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. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 20 questions correctly. Test questions come from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Air Brakes. The Air Brakes endorsement may be used with the Class A, B or C CDL.

Number of Question
Passing Score

19. When you need to stop in an emergency, you should:

Explanation
If you need to make an emergency stop, you can use either the controlled braking method or the stab braking method. It's important to brake in a way that keeps your vehicle traveling in a straight line while still allowing you to turn, if necessary.

20. The parking brake should be:

Explanation
The parking brake in a vehicle with air brakes should be used every time the vehicle is parked.

21. Why do you need to drain air tanks regularly?

Explanation
Compressed air in an air brake system usually contains a certain amount of water and compressor oil. The water and oil can damage the brakes if left to accumulate in the system. Tanks must be drained regularly to remove this build-up.

22. When operating a vehicle with a dual brake system, a driver should:

Explanation
Before driving a vehicle with a dual air system, allow time for the air compressor to build up a minimum pressure of 100 psi in both the primary and secondary systems.

23. What kind of force must emergency brakes use?

Explanation
Because air pressure can eventually leak away, the emergency brakes in an air brake system must be held on by mechanical force.

24. How is the parking brake released?

Explanation
In vehicles with air brakes, the parking brake is controlled by a knob. The knob is pulled out to apply the brakes, and pushed in to release them.

25. Air tank drains:

Explanation
In an air brake system, the air storage tanks are equipped with drains to allow water and compressor oil to be removed. The water and oil can damage the brakes if left to accumulate in the system.
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