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 questions. Each question has two, three or four answer choices. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 20 questions correctly. Test questions come from the South Carolina 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
19. To ensure normal stopping power, drivers of vehicles equipped with a front brake limiting valve should:
Explanation
Some older vehicles have front brake limiting valves with "normal" and "slippery" settings. Setting a brake limiting valve to "slippery" reduces the vehicle's stopping power, so a driver should make sure the valve is in its "normal" position. Front wheel braking has proven to be effective in all driving conditions.
20. If using air tanks with manually operated drains, how often should you drain the tanks?
Explanation
To prevent the build up of oil and water in a vehicle's air tanks, manually operated air tank drains should be used at the end of each day of driving.
21. You should test the low pressure warning signal by:
Explanation
It is essential that your low pressure warning light functions properly. After allowing the system to charge, you can test the warning signal by rapidly applying and releasing the brake pedal. This will release air from the braking system and the warning signal should come on when pressure drops to a dangerous level.
22. A ____ allows a driver to gradually apply spring brakes.
Explanation
A modulating control valve allows a driver to gradually apply spring brakes. In equipped vehicles, the valve is controlled by a lever located on the dashboard.
23. In a dual air brake system, a leak in one system:
Explanation
A dual air brake system is made up of two separate air brake systems. If there is an air leak in one system, it may not affect the other.
24. Water and compressor oil are usually found in the compressed air within an air brake system. Water and compressor oil:
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. Manually operated air tank drains must be opened daily to remove this build-up.
25. In a newer vehicle, you apply the parking brake:
Explanation
