British Columbia · CDL Study Guide · Part 2 · Chapters 7–14

Getting Your Driver's Licence +7British Columbia · CDL · English

47 topics · Updated 2026-09-17

7.Getting Your Driver's Licence

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Commercial Driver Medical Examination Requirements

general

Commercial drivers must complete medical exams on a regular schedule and take the Driver's Medical Examination Report form to a B.C.-licensed physician who knows their medical history. The doctor completes and sends the form to RoadSafetyBC, which determines fitness to drive commercial vehicles. The doctor's fee is not covered by MSP, ICBC or RoadSafetyBC.

Key Rules
  • A B.C.-licensed physician who knows your medical history must complete the Driver's Medical Examination Report form
  • RoadSafetyBC determines whether you're fit to drive commercial vehicles
  • The doctor's fee for the routine medical report is not covered by MSP, ICBC or RoadSafetyBC
  • Your driver's licence may be cancelled if you don't submit the medical form
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Road Test Components and Requirements

general

All road tests consist of a pre-trip inspection, an air brake pre-trip inspection (if equipped with air brakes), and a road test. You must demonstrate pre-trip inspection including written report, basic vehicle control skills, and handling in traffic. A Class 1 road test takes about two hours; Class 2, 3, 4 and heavy trailer endorsement tests take less than two hours. Arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Key Rules
  • All road tests include a pre-trip inspection and a road test
  • Air brake pre-trip inspection required if vehicle is equipped with air brakes
  • A Class 1 road test takes about two hours
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your road test
  • A fee applies if you don't provide 48 hours notice or valid reason for missing a road test
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Pre-Trip Inspection Test Requirements

airbrakes

The National Safety Code requires most commercial drivers to complete trip inspections. Class 1, 2, 3, 4 licences, heavy trailer, house trailer or air brake endorsements require a pre-trip inspection. Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 unrestricted licences also require a written trip inspection report. Pre-trip inspections must always be done before the first run of the day.

Key Rules
  • Pre-trip inspections must always be done before the first run of the day
  • Class 1, 2, 3, 4 unrestricted licences require a written trip inspection report
  • Vehicles with manual slack adjusters require a brake adjustment as part of the test
  • Tell the examiner what you're checking for and how you know each part is in good working order
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Road Test Vehicle Requirements by Class

combination

You must provide an appropriate vehicle representative of the licence class. Class 4 restricted: any car/pickup. Class 4 unrestricted: van/small school bus seating 11+ adults. Class 3: large tandem/tridem rear axle truck. Class 2: bus seating 36+ adults. Class 1: loaded tandem/tridem tractor-trailer with air brakes, on-road loaded weight at least 28,000 kg, semi-trailer at least 13 metres (7.5m if pintle hitch).

Key Rules
  • Class 1 requires loaded tractor-trailer with air brakes, on-road weight at least 28,000 kg
  • Class 1 semi-trailer must be at least 13 metres (7.5 metres if pintle hitch trailer)
  • Class 2 requires a bus seating at least 36 adults
  • Class 4 unrestricted requires van/small school bus seating at least 11 adults
  • Heavy trailer endorsement (code 20) requires truck and trailer without air brakes weighing at least 4,600 kg
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Air Brake Courses and Endorsement

airbrakes

An air brake course is highly recommended. A certified course includes 7 hours classroom theory plus 4 hours practical training on air brake pre-trip inspection; passing the provider's assessment may exempt you from the ICBC pre-trip inspection test. A non-certified course includes 7 hours classroom theory only. Even if exempt from the course, you must pass the air brake knowledge test and pre-trip inspection test.

Key Rules
  • A certified air brake course includes 7 hours classroom theory and 4 hours practical training
  • A non-certified course includes 7 hours classroom theory only
  • You must pass the air brake knowledge test and pre-trip inspection test even if exempt from the course
  • To take a road test in an air-brake vehicle, you need the endorsement or an approved course with passed knowledge test
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Medical Report Schedule by Age

general

The National Safety Code requires all Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 drivers and those with code 18/19 industrial air brake or code 20 heavy trailer endorsements to submit medical reports regularly. Reports are required at ages 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, then 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, and every year upon reaching age 66.

