Air Brake Test Air Brake Driving Techniques & Vehicle Control

Question 1

When driving downhill with air brakes, what is the recommended braking technique to prevent brake fade?

Accepted Answer

Snub braking — apply firm pressure, release, then repeat

Answer

Continuous light brake pressure throughout the descent

Answer

Full brake application until the vehicle slows to the desired speed

Answer

Engine braking only without touching the service brakes

Question 2

What is 'brake fade' and when does it most commonly occur?

Accepted Answer

Reduced braking effectiveness caused by overheated friction materials

Answer

Loss of air pressure due to a system leak

Answer

Automatic reduction of brake force by the ABS system

Answer

Gradual wear of brake linings over tens of thousands of miles

Question 3

What should you do BEFORE starting down a long, steep downhill grade?

Accepted Answer

Test brakes and select an appropriate low gear before the descent begins

Answer

Shift to a higher gear to maintain momentum

Answer

Release air pressure to reduce unnecessary brake wear

Answer

Increase following distance only and descend in a high gear

Question 4

What is 'stab braking' and when is it used?

Accepted Answer

Applying full brake pressure until wheels lock, then fully releasing to restore steering, repeating as needed

Answer

Lightly tapping the brake pedal multiple times to slow gradually

Answer

Using the parking brake in combination with service brakes for emergency stops

Answer

Applying brakes only to the rear axle to keep the front wheels free for steering

Question 5

What should you do if your brakes become dangerously hot after a long downhill grade?

Accepted Answer

Pull over and allow brakes to cool naturally through rest before continuing

Answer

Apply the parking brake briefly to help them cool faster

Answer

Drive faster to create more airflow over the brake drums

Answer

Pour water on the drums immediately to speed up cooling

Question 6

On a vehicle without ABS, how should you apply air brakes to avoid wheel lockup during a hard stop?

Accepted Answer

Apply firm, steady pressure and ease off slightly if wheels begin to lock

Answer

Apply maximum brake pressure immediately for the shortest stopping distance

Answer

Pump the brakes rapidly the same way as hydraulic brakes

Answer

Use only the engine brake and avoid the service brakes when stopping quickly