Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

6 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. How large a crack in a brake drum makes it unsafe to keep in service?

   Correct answer: A crack longer than half the width of the friction area

   A drum or disc is unsafe once a crack runs longer than half the width of its friction surface.

   Source: 5.3.2 Walk-around Inspection

2. 2. What is the defect most often found during roadside inspections?

   Correct answer: Brakes that are out of adjustment

   The handbook notes that out-of-adjustment brakes are the defect inspectors turn up most often at roadside checks.

   Source: 5.3.2 Walk-around Inspection

3. 3. A manual slack adjuster probably needs adjusting if it moves more than about how much at the push-rod connection?

   Correct answer: One inch

   If a slack adjuster moves more than roughly one inch at the push-rod connection, it likely needs to be adjusted.

   Source: 5.3.2 Walk-around Inspection

4. 4. How can you tell whether your vehicle came from the factory equipped with ABS?

   Correct answer: Check the certification label for its manufacture date

   You can read the certification label's manufacture date to determine whether the vehicle was required to have, or was built with, ABS.

   Source: 5.1.16 Antilock Braking Systems (ABS)

5. 5. At operating rpm in a dual air system, how long should it take to raise pressure from 85 to 100 psi?

   Correct answer: About 45 seconds

   With the engine at operating rpm, a dual system should raise pressure from 85 to 100 psi within about 45 seconds.

   Source: 5.3.3 Check Rate of Air Pressure Buildup

6. 6. During the final air-brake check, at about what pressures should the governor cut the compressor in and out?

   Correct answer: Cut in near 100 psi and cut out near 125 psi

   The compressor should begin pumping around 100 psi and stop around 125 psi, per the manufacturer's specs.

   Source: 5.3.3 Check Air Compressor Governor