Key Rules
  • Medical reports required at ages 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45
  • Medical reports required at ages 48, 51, 54, 57, 60 and 63
  • Medical reports required every year upon reaching age 66
  • Applies to Class 1, 2, 3, 4 drivers and code 18, 19, 20 endorsement holders
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Knowledge Tests Requirements

general

Knowledge tests must be taken whenever applying for a new licence. All tests are conducted only in English, are multiple choice, and must be completed without assistance. One test is a traffic signs test. Answers to all knowledge test questions are found in the study guide.

Key Rules
  • All knowledge tests are conducted only in English
  • Tests must be completed without assistance
  • All knowledge tests are multiple choice
  • A traffic signs test is one of the knowledge tests
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Road Test Skills to Demonstrate

combination

During your road test you must competently demonstrate: starting and stopping, shifting gears, turning, steering, backing up, parking, merging with highway traffic, exiting highways, and driving in traffic. For Class 1 or heavy trailer endorsement (code 20), you must also demonstrate coupling and uncoupling a tractor from a trailer.

Key Rules
  • Must demonstrate starting, stopping, shifting, turning, steering, backing and parking
  • Must demonstrate merging with and exiting from highway traffic
  • Coupling and uncoupling required for Class 1 or code 20 heavy trailer endorsement
  • Concentrate on traffic, not on what the examiner is recording
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Prohibited Loads for Road Test Vehicles

combination

Commercial vehicles used for road tests may not contain dangerous goods or explosives, unbaffled liquids or dry bulk, livestock, or oversized loads. Any load must be properly secured and must not exceed the vehicle's GVWR or licensed GVW. Class 1 and heavy trailer endorsement tests must meet minimum weight and load requirements.

Key Rules
  • Road test vehicles may not contain dangerous goods, explosives, unbaffled liquids or livestock
  • No oversized loads permitted on road test vehicles
  • Load must not exceed GVWR or licensed GVW
  • Loads must be properly secured so they won't escape, shift or sway
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Reasons a Road Test May Be Cancelled

general

A road test may be cancelled and rescheduled if the vehicle is unsafe. Common reasons include: non-working or obscured lights, air brakes out of adjustment, cracked windshield or illegally tinted windows, insecure load, improper licensing/insurance, faulty seatbelts, unsafe tires, doors/windows not operating, faulty exhaust, and no wheel blocks. No aftermarket tinting is allowed on windshield or front side windows.

Key Rules
  • Air brakes out of adjustment will cause road test cancellation
  • No aftermarket tinting allowed on windshield or front side windows
  • Temporary spare tires may not be used on a road test
  • Wheel blocks are required to safely secure large commercial vehicles for inspection
  • Both driver and passenger doors and seatbelts must work properly
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Road Test Tools and Equipment

airbrakes

Bring tools and equipment to conduct the pre-trip inspection: wrenches, a pry bar, chalk or marker, and a watch/timer to check air brakes. Wear sturdy clothing, hard hat, eye protection, boots, and a safety vest. Ensure the vehicle is clean inside with loose objects removed or stored.

Key Rules
  • Bring wrenches, pry bar, chalk/marker, and a watch/timer for air brake checks
  • Wear a hard hat, eye protection, boots, and safety vest
  • For air-brake vehicles with manual slack adjusters, bring tools to perform brake adjustment
  • Loose objects inside must be removed or stored
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Automatic Transmission Restriction

general

If you take your Class 1, 2 or 3 road test using an automatic transmission, your licence will be restricted to automatic transmissions only.

Key Rules
  • Taking a Class 1, 2 or 3 road test with automatic transmission restricts the licence to automatic only
  • This restriction applies to Class 1, 2 and 3 licences
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Upgrading and Downgrading Licences

general

To upgrade a commercial licence class, follow all steps including applying for a learner's licence, and a supervisor with appropriate class must accompany you. To downgrade to a non-commercial or lower commercial class, visit a driver licensing office to apply for a new licence and meet the lower class requirements. Your licence will not be downgraded if you fail to submit a routine medical report.

