Knowledge Test +4Alberta · CDL · English

The air brake knowledge test is conducted by a Registry Agent in the same format as other knowledge tests. It comprises thirty multiple choice questions randomly chosen from a question bank. The pass mark is 83%, allowing a maximum of five incorrect answers. There is a cost for each test attempt.

• ✓The knowledge test has 30 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 83%
• ✓A maximum of five incorrect answers is allowed to pass
• ✓After passing, the Registry Agent can apply the endorsement or licence upgrade

Cargo must be secured per National Safety Code Standard 10. Commercial trucks over 4,500 kg must ensure cargo cannot leak, spill, blow off, fall, or shift enough to affect vehicle stability. Improper securement results in fines and penalties.

• ✓Cargo securement follows NSC Standard 10
• ✓Applies to commercial trucks registered over 4,500 kg
• ✓Cargo must not leak, spill, blow off, fall from or be dislodged
• ✓Cargo must not shift enough to affect stability or ability to move
• ✓Driver, carrier or shipper may face fines for improper securement

Carriers may need a Safety Fitness Certificate (SFC). Federal law requires an SFC for vehicles over 4,500 kg operating outside Alberta; provincial law requires one for vehicles registered at 11,794 kg or greater operating solely within Alberta.

• ✓Federal SFC required for trucks/trailers over 4,500 kg operating outside Alberta
• ✓Provincial SFC required for vehicles registered 11,794 kg or greater within Alberta
• ✓SFC required for commercial passenger vehicles seating 11 or more including the driver
• ✓Farmers are exempt from provincial SFC but NOT from federal regulations
• ✓Only one piece of legislation applies to a carrier at any given time

Each driver must be trained, medically fit, not fatigued or impaired, qualified for the vehicle, carry required documents, and report violations, convictions and collisions to the carrier.

• ✓Driver must be medically fit and not fatigued or impaired by alcohol or drugs
• ✓Driver must carry valid licence, registration, insurance and required documents
• ✓Driver must report violations, convictions and collisions to the carrier
• ✓Driver must not operate a vehicle with a defect that jeopardizes safety

Under Alberta legislation, work shifts generally begin and end with eight consecutive off-duty hours. A driver cannot drive after 13 hours driving or after 15 hours on-duty. Daily logs must be maintained and kept for six months.

• ✓Cannot drive after having driven 13 hours
• ✓Cannot drive after being on-duty for 15 hours
• ✓Work shifts start/end with 8 consecutive off-duty hours
• ✓Daily logs delivered to employer within 20 days, kept for at least six months
• ✓Log exemption if within 160 km radius, same start/end point, under 15 hours, and records kept

Federal rules are more restrictive with daily, work shift and cycle limits. A driver cannot drive after 13 hours driving or 14 hours on-duty, must take 10 hours off-duty daily (8 consecutive), and must follow either Cycle 1 or Cycle 2.

• ✓Cannot drive after 13 hours driving or 14 hours on-duty in a day
• ✓Must take 10 hours off-duty daily with 8 consecutive
• ✓Cannot drive after 16 hours elapsed since last 8 consecutive off-duty hours
• ✓Cycle 1: 70 hours on-duty in 7 days; Cycle 2: 120 hours in 14 days
• ✓Cycle 1 reset requires 36 consecutive hours off; Cycle 2 requires 72
• ✓Must take at least 24 consecutive hours off in the preceding 14 days

Alberta's mandatory VIP for Commercial Vehicles sets standards for owner maintenance. Buses over 11 passengers must be inspected every six months; trucks and trailers at 11,794 kg or more must be inspected every 12 months.

• ✓Buses carrying more than 11 passengers must be inspected every six months
• ✓Trucks and trailers of 11,794 kg or more must be inspected every 12 months
• ✓Municipal transit buses and farm trucks are exempt within Alberta
• ✓Passing vehicles receive a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Certificate and decal

Alberta carriers must maintain a written maintenance and inspection program covering all applicable vehicles including leased vehicles. Drivers have specific responsibilities.

• ✓Drivers must carry out inspections required by owner and legislation (trip inspections)
• ✓Drivers must not operate any vehicle with a defect that jeopardizes safety
• ✓Drivers must notify the carrier of any defects found during inspection
• ✓The program must cover all applicable vehicles registered to the carrier, including leased vehicles

In Alberta a carrier must establish, maintain and follow a written safety program covering matters such as speed, seat belts, drug/alcohol use, load security and record keeping. Drivers must know and follow their company's safety plan.

