In Partnership with William K. Kohrs Memorial 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 Montana CDL knowledge test. The MT 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 Montana CDL Manual. Take this MT CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual air brakes test!
1. Weight that is loaded so there is a high center of gravity:
reduces the chance that the load will shift to the side or fall off.
makes a vehicle easier to handle.
causes greater chance of rollover.
All of the above.
2. The use of air brakes on a steep downgrade is only a supplement to:
the use of the parking brakes.
the braking effect of the engine.
the use of the "controlled braking" method.
the use of the spring brakes.
3. When the spring brakes are on, you should:
exceed the posted speed limit.
pump the brakes.
not push the brake pedal down.
press the accelerator.
4. The use of brakes on a steep downgrade is:
a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.
the main braking factor.
dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs.
much more effective than the engine braking effect.
5. In vehicles with air brakes, the brake pedal:
tells you how much pressure is in the air tanks.
let the air out of the spring brakes.
controls the air pressure applied to the brakes.
pumps air into the air storage tanks.
6. If your vehicle is hydroplaning, you should:
accelerate to get through the water as quickly as possible.
use the brakes to slow down.
release the accelerator and push in the clutch.
None of the above.
7. Vehicles with air brakes require more stopping distance than vehicles with hydraulic brakes. Why?
It takes one half second or more for the air to flow through the lines to the brakes.
When driving vehicles with air brakes, the average perception distance increases from 400 feet to 2200 feet.
Stopping distance for vehicles with air brakes is made up of six different factors.
Air brakes use different brake drums.
8. The application pressure gauge:
tells you how much pressure is in the air tanks.
shows how much air pressure is being applied to the brakes.
protects the tank and the rest of the system from too much pressure.
stops the compressor from pumping air.
9. Air pressure should build up in a single air system, within about:
3 minutes.
10 minutes.
15 minutes.
1 minute.
10. Most heavy duty vehicles use ___ air brake systems for safety.
triple
dual
reduced
single
 
Page 1 of 3
Next page

Frequently Asked Questions

The age requirements to obtain a class D driver's license in Montana are established by the three-steps of the Graduated Driver License program:

Step 1 - Non-commercial learner permit (NCLP)
  • If you are 14 ½ years old and enrolled in a state-approved traffic education program, you can apply for a Driver Ed Learning Permit.
  • If you have not attended driver training, you can apply for the instruction permit at 15 years old.
Step 2 - First-year restricted license
  • You must be 15 and have completed an approved traffic education program, or you must be 16 years old to get a restricted license.
Step 3 - Full privilege driver license 
  • After one year or when turning 18, whichever comes first, you can obtain a full driver's license.


You can schedule the DMV written test at any Montana driver license office. Find the nearest office and make an appointment, specifying that it is for a written test. Alternatively, appointments can be arranged by calling the Customer Care Center during regular business hours. 
On the day of your appointment, ensure you bring these documents: 
  • Two proofs of identity (either two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary document).
  • Proof of residency.
  • Proof of authorized presence in the U.S.
  • Parental consent (if you are under 18).

Proof of your Social Security Number is not required, but you should know it as it may be verified during your appointment.

You need to read the Montana Driver's Handbook. The exam covers various topics, including road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Remember that you cannot use driver's manuals or personal notes, so study the manual carefully and use our free practice tests.

For new drivers in Montana, restrictions vary.

With a learner permit:
  • You may drive only under the supervision of a licensed parent/guardian or adult.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for both the driver and passenger.
  • A clean record for six months is required to apply for a restricted license.

With a first-year restricted license:
  • Sealbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • You cannot drive alone between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., except for emergencies, farm-related activities, school/church/work activities, and specific parent-authorized purposes.
  • You can transport only one passenger under 18 for the first six months, except for family members. After six months, a maximum of three passengers is allowed unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is 18 or older.

Your permit is valid for one year. This ensures you have enough time to practice driving and fulfill the necessary requirements before the road test.

You can take the DMV written test only once per day. If you are under 18, you must wait one week before another attempt, while if you are over 18, you may return the next business day. If you find the exam difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.

MT 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
4.8 out of 5
based on 284 votes