Missouri Car / Permit: Handling Emergencies Practice Test

Question 1

While driving, your accelerator sticks and the engine keeps racing. What is the correct first step?

Accepted Answer

Shift the transmission into neutral and apply the brakes — Shift to neutral to cut power to the wheels, brake, keep your eyes on the road, and steer safely off the roadway before shutting off the engine.

Answer

Turn the key to lock right away

Answer

Pump the accelerator harder

Answer

Steer into the nearest ditch

Question 2

Your brake pedal sinks to the floor and the brakes fail. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Pump the pedal fast, then use the parking brake gradually and downshift — Pump the brake pedal quickly several times; if that fails, apply the parking brake gradually, shift to a lower gear, and steer off the road.

Answer

Turn off the ignition immediately

Answer

Steer into oncoming traffic to slow down

Answer

Do nothing and coast until you stop

Question 3

When you must drive in thick fog, which action is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Slow down and keep your headlights on low beam — In fog, reduce speed and use low beams, since high beams reflect back and reduce visibility; if it is too thick, pull off and stop.

Answer

Use your high beams for more light

Answer

Speed up to get through it quickly

Answer

Turn off all lights to reduce glare

Question 4

If your vehicle stops responding when you turn the wheel, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Ease off the gas and let the vehicle slow on its own before braking — With steering failure, take your foot off the accelerator, let the car slow gradually, turn on your flashers, and brake only when nearly stopped.

Answer

Brake as hard as possible immediately

Answer

Accelerate to straighten out

Answer

Turn the key off at once

Question 5

If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), how should you brake in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Keep firm, steady pressure on the brake while steering — With ABS, hold firm continuous pressure and steer; do not pump the pedal. A pulsing feel is normal and shows the system is working.

Answer

Pump the brake pedal repeatedly

Answer

Tap the brakes lightly and release

Answer

Avoid using the brakes at all

Question 6

A front tire suddenly blows out at highway speed. What should you do first?

Accepted Answer

Grip the wheel firmly and ease off the accelerator without braking hard — Hold the wheel tightly, take your foot off the gas, let the vehicle slow, and brake gently only as it nearly stops.

Answer

Slam on the brakes immediately

Answer

Jerk the wheel toward the shoulder

Answer

Turn off the engine right away

Question 7

A vehicle is coming straight toward you in your lane. What is the safest reaction?

Accepted Answer

Slow down, pull to the right, and sound your horn — Slow down, steer right, and honk; do not swing into the left lane, because the other driver may pull back into it.

Answer

Swerve into the left lane to avoid it

Answer

Speed up and pass on the left

Answer

Stop in your lane and wait

Question 8

Your rear wheels begin to skid to the right on a slick road. How should you steer?

Accepted Answer

Steer gently in the same direction the rear wheels are sliding — Ease off the accelerator, avoid braking, and steer in the direction the rear of the car is sliding to regain control.

Answer

Turn the wheel sharply to the left

Answer

Hold the wheel straight and brake hard

Answer

Jerk the wheel back and forth

Question 9

Your vehicle breaks down on a highway. What should you do to protect yourself and warn others?

Accepted Answer

Get the vehicle off the road if possible and turn on your emergency flashers — Move off the road if you can, switch on your emergency flashers, and if needed raise the hood or tie a white cloth to signal trouble.

Answer

Stand in the traffic lane to flag help

Answer

Leave the car in a travel lane and walk away

Answer

Stop just over a hill so others slow down

Question 10

On very wet pavement your tires begin to ride on top of the water (hydroplaning). What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Ease off the accelerator and slow down without braking — If you hydroplane, take your foot off the gas and slow gradually; braking can cause a skid. Hydroplaning can begin above 35 mph.

Answer

Brake firmly to regain grip

Answer

Accelerate to push through the water

Answer

Turn the wheel sharply toward the shoulder

Question 11

Your car stalls on railroad tracks and a train is approaching. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Get everyone out and run toward the direction the train is coming from — Leave the vehicle at once and move toward the oncoming train, away from where debris will scatter when the train strikes the car.

Answer

Stay in the car and try to restart it

Answer

Push the car forward across the tracks

Answer

Wait beside the car for help

Handling Emergencies

Study questions with answers

1. While driving, your accelerator sticks and the engine keeps racing. What is the correct first step?

2. Your brake pedal sinks to the floor and the brakes fail. What is the correct response?

3. When you must drive in thick fog, which action is recommended?

4. If your vehicle stops responding when you turn the wheel, what should you do?

5. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), how should you brake in an emergency?

6. A front tire suddenly blows out at highway speed. What should you do first?

7. A vehicle is coming straight toward you in your lane. What is the safest reaction?

8. Your rear wheels begin to skid to the right on a slick road. How should you steer?

9. Your vehicle breaks down on a highway. What should you do to protect yourself and warn others?

10. On very wet pavement your tires begin to ride on top of the water (hydroplaning). What should you do?

11. Your car stalls on railroad tracks and a train is approaching. What should you do?

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