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 Maryland 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 and true/false 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
1. The service air line is attached to the:
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. Before a drive, ensure that air flows to all trailers by:
Explanation
Before a trip, ensure that air in the air brake system reaches all trailers. Do this by waiting for air pressure to build, then sending air to both the emergency and service lines and opening the shut-off valves on the rear of the last trailer. If air escapes from the shut-off valves in the rear of the combination, the air is being supplied to the entire vehicle.
3. If color-coded, which color is used to identify emergency, or supply, 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.
4. The tractor protection valve:
Explanation
A tractor protection valve keeps air in a tractor or truck air brake system should the trailer break away or develop a bad leak. The valve will close automatically if the pressure drops to an unsafe level.
5. When braking with ABS, you should:
Explanation
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.
6. When traveling more slowly than 40 mph, maintain at least ____ of following distance per every 10 feet of your vehicle.
Explanation
At speeds below 40 mph, you should allow at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle. Follow the same formula when traveling at faster speeds, then add one additional second to your following distance. Remember that larger vehicles require more space to stop than smaller vehicles.
7. Emergency air lines are often coded with the color:
Explanation