Air Brakes
This endorsement is required for driving a vehicle with air brakes. To receive this endorsement, applicants must pass a written test. The test consists of 25 multiple choice questions. Each question has three or four answer choices. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 20 questions correctly. Test questions come from the Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from the chapter covering: Air Brakes. The Air Brakes endorsement may be used with the Class A, B or C CDL.
Number of Question
Passing Score
19. Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS):
Explanation
ABS is equipped in addition to a vehicle's normal braking system and it neither increases nor decreases the vehicle's braking capability. ABS activates during hard applications of the brake pedal in order to prevent wheels from locking up.
20. How much distance will an air brake-equipped vehicle need to come to a complete stop if it is traveling at 55 mph under ideal driving conditions?
Explanation
A vehicle's total stopping distance is made up of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance. With all of these factors included, an air brake-equipped vehicle traveling at a speed of 55 mph under ideal driving conditions will need approximately 450 feet to come to a complete stop.
21. If the spring brakes are on, you should:
Explanation
Do not use the brake pedal when the spring brakes are on. This could damage the brakes by subjecting them to the combined forces of springs and air pressure.
22. Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) have ____ malfunction lamps to indicate when the ABS is not working.
Explanation
Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to alert drivers when the braking systems are not working. Be sure you know where the malfunction lamp on your vehicle is before beginning a trip.
23. When a brake pedal is pressed and the S-cam is turned, the S-cam:
Explanation
When a brake pedal is pressed and the S-cam is turned, the S-cam presses the brake shoes against the inside of the brake drum. This causes friction and will cause the vehicle to slow.
24. Both systems in a dual air brake systems share:
Explanation
Both systems in a dual air brake system share a single air compressor. If the air compressor is damaged, neither system will be able to operate properly.
25. Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS):
Explanation
