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Old 07-05-2017, 08:42 AM   #1
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Could you pass an air brake test.

Having recently bought a mh with air brakes, I had to get my air endorsement added to my licence. Having read many threads on the forums, it appears many with air brakes dont understand how the system works. I know most states dont require a cdl for a mh, but understanding how the brake system works, and how to check your system for possible defective components, is just a good idea for safety reasons. Here are five practice tests similar to what we have to pass in Ontario. We all drive the same trucks and rvs, so the questions are relevant to all who drive air brake systems. Cheers. Ontario Air Brake Z Endorsement Knowledge Test Practice | DrivingTest
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Old 07-05-2017, 09:02 AM   #2
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Great idea. Braking systems are one thing the operator needs to understand.
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Old 07-05-2017, 10:11 AM   #3
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Yes, the written tests, and the driving test in Ontario to get a D licence with a Z endorsement for large diesel motor homes should be required in all states and provinces.
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Old 07-05-2017, 10:21 AM   #4
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Driving an , air brake equipped motor home ; without the air brake endorsement ; here in BC , is basically driving without a license.
Would probably effect insurance in the case of an " at fault " accident .

The part that bugs me the most , is that RV Dealers won't tell you up front about the requirement ; same with the 10,000 lb. GVWR on trailers ; you have to read all the fine print on your insurance/registration paperwork.
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Old 07-05-2017, 05:22 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by winniman View Post
Having recently bought a mh with air brakes, I had to get my air endorsement added to my licence. Having read many threads on the forums, it appears many with air brakes dont understand how the system works. I know most states dont require a cdl for a mh, but understanding how the brake system works, and how to check your system for possible defective components, is just a good idea for safety reasons. Here are five practice tests similar to what we have to pass in Ontario. We all drive the same trucks and rvs, so the questions are relevant to all who drive air brake systems. Cheers. Ontario Air Brake Z Endorsement Knowledge Test Practice | DrivingTest
I took it without studying and got a C - 77%. Not very good considering I own an RV with air brakes. I will keep studying till I am at 100%. I don't think a C is good enough considering my family is traveling with me.
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Old 07-05-2017, 05:30 PM   #6
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Well I guess us folks in Arkansas should never go into or thru Ontario, they only require a basic DL for operation of any class of vehicle except for Commercial here. I can operate my Class 8 Kenworth pulling my 5er with the basic DL, that is if I still had it
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Old 07-05-2017, 07:03 PM   #7
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Although many States in U.S. do not require air brake endorsement, this manual has good information on air brake operation and testing. https://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/PDFs/AirBrakeManual.pdf
Other manuals are available from Iowa and Florida DMV websites.

Before every trip this is the minimum test you should do of the air brake system.

1.Chock the wheels.
2. Start the engine and run until air pressure cutout is reached, the dryer will purge. (about 120 PSI).
3. Shut off the engine.
4. Release the parking brake by pushing in the yellow button, do NOT apply the service brake.
5. The air pressure will drop, then stabilize, after that the system should not lose more than 2 PSI per minute.
6. Apply the brake pedal firmly (still with the parking brake OFF).
7. After the initial pressure drop, the system should not lose any more than 3 PSI per minute.
8. With the engine off and parking brake off, rapidly pump (fan) the brake pedal to bleed down the air supply. During this stage you should watch for the warning light and buzzer at about 60 PSI and then the yellow button (parking brake) should pop out at about 30-45 PSI.
9. Restart the engine and build up air pressure. While building up pressure, check how long it takes for pressure to go from 85 to 100 PSI at about 1200 RPM. It should be less than 45 seconds.
10. Set parking brake, Remove chocks, put vehicle in gear against the parking brake, slightly increase rpm, it should not move.
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Old 07-05-2017, 07:34 PM   #8
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Quote:
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I took it without studying and got a C - 77%. Not very good considering I own an RV with air brakes. I will keep studying till I am at 100%. I don't think a C is good enough considering my family is traveling with me.
Thats what I did before I wrote the test. I got 100 percent on the test. How air brakes work is knowledge you should have to be driving air brake vehicles. Its a matter of life and death.
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Old 07-05-2017, 08:35 PM   #9
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Great info thanks
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Old 07-05-2017, 09:44 PM   #10
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This is a good set of tests...It pointed out how much I forgot about trailer brakes!
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Old 07-05-2017, 10:44 PM   #11
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good info & thread, thx.
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Old 07-05-2017, 10:54 PM   #12
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i'm new to air brakes and found this thread interesting enough to watch a couple of youtube videos on the subject.

for those interested, here's a link to one of the vids i felt was worth watching.

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Old 07-05-2017, 10:55 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skip426 View Post
Driving an , air brake equipped motor home ; without the air brake endorsement ; here in BC , is basically driving without a license.
Would probably effect insurance in the case of an " at fault " accident .

The part that bugs me the most , is that RV Dealers won't tell you up front about the requirement ; same with the 10,000 lb. GVWR on trailers ; you have to read all the fine print on your insurance/registration paperwork.
Would this also be the norm in a unit that has air over hydraulic? Looked at one across the waters from you over in Courtenay and that was the setup. Again the salesman said no special license issues with ICBC.
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Old 07-06-2017, 09:01 AM   #14
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Glad some are finding it useful. Before I got my air licence, I had driven forklifts and off road trucks with air brakes. Never thought any extra knowledge was required. After getting my licence I realized that it is good info to know. Some of the stuff is only related to tractor trailers, but Ontario doesnt have just an RV air licence. When I did my practical test in my mh, they only tested me on stuff in my coach.
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