Key Rules
  • Upgrading requires following all steps including applying for a learner's licence
  • A supervisor with an appropriate class of licence must accompany you while practising
  • Your licence will not be downgraded if you fail to submit a routine medical report
  • Downgrading requires meeting the lower licence classification requirements
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Seasonal Weight Restrictions

combination

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure may post seasonal restrictions limiting axle weight on certain roads. If a restriction is in effect where and when you take your road test, the vehicle weight including load must not exceed the seasonal restriction. Example: if restrictions limit to 50% of legal axle weight, a five-axle combination with 40,500 kg max would be restricted to 20,250 kg.

Key Rules
  • Road test vehicle weight must not exceed any seasonal weight restriction in effect
  • Seasonal restrictions may limit axle weight to a percentage of legal axle weight
  • The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure posts seasonal restrictions

8.Heavy Vehicle Braking (continued)

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Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Facts

airbrakes

ABS does not allow you to drive faster or stop sooner. On some surfaces such as gravel, braking distance with ABS may actually be longer. ABS helps prevent wheel lock-up on slippery surfaces so you can brake hard without skidding and losing steering control, and it may help prevent jackknifing. ABS is only as good as the driver's technique.

Key Rules
  • ABS does not shorten stopping distance and may increase braking distance on gravel
  • ABS prevents wheel lock-up so you can brake hard without losing steering control
  • Read the manufacturer's manual to learn to use ABS properly
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Emergency Stopping Technique with ABS

airbrakes

When making an emergency stop with ABS, apply firm, hard, continuous pressure to the brake pedal until the vehicle stops. Do not pump the brakes, as this turns the system on and off. Brake noise, pedal movement or shudder is normal — keep applying firm pressure. Be extremely cautious when steering around obstacles.

Key Rules
  • Apply firm, hard, continuous brake pressure until stopped — do not pump the brakes
  • Do not be alarmed by brake noise, pedal movement or shudder; keep applying firm pressure
  • Steering and handling are affected by vehicle size, load and any trailer being towed
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Jackknifing Definition and Causes

combination

A full jackknife occurs when a tractor and trailer form an angle of 90 degrees or less relative to one another. This can happen even at very low speeds. Jackknifing is often caused by poor braking techniques, including improper use of retarders.

Key Rules
  • A full jackknife is when the tractor and trailer form an angle of 90 degrees or less
  • Jackknifing can occur even at very low speeds
  • Poor braking technique and improper retarder use cause jackknifing
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ABS in Combination Vehicles

combination

When operating combination vehicles, know which units have ABS. If the tractor and trailers do not all have ABS, apply the brakes as if you were operating a combination without ABS.

Key Rules
  • Determine which units of a combination have ABS before driving
  • If not all units have ABS, brake as if operating without ABS
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Automatic Traction Control (ATC)

airbrakes

ATC is an optional addition to an ABS system that uses the pulsating signal from ABS speed sensors to detect loss of drive wheel traction on slippery surfaces. If a drive wheel spins, ATC applies that brake, transferring power to the opposite side. In extremely slippery conditions ATC reduces engine power to let wheels regain traction. Vehicles with ATC have a dash decal and a dash-mounted warning lamp.

Key Rules
  • ATC uses the same wheel sensors as ABS to detect drive wheel spin
  • ATC applies the spinning wheel's brake to transfer power to the opposite side
  • In extremely slippery conditions ATC reduces engine power to regain traction

9.Fire Safety and Firefighting

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Vehicles Required to Carry Fire Extinguishers

general

Certain commercial vehicles are legally required to carry firefighting equipment. School bus extinguishers must meet Canadian Standard Association (CSA) Standard D250. You must be properly trained before carrying any dangerous goods.

Key Rules
  • One fire extinguisher must be carried on limited passenger vehicles with an authorized seating capacity of more than 10, all public passenger vehicles, and all school buses
  • School bus fire extinguishers must meet CSA Standard D250
  • Vehicles transporting explosives must carry two fire extinguishers
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Preventing Vehicle Fires

general

Fire prevention involves careful handling of fuel and cigarettes, monitoring tire pressure, and ensuring brakes are fully released. Soft tires build heat and can cause fires. Diesel fuel is toxic and should never be touched or cleaned with a cloth. A fuel leak can result in a vehicle being ordered out of service by a peace officer until repaired.

