Handling Emergencies

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. 1. If you need to shut off the engine in an emergency, you should turn the ignition to OFF rather than LOCK because the LOCK position will:

   Correct answer: Lock the steering and stop you from steering

   Turning the key to LOCK will also lock the steering wheel, leaving you unable to steer. Use OFF so you keep steering control.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

2. 2. When following distance runs out and you are stopped on an uphill grade behind another vehicle, why is extra space helpful?

   Correct answer: The vehicle ahead may roll backward when it starts

   On an uphill stop, the vehicle ahead may roll back toward you when traffic starts moving, so leave a little extra room in front.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

3. 3. If the rear of your vehicle begins to skid to the right, you should steer:

   Correct answer: To the right, the way the rear is sliding

   Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, the same way the rear is sliding. Do not hit the brakes, which would worsen the skid.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

4. 4. If an aggressive driver begins following or chasing you, the safest thing to do is:

   Correct answer: Drive to a police station or busy public place

   Do not head home. Instead, drive to a police station, a busy store, or somewhere else you can get help and where witnesses are present.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

5. 5. If your accelerator (gas pedal) sticks while driving, one recommended step is to:

   Correct answer: Shift the transmission into neutral

   Keep your eyes on the road and shift into neutral to cut power to the wheels. Do not reach down with your hand to try to free the pedal.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

6. 6. You come to a roadway covered by flowing water. The safest action is to:

   Correct answer: Turn around and take a different route

   Turn around and choose another route. Never try to drive across; even six inches of water is enough to make you lose control, and passing a flood control barrier is against the law.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

7. 7. If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is coming, you should:

   Correct answer: Get out and move far from the tracks

   Get out of the vehicle immediately and move as far away from the tracks as you can. Do not stay with the vehicle or try to restart it.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

8. 8. If your brakes fail and pumping the pedal does not restore braking, you should:

   Correct answer: Use the parking brake and shift to a lower gear

   If pumping does not work, use the parking (emergency) brake, holding the release so you can let off if the rear wheels lock, and shift to a lower gear while steering toward a safe spot.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

9. 9. In a vehicle without anti-lock brakes, the correct way to make a hard emergency stop is to:

   Correct answer: Press and release the brakes repeatedly

   In a vehicle without ABS, pump the brake pedal by pressing and easing off over and over. Jamming the pedal down can lock the wheels and start a skid.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

10. 10. A vehicle is coming straight toward you in your lane. If a collision seems unavoidable, you should:

    Correct answer: Steer right and brake firmly to reduce the impact

    Sound your horn and try to steer to the right, since swerving left could still cause a crash if the other driver corrects. If you cannot avoid it, brake firmly and steadily, because every mph you drop reduces the impact.

    Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

11. 11. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS) and you must stop suddenly, you should:

    Correct answer: Hold firm, steady pressure on the brake

    With ABS, keep firm, steady pressure on the brake and do not pump it. The system prevents the wheels from locking, so the vehicle should not skid.

    Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive

12. 12. If you feel your vehicle start to hydroplane on a wet road, you should:

    Correct answer: Ease your foot off the gas and hold the wheel steady

    Keep both hands on the wheel and slowly ease off the gas so the vehicle slows. Do not slam the brakes or turn suddenly, which can cause a skid.

    Source: PA Driver's Manual — Learning to Drive