Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

5 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. In a dual air system with the engine at operating rpm, air pressure should build within which range and time?

   Correct answer: From 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds

   For a dual air system, with the engine at operating speed the pressure should climb from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds; larger-than-minimum tanks may take longer and still be safe.

   Source: Section 5.3.3 - Final Air Brake Check (Rate of Air Pressure Buildup)

2. 2. With the engine off and the parking brake released, what is the largest allowable air loss rate for a single vehicle?

   Correct answer: Less than two psi in one minute

   With a fully charged system, the engine off, and the parking brake released, a single vehicle's air loss should stay under two psi per minute; for combination vehicles the limit is under three psi.

   Source: Section 5.3.3 - Final Air Brake Check (Air Leakage Rate)

3. 3. With the foot brake fully applied and held, what is the largest acceptable one-minute pressure drop for a combination vehicle?

   Correct answer: Four psi

   Holding the foot brake down for a minute, the pressure should not drop more than three psi for a single vehicle or more than four psi for a combination vehicle.

   Source: Section 5.3.3 - Final Air Brake Check (Air Leakage Rate)

4. 4. How do you test the low pressure warning signal during the final air brake check?

   Correct answer: With the engine off, step on and off the brake to lower tank pressure and watch for the warning

   With enough pressure that the warning is off, shut off the engine, turn on the electrical power, and fan the brake pedal to lower tank pressure; the warning must come on before pressure falls below 55 psi.

   Source: Section 5.3.3 - Final Air Brake Check (Low Pressure Warning)

5. 5. According to the manual, what is the most common defect found during roadside inspections?

   Correct answer: Brakes that are out of adjustment

   Out-of-adjustment brakes are the defect found most often during roadside inspections, and too much brake slack can make a vehicle very hard to stop.

   Source: Section 5.3.2 - Walk-around Inspection