New York CDL — General Knowledge practice
Handling Emergencies
What to do when things go wrong — brake failure, tire blowouts, skids, and stalling on railroad tracks.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · July 7, 2026
15 questions · pass with 12 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. Your drive wheels begin to skid. To regain control you should stop braking and:
Correct answer: Turn the wheel in the direction you want to go and countersteer as it straightens
In a drive-wheel skid, stop braking to let the wheels roll, and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go (steer into the skid). As the vehicle straightens, countersteer so you don't skid the other way.
2. If your wheels drift off the pavement onto the shoulder, you should first:
Correct answer: Take your foot off the accelerator and keep the vehicle straight
Don't brake hard or jerk the wheel back onto the road. Ease off the accelerator, keep the vehicle going straight, and let it slow on the shoulder; then steer back gently when it is safe and countersteer to straighten out.
3. You suddenly come upon an obstacle in your lane with no room to stop. Usually the best action is to:
Correct answer: Steer around the obstacle, since you can usually turn faster than you can stop
You can almost always steer around an obstacle faster than you can stop. Stopping is not always the safest choice, so be ready to steer or swerve to an open path while keeping both hands on the wheel.
4. An antilock braking system (ABS) on a commercial vehicle:
Correct answer: Keeps the wheels from locking so you can steer while braking hard
ABS keeps your wheels from locking up during hard braking so you can keep steering control. It does not necessarily shorten your stopping distance, and it does not let you drive faster or follow more closely.
5. The ABS malfunction lamp on your dash stays lit, showing the antilock braking system is not working. This means:
Correct answer: You still have normal brakes and should get the ABS repaired
If the ABS fails, you still have normal brakes and can drive the vehicle; you simply lose the antilock function that keeps the wheels from locking. Brake as you normally would, avoid locking the wheels, and have the ABS repaired.
Source: New York State CDL Manual — Antilock Braking Systems
6. Most skids are the result of:
Correct answer: Driving too fast for conditions
Most skids happen because the driver is going too fast for the road conditions. Driving at a safe speed for the surface — and braking and steering smoothly — is the best way to prevent a skid.
7. If you suspect a fire inside a closed cargo trailer, you should:
Correct answer: Keep the doors closed and call for help
Do not open the trailer doors if you suspect a fire inside — the rush of air can make the fire flare up. Keep the doors shut, call for help, and let firefighters handle it if you cannot safely control it.
8. After you stop at the scene of a crash, one of the first things you should do is:
Correct answer: Protect the area with flashers and warning devices, then notify authorities
Protect the area so there isn't a second crash: park away from the scene, turn on your flashers, and set out reflective warning triangles. Then notify authorities and help the injured as you are able.
9. If the engine of your vehicle catches fire, you should:
Correct answer: Keep the hood down and shoot the extinguisher through the grille or louvers
Keep the hood closed if you can, because opening it feeds the fire more air. Shoot the fire extinguisher through the grille, radiator, or hood louvers, aiming at the base of the flames, and get help. Throwing the hood open can make the fire flare into your face.
10. You must stop on the shoulder of a two-lane, two-way road. Where should you place your reflective warning triangles?
Correct answer: About 10 feet, 100 feet behind, and 100 feet in front of the vehicle
On a two-lane, two-way road, place one triangle within 10 feet of the rear of the vehicle, one about 100 feet behind, and one about 100 feet in front, so traffic from both directions is warned. Adjust placement on hills and curves.
11. Which of these can be a sign that one of your tires has suddenly blown out?
Correct answer: A loud bang, heavy vibration or thumping, and the vehicle pulling or steering hard
A blowout often announces itself with a loud bang, a strong vibration or thumping, and a sudden change in how the vehicle steers or handles. Because the bang may come a moment before you feel it, treat any of these signs as a possible blowout.
12. Your brakes fail on a long downgrade. Besides downshifting, one of the best things you can do is:
Correct answer: Use an escape ramp if one is available
If your brakes fail on a grade, use an escape ramp if one is available — they are built to stop runaway vehicles. Also downshift and use the parking brake as needed, and look for an escape route such as an open field or an upgrade.
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