CDL AIR BRAKES PRACTICE TEST - MARYLAND

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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 Maryland CDL knowledge test. The MD 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 Maryland CDL Manual. Take this MD CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual air brakes test!
1. A broken exhaust system:
does not cause problems.
can let poisonous carbon monoxide to leak into the cab.
can improve fuel efficiency.
poses no threat to the driver.
2. You must take the CDL skills tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed. If your test vehicle does not have air brakes:
you won't receive a CDL.
you'll need to take another knowledge test about air brakes.
you'll have to immediately retake your test using another vehicle.
you will be restricted to driving vehicles without air brakes.
3. If air pressure does not build up fast enough:
you may be forced to turn off the engine and release the parking brake.
you should put the parking brake on and gently pull against it in a low gear.
you should turn the electrical power on and step on and off the brake pedal.
the pressure may drop too low during driving.
4. To use the controlled braking method in an emergency, you should:
pump the brake pedal 3 times.
apply your brakes all the way, and release the brakes when the wheels lock up.
apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels.
apply the brakes when the wheels lock up.
5. With brake drums, if brakes become too hot:
your ABS will malfunction.
the brakes may stop working.
the brakes will supply too much power to the drive wheels.
the air compressor will kick on to cool the brakes.
6. In a dual air brake system, if one air system is very low on pressure:
you should pump the brakes to restore pressure.
the effect won't be noticeable for the first 50 miles.
you should drive and brake as you always have.
either the front or rear brakes will not be operating fully.
7. With a fully-charged air system, the leakage rates should be less than:
2 psi for single vehicles and 3 psi for a combination of two vehicles.
5 psi for single vehicles and 10 psi for a combination of two vehicles.
5 psi for single vehicles and 4 psi for a combination of two vehicles.
3 psi for single vehicles and 4 psi for a combination of two vehicles.
8. The tractor protection valve:
will close automatically if the air pressure drops to a certain level.
provides the air supply for the brake system.
will close if you apply the parking brakes.
All of the above.
9. Emergency brakes are:
not required on doubles.
not required on commercial vehicles with air brakes.
not required on buses.
required on all vehicles.
10. If an aggressive driver is involved in an accident down the road, you should:
make eye contact with the driver.
try to get their vehicle to the side of the road.
confront the aggressive driver.
stop a safe distance from the accident scene, wait for the police and report the behavior you witnessed.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

The age requirements to obtain a class C driver's license in Maryland are established by the three-steps of the Rookie Driver Program:
  • Learner’s instructional permit ? you must be at least 15 years and 9 months.
  • Provisional license ? you must be at least 16 years and 6 months.
  • Driver’s license ? you must be at least 18 years old and have held a provisional license for at least 18 months.

To schedule the MVA written test for a learner’s permit, complete the pre-application. You can visit any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, and upon successful completion of your exam, the permit will be mailed to you.

You must bring the following documents:
  • Proof of identity.
  • Proof of Social Security Number or proof of ineligibility.
  • Two Maryland residency documents. If you are under 18, provide one document and bring your parents/guardians with acceptable proof of your relationship.
  • For applicants under 16, a certificate of school attendance must be provided either by the applicant's school or by a parent or guardian.
For a complete list of acceptable documents, refer to the official Maryland Document Guide.


The MVA written test in Maryland is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, French, and Traditional Chinese. You also have the option to schedule an oral exam. Foreign language interpreters are allowed, but applicants must pay their fee. For those who are hearing impaired, the MVD offers assistance free of charge.

You should read the Maryland Driver's Handbook to familiarize yourself with the most common road rules and safe driving practices. Evaluate your knowledge with our free practice tests, or sign up for DMV Premium to unlock exclusive PDF Cheat Sheets!

The Maryland MVA written test comprises 25 questions, and you have 20 minutes to complete it. You should study the manual carefully to ensure your success on the first attempt.
A score of 88% or better is required to pass the MVA written test, so you can miss up to 3 questions. Be cautious and read thoroughly the questions.
For new drivers in Maryland, there are specific restrictions based on their age and licensing stage.

Learner’s permit holders:
  • Are not allowed to use a cell phone, including hands-free devices, except for emergency calls.
  • Must be accompanied by a driver aged 21 or older, with a minimum of 3 years of driving experience, seated in the front passenger seat.
Provisional license holders (Under 18):
  • Cannot drive with passengers under 18, except siblings, for the first 151 days, unless accompanied by a supervising driver.
  • Cannot drive between midnight and 5 am unless supervised by a licensed driver aged 21 or older with at least 3 years of driving experience, or for work, school, volunteer, or sports activities.
  • Are not allowed to use a cell phone, including hands-free devices, except for emergency calls.
  • Must wear safety belts and ensure that other passengers use them.
For all drivers under 21, it's illegal to drive after drinking any amount of alcohol.  

A Maryland learner’s permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. If the permit expires before you can complete or pass the skill test, you will need to reapply for a new permit and retake the knowledge test.

If you fail your MVA written test, you need to schedule another appointment at an MVA office. You can retake the exam the next business day after the first failure. However, if you fail two or more times, you must wait seven days before retaking the permit test.

MD CDL Air Brakes Test

Number of questions: 25
Correct answers to pass:20
Passing score:80%
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