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 back a commercial vehicle, which reverse gear should you use and at what speed?

   Correct answer: The lowest reverse gear, moving as slowly as possible

   Back as slowly as possible in the lowest reverse gear so you can correct steering errors easily and stop quickly if needed.

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

2. 2. If your vehicle gets stuck on railroad tracks, what should you do first?

   Correct answer: Get out and away from the tracks, then call for help

   Get everyone clear of the vehicle and well away from the rails right away, then use the crossing's posted emergency information to call for help.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Special Situations)

3. 3. Why is relying only on your taillights dangerous when stopped at the roadside?

   Correct answer: Drivers may think the taillights mean the vehicle is moving normally

   Drivers have crashed into parked vehicles because they mistook the taillights for a vehicle moving normally, so warning devices and flashers are needed.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (When Parked at the Side of the Road)

4. 4. Before backing into an area, what should you do about overhead objects?

   Correct answer: Get out and check for branches or wires before backing

   Step out and look overhead for things like tree limbs or power lines before you back, because they are easy to miss in reverse.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Space Overhead)

5. 5. During the brake-system test, how do you check that the parking brake holds?

   Correct answer: Set it, put the vehicle in low gear, and gently pull forward against it

   With the parking brake set and the vehicle in low gear, gently pull forward against it; if the brake doesn't hold the vehicle, it is faulty and must be fixed.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Brake System Test)

6. 6. When you park, how should you position the vehicle to make leaving safer?

   Correct answer: So you can pull forward when you leave

   Try to park so you can pull forward when you leave, since backing is always dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible.

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

7. 7. When you must stop on the road to unload or at a crossing, how should you avoid surprising the driver behind you?

   Correct answer: Flash your brake lights and avoid a sudden stop

   Alert the drivers behind you by flashing the brake lights and avoid stopping abruptly, since your vehicle's bulk can conceal hazards from them.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Stopping on the Road)

8. 8. How should you start moving on an upgrade without rolling back into the vehicle behind you?

   Correct answer: Hold with the parking brake, release only once you have enough power

   Hold the vehicle with the parking brake, releasing it only after the engine is producing enough pull to stop any rearward roll; a trailer hand valve can serve the same purpose.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Accelerating)

9. 9. When you must stop at a railroad crossing, what should you do to warn traffic behind you?

   Correct answer: Turn on your four-way emergency flashers

   Stop gradually while checking for traffic behind you, use a pullout lane if available, and turn on your four-way emergency flashers.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Stopping Safely at Railroad-highway Crossings)

10. 10. When should you apply the parking brake?

    Correct answer: Whenever you leave the vehicle

    Apply the parking brake whenever you leave the vehicle, and fasten your seatbelt when you are on the road.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Basic Control of Your Vehicle)

11. 11. Where should hazardous-materials shipping papers be kept when the driver is out of the vehicle?

    Correct answer: On the driver's seat

    When the driver leaves the vehicle, the hazmat shipping papers should be left on the driver's seat; while driving, they go in a door pouch or within clear reach.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Hazardous Materials Rules For All Commercial Drivers)

12. 12. After you leave the travel lane and park at night, what should you be certain to switch on?

    Correct answer: The four-way emergency flashers

    Turn on the four-way emergency flashers when stopped at the side of the road; don't rely on taillights, which drivers may mistake for a moving vehicle.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (When Parked at the Side of the Road)