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 or four answer choices. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 20 questions correctly. Test questions come from the Montana 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
Passing Score

1. What kind of brakes do most newer heavy-duty trucks use?

Explanation
Most newer heavy-duty vehicles use dual air brake systems. A dual air brake system has two separate air brake systems which use a single set of brake controls.

2. The air pressure in a dual air brake system should build from 85 to 100 psi within:

Explanation
When inspecting a vehicle with a dual air brake system, you should wait for air pressure to build from 85 to 100 psi in both the primary and secondary systems. This should take about 45 seconds.

3. Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS):

Explanation
If equipped, ABS is in addition to a vehicle's normal braking system and does not increase or decrease the braking power of any other system. ABS only activates when a vehicle's wheels are about to lock.

4. What color are ABS malfunction lamps?

Explanation
Vehicles with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) have yellow malfunction lamps.

5. During an inspection, slack adjusters on S-cam brakes should not move more than:

Explanation
Check each slack adjuster after parking on level ground, setting wheel chocks, and disengaging the parking brake. Pull the slack adjusters to make sure they do not move more than about one inch from where the push rod is attached. If they move more than one inch, they may be out of adjustment and will need to be fixed.

6. A low air pressure warning signal should activate:

Explanation
In an air brake system, a low air pressure warning signal must come on if air pressure in the tanks falls below 60 psi. This warning signal may come in the form of a light, a buzzer, or a wig wag.
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