Key Rules
  • Never smoke in garages or near fuelling areas, and never throw cigarette butts out of cab windows as they could blow back into tarps or loads
  • Check tire pressure often since soft tires build heat and can cause a fire; if a tire was soft or flat, ensure it is cool and check pressure before moving again
  • Ensure all brakes including the parking brake are fully released when moving, since dragging brakes generate heat that can ignite grease in the hubs
  • A peace officer may order your vehicle out of service until a fuel leak is repaired
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Firefighting Procedures for Vehicle Fires

general

Fighting a fire requires quick thinking and fast action. Check firefighting equipment daily and know how to use extinguishers and what fires they extinguish. Never risk your own life since fuel fires spread quickly or explode. Have the first spectator call the fire department and warn others of explosion or toxic hazards.

Key Rules
  • If a fire is on a combination unit, disconnect the tractor from the trailer and separate the units, but only if it doesn't put you in danger
  • Fight fires with the wind at your back to reduce chances of being asphyxiated
  • If the fire is in the electrical system, disconnect the battery cables
  • If a fire starts under the hood, direct the extinguisher from underneath or through the radiator and don't open the hood
  • Don't use water on gasoline or oil fires as water will spread them; use an appropriate extinguisher, sand or dirt to smother them
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Types of Fire Extinguishers

general

There are two main categories of fire extinguishers: multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers and carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers. Dry chemical extinguishers are easier and safer to use, but CO2 extinguishers are more effective. Dry chemical extinguishers come in BC and ABC classes.

Key Rules
  • A cylinder marked BC can put out grease, oil, gasoline and electrical fires; a cylinder marked ABC will also put out Class A fires such as paper and cloth
  • CO2 extinguishers are extremely effective but should never be used in an enclosed space as you could smother yourself or blister your skin
  • Keep some extinguishing agent in reserve in case of flare-ups

10.Coupling and Uncoupling Pintle Hitch Units

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Inspecting Pintle Hitch Before Coupling

combination

Before coupling a truck and trailer with a pintle hitch, you must set the truck parking brakes, exit the cab, and inspect key components. Check the pintle hook and latch for cracks and wear, verify trailer spring brakes have applied, block the trailer wheels, ensure cargo is secure, and check the pintle eye for cracks or excessive wear. The area around the trailer must be clear.

Key Rules
  • Check pintle hook and latch for cracks and wear before coupling
  • Verify spring brakes have applied and block trailer wheels
  • Check pintle eye for cracks or excessive wear
  • Apply trailer brakes before coupling to the trailer
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Positioning Truck for Pintle Hitch Coupling

combination

Position the truck directly in front of and in line with the trailer, not at an angle. Use outside mirrors to check alignment — if lined up you should see an equal portion of each side of the trailer in each mirror. Turn on four-way flashers and sound the horn before backing. Back up slowly and stop just before the pintle hook touches the trailer pintle eye. Placing a block of wood beside a truck tire visible in mirrors helps gauge positioning accuracy.

Key Rules
  • Truck must be in line with trailer, not on an angle
  • Turn on four-way flashers and sound horn before backing
  • Back up slowly and stop just before pintle hook touches pintle eye
  • Use mirrors — equal portion of each trailer side visible means alignment is correct
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Connecting to the Pintle Hitch Trailer

combination

Adjust drawbar height so the pintle eye is just slightly higher than the pintle hook. Back up so the pintle eye is directly over the pintle hook, then lower the pintle eye onto the hook and close the safety latch. Attach safety cables/chains, raise the drawbar support leg, connect air lines, electrical cable and hydraulic lines, and remove wheel blocks. Verify all connections are secure and check trailer lights.

Key Rules
  • Adjust drawbar so pintle eye is slightly higher than pintle hook
  • Close pintle hook safety latch after lowering eye onto hook
  • Attach safety cables and/or chains and raise drawbar support leg
  • Check trailer lights: tail, brake, licence plate and clearance lights
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Preparing to Pull Away and Final Checks

combination

After coupling, re-enter the cab, charge the trailer braking system, raise trailer air suspension if lowered, and pressurize the air or hydraulic ram if equipped. If trailer brakes don't release when charged, air lines may be crossed. Check for air leakage, confirm pintle eye is securely held, and confirm alignment. At slow speed, apply the trailer hand valve to test service brakes and confirm the connection is secure. A trip inspection report is required for every new trailer picked up each day.

