247SimpleTests
CDL · Emergencies

If a hazardous materials leak or spill occurs during transport, what should the driver generally do?

Correct answer

Stop safely, keep people away from the area, prevent the spread if safe to do so, notify authorities, and use the shipping papers/ERG to inform responders — without taking risks beyond their training

  1. A Keep driving to the destination
  2. B Stop safely, keep people away from the area, prevent the spread if safe to do so, notify authorities, and use the shipping papers/ERG to inform responders — without taking risks beyond their training
  3. C Touch the material to identify it
  4. D Wash it into a drain

Why this is the answer

If a hazmat leak/spill occurs, the driver should: STOP safely; KEEP PEOPLE AWAY from the area (establish a safe distance per the ERG); prevent the spread/contain if it's safe to do so; NOTIFY authorities (call 911/emergency services and the required reporting numbers); provide the SHIPPING PAPERS and ERG information to responders; NOT take risks beyond their training (don't try to be a hazmat technician — let trained responders handle it). CDL hazmat. The driver should NEVER drive a leaking vehicle to a destination, touch/smell the material to identify it, or wash hazardous material into drains (environmental harm). Knowing the proper spill response (stop, isolate, notify, inform responders, don't exceed training) is critical hazmat knowledge.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Hazmat, Spill Response

Practice more questions

This question is from our CDL Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Emergencies and other topics.

Take the Hazardous Materials practice test →

New to this exam? Our CDL exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Emergencies

If you discover a leak from your hazmat cargo while driving, what should you do?

 Emergencies

What is the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)?

 Emergencies

If you are involved in an accident that results in a hazmat release, you must:

 Emergencies

If your vehicle catches fire and has placarded hazmat cargo, what should you do?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

CDL Study Guide 2025–2026 (Trivium)

Complete prep for all CDL written tests: general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, hazmat, and all endorsements. Includes full-length practice tests.

Check Price → Study guide

CDL Practice Tests & Flashcards (Accepted Inc.)

600+ practice questions covering every FMCSA knowledge area, plus 400 flashcards for endorsement prep.

Check Price → Study guide

Master the CDL Truck Driver's License (Arco)

Arco's classic CDL prep with in-depth FMCSA manual coverage, endorsement chapters, and scored practice exams.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →