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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 Rhode Island CDL knowledge test. The RI 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 Rhode Island CDL Manual. Take this RI CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual air brakes test!
1. Air pressure should build up in a single air system, within about:
3 minutes.
15 minutes.
10 minutes.
2. When should you be particularly careful about high winds?
When emerging from a tunnel
When going downhill
When driving at night
3. At passive railroad crossings, even if there are active railroad signals that indicate the tracks are clear, you must _________  to be sure it is safe to proceed.
listen, look and stop
stop, look, and listen
go, stop and listen
4. What should you do to correct a drive-wheel braking skid?
Fully apply the brakes, turn the steering wheel quickly, push in the clutch, and countersteer.
Stop braking, turn the steering wheel quickly, push in the clutch, and countersteer.
Turn in the same direction as the skid.
5. ABS:
makes it easier to break.
allows the wheels to lock up.
helps you avoid wheel lock up.
6. The safety valve is usually set to open at:
150 psi.
200 psi.
100 psi.
7. If an aggressive driver is involved in an accident down the road, you should:
try to get their vehicle to the side of the road.
stop a safe distance from the accident scene, wait for the police and report the behavior you witnessed.
confront the aggressive driver.
8. When going down a steep downgrade, you should:
use the parking brake.
use a low gear, and a proper braking technique.
avoid braking and rely on engine braking.
9. 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.
10. If you must stop on a one-way or divided highway, place your warning devices:
10 feet, 50 feet, and 150 feet toward the approaching traffic.
100 feet, 200 feet, and 300 feet toward the approaching traffic.
10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

You can obtain a limited instruction permit if you are at least 16 but under 18 years old, provided you have completed the 33 hours driver education course. This course can be started at the age of 15 years and ten months. After holding the permit for a minimum of six months, you can apply for a limited provisional license. For a full operator's license, you must be at least 18 years old and have held a learner's permit for 30 days, or be at least 17 and have held a limited provisional license for at least 12 months without any traffic violations within the last six months.

If you're under 18, you'll need to complete the DMV written test at the DMV headquarters in Cranston after finishing the driver education course at a driving school authorized by the Community College of Rhode Island. To schedule your test, you can make a reservation online and choose a date and time that suits you. Applicants over 18 can directly schedule the permit test online without taking the course.

After taking the DMV test, bring the following documents to any Rhode Island DMV branch:
  • Green CCRI certificate (for minors who have completed the driver education course and passed the DMV written test).
  • Permit application (if you are a minor and your parent/guardian is not present, the form must be notarized).
  • Birth certificate or proof of identity.
  • Social Security Number, written on the application (LI-1 form).
  • Proof of residency (two documents).


The computerized DMV written test is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Applicants who speak a foreign language can request to take the permit test in their language using a printed format. You can make a reservation online and then schedule a Foreign Language Knowledge Exam. On the day of the exam, you must be accompanied by an interpreter, and it's important to arrive at least one hour before the appointed time.

The best way to prepare for the DMV written test is by reading the Rhode Island Driver’s Handbook, which contains information about road signs, safe driving practices, and road rules in Rhode Island. After studying the manual, test your preparation with our free practice tests!
With a limited instructional permit, you can drive under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a license for five years or more. Once you obtain a limited provisional license, the following restrictions apply:
  • You may drive at any time with a supervisor seated in the front seat or when you are alone:
- Between 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.
- At any time for work reasons or volunteer activities
- From 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. for school athletic activities
  • During the first twelve months, you can only transport one passenger under 21 years old unless they are a sibling.


The Rhode Island permit is valid for one year or until the applicant turns 18. Learner's permits can be renewed twice. However, after this period, if the permit holder has not obtained a full operator's license, they are required to pass the DMV test again. Learner’s permits can be renewed at any DMV office with the submission of a completed License/ID/Permit Application and an identity document.

If you don't pass your DMV written test, you'll need to wait for 8 days before trying again. If you find the permit test difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.

RI CDL Air Brakes Test

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