Instructions

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 20

Passing Score 16

1. The trailer hand valve should be used:

Regularly to activate the trailer brakes in all driving conditions.

Only to test the trailer brakes.

Only in inclement weather when the trailer may skid.

Only if the trailer is carrying a load.

The trailer hand valve should be used only to test the trailer brakes. It should not be used while driving because it may cause the trailer to skid.

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

Bobtails stop very easily.

Bobtails cannot drive as fast as tractors with semitrailers.

Bobtails are more difficult to stop than tractors with semitrailers.

Bobtails are illegal in most states.

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.

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

A five-axle tractor semi-trailer

A three-axle tractor semi-trailer

A bobtail tractor

A triple trailer

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

4. After finishing a pre-trip inspection, you should:

Leave the rear shut-off valves open.

Remove the service line valve.

Close the emergency line valve.

Leave the emergency line valve open.

Before a trip, you should ensure that air reaches all air brakes on all trailers by opening up the rear emergency line and service line shut-off valves to listen for escaping air. Close both shut-off valves before beginning to drive.

5. Emergency air lines are often coded with the color:

Green.

Orange.

Yellow.

Red.

In general, the parts of the service air line are coded blue and the parts of the emergency air line are coded red.

6. In a vehicle equipped with an automatic tractor protection valve, the valve will pop out when:

Air pressure drops to a level between 20 and 45 psi.

You are experiencing a trailer jackknife.

Wheels have regained traction after a skid.

Air pressure is above 45 psi.

In vehicles equipped with an automatic tractor protection valve, the valve will pop out if air pressure drops to a level between 20 and 45 psi. When the valve pops out, the protection valve will close, stopping the flow of air.