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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 Michigan CDL knowledge test. The MI 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 Michigan CDL Manual. Take this MI CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual air brakes test!
1. When checking air brakes on combination vehicles, which of the following is NOT part of checking that air flows to all trailers?
Using the trailer handbrake to provide air to the service line.
Pulling tractor forward until the fifth-wheel comes out from under the trailer.
Going to the rear of the rig.
2. Air tanks must be drained because:
if one air system is low on pressure, the rear brakes will not be operating fully.
compressed air usually has some water in it. The water can freeze in cold weather and cause brake failure.
when you push the brake pedal, air is let into each brake chamber.
3. If your vehicle catches fire, you should pull over:
at a service station.
near trees.
in an open area.
4. If the air compressor is belt-driven, you should check the air compressor drive belt before each trip. The belt should be:
cracked.
loose.
tight.
5. You are going down a steep grade. Once the vehicle is in the proper low gear, you should brake just hard enough to feel a slowdown, and then release the brakes when your speed has been reduced to ____ below your safe speed.
5 mph
15 mph
10 mph
6. Spring brakes:
are usually held back by air pressure.
will apply the brakes when a leak in the air brake system causes all the air to be lost.
All of the above.
7. When is it safe to leave your vehicle unattended without applying the parking brakes or chocking the wheels?
When you are conducting your pre-trip inspection.
Only while you are taking a rest break.
Never.
8. 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 will be restricted to driving vehicles without air brakes.
you'll need to take another knowledge test about air brakes.
you'll have to immediately retake your test using another vehicle.
9. When backing a trailer, turn the wheel right to make the cab go ________ and the trailer go ________.
right; left
left; left
left; right
10. You are driving a vehicle with air brakes when the low air pressure warning light and buzzer come on. You should:
slow down and test your brakes.
activate your hazard lights and drive to the nearest place where you can stop.
pull off the road and stop immediately.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

The age requirements for obtaining a class O driver's license in Michigan are established by the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program:
  • For a Level 1 Learner's License, you must be at least 14 years and 9 months old.
  • For a Level 2 Intermediate License, you must be at least 16 and have held a learner’s license for at least six months.
  • For a Level 3 Full License, you must be at least 17 and have held an intermediate license for at least six months.  
If you are age 18 or older, you have to apply for a temporary instruction permit and pass a driving skill test to obtain a standard operator's license.

If you are under 18, after completing the required hours of both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, you must pass a DMV written test at your state-certified driver’s education provider. Once you pass and receive a Certificate of Completion for Segment 1 of the GDL program, you can apply for your learner’s license at a Secretary of State office with your parent/legal guardian. If you are 18 or older, you can schedule an appointment and take the permit test directly at a Secretary of State office.
Before your appointment, make sure you have the required documents:  
  • One proof of your Social Security Number.
  • One proof of your legal presence.
  • One proof of identity (if applicable, provide evidence of any name changes).
  • Two proofs of Michigan residency.
  • Driver Education Certificate of Completion for Segment 1 (for individuals under 18).
You can use this checklist to ensure you have all the correct documents.


The DMV written test at all Secretary of State offices is offered in Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, English, French, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. If you have difficulty speaking or reading English, you can request an interpreter by contacting the Department of State Information Center at 888-767-6424 in advance. Additionally, if you are hearing-impaired, a sign language interpreter can assist you.

The DMV written test is based on the official Michigan Driver's Handbook, 'What Every Driver Must Know'. The manual is also available here in other foreign languages. Focus on road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. After studying it, test your preparation with our free practice tests

The DMV written test includes 80 questions. The questions cover various topics to ensure that applicants have a solid understanding of the rules of the road. Carefully study the manual to enhance your chances of passing the exam.

You need a score of 70% or higher. You should get at least 56 questions right, and you're allowed to miss up to 24 questions out of the total 80. Stay focused and take the time to read the questions carefully.

For individuals with a learner's license:
  • Driving is allowed only under the supervision of a licensed parent/legal guardian or a licensed individual aged 21 or older who has been authorized by your parent/legal guardian.
  • Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
For individuals with an intermediate license:
  • Driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and transporting more than one passenger under 21 (except siblings) is forbidden unless accompanied by a parent/legal guardian, a designated licensed driver aged 21 or older, or for work/authorized activities.
  • Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
Once you have held your intermediate license for 6 months without a traffic violation and have reached at least 17 years of age, these restrictions no longer apply.

If you are under 18 and enrolled in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, your learner's license expires on your 18th birthday. For individuals over 18 years old, the permit is valid for 180 days. You can renew your temporary permit either online or by contacting the Michigan Department of State.

You have three chances to pass the DMV written test. If you don't pass the exam after three attempts, you'll be required to retake the course and pay the enrollment charge again. If you find the permit test difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.

MI CDL Air Brakes Test

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