Instructions

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 California Commercial Driver.. Read More

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 California Commercial Driver Handbook. 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 need to correctly answer a minimum of 17 questions to pass. The Combination test is not a replacement for the Double/Triple endorsement test.

Number of Question 20

Passing Score 17

15. Pull out the trailer air supply control to test:

The parking brake.

The trailer emergency brakes.

The trailer service brakes.

The landing gear.

Be sure to test the trailer emergency brakes before beginning a trip. After ensuring that the trailer rolls freely, you can test the emergency brakes by pulling out the trailer air supply control, or placing it in the "emergency" position. Pull forward slightly with the tractor and make sure the trailer does not move.

16. To test the trailer service brakes, you should:

Move the vehicle forward slowly and apply the brakes with the brake pedal.

Reverse the vehicle slowly and apply the brakes with the hand control.

Move the vehicle forward slowly and apply the brakes with the hand control.

To test the trailer service brakes, you should first ensure that the braking system has a normal air pressure level, then release the parking brake. You should then move the vehicle forward slowly and apply the brakes with the hand control. If the trailer service brakes are working properly, you will feel the brakes activate.

17. Rollovers happen when:

You drive too slowly.

You are stopped.

You take a turn too fast.

Rollovers are caused by operators turning too fast. To avoid rolling over, drive slowly on entrance ramps, on exit ramps, and around corners. Avoid making quick lane changes when towing trailers.

18. If the emergency air line loses pressure:

The Anti-Lock Braking System will activate.

The service air line will activate.

The emergency brakes will activate.

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.

19. In a double or triple combination:

Cargo weight must be evenly distributed between all trailers.

The heaviest trailer should be positioned directly behind the cab.

The heaviest trailer should be positioned in the rear.

When positioning trailers in a combination, the most heavily-loaded trailer should be the closest to the tractor. The lightest trailer should be positioned in the rear.

20. When braking with ABS, you should:

Push the brake pedal harder than usual.

Push the brake pedal as you normally would.

Push the brake pedal more lightly than usual.

When operating a vehicle with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should apply your brakes in the same manner as you would if operating a vehicle without ABS.

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