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's 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.
1. What does the trailer air supply control look like?
On newer vehicles, the trailer air supply control is an eight-sided red knob. It's used to control the tractor protection valve.
2. In a vehicle equipped with an automatic tractor protection valve, the valve will pop out when:
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.
3. When coupling a trailer:
When coupling, make sure you couple matching glad hands. They are often color-coded to help drivers avoid mistakes. Typically, blue is used for service lines and red is used for emergency lines.
4. When driving a bobtail tractor, you should be aware that:
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.
5. When a combination vehicle goes around a corner:
When a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels. This is called off-tracking. This effect is especially pronounced on vehicles with trailers.
6. When connecting a converter dolly to a second or third trailer, the trailer height should be:
When connecting a converter dolly to a second or third trailer, the trailer height should be correct. It should be slightly lower than the center of the fifth wheel.
7. If a trailer is too high:
Before coupling together a tractor and a trailer, you should make sure the trailer is at the proper height. If the trailer is too low, the trailer nose may be damaged. If the trailer is too high, it may not be able to couple correctly.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2024 Pennsylvania DMV exam.
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