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 New Mexico 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. You should test the low pressure warning signal by:

Turning on the engine and applying the trailer hand brake.

Rapidly pressing and releasing the brake pedal.

Removing wheel chocks and disengaging the parking brake.

It is essential that your low pressure warning light functions properly. After allowing the system to charge, you can test the warning signal by rapidly applying and releasing the brake pedal. This will release air from the braking system and the warning signal should come on when pressure drops to a dangerous level.

2. In a vehicle with dual air brakes, a leak in one system ____ the second system.

Will always affect

May not affect

Is caused by

A dual air brake system is made up of two separate air brake systems. If there is an air leak in one system, it may not affect the other.

3. Some water and compressor oil is usually found in the compressed air within an air brake system. The water and compressor oil:

Are necessary for the proper function of the system.

Should take up about 10 percent of the tank.

Should be removed regularly.

If water and compressor oil are left to build up in an air brake system, the system can be damaged. Air storage tanks are equipped with drains to allow this accumulation to be removed. Manually controlled drains should be operated at the end of each day of driving.

4. The ____ between an air compressor and reservoir tank prevents air from escaping if the air compressor has a leak.

Slack adjuster

One-way check valve

Tractor protection valve

A one-way check valve is required to be between an air compressor and the first main reservoir. This valve prevents air from escaping the system if the air compressor develops a leak.

5. An emergency brake must be controlled by:

Mechanical force.

Air pressure.

Gravity.

All trucks, truck tractors, and buses must be equipped with emergency brakes and parking brakes. Because air pressure can eventually leak away, emergency and parking brakes should be held on by mechanical force.