Sample Emergencies questions
Your vehicle plunges into water and is still floating. How should you get out?
Through the trunk Wait inside for help Through a door, pushed hard Through an open window Show the answer
Through an open window
Water pressure makes doors nearly impossible to open, and an open door floods the car.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 8, Plunging into Water, p. 59
Fog closes in and visibility drops to near zero. What should you do?
Pull off as far as possible and stop Use high beams and drive on Follow closely behind the car ahead Stop in your lane Show the answer
Pull off as far as possible and stop
Carefully leave the road and stop until you can see again.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, Fog, p. 44
After a blowout, when should you apply the brakes?
Once the car has nearly stopped Only after a complete stop Before lifting off the gas Immediately and hard Show the answer
Once the car has nearly stopped
Take your foot off the gas, let the car slow, pull off the road and only then use the brakes.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 8, Tire Blowout, p. 60
Once crossing lights flash and the gate starts to lower, about how long do you have to escape the crossing?
About 5 seconds About five minutes About 20 seconds About 60 seconds Show the answer
About 20 seconds
A stuck vehicle leaves little time, so get out and away at once.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, Safety at Railroad Crossings, p. 49
You are stuck on the tracks with a train coming. Which way should you run?
Along the tracks, away from the train At an angle away from the train Into the vehicle, then lie down At an angle toward the oncoming train Show the answer
At an angle toward the oncoming train
Run at a 45-degree angle in the train's direction, then call 911 once clear.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, Safety at Railroad Crossings, p. 49
You come to a road with water running over it. What should you do?
Follow the vehicle ahead Cross quickly at high speed Stay out of the water Cross if your lights are on Show the answer
Stay out of the water
Depth isn't always obvious, and water can hide washouts.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, Flash Flooding, p. 44
You must get out of your vehicle on the roadside shoulder. Which side should you exit from?
The passenger side The driver's side Whichever door is closest The rear hatch only Show the answer
The passenger side
Exit on the passenger side after checking for traffic, obstructions and drop-offs.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 8, Roadside Emergency Situations, p. 60
Your conventional brakes suddenly fail. What should you do?
Turn off the ignition Shift to neutral and coast Pull the wheel hard to one side Downshift and pump the pedal fast and hard Show the answer
Downshift and pump the pedal fast and hard
Pumping may build enough pressure to stop you, and a lower gear helps.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 8, Brake Failure, p. 60
You try the parking brake after your brakes fail. What should you do while using it?
Keep it fully engaged Hold the brake release Turn the ignition off Pump the gas pedal Show the answer
Hold the brake release
Holding the release lets you let go quickly if the rear wheels lock and start to skid.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 8, Brake Failure, p. 60
Crossing gates are down with bells and lights active. How long must you wait?
For 30 seconds at most Until you can see the track is clear Until the driver behind honks Until the warning is canceled Show the answer
Until the warning is canceled
Stay stopped unless an officer or railroad flagman tells you to go. Driving around a lowered gate is illegal.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, Crossbucks and Railroad Crossing Safety, p. 48
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026 (back cover), read 2026-11-08. Page numbers in facts are the ones printed in the manual; PDF page = printed page + 5. 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 Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
