California Emergencies practice test

Practice breakdowns, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings, with questions based on the California Driver's Handbook.

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Sample Emergencies questions

What does the CHP Freeway Service Patrol provide in California?

  • Free car repairs at any private shop
  • Towing for any vehicle at any hour
  • Free roadside help during commute times
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Free roadside help during commute times

It can change a flat tire, jump-start a battery or give you a gallon of gas in certain areas.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8, Safe Driving (continued)

Your car stalls on tracks, with no train coming or lights flashing. What should you do?

  • Try restarting it until it finally works
  • Stay in the car and wait for a tow
  • Get out and call the number posted at the crossing
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Get out and call the number posted at the crossing

Report the stalled car and give the crossing number, if one is posted. Then call 911.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8, Safe Driving (continued)

You see a crash ahead on the road. How can you warn the drivers behind you?

  • Speed up to get past the crash
  • Turn on your emergency flashers
  • Stop beside the crash and wave
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Turn on your emergency flashers

Flashers warn the drivers behind you that something is wrong ahead.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5, An Introduction to Driving; Illinois Rules of the Road, Chapter 7, Traffic Violations/Crashes: introduction (p. 54); North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Emergency Warning Flashers (p. 67); Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Chapter 2, p. 45; Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 8, If You Arrive First at a Crash Scene (p. 90); Arkansas Driver License Study Guide (Vol. 1, Ed. 10, October 2026), Chapter 5, See and Be Seen, Emergency Flashers/Hazard Lights, PDF p. 64

Your car has trouble and you must stop. Where should you avoid stopping?

  • On a wide shoulder with a clear view
  • Well off the road on a straight section
  • Just over a hill or around a curve
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Just over a hill or around a curve

Drivers may not see you in time on a hill or curve. Get off the road if possible and turn on your emergency flashers.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5, An Introduction to Driving; Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 5, 5.7 Vehicle failures; Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Chapter 5, p. 125; Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 6, Emergencies, PDF p. 43; Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 4, Parking: Routine Parking Regulations (p. 65); Kentucky Driver Manual, Section Nine, Vehicle Breakdown & Emergency Signals, PDF p. 66; Connecticut Driver's Manual, Chapter 4, Road Safety, Vehicle Emergencies, p. 39; MDPS Driver's License Manual, Parking, PDF p. 60; Kansas Driving Handbook, Section 7, Use emergency signals, PDF p. 68; Idaho Driver's Handbook, If You Have Car Trouble, PDF p. 117; Hawaii Driver's Manual, Chapter X, Parking, PDF p. 70

You must brake hard in a car with anti-lock brakes. How should you do it?

  • Tap the pedal lightly
  • Pump the pedal quickly
  • Press firmly and hold the pedal
Show the answer

Press firmly and hold the pedal

With anti-lock brakes, keep steady pressure on the pedal and let the system work.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8, Safe Driving; Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Chapter 5, Before You Drive: Your Vehicle (p. 40); New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions; Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 3, Special Circumstances and Emergencies: If You Have to Brake Suddenly; North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Anti-lock Braking System (p. 66); What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), Chapter 7, Braking, p. 63; New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 5, Road Conditions: Snow and Ice, p. 99; Crashes: Stop Quickly, p. 108; Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 9, ABS, PDF pp. 65-66; Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 8.A Avoiding Crashes, p. 46; Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 4, Braking, Following and Stopping Distances (p. 48); Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 6, Anti-lock braking, p. 83; Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Chapter 8, Driving Hazards and Emergencies, Avoiding Collisions (ABS), PDF p. 118; Skids, PDF pp. 120-121; Kentucky Driver Manual, Section Nine, Braking, PDF p. 63; South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 9, Emergency Situations and Avoiding Collisions, Braking, p. 9-1 (PDF p. 104); Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Emergencies, Stopping quickly, printed p. 25 (PDF p. 28); Connecticut Driver's Manual, Chapter 4, Road Safety, Avoiding Collisions, Stopping Quickly, p. 40; Iowa Driver's License Manual (MM1170), Chapter 4, ABS (Antilock Braking System), p. 41; Arkansas Driver License Study Guide (Vol. 1, Ed. 10, October 2026), Chapter 9, Emergencies, Stopping, PDF p. 90

Signals warn that a train is coming. How far from the nearest track must you stop?

