Florida CDL Permit Test - Combination

Correctly following the steps to couple and uncouple trailers is vital to safely operating a combination vehicle. After connecting the air lines to the trailer while coupling, you should supply air to the trailer.

Be sure to test the trailer emergency brakes before beginning a trip. After ensuring that the trailer rolls freely, you can test the emergency brakes by pulling out the trailer air supply control, or placing it in the "emergency" position. Pull forward slightly with the tractor and make sure the trailer does not move.

Making a sudden lane change can be dangerous when driving a combination vehicle. Avoid the need to make a sudden lane change by looking down the road for upcoming obstacles that will require you to change lanes.

On newer vehicles, the trailer air supply control is an eight-sided red knob. It's used to control the tractor protection valve.

A rollover happens as a result of a driver taking a turn at too high a speed. Be sure to take turns and curves safely and slowly.

Driving a combination vehicle usually requires more skill than driving a single vehicle. Combination vehicles are generally longer and heavier than single commercial vehicles.

The emergency air line (also known as the supply line) has two functions. The first is to supply air to the trailer air tanks on a combination vehicle, and the second is to control the emergency brakes.