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 Commercial Driver License.. Read More

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 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 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. When driving a bobtail tractor, you should be aware that:

Explanation
Bobtail tractors are tractors that are not attached to any semitrailers. When operating a bobtail, you should be aware that stopping can be difficult and that it will take a longer distance to bring the bobtail to a complete stop than it would a tractor attached to a loaded semitrailer.

2. If oil and water build up in your vehicle's air tanks, the brakes:

Explanation
Air tanks should be drained daily to remove water and oil buildup. An excess of oil and water in the air tanks can interfere with proper brake function.

3. If you are operating a vehicle built before 1998 and are unsure if the trailer has an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you can:

Explanation
If you are operating a vehicle built before 1998 and are unsure if the trailer has an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you can check under the trailer for wheel speed sensors coming from the back of the brakes.

4. A tractor protection valve is:

Explanation
On combination vehicles with air brakes, the tractor protection valve keeps air in the tractor or truck brake system, should the trailer develop a bad leak or break away from the tractor.

5. Using the trailer hand valve while driving:

Explanation
Never use the trailer hand valve while operating your vehicle. Using the trailer hand valve while driving can cause your trailer to skid.

6. What is another name for the service line?

Explanation
The service line, also called the control line or signal line, carries air to the trailer brakes and is controlled by the foot brake or trailer hand brake.

7. Which type of vehicle is most prone to the “crack-the-whip” effect?

Explanation
Triple combination trailers are most vulnerable to the "crack-the-whip" effect.
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