Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

4 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. On a vehicle with dual parking control valves, why must you plan carefully when using the separate tank to release the spring brakes?

   Correct answer: There is only enough reserve air to release the brakes a few times

   The separate reservoir that lets you move the vehicle in an emergency holds only enough air for a few releases, so you could be stranded in a bad spot once it runs out.

   Source: New Jersey Commercial Driver License Manual, Section 5.1.15 - Parking Brake Controls

2. 2. When should you avoid setting the parking brakes and use wheel chocks instead?

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

   Do not apply the parking brakes when the brakes are very hot from a steep descent or very wet in freezing temperatures, because heat can damage them and freezing can lock the vehicle in place; chock the wheels instead.

   Source: New Jersey Commercial Driver License Manual, Section 5.4 - Parking Brakes

3. 3. What should you never do when leaving your vehicle unattended?

   Correct answer: Walk away without either setting the parking brakes or blocking the wheels with chocks

   You should never walk away from the vehicle unless you have set the parking brakes or blocked the wheels with chocks; otherwise it could roll and cause injury or damage.

   Source: New Jersey Commercial Driver License Manual, Section 5.4 - Parking Brakes

4. 4. On a newer air brake vehicle, how do you apply and release the parking brakes with the diamond-shaped yellow knob?

   Correct answer: Pull it out to apply, push it in to release

   The yellow, diamond-shaped push-pull knob is pulled out to set the parking (spring) brakes and pushed in to release them.

   Source: New Jersey Commercial Driver License Manual, Section 5.1.15 - Parking Brake Controls