Which statement about parking brakes is accurate?

• A. You should use it only when parking on a hill
• B. It should be checked only during annual maintenance
• C. It should be used only when you are stopped briefly
• D. It should be used every time you leave the vehicle

Answer: (D)

Engaging the parking brake every time you leave the vehicle is the safest and most reliable habit. It locks the wheels and prevents the vehicle from rolling away, even on level ground or if a little movement occurs while you’re exiting. Because the parking brake is a separate braking system from the service brakes, using it every time you exit reduces the risk of unintended movement and helps protect the main brake components from extra wear. It’s a standard practice for CDL operations to set the parking brake as part of leaving the cab, not just on hills or for short stops, and it should be checked regularly as part of your routine inspections, not only during annual maintenance.