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To get a commercial driver's license (CDL ) Class A or Class B in the United States, you must pass a knowledge test and air brakes test. The air brakes test is designed to ensure that you understand how air brake systems work and how to properly inspect, maintain, and use them.
Who Should Take the Air Brakes Test: CDL Holders and Operators of Large Passenger Vehicles
In the United States, individuals who intend to operate commercial vehicles equipped with air brake systems, including large school buses or passenger buses, have specific requirements they must fulfill.
If you already hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Class A or B endorsement that includes air brakes, and you wish to operate a large school bus or any large passenger bus equipped with air brakes, you may need to undergo additional testing or obtain endorsements specific to passenger vehicles.
Specifically, in many jurisdictions, if you want to drive a large school bus equipped with air brakes, you may need to take a road test using a large school bus or any large passenger bus, even if you already hold a CDL with air brake endorsement. This additional road test ensures that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate passenger vehicles safely, especially considering the unique characteristics and responsibilities associated with transporting passengers.
Failure to take the required road test for operating large passenger vehicles may result in restrictions on your CDL. These restrictions may limit you to driving vehicles that do not require additional endorsements or specific testing, such as certain types of trucks or non-passenger-carrying vehicles.
Therefore, it's essential to understand the licensing requirements in your jurisdiction and ensure that you fulfill all necessary testing and endorsement requirements before operating large school buses or passenger buses equipped with air brakes. This ensures compliance with regulations, promotes safety on the road, and helps you avoid potential restrictions on your CDL.
The air brakes test will cover topics such as:
- The components of an air brake system, including the compressor, air tanks, and brake chambers
- How to inspect an air brake system before driving
- How to use the air brake pedal and other controls to apply and release the brakes
- How to troubleshoot and repair common air brake problems
Befor the CDL Test
To prepare for the air brakes test, you should study the relevant sections of your state's CDL manual and practice answering sample test questions. It is also a good idea to get some hands-on experience working with air brakes, either through a training program or by assisting a licensed mechanic.
Keep in mind that the air brakes test is just one of several tests you will need to pass in order to get a CDL. Here is a 20-question quiz on air brakes to help you practice for the test.