North Dakota CDL — General Knowledge: Handling Emergencies Practice Test

Question 1

After evacuating a vehicle stuck on a railroad crossing, which way does the manual tell you to walk?

Accepted Answer

Toward the oncoming train, angling away from the tracks at 45 degrees — If a train strikes the vehicle, debris flies outward in the direction the train is moving. Walking toward the train and off to the side takes you out of that path.

Answer

Along the tracks, in the direction the train is traveling

Answer

Straight down the road behind your vehicle

Answer

Across the tracks to the far side

Question 2

Where should you aim a fire extinguisher?

Accepted Answer

Low, at the base where the fire starts, instead of into the flames above — The extinguishing agent has to reach the fuel that is burning, so it is directed at the fire's source. Stay as far back as you can and upwind.

Answer

At the top of the flames, where the heat is greatest

Answer

Into the smoke above the fire

Answer

At the ground several feet in front of the fire

Question 3

If an emergency forces you to drive off the road, what does the manual say helps you keep control?

Accepted Answer

Leaving the wheels on one side on the paved surface when you can — With the tires on one side still on pavement, the vehicle is easier to control. The manual also says to stay off the brakes until speed falls to roughly 20 mph.

Answer

Braking hard as soon as you reach the shoulder

Answer

Steering sharply back onto the road at once

Answer

Shifting into neutral and coasting

Question 4

During controlled braking, when should you release the brakes?

Accepted Answer

When the wheels lock or a bigger steering correction is needed — Controlled braking means braking as hard as possible short of lockup while keeping steering movements small. Lockup or the need for more steering calls for letting off, then reapplying as soon as you can.

Answer

Every two seconds, whether or not the wheels lock

Answer

Only after the vehicle has stopped completely

Answer

As soon as the ABS lamp comes on

Question 5

A fire involves hazardous materials and you are not sure which extinguishing agent to use. What does the manual say?

Accepted Answer

Wait for firefighters — The wrong agent can make a fire worse: water spreads a gasoline fire and can cause a shock on an electrical one. When in doubt, especially with hazardous materials, leave it to firefighters.

Answer

Use water, since it works on every fire

Answer

Use whatever extinguisher is closest

Answer

Open the cargo doors to let the fire burn out

Question 6

Which kind of skid will ABS not prevent?

Accepted Answer

One caused by spinning the drive wheels or taking a turn too fast — ABS guards against brake-induced skids and jackknifes. Power skids and turning skids come from acceleration or speed, which ABS does not control.

Answer

One caused by braking too hard on a slick road

Answer

One caused by wheel lockup in an emergency stop

Answer

Any brake-induced jackknife

Question 7

Your vehicle is stuck on a railroad crossing. In what order does the manual say to make your emergency calls?

Accepted Answer

The emergency number on the ENS sign first, then 911 — The Emergency Notification System number posted at the crossing reaches the railroad directly, so it comes first, followed by a call to 911.

Answer

911 first, then your employer

Answer

Your employer first, then the railroad

Answer

The Highway Patrol first, then the ENS number

Question 8

When may a passenger use the emergency exit door on a North Dakota bus?

Accepted Answer

Only in an emergency or during an evacuation drill — Each passenger bus must have an emergency exit door, and state standards limit its use to real emergencies and evacuation drills.

Answer

Whenever the front door is crowded

Answer

At any regular stop, with the driver's permission

Answer

Only when the bus is parked at the school

Question 9

With hydraulic brakes, what does a brake pedal that feels spongy or sinks to the floor tell you?

Accepted Answer

The system is not building up pressure — A soft or sinking pedal points to lost hydraulic pressure. The manual's responses are to downshift, pump the pedal, use the parking brake, and look for an escape route.

Answer

The brakes are overheated from a long downgrade

Answer

The parking brake is partly applied

Answer

The ABS is working normally

Question 10

Who may allow vehicles to exceed North Dakota's normal size and weight limits during an emergency?

Accepted Answer

The Governor — The Governor may authorize and set specific excess size and weight limits for emergencies and for unusual conditions affecting the public's welfare.

Answer

Any county commissioner

Answer

The motor carrier's safety director

Answer

The driver, if the load is urgent

Question 11

Your ABS malfunction lamp comes on after you are under way. What does the manual tell you to do?

Accepted Answer

Drive normally with your regular brakes, but get the system serviced soon — A lamp that lights while driving may mean ABS control is lost on one or more wheels, but normal braking remains. Keep driving and braking as usual and have it repaired promptly.

Answer

Stop immediately and wait for a tow

Answer

Pump the brakes at every stop from then on

Answer

Disconnect the trailer's electrical line

Question 12

What is the only way to stop a front-wheel skid?

Accepted Answer

Let the vehicle slow down — When the front wheels skid, the vehicle's nose keeps heading straight no matter how much you steer. Ease off the turning or braking and let speed come down as fast as it can without a skid.

Answer

Accelerate to pull the front end straight

Answer

Turn the wheel harder in the direction of the curve

Answer

Apply the trailer hand valve

North Dakota CDL — General Knowledge: Handling Emergencies practice test

Study questions with answers

1. After evacuating a vehicle stuck on a railroad crossing, which way does the manual tell you to walk?

2. Where should you aim a fire extinguisher?

3. If an emergency forces you to drive off the road, what does the manual say helps you keep control?

4. During controlled braking, when should you release the brakes?

5. A fire involves hazardous materials and you are not sure which extinguishing agent to use. What does the manual say?

6. Which kind of skid will ABS not prevent?

7. Your vehicle is stuck on a railroad crossing. In what order does the manual say to make your emergency calls?

8. When may a passenger use the emergency exit door on a North Dakota bus?

9. With hydraulic brakes, what does a brake pedal that feels spongy or sinks to the floor tell you?

10. Who may allow vehicles to exceed North Dakota's normal size and weight limits during an emergency?

11. Your ABS malfunction lamp comes on after you are under way. What does the manual tell you to do?

12. What is the only way to stop a front-wheel skid?

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Practice Handling Emergencies in another state