- A Use the parking brake
- B Try to drive away
- C Use the proper extinguisher type for the material; if unsure or the fire is too large, evacuate and call 911 Correct answer
- D Always use water
Why this is the correct answer
Wrong extinguisher type can spread the fire (e.g., water on burning lithium). Refer to the ERG and prioritize personal safety.
How this topic appears on the test
The Hazardous Materials CDL exam covers Emergency as a recurring theme. Test-writers favor questions that probe whether the applicant has internalized the safe operating procedure, not merely memorized the rule. When you encounter a question on this topic, slow down and verify that the answer you've chosen describes what a careful, defensive driver would actually do — not what is technically permissible.
If you missed this question, that's exactly the right outcome of a practice session: the goal is to surface gaps before the actual test. Open your state CDL manual to the Emergency section and re-read the relevant subchapter. Then come back and run through the rest of the Hazardous Materials practice exam.
For drivers preparing for the Hazardous Materials CDL exam, additional context — including federal manual excerpts, employer hiring practices, and DOT medical guidance — is widely available from industry resources. Continue reading on a recommended industry resource for further detail. Always cross-check anything you read with the current edition of your state CDL manual, since enforcement guidance is updated periodically.