Key Rules
  • If trailer brakes don't release when charged, air lines may be crossed
  • Check for air brake leakage before pulling away
  • Test trailer service brakes at slow speed using the hand valve
  • Complete a trip inspection report for every new trailer picked up daily
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Uncoupling Pintle Hitch Units

combination

To uncouple, position the truck directly in line with the trailer, set both truck and trailer brakes, release ram pressure, and block the trailer wheels. Disconnect air lines, electrical cable and hydraulic lines, then safety cables/chains and safety pin, release the pintle hook safety latch, lower the drawbar landing leg, and raise the drawbar so the pintle eye clears the hook. Ensure the trailer is level and supported. Fasten disconnected lines to dead-end (dummy) connectors to prevent dirt entry and chafing.

Key Rules
  • Set both truck and trailer brakes and block trailer wheels before uncoupling
  • Disconnect lines, then safety cables/chains before releasing the latch
  • Ensure trailer is level and support the drawbar after uncoupling
  • Fasten disconnected air lines to dead-end connectors to prevent debris and chafing
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Trailers Without Spring Brakes

combination

Some trailers don't have spring brakes. With these trailers, before connecting you must connect the air lines to the trailer, charge the trailer air system, and apply the trailer brakes. This ensures the trailer cannot move while you complete the coupling process.

Key Rules
  • For trailers without spring brakes, connect air lines and charge system first
  • Apply trailer brakes before connecting to trailer
  • Always ensure trailer is immobilized before coupling

11.Dangerous Goods

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Nine Classes of Dangerous Goods

general

Dangerous goods are divided into nine classes, each identified by placards displayed on the sides and both ends of transport trucks. The classes are: explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizing substances and organic peroxides, poisonous and infectious substances, radioactive materials, corrosive substances and miscellaneous products or substances.

Key Rules
  • There are nine classes of dangerous goods, including explosives (Class 1), gases (Class 2), flammable liquids (Class 3), flammable solids (Class 4), oxidizing substances/organic peroxides (Class 5), toxic/infectious substances (Class 6), radioactive (Class 7), corrosive (Class 8), and miscellaneous (Class 9)
  • Placards may appear on the sides and both ends of transport trucks
  • Class 4.3 indicates goods that are dangerous when wet
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Dangerous Goods Training Certification

general

Anyone working with dangerous goods must have appropriate training certified by their current employer. The training certificate must be carried with you at all times when transporting dangerous goods.

Key Rules
  • Your current employer must certify that you have had appropriate training to work with dangerous goods
  • Always carry your training certificate with you when transporting dangerous goods
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Reporting Dangerous Goods Incidents

general

Any incident involving dangerous goods such as spills, leaks, fires, explosions or damaged containers must be reported immediately to the nearest police agency or the Provincial Emergency Program. Rapid action may prevent an incident from becoming serious.

Key Rules
  • Report immediately any incident involving dangerous goods in B.C. by calling local police or the Provincial Emergency Program at 1-800-663-3456
  • Report spills, leaks, fires, explosions or damaged containers to the nearest police agency
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Dangerous Goods Route Signs

general

Special signs designate which roads vehicles transporting dangerous goods may travel and which roads they may not use. Drivers must obey these route restrictions.

Key Rules
  • One sign designates roads where vehicles transporting dangerous goods may travel
  • Another sign designates roads where these vehicles are not permitted to travel

12.Air Brakes: Components of a Dual Air Brake System

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One-Way Check Valve

airbrakes

One-way check valves allow air to flow from the supply reservoir to the primary and secondary reservoirs in one direction only. This prevents the air supply in the primary and secondary reservoirs from flowing backward and being lost if there is a failure in the air compressor, discharge line, or supply reservoir.

