Air Brakes

This endorsement is required for driving a vehicle with air brakes. To receive this endorsement, applicants must pass a written test. The test consists of 25 multiple choice.. Read More

This endorsement is required for driving a vehicle with air brakes. To receive this endorsement, applicants must pass a written test. The test consists of 25 multiple choice questions. Each question has four answer choices. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 20 questions correctly. Test questions come from the Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from the chapter covering: Air Brakes. The Air Brakes endorsement may be used with the Class A, B or C CDL.

Number of Question
Passing Score

1. If one air system in a dual air brake system is very low on pressure:

Explanation
In a dual air brake system, if one of the air systems gets very low on pressure, either the front or rear brakes will not be operating fully. You should bring your vehicle to a safe stop and have the air system repaired.

2. When only the tractor is equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS):

Explanation
If a tractor is equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) but the trailer is not, the risk of jackknifing will be reduced and the driver should still be able to maintain steering control. If only the trailer is equipped with ABS, it is less likely that the trailer will swing out to one side.

3. Air pressure should build up in a single air system within:

Explanation
In a vehicle with a single air brake system, after the engine is at operating rpms, the pressure in the air system should generally build from 50 to 90 psi within three minutes.

4. If the air pressure warning light comes on, you should:

Explanation
If the air pressure warning light or buzzer comes on while you are driving, you should immediately stop and safely park the vehicle. This warning signal indicates that there is a problem in the air brake system that needs to be fixed.

5. You should not use the parking brake:

Explanation
A parking brake should not be used if the vehicle's brakes are very hot from use on a steep downgrade or if the brakes are very wet and temperatures are freezing. Using the parking brake when brakes are hot could cause damage to the brakes, and using the brakes when they are wet in freezing weather may cause the brakes to ice up, rendering the vehicle immobile.

6. What must be on an air tank in an air-braked vehicle?

Explanation
All air tanks on air-braked vehicles must have one-way check valves located between the air compressor and the first reservoir. This prevents air from flowing out in the event of a leak.
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