  • At least 1 foot
  • At least 15 feet
  • At least 200 feet
Show the answer

At least 15 feet

Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail, and wait until the warning ends.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7, Laws and Rules of the Road (continued); Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Railroad Grade Crossings, pp. 21-22; Official Florida Driver License Handbook, s. 316.1575, Florida Statutes; New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions; Illinois Rules of the Road, 625 ILCS 5/11-1201; Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (75 Pa.C.S.), Section 3341; Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Ohio Revised Code 4511.62; Georgia Drivers' Manual, Section 5: Traffic Laws, Railroad Crossings; North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Railroad Crossing Safety (pp. 59-62); What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), Chapter 4, Railroad crossings, pp. 35-37; New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 4, Stop at Railroad Crossings, p. 76; Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.7 Sharing the road with trains; Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Section 3, Roadway and Vehicle Knowledge: Railroad Crossing Sign (p. 42); Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 4, Stopping for Railroad Crossings (p. 50); Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 4, Railroad crossing warning devices, p. 53; South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5, § 56-5-2710(a); Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027, Railroad Crossings, Light Rail & Street Cars, p. 64 (PDF p. 72); Oklahoma Driver Manual, Chapter 10, The Law Says, p. 56; Utah Driver Handbook, Section 8, H. Stopping, PDF p. 45; Section 14, L. Trains and Railroad Crossings, PDF p. 96; MDPS Driver's License Manual, Railroad Crossings, PDF p. 36

You are driving a car without antilock brakes when the brake pedal sinks to the floor. What should you do first?

  • Steer onto the opposite shoulder
  • Pump the brake pedal quickly
  • Turn the engine off right away
Show the answer

Pump the brake pedal quickly

Pump the pedal by pressing and releasing it. If that fails, shift to a lower gear and try the emergency brake.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8, Safe Driving; New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions; Illinois Rules of the Road, Chapter 11, Safe Driving Tips: Equipment Failure (p. 89); New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 5, Vehicle Failure: Brake Failure, p. 107; Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Chapter 5, p. 124; Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 9, Brake Failure, PDF p. 66; Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Section 6, Handling Emergencies: Brake Failure (p. 69); Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 6, Brake failure, p. 84; Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 7, Adjust to Driving Conditions, Driving Emergencies, Brake Failure, PDF p. 76; Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Vehicle Emergencies, Brake failure, printed p. 26 (PDF p. 29); Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027, Safe & Responsible Driving, Brakes Fail, p. 85 (PDF p. 93); Connecticut Driver's Manual, Chapter 4, Road Safety, Equipment Failure, Brake Failure, p. 39; Nevada Driver's Handbook, Chapter 5, Brakes Fail, PDF p. 58; Iowa Driver's License Manual (MM1170), Chapter 5, 5.14 Equipment Failure Emergencies, Brake Failure, p. 62; Arkansas Driver License Study Guide (Vol. 1, Ed. 10, October 2026), Chapter 9, Emergencies, Brake Failure, PDF p. 89

Traffic ahead is stopped just beyond a railroad crossing. What should you do?

  • Stop on the tracks until traffic moves
  • Cross slowly and hope traffic clears
  • Wait until you can cross the tracks completely
Show the answer

Wait until you can cross the tracks completely

Never stop on the tracks, so do not start across until you can clear them.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7, Laws and Rules of the Road (continued); Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Railroad Grade Crossings, pp. 21-22; Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Chapter 6, Traffic Controls: Railroad Crossing Signs & Signals (p. 57); New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions; Illinois Rules of the Road, Chapter 4, Traffic Laws: Railroad Crossing (p. 33-34); Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 3, Special Circumstances and Emergencies: Railroad Crossings; Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Ohio Revised Code 4511.712; Georgia Drivers' Manual, Section 5: Traffic Laws, Railroad Crossings; North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Railroad Crossing Safety (pp. 59-62); What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), Chapter 4, Railroad crossings, pp. 35-37; New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 8, Trains, p. 153; Chapter 4, Stop at Railroad Crossings, p. 76; Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Railroad Crossing Signs and Markings (pp. 9-10); Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.7 Sharing the road with trains: Important safety reminders; Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, Railroad Crossing Safety, p. 49; Maryland Driver's Manual, Section 5.G, p. 30; Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7, Railroad Crossing, PDF p. 52; Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 4.H Railroad Crossing, p. 30; Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Section 3, Roadway and Vehicle Knowledge: Railroad Crossing Sign (p. 42); Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section C, Chapter 3, Avoid Stopping on the Railroad Tracks (p. 113-114); Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 4, Railroad crossing safety, p. 53; Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 4, The Driver, Railroad Crossings, Safety Tips for Motorists, PDF p. 42; Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Chapter 6, Traffic Laws and Regulations, Railroad Grade Crossing, PDF p. 99; Kentucky Driver Manual, Section Six, Railroad Crossing Warning Signs, PDF p. 45; South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 6, Rules of the Road, Railroad Crossing Warning Signs, p. 6-7 (PDF p. 66); Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Traffic Signs, Railroad crossings, printed p. 8 (PDF p. 11); Railroad Crossing, printed p. 21 (PDF p. 24); Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027, Railroad Crossings, Light Rail & Street Cars, p. 63 (PDF p. 71); Oklahoma Driver Manual, Chapter 10, Safety Rules for Highway-Railway Crossings, p. 57; Connecticut Driver's Manual, Chapter 3, Driving Behaviors, Space to Cross, p. 21; Chapter 5, Know the Road, Railroad Crossing Signs, p. 51; Utah Driver Handbook, Section 9, Railroad Crossing Signs, PDF p. 57; Section 14, TRAX Light Rail and Streetcars, PDF p. 98; Iowa Driver's License Manual (MM1170), Chapter 2, 2.10 Railroad Crossings, Avoid Getting Stuck, p. 12; Arkansas Driver License Study Guide (Vol. 1, Ed. 10, October 2026), Chapter 2, Arkansas Rules and Regulations, Railroad Crossing Signs, PDF p. 40; Kansas Driving Handbook, Section 6, Railroad Crossing Warning Signs, PDF p. 37; Idaho Driver's Handbook, Railroad Crossings, PDF p. 61; New Mexico Driver Manual, Railroad Crossing Warning Signs, PDF p. 8; Space to Cross or Enter, PDF p. 27; Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 4G-3, After Stopping, PDF p. 66; West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Chapter V, Railroad Crossing Signs and Signals, PDF p. 49

