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 need to correctly answer a minimum of 16 questions to pass. The Combination test is not a replacement for the Double/Triple endorsement test.
Number of Question
Passing Score
15. When coupling:
Explanation
Incorrect coupling and uncoupling of combination vehicles can have extremely dangerous consequences.
16. When a combination vehicle goes around a corner:
Explanation
When a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels. This is called off-tracking. This effect is especially pronounced on vehicles with trailers.
17. If color-coded, which color is used to identify service lines?
Explanation
Air lines are sometimes color-coded to help drivers avoid mistakes when coupling glad hands. Typically, blue is used for service lines and red is used for emergency lines.
18. 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.
19. What is the Johnson bar?
Explanation
The trailer hand valve, also called the trolley valve or Johnson bar, is used to work the trailer brakes. It should be used only to test the brakes. Using it while a vehicle is in motion could cause a skid.
20. If color-coded, which color is used to identify emergency, or supply, lines?
Explanation
