Combination
All applicants who are applying for a Class A CDL should be prepared to take the Combination test. This test covers information found in Section 6 of the Commercial Driver License Manual. Section 6 provides the information needed to safely operate tractor-trailers, doubles, triples, and straight trucks with trailers. The test is made up of 20 multiple-choice questions, and applicants will have one hour to correctly answer a minimum of 16 questions. The Combination test is not a replacement for the Double/Triple endorsement test.
Number of Question
Passing Score
1. The service air line is often controlled by the foot brake and is attached to the ____ valves.
Explanation
The service air line carries air and is controlled by either the foot brake or trailer hand brake. The service air line is attached to relay valves, which allow the trailer brakes to be applied quickly.
2. When coupling, after you've connected the air lines to the trailer, you should:
Explanation
Correctly following the steps to couple and uncouple trailers is vital to safely operating a combination vehicle. After connecting the air lines to the trailer while coupling, you should supply air to the trailer.
3. While inspecting a coupling, you should go under the trailer and:
Explanation
While inspecting a coupling, you should go under the trailer and look into the back of the fifth wheel. Ensure that the fifth wheel jaws are secured around the shank of the kingpin.
4. In a sudden turn, the ____ trailer is the most likely to turn over.
Explanation
When making a turn, be sure to steer gently and smoothly. Making a quick turn while pulling trailers is dangerous and can increase the risk of the last trailer rolling over.
5. Older trailers are not equipped with spring brakes. This means that if the air supply for a vehicle's air braking system leaks away:
Explanation
Older trailers do not have spring brakes. This means that if the air supply in an older trailer's air tank has leaked away, there will be no working brakes connected to the trailer and its wheels will turn freely.
6. A loss of air pressure in the emergency line will cause:
Explanation
The emergency air line controls the emergency brakes on a combination vehicle. A loss of air pressure in the emergency line will cause the emergency trailer brakes to activate.
7. In a double or triple combination, the ____ trailer should be directly behind the cab.
Explanation