CDL Practice Question #146

You should test the parking brake by:

Pushing on it
Setting it, releasing service brakes, and gently trying to move the vehicle in low gear — it should hold
Driving without it
Banging on it with a hammer

Correct. After applying the parking brake and releasing the service brakes, gently try to move forward in low gear. If the vehicle moves, the parking brake is not holding.

Why this question matters

This question is one of 71 in our Air Brakes bank. The reasoning above comes directly from the AAMVA CDL Manual, the source document used by every U.S. state DMV. Memorizing the underlying rule — not just the letter answer — is what separates passing on the first attempt from a return trip and another fee.

Practice more

Full Air Brakes practice test
Air Brakes study guide
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