In Partnership with Murrieta Public Library

View instructions
The air brakes endorsement applies to applicants who wish to drive a vehicle with air brakes in Class A, B, or C CDL. To drive a vehicle with air brakes, you must pass the air brake component of the California CDL knowledge test. The CA CDL air brakes test consists of 25 questions, and you'll need at least 20 correct answers to pass (80%). The test covers the information found in the air brakes section of the California CDL Manual. Take this CA CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual air brakes test!
1. Controlled braking:
must be used when you need to turn sharply while braking.
involves locking the wheels and then releasing the brakes.
can be used to keep your vehicle in a straight line and allow you to turn if necessary.
2. If you are feeling sleepy, you should:
get some coffee.
pull off the road and rest.
slow down.
3. As part of the final air brake check, you should:
Check air compressor governor cut-in and cut-out pressure.
Test air leakage rate.
All of the above.
4. When the low air pressure warning light and buzzer first come on, you should:
speed up to restore pressure.
downshift and slow down.
bring the vehicle to a safe stop right away.
5. When meeting an oncoming vehicle at night, if the other driver does not put their low beams on, you should:
"get back at the other driver" by putting your own high beams on.
slow down and look straight ahead in your lane.
look slightly to the right to avoid looking directly at the lights of the oncoming vehicle.
6. Which of the following statements is true?
There is no way that short circuits due to damaged insulation can cause a vehicle fire.
Carrying a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher will help prevent fires.
Poor cargo ventilation is a common cause of fire.
7. When you make a quick lane change, the crack-the-whip effect can:
make it harder to turn without skidding.
improve your traction.
turn the trailer over.
8. The air compressor is connected to:
the engine.
the transmission.
the radiator.
9. Overloading a vehicle with cargo can have negative effects on all of the following except:
Braking
Weight limits
Steering
10. When driving in a construction zone, if a construction worker is near the road, you should:
come to a complete stop.
further reduce your speed.
maintain a constant speed.
 
Page 1 of 3
Next page

Frequently Asked Questions

In California, the minimum age to apply for a DMV test is 15½ years old. If you are at least 17½ years old, you have the option to obtain a permit without completing driver training. When you turn 16, you can obtain a minor's driver license, and the provisional aspect of your class C driver's license comes to an end when you reach 18.

You can schedule an appointment through the official California DMV website to take the DMV written test in person. Alternatively, you can take the exam online during specific hours. You can select this option after filling out your application. If you are under 18, parental or guardian permission is necessary before taking the test. Additionally, this test requires a webcam and cannot be completed on a smartphone/tablet.
You'll need to bring specific documents:
  • Application Form. You can fill out this form online or choose the paper version available at any California DMV office. If you're under 18, ensure that your parents/guardians sign the application.
  • Proof of identity.
  • Full name document.
  • Two proofs of residency.
  • Social Security Number (SSN).
  • If you are under 18, you must also have a Certificate of Completion/Enrollment of Driver Education.
The online version of the DMV written test in California is offered in 35 languages. Although language options are provided, it is advisable to have a basic understanding of English since road signs are always in English.
The DMV written test covers various topics, such as road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Studying the official California Driver’s Handbook is the first step to pass the exam because it contains all of this information. Once you've read it, you can take our free practice tests to test your preparation!
For new drivers in California, there are specific restrictions based on their age and licensing stage. With an instruction permit, you can drive accompanied by a licensed California aged at least 18 (or 25 for minors). After obtaining a provisional license, driving alone is permitted if there are no collisions or traffic violations on your record. In the first 12 months:

  • Driving alone is prohibited between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for medical emergencies, school or employment activities, or when accompanied by a family member. A written note is required.
  • Transporting passengers under 20 years old is not allowed, except when accompanied by a California-licensed parent or guardian, a driver aged 25 or older, or a certified driving instructor.
  • Until you turn 18, the use of a cell phone or electronic wireless device is forbidden, except in emergencies when you need to contact law enforcement or the hospital.

At 18, the restrictions end and you may request a duplicate DL without the term "provisional", after paying a fee.

The driver’s license application remains valid for 12 months. Since you are required to hold the permit for 6 months before taking the road test, if your application expires, you must reapply at a DMV office. The time spent with the instruction permit counts towards the six-month requirement. Bring both the expired and current permits on the day of the driving test to demonstrate the accumulated credit.

If you do not pass your written test, you must wait for 7 days, excluding the day you failed the test, before retaking it. You are allowed three attempts to pass the exam. However, if you fail it three times, your application will no longer be valid, and you must start the application process again.

CA CDL Air Brakes Test

Number of questions: 25
Correct answers to pass:20
Passing score:80%
Share This Online CDL Test
Rate this CDL Air Brakes Test
5 out of 5
based on 414 votes