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CDL · Air Brake Inspection

How should a driver test the parking (spring) brakes during a pre-trip inspection?

Correct answer

With the vehicle stopped, apply the parking brake, then gently try to pull forward in a low gear to confirm the parking brake holds the vehicle

  1. A Skip this test
  2. B With the vehicle stopped, apply the parking brake, then gently try to pull forward in a low gear to confirm the parking brake holds the vehicle
  3. C Drive at high speed
  4. D Honk the horn

Why this is the answer

To test the PARKING (spring) BRAKES: with the vehicle STOPPED and at a safe location, APPLY the parking brake (push in the parking brake knob), then release the service brake and gently try to move forward in a LOW gear — the parking brake should HOLD the vehicle (it should not move). CDL air brakes inspection. This confirms the spring brakes are working and will hold the vehicle when parked. SERVICE BRAKE TEST: at about 5 mph, apply the service brakes and check that the vehicle stops without pulling to one side and without unusual feel. These functional brake tests are part of the pre-trip air brake check (along with the leakage test, low-air warning test, and spring brake application test). Knowing how to test the parking brakes (apply, gently try to pull forward) is commonly tested.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Air Brakes, Parking Brake Test

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