
Correct answer: To the right
A move to the right is usually best, since a driver who realizes the mistake will naturally return to their own lane.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.17.1 (Where to steer)
11. What does an antilock braking system (ABS) do?
Correct answer: Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking so you keep control
ABS prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking so you keep control; it is an add-on that does not necessarily shorten stopping distance.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.18 (Antilock Braking Systems)
12. In an emergency where you lack room to stop, what is usually true?
Correct answer: You can usually turn to miss an obstacle faster than you can stop
In most cases you can swerve around an obstacle sooner than you could brake to a stop, though top-heavy or multi-trailer rigs may roll.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.17.1 (Steering to avoid a crash)