• ✓Carriers must have a written safety program
• ✓Safety plan must cover speed limits, seat belt use, drug/alcohol use, load security and fuelling
• ✓All drivers must know and follow the company's safety plan
• ✓Failure to comply may result in charges, penalties or cancellation of the SFC

Drivers must not use a cellular phone or other electronic devices while driving. Making/receiving calls or sending/receiving texts is a dangerous distraction. This prohibition also applies to hands-free phones. If you must communicate, stop in a safe and legal place first.

• ✓Do not use hand-held cell phones to make/receive calls or texts while driving
• ✓The distraction warning applies even to hands-free cellular telephones
• ✓Stop in a safe and legal place before making or receiving a call or text

The Traffic Safety Act imposes fines for specific distractions: using a hand-held cell phone; texting or emailing; using electronic devices such as laptops, video games, cameras, and video entertainment displays; programming portable audio players; entering information on GPS units; reading printed materials; writing, printing or sketching; and personal grooming.

• ✓Fined activities include texting, emailing, and using laptops/video games/cameras
• ✓Reading printed materials, writing/sketching, and personal grooming are prohibited while driving
• ✓Manually entering information on GPS units while driving is prohibited

The distracted driving law applies to all vehicles defined in the Traffic Safety Act, including cars, motorcycles, motor homes, truck tractors, farm vehicles, and bicycles. No vehicle type is exempt from the general prohibition.

• ✓The law applies to all vehicles including trucks, farm vehicles, and bicycles
• ✓Vehicle types are defined under the Traffic Safety Act

Not specifically restricted: using two-way/hand-held CB radios when escorting oversized vehicles, contacting one's employer, or participating in search, rescue, and emergency management situations. This preserves established commercial and emergency communication practices.

• ✓CB and two-way radios permitted for escorting oversized vehicles and contacting employers
• ✓Radios permitted during search, rescue, and emergency management situations

Permitted display screens include: a GPS navigation system affixed to the vehicle and programmed before driving (or voice-activated); a gauge/instrument/device showing vehicle systems or location; a dispatch system for transporting passengers; and a logistical transportation tracking system for commercial purposes.

• ✓GPS must be affixed and pre-programmed before driving, or be voice-activated
• ✓You cannot hold the GPS unit or manually enter information while driving
• ✓Vehicle system gauges, passenger dispatch systems, and logistical tracking systems are permitted

Drivers who use dispatch systems for transporting passengers or logistical tracking devices for commercial purposes can have mobile data computers installed and activated. However, drivers must keep focus on the road and should not type information into these devices while driving.

• ✓Mobile data computers may be installed and activated for commercial/passenger dispatch use
• ✓Drivers must not type information into these devices while driving

Under the Traffic Safety Act, emergency vehicles (police service vehicles, fire response units, ambulances, and gas disconnection units responding to a call) may use hand-held communication or electronic devices, but only when acting within the scope of their employment.

• ✓Emergency vehicles include police, fire, ambulances, and gas disconnection units responding to a call
• ✓Emergency vehicle drivers may use devices only within the scope of their employment

The legislation is not intended to interfere with well-established commercial operations or search and rescue. Hand-held CB radios or 'Mike phones' are allowed when communicating with the employer or during emergency management situations, including reporting extreme weather or roadway hazards like a collision.

• ✓CB radios / Mike phones allowed for employer communication and emergency management
• ✓Reporting extreme weather or roadway hazards (collisions) can fall under the emergency category
• ✓Enforcement officers evaluate specific situations to determine compliance

Tour bus drivers must comply with the distracted driving law and must not drive distracted. Hands-free units and innovative technology solutions are available to provide information to passengers while remaining compliant.

• ✓Tour bus drivers must not drive distracted
• ✓Hands-free units must be used to remain compliant while informing passengers

Every axle group has its own independent service brake circuit, and they all work essentially the same way. Some trailer OEMs fit a circuit per axle; others use one circuit for the complete axle group. The circuit consists of a tank, control valve, and chambers, with quick release and relay variations added.

• ✓Every axle group has an independent service brake circuit
• ✓All service brake circuits work the same way regardless of axle group

The air tank stores air pressure sized to brake chamber air volume requirements. Tanks are hydrostatically tested to at least five times the compressor cut-out pressure or 500 PSI (3,448 kPa), whichever is greater. Tank capacity must provide a minimum number of full service applications.

• ✓Tanks are hydrostatically tested to at least 5x compressor cut-out pressure or 500 PSI (3,448 kPa), whichever is greater
• ✓Tank volume must provide minimum 12 full service applications for power units and 8 for trailers

Check valves protect the service tanks from air supply failure. Every service tank on every axle group has one. AD-IS systems use pressure protection valves built into the AD-IS module.

• ✓Every service tank on every axle group is equipped with a check valve
• ✓Check valves protect service tanks from air supply failure

The low air alarm activates if air pressure drops below 60 PSI (414 kPa), though sending units tend to activate around 70 PSI (483 kPa). The CVSA out-of-service standard is a minimum of 55 PSI (310 kPa) or half the governor cut-out pressure, whichever is less. If either warning device works, the vehicle is not placed out-of-service.