Key Rules
  • Allows air to flow in one direction only
  • Prevents loss of primary/secondary reservoir air if there's a failure in the compressor, discharge line, or supply reservoir
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Low-Air Warning Device

airbrakes

All air brake-equipped vehicles must have a warning device to indicate if pressure drops to a dangerous level. This can occur from an air leak or repeated brake applications used faster than the compressor can replenish. The device is typically a dashboard light and/or buzzer; older vehicles may use a wig-wag that drops into view.

Key Rules
  • The low-air warning device must activate when air pressure drops below 60 p.s.i. (414 kPa)
  • When the warning activates, stop the vehicle and find the cause of the air loss before proceeding
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Supply, Primary and Secondary Reservoirs

airbrakes

Compressed air from the compressor contains contaminants including water vapour, oil mist and carbon particles. Most contaminants settle in the supply reservoir. Primary and secondary reservoirs were added so all air brake components (except the governor valve) receive cleaner air.

Key Rules
  • Most contaminants settle in the supply reservoir
  • All air brake components except the governor valve are supplied with cleaner air from the primary and secondary reservoirs
🛑

Reservoir Pressure Gauges

airbrakes

All air brake-equipped vehicles have at least one air pressure gauge on the instrument panel indicating pressure in the service reservoir system. Many vehicles have a single gauge with two needles showing primary and secondary reservoir pressure. Gauges let you monitor the system while driving and during pre-trip inspection.

Key Rules
  • All air brake-equipped vehicles must have at least one air pressure gauge
  • Check gauges frequently to ensure enough pressure to apply the brakes
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Quick Release Valve

airbrakes

A quick release valve allows brakes to release quickly and fully by allowing pressurized air to exhaust near the brake chambers rather than travelling all the way back to the foot valve. This reduces lag time on release. They may be found on front brakes, rear brakes, spring parking brakes, and anywhere rapid exhaust is needed.

Key Rules
  • Reduces brake release lag time by exhausting air near the brake chambers
  • Air from the foot valve flows through it to the chambers normally when brakes are applied
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Relay Valve

airbrakes

A relay valve reduces lag time on brake application and release. It is a remote-controlled air valve responding to a control signal from the foot valve, mounted near the air chambers and supplied directly from the primary or secondary reservoir via a large diameter line. It delivers reservoir air at the same pressure as the foot valve control signal.

Key Rules
  • Delivers reservoir air at the same pressure as the foot valve control signal (e.g. 20 p.s.i. application = ~20 p.s.i. to chambers)
  • Primarily found on rear axle brakes and designed to handle two or four air chambers

13.Air Brake Adjustment: Misconceptions and Review

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Verify Air Pressure Before Checking Brake Adjustment

airbrakes

Parking brake control valves and trailer supply valves remain open with as little as 20 p.s.i. (138 kPa) system pressure, yet spring brakes may be partially or fully applied. To check brake adjustment accurately, system air pressure must be sufficient and all parking brakes released.

Key Rules
  • Ensure system air pressure is at least 90 to 100 p.s.i. (620 to 690 kPa) before checking brake adjustment
  • Confirm all parking brakes are released before checking brake adjustment
  • Valves may stay open at 20 p.s.i. even though spring brakes are applied
🛑

Automatic vs Manual Slack Adjusters

airbrakes

Automatic slack adjusters compensate for brake wear as the brakes are used, while manual slack adjusters only adjust when done manually. A Transport Canada study found vehicles with manual slack adjusters were placed out-of-service at a rate 150 per cent higher than those with automatic slack adjusters.

Key Rules
  • Automatic slack adjusters automatically adjust for brake wear during use
  • It is illegal in B.C. to retrofit manual slack adjusters on a vehicle manufactured with automatic slack adjusters
  • Manual slack adjuster vehicles are 150% more likely to be put out-of-service

14.Class 3 Pre-Trip Inspection

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Air pressure build-up and warning devices test

airbrakes

During the Class 3 pre-trip inspection, verify that the low-air warning device activates at or above 60 p.s.i. (414 kPa). Pump the air pressure down below 50 p.s.i. (345 kPa), then rebuild pressure to confirm the compressor and governor operate correctly. On some systems, one service reservoir fills first (to about 85-95 p.s.i./586-655 kPa), then the second fills. Regardless of system type, pressure must build from 50 to 90 p.s.i. within three minutes.

