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

8. To control surge when stopping, you should not:

Explanation
To reduce the risk of a surge in a tank vehicle, slow or stop while keeping a steady pressure on the brakes and do not release the brakes too early. Brake well in advance of a stop and increase your following distance.

9. 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.

10. The best way to recognize that your trailer has begun to skid is by:

Explanation
The earliest and best way to recognize the beginnings of a trailer skid is by seeing the trailer veer off-course in your mirrors.

11. If a load is placed on one side of a trailer, the trailer:

Explanation
If the weight of a load is placed primarily one side of a trailer, the trailer may lean, increasing the risk of a rollover.

12. A tractor protection valve:

Explanation
A tractor protection valve keeps air in a tractor or truck air brake system should the trailer break away or develop a bad leak. The valve will close automatically if the pressure drops to an unsafe level.

13. The "crack-the-whip" effect can:

Explanation
Trailers can overturn as a result of the "crack-the-whip" effect. The last trailer in a combination is the most prone to tip over due to this effect. Drivers should be aware of the rearward amplification of their specific vehicles and drive accordingly.

14. A trolley valve:

Explanation
The trailer hand valve (also referred to as the trolley valve or Johnson bar) is a mechanism that works the trailer brakes. It should only be used to test the brakes. Using it while the vehicle is being driven could cause a skid. Never use the trailer hand valve while parking because doing so may release the air pressure from the braking system, releasing the brakes that are holding the vehicle in place.
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