• ✓The low air alarm is set to activate below 60 PSI (414 kPa)
• ✓CVSA out-of-service standard is minimum 55 PSI (310 kPa) or half governor cut-out pressure, whichever is less

Brake chambers convert air pressure into mechanical force, marking the end of the air system and start of mechanical linkages. Two factors affect the conversion: brake chamber size and applied air pressure. Air pressure is force over surface area; 10 PSI over 20 square inches produces 200 pounds of force on the push plate.

• ✓Brake chambers convert air pressure into mechanical force
• ✓Force output depends on brake chamber size and applied air pressure

Brake chambers are sized by the OEM, but air pressure is controlled by the driver. Type 20 (20 square inches / 129 sq cm) is typical for steering axles. Type 30 (30 square inches / 194 sq cm) is typical for load bearing axles.

• ✓Type 20 chambers (20 sq in) are typical for steering axles
• ✓Type 30 chambers (30 sq in) are typical for load bearing axles

Control valves manage air pressure flow from the tank to the chambers using an inlet valve and an exhaust valve. When released, inlet is closed and exhaust open. When applied, exhaust closes and inlet opens. In hold/balance, both are closed, capturing application air.

• ✓When applied, the exhaust valve closes and the inlet valve opens to send air to chambers
• ✓In the hold/balance position, both inlet and exhaust valves are closed
• ✓When released, the inlet is closed and the exhaust is open

Relays reduce air lag by placing a control valve directly in the axle group area for faster air delivery. Relays can be mounted in the service tank (trailers) or on the frame (drive axles). The driver sends a control signal to the top of the relay. Large air volumes use 5/8 to 3/4 inch hoses; signals use smaller lines.

• ✓Relays reduce air lag by delivering air directly from a nearby tank to the chambers
• ✓Air pressure control signals must always be maintained even with electronic brake management
• ✓Brake signals move through 3/8 inch (10 mm) lines, governor signals through 1/4 inch lines

Pressure gauges measure air pressure in the two tractor service tanks (primary and secondary). Trailer service tanks receive air pressure from the tractor service tank with the highest pressure.

• ✓Gauges measure pressure in the primary and secondary tractor service tanks
• ✓Trailer service tanks receive air from the tractor tank with the highest pressure

Long stroke chambers have more total stroke before the push plate bottoms out. A standard Type 30 has 2½ inches (64 mm) total stroke, while a long stroke has 3 inches (77 mm). Long stroke chambers have square inlet ports and are not interchangeable with regular chambers.

• ✓Long stroke chambers are identified by square inlet ports
• ✓Long stroke chambers are not interchangeable with regular chambers

Quick release valves speed the exhaust of air from the brake chambers. Air exhausts through the quick release valve, but may also exhaust through the ABS modulators if equipped.

• ✓Air exhausts through the quick release valve during brake release
• ✓Air may also exhaust through ABS modulators if equipped

Crack pressure is the control air pressure needed at the top of the relay before it opens. Different crack pressures regulate brake timing along the vehicle's length. Relays closer to the cab have higher crack pressures, allowing time for control air to reach rear brakes. Service line booster relays have zero crack pressure.

• ✓Crack pressure is the control air needed to open the relay and deliver tank air to chambers
• ✓Relays closer to the cab have higher crack pressures to time brake application
• ✓Service line booster relays have zero crack pressure to avoid reducing the signal

The air tank stores air pressure for the service circuit, sized to the brake chamber air volume required. Tanks are hydrostatically tested and must provide a minimum number of full brake applications.

• ✓Tanks are hydrostatically tested to handle at least five times cut-out pressure or 500 PSI (3,448 kPa), whichever is greater
• ✓Tank capacity must provide minimum 12 full service applications for power units
• ✓Tank capacity must provide minimum 8 full service applications for trailers

Pressure gauges measure air in the two tractor service tanks (primary and secondary). Trailer tanks receive air from the tractor tank with highest pressure. The low air alarm activates below 60 PSI.

• ✓The low air alarm is set to activate if air pressure drops below 60 PSI (414 kPa)
• ✓Sending units tend to activate the alarm around 70 PSI (483 kPa)
• ✓Trailer service tanks receive air from the tractor service tank with the highest pressure

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) standardizes commercial vehicle inspections so defects are applied equally throughout North America. The out-of-service standard for low air is defined by minimum pressure thresholds.