Crossing gates are down, but you can't see a train. What should you do?

  • Drive around them if the tracks look clear
  • Go under them as they are rising
  • Stay stopped behind the gates
Show the answer

Stay stopped behind the gates

Never go around or under lowered gates. Wait until they are fully raised.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7, Laws and Rules of the Road (continued); Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Railroad Grade Crossings, pp. 21-22; Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Chapter 6, Traffic Controls: Railroad Crossing Signs & Signals (p. 56); New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions; Illinois Rules of the Road, Chapter 10, Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings: Railroad Crossings (p. 81); Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (75 Pa.C.S.), Section 3341; Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Ohio Revised Code 4511.62; Georgia Drivers' Manual, Section 5: Traffic Laws, Railroad Crossings; North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Railroad Crossing Safety (pp. 59-62); What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), Chapter 4, Railroad crossings, pp. 35-37; New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 8, Trains, p. 153; Chapter 4, Stop at Railroad Crossings, p. 76; Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Railroad Crossing Signs and Markings (pp. 9-10); Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.7 Sharing the road with trains; Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Chapter 4, p. 87; Maryland Driver's Manual, Section 5.G, p. 30; Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7, Railroad Crossing, PDF p. 53; Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Wis. Stat. § 346.44(2); Section 4.H Railroad Crossing, p. 31; Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Section 3, Roadway and Vehicle Knowledge: Railroad Crossing Sign (p. 42); Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section C, Chapter 3, Sharing the Road with Trains (p. 113); Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 4, Railroad crossing warning devices, p. 53; Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 4, The Driver, Railroad Crossings, Safety Tips for Motorists, PDF p. 42; Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Chapter 6, Traffic Laws and Regulations, Railroad Grade Crossing, PDF p. 100; Kentucky Driver Manual, Section Six, Railroad Crossing Warning Signs, PDF p. 45; South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5, § 56-5-2710(b); Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Railroad Crossing, Gates, printed p. 21 (PDF p. 24); Light Rail, printed p. 22 (PDF p. 25); Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027, Railroad Crossings, Light Rail & Street Cars, p. 64 (PDF p. 72); Oklahoma Driver Manual, Chapter 10, Safety Rules for Highway-Railway Crossings, p. 57; Connecticut Driver's Manual, Chapter 5, Know the Road, Railroad Crossbuck, Flashing Lights and Gate, p. 52; Utah Driver Handbook, Section 14, L. Trains and Railroad Crossings, PDF p. 96; Gates, PDF p. 97; Nevada Driver's Handbook, Chapter 3, Railroad Crossings, PDF p. 33; Arkansas Driver License Study Guide (Vol. 1, Ed. 10, October 2026), Chapter 2, Arkansas Rules and Regulations, Gates and Lights, PDF p. 41; MDPS Driver's License Manual, Railroad Crossings, PDF p. 36; Idaho Driver's Handbook, Railroad Crossings, PDF p. 61; New Mexico Driver Manual, Railroad Crossing Warning Signs, PDF p. 9; West Virginia Code §17C-12-1, W. Va. Code §17C-12-1(b)

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About these questions

We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the California Driver's Handbook (2025 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.

DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the California DMV, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.