Key Rules
  • Low-air warning device must activate at or above 60 p.s.i. (414 kPa)
  • Air pressure must build from 50 to 90 p.s.i. (345 to 620 kPa) within three minutes at fast idle (1,000-1,200 r.p.m.)
  • Pump down below 50 p.s.i. before rebuilding to test the compressor
📋

Mechanical circle check of truck

general

Leave the cab and inspect the left, rear, and right sides plus the underside. Check mirrors, steps/hand rails, fuel tanks and caps, exhaust system (no leaks, shields secure), battery compartments (secure, no corrosion or leaks), storage compartments, body and frame for damage, load security devices, suspension, tires/wheels/mud flaps, cab protector, cargo doors/lift/tailgate, foundation brakes, axle assembly, and drive line (u-joints for free play, no leaks). Check for a valid CVIP inspection decal.

Key Rules
  • Inspect brakes, axle assembly, drive line, frame, suspension and tires/wheels on all sides and underside
  • Verify load is secured with adequate, tight load security devices
  • Check exhaust, fuel tanks, batteries and storage compartments are secure with no leaks
🛑

Applied air leakage (brake application) test

airbrakes

After returning to the cab, ensure air pressure is at least 100 p.s.i. (690 kPa) and parking brakes released. Make a full brake application (90 to 100 p.s.i.) and hold for one minute. After the initial pressure drop, air loss must not exceed three p.s.i. (20.7 kPa) per minute and there must be no audible leaks. Check for air leakage with the engine off so you can listen for leaks.

Key Rules
  • Air pressure must be at least 100 p.s.i. (690 kPa) before the test
  • After initial drop, air loss must not exceed 3 p.s.i. (20.7 kPa) per minute with a full application held one minute
  • There must be no audible air leaks
🛑

Brake response, tug and steering slack tests

airbrakes

With the transmission in neutral and engine started, ensure air pressure is in operating range. In low gear, gently tug against the parking brakes — they should prevent movement. Release all brakes, move ahead slowly, and apply the foot brake to check brake response. Move the steering wheel to check for excessive slack or lash. Ensure spring brakes are released before making heavy applications to avoid compounding.

Key Rules
  • Parking brakes must prevent the vehicle from moving during a gentle tug test in low gear
  • Foot brake response must be checked by moving ahead slowly
  • Steering wheel must be checked for excessive slack/lash and spring brakes released before heavy applications
📋

Circle check for lights procedure

general

To check lights, turn on the left turn signal, low-beam headlights and clearance lights, then walk counter-clockwise around the vehicle to face traffic. Verify left-turn signal, low-beams, tail lights, licence plate lights and clearance lights work. Then check right-turn signal and high-beams, followed by brake lights. Carry a rag to wipe all lenses. Be cautious when walking with your back to traffic.

Key Rules
  • Walk counter-clockwise around the vehicle to face oncoming traffic
  • Check turn signals, headlights (both beams), tail lights, licence plate lights, clearance lights and brake lights all work
  • Lenses must be clean, not cracked, and the correct colour
📋

In-cab items to inspect

general

Check the driver's seat and seatbelt are adjusted and fastening devices work; mirrors are adjusted, clean and crack-free; windows/windshield are clean, crack-free and operable. Ensure all documentation is present, valid and up-to-date including vehicle licence, registration, insurance, logbook (if required), CVIP inspection report and CVIP decal on windshield (if required).

Key Rules
  • Documentation must include vehicle licence, registration, insurance, logbook, CVIP report and decal where required
  • Seat, seatbelt, mirrors and windows must be adjusted, functional and free of cracks

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All chapters

← Back to the British Columbia study guide 1. Getting Your Driver's Licence: Licensing Process +53. Industrial Roads +74. Getting your driver's licence +25. Loading and Weight Distribution +46. Getting your driver's licence — Licence classes +27. Vehicle and Load Dimensions +88. For More Information +69. Tractor-Trailer Air Brake Systems +610. Written Report Requirements +1211. General Requirements for Tiedowns +1112. Railway Crossings +813. Front-End Structures +914. Signals +915. Vehicle Safety: Tires and Wheels +1016. Braking Systems and Warning Devices +717. Braking Techniques and Conditions +10

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