Instructions

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. Each question has three answer choices. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 20 questions correctly. Test questions come from the Iowa 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 25

Passing Score 20

1. Why do large vehicles use air brakes?

Other brake systems squeak too loudly.

Air brakes are very effective systems.

Other braking systems are hard to come by.

If used and maintained properly, air brakes are a safe and effective way to stop large, heavy vehicles.

2. If using spring brakes when hauling a heavy load, a complete stop will:

Be impossible.

Take a long time.

Take a short amount of time.

Spring brakes do not work on all axles. If your vehicle's spring brakes activate due to low pressure in an air brake system, your vehicle will need a longer distance to stop than usual, especially if you are carrying a heavy load.

3. Brake fade is a result of:

Brakes being exposed to sunlight.

Brakes being exposed to moisture.

Excessive use of the brakes.

If brakes are overused, they can become too hot. This overheating causes them to fade, making them less effective at slowing the vehicle.

4. When leaving a vehicle unattended, a driver should:

Always set the parking brake.

Only set the parking brake if the vehicle is parked on a slope.

Deflate the tires by 10 percent.

Always apply the parking brake when leaving your vehicle unattended.

5. If the spring brakes are on, you should:

Not use the brake pedal.

Press the accelerator.

Move the steering wheel.

Do not use the brake pedal when the spring brakes are on. This could damage the brakes by subjecting them to the combined forces of springs and air pressure.

6. In a vehicle with dual parking control valves, a separate air tank can be used:

To make the air brakes work more effectively.

To temporarily release the spring brakes.

To charge the brakes on the rear trailer.

In a vehicle with dual parking control valves, there is a separate air tank that can be used to temporarily release the spring brakes if they have been activated due to low air pressure. Pushing in the proper control will release the spring brakes for a short period of time, allowing the driver to move the vehicle in an emergency.

Grade This Section