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 Commercial Driver License.. 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 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. Applicants should answer at a rate of about one question per minute. The Combination test is not a replacement for the Double/Triple endorsement test.

Number of Question 20

Passing Score 16

1. The trailer hand valve:

Should always be used for parking.

Should only be used for parking on a downgrade.

Should never be used for parking.

Never use the trailer hand valve while parking because doing so may release the air pressure from the braking system, releasing the brakes that are holding the vehicle in place. Instead, use the parking brake or wheel chocks.

2. The trailer hand valve should not be used while you are driving because:

It will disconnect from the vehicle.

You will stop the vehicle too quickly.

It can cause a skid.

Never use the trailer hand valve while operating your vehicle. Using the trailer hand valve while driving can cause your trailer to skid.

3. If you cannot reverse your trailer in a straight path, you should:

Swerve back and forth while backing.

Back toward the driver's side.

Back toward the passenger's side.

If you need to back your trailer but cannot back up in a straight path, you should back on a curved path toward the driver's side of the vehicle. This will allow you the best possible visibility while backing.

4. When backing up your tractor while coupling it to a trailer, the trailer brakes should be:

Deactivated.

Locked.

Unlocked.

Correctly following the steps to couple and uncouple trailers is vital to safely operating a combination vehicle. Before backing your tractor under the trailer while coupling, make sure your trailer brakes are locked.

5. After completing a pre-trip inspection, you should ensure that the:

Service line valve is closed.

Trailer hand brake is applied.

Emergency line valve is open.

Before a trip, you should ensure that air reaches all air brakes on all trailers by opening up the rear emergency line and service line shut-off valves and listening for escaping air. Close both shut-off valves before beginning to drive.

6. What is a bobtail tractor?

A tractor without a trailer

A tractor attached to two trailers

A tractor with a tank

Tractors without semi-trailers are referred to as bobtail tractors. Operating a bobtail tractor requires drivers to exercise caution.

7. When glad hands are coupled, the seals should be pressed together at a ____ angle.

50-degree

180-degree

90-degree

When coupling, be sure to couple the proper glad hands. When glad hands are connected, the seals should be pressed together at a 90-degree angle.

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