• ✓CVSA out-of-service standard is minimum 55 PSI (310 kPa) or half of governor cut-out pressure, whichever is less
• ✓If either the audible or visual warning device works, the vehicle is not placed out-of-service
• ✓CVSA standardizes inspections so defects are applied equally throughout North America

Brake chambers convert air pressure into mechanical force, marking the end of the air system and beginning of mechanical linkages. Two factors affect conversion: brake chamber size and applied air pressure. Force equals pressure multiplied by surface area.

• ✓Two factors affecting conversion are brake chamber size and applied air pressure
• ✓10 PSI (69 kPa) applies 10 pounds of force onto a single square inch
• ✓Force = air pressure multiplied by diaphragm surface area

Brake chambers are sized by the OEM but air pressure is controlled by the driver. Steering axles typically use Type 20 (20 sq in / 129 sq cm diaphragm); load bearing axles typically use Type 30 (30 sq in / 194 sq cm).

• ✓Type 20 = 20 square inches diaphragm, typical for steering axles
• ✓Type 30 = 30 square inches diaphragm, typical for load bearing axles
• ✓Brake chambers are sized by OEM; air pressure is controlled by the driver

Control valves manage air flow from tank to chambers using two internal valves: an inlet (air from tank to chambers) and an exhaust (air from chambers to atmosphere). They work the same regardless of activation method.

• ✓When released: inlet is closed and exhaust is open, leaving chambers open
• ✓When applied: exhaust closes and inlet opens, applying service brakes
• ✓In hold/balance position: both inlet and exhaust are closed, capturing application air

Relay valves are installed in the axle group area to provide fast air delivery, reducing the lag that would occur if air had to travel from cab-mounted valves. They can be tank-mounted (trailers) or frame-mounted (drive axles).

• ✓Relays are mounted in the service tank (typical of trailers) or on the frame (typical of drive axles)
• ✓The driver sends a control signal to the top of the relay to trigger application
• ✓All vehicles must maintain air pressure control signals even with electronic braking systems

Every axle group has its own independent service brake circuit and they all work essentially the same way. Some trailer OEMs fit a circuit per axle while others outfit one circuit for the complete axle group.

• ✓Every axle group has an independent service brake circuit
• ✓All service brake circuits work essentially the same way
• ✓A tridem axle group might have three separate service brake circuits

Check valves protect the service tanks from air supply failure. Every service tank on every axle group is equipped with one. AD-IS systems use pressure protection valves built into the module.

• ✓Every service tank on every axle group is equipped with a check valve
• ✓Check valves protect service tanks from air supply failure
• ✓AD-IS systems use pressure protection valves built into the module

Long stroke chambers have more total stroke before the push plate bottoms out. They have square inlet ports and are not interchangeable with regular chambers.

• ✓Standard Type 30 has total stroke of 2½ inches (64mm); long stroke has 3 inches (77mm)
• ✓Long stroke chambers have square inlet ports
• ✓Long stroke chambers are not interchangeable with regular chambers

When brakes apply, air flows from tank to chambers and the gauge drops, but no air volume is lost from the system. When held applied, both valves stay closed maintaining chamber pressure.

• ✓When the control valve is first applied, air pressure in tank and gauge drops but no air volume is lost
• ✓When held applied, both inlet and exhaust valves close to maintain chamber pressure
• ✓When released, inlet closes and exhaust opens, releasing chamber air to atmosphere

Quick release valves allow air to exhaust quickly from the chambers rather than travelling all the way back to the control valve. Air may also exhaust through ABS modulators if equipped.

• ✓Air exhausts through the quick release valve for faster release
• ✓Air may also exhaust through the ABS modulators if equipped
• ✓Quick release valves reduce release time in the service system

Crack pressure is the control air pressure that must reach the top of a relay before it opens. Different crack pressures regulate service brake timing down the vehicle length so brakes apply in coordination.

• ✓Crack pressure is control air that must be delivered before the relay starts to open
• ✓Relays closer to the cab have higher crack pressures to allow control air time to reach the rear
• ✓Service line booster relays have zero crack pressure to avoid reducing the signal

In a straight truck the primary circuit (green) serves the drive axle(s) and secondary (red) serves the steering axle. In a Super-B, four axle groups have independent service circuits including tank-mounted relays for trailers.

• ✓Primary (green) circuit serves the drive axle(s); secondary (red) serves the steering axle
• ✓Service circuits are connected with control lines
• ✓Trailers use tank-mounted relay valves in the service circuit

Large air volumes flow through larger hoses while control signals flow through smaller diameter lines for faster delivery. Different line sizes are used for different functions.

• ✓Tank-to-relay volume lines are typically 5/8 to 3/4 inch (16 to 19 mm)
• ✓Brake signals move through 3/8 inch (10 mm) lines; governor signals through 1/4 inch (7 mm)
• ✓Transmission signals move through 1/8 inch (4 mm) lines