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Free Pennsylvania CDL Air Brakes Test 2025

Part of mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training Course Based on 2025 PA commercial driver's license manualAvailable in EN, ES
30questions
6mistakes allowed
80%passing score

Our Pennsylvania DOT CDL Air Brakes Practice Tests are designed to help you pass your knowledge exam on the first attempt. Without passing the Pennsylvania DOT CDL Air Brakes Knowledge Test, your CDL will include the restriction “L,” preventing you from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with air brakes. Failing the Air Brakes test also results in a one-day waiting period and a fee should you decide to retake the test.

Once the air brake restriction is removed from your CDL, vast job opportunities will open to you because most semi-trucks and tractor-trailers rely on air brakes for safe navigation. The flat plains, rolling hills, and the Appalachian Mountains provide plenty of diverse terrain in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Turnpike features steep grades and sharp curves requiring air brake-qualified drivers. Additionally, winter snowfall and ice compound the need for air brakes. Key transportation routes include I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike running east-west, connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh), I-80 (running across the state, connecting it to New Jersey and Ohio), I-95 (running along the East Coast through Philadelphia), and I-81 (passing through Harrisburg and Scranton). Let’s look at a few examples of how the restriction “L” severely limits your job opportunities in this industry.

The Keystone State relies on drivers with the air brake qualification in industries such as manufacturing, energy (natural gas and coal), and logistics and freight. Major companies requiring this qualification include UPS (Harrisburg), FedEx Freight, and J.B. Hunt in the logistics and freight industry, as well as U.S. Steel (Pittsburgh) and Hershey (Hershey) in the manufacturing industry. Greyhound Lines (Philadelphia and Pittsburgh) and Fullington Trailways (Clearfield) are major charter bus companies requiring air brakes. The Pennsylvania school districts require qualified drivers for their full-size air brake-equipped buses. The “L” restriction disqualifies you from these and many other jobs.

Our CDL Air Brakes Practice Tests cover everything needed for the official DOT Air Brakes Knowledge Test. You’ll also learn information that is useful for passing your skills test. The written Air Brakes knowledge test features multiple-choice questions based on the state’s CDL manual (Pennsylvania CDL Handbook 2025) and requires a score of at least 80% to pass.

Our Practice Tests mimic the official knowledge test and offer immediate feedback on all responses. This scientifically proven approach dramatically speeds learning and ensures you pass the test.

4.24 out of 5 • 25 votes.

Perfect for

  • First-time PA CDL and CLP applicants
  • CDL holders adding endorsements
  • PA CDL renewal applicants
PA commercial driver's license

What to expect on the actual exam

How many questions25
How many correct answers to pass20
Passing score80%
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List of questions (classic view)

  1. After the initial drop, the maximum acceptable leakage rates per minute are
  2. Which of the following should you do before leaving your vehicle unattended?
  3. Which of the following is NOT part of the air brake system?
  4. At what measurement is the safety valve USUALLY set to open?
  5. Which of the following will be true about your brake function if your antilock braking system (ABS) fails?
  6. How can you tell if your vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS)?
  7. Which of the following can cause brakes to fade or fail?
  8. If the air tanks are not drained,
  9. Which of the following are true about a dual air brake system?
  10. Spring brakes are
  11. Slack adjusters are
  12. The purpose of a supply pressure gauge is
  13. Under which conditions are front wheel brakes good?
  14. What is the best way to test your vehicle's low air pressure warning signal?
  15. How would you check your truck's slack adjusters?
  16. What is the best way to test if your vehicle's spring brakes come on automatically?
  17. An antilock braking system (ABS)
  18. Which vehicles must have low air pressure warning signals?
  19. The tractor protection valve
  20. When should you use the parking brake?
  21. Which of the following is NOT part of the drum brake?
  22. Which of the following is NOT part of the braking process when you're driving a tractor-trailer combination vehicle with an antilock braking system (ABS)?
  23. How do brakes work on a long, steep downgrade?
  24. When should you drain your air tanks?
  25. Why must you pass a knowledge test on air brakes?
  26. The low air pressure warning signal will come on before the pressure in the air tanks falls below
  27. A low pressure warning signal is required on
  28. All vehicles equipped with air brakes have
  29. With air brake-equipped vehicles, the parking brakes should be used
  30. The use of air brakes on a downgrade is only a supplement to the

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