How the Parking Brake Works (Chapter 4) +10Quebec · CDL · English

The parking brake keeps the vehicle stationary and immobilizes all wheels equipped with it. Pull up the control knob only after the vehicle is fully stopped; air empties, the spring relaxes and presses the push rod. On drum brakes the slack adjuster rotates; on disc brakes the lever presses linings against the disc.

• ✓Pull up control knob only when fully stopped
• ✓Air empties, spring relaxes to apply the brake
• ✓Drum: slack adjuster rotates and squeezes brakes
• ✓Disc: lever pushes linings against disc

Releasing the parking brake lets air flow back into the chamber, compressing the spring and freeing the wheels. Pulling the parking brake control knob locks tractor and trailer wheels and pops up the trailer air supply knob automatically; pulling only the trailer air supply locks just the trailer wheels.

• ✓Release: air flows in, spring compresses, wheels turn freely
• ✓Parking brake knob locks both tractor and trailer wheels
• ✓Trailer air supply knob pops up automatically with parking brake
• ✓Pulling only trailer air supply locks only trailer/semi-trailer wheels

Once fully stopped, pull up the parking brake control knob to empty air from the parking brake so the chamber spring relaxes and presses the push rod. In drum brakes the slack adjuster rotates to squeeze the brakes; in disc brakes the lever pushes linings against the disc. Releasing lets air back in, compresses the spring, and frees the wheels.

• ✓Only apply the parking brake once the vehicle is fully stopped
• ✓Pull up = air exhausts, spring applies the brake
• ✓Push down = air fills, spring compresses, wheels turn freely

Pulling up the parking brake control locks tractor and trailer/semi-trailer wheels and causes the trailer air supply knob to pop up automatically. Pulling up only the trailer air supply control locks just the trailer/semi-trailer wheels.

• ✓Parking brake knob up locks all wheels and pops up the trailer air supply knob
• ✓Trailer air supply knob up alone locks only the trailer/semi-trailer wheels

Before picking up or dropping off passengers, pull over and come to a full stop on the far right-hand side of the road or in a designated area. Do not open the door until it is safe to do so.

• ✓Come to a full stop on the far right-hand side or in a designated area
• ✓Do not open the door until you have confirmed it is safe

Drive smoothly for passenger comfort and safety, especially when starting, stopping, turning, or on bumpy roads. Do not drive on if anyone is leaning against the bus. Before driving on, ensure dropped-off passengers are not at risk of being struck. On city roads under 70 km/h, buses have right of way pulling back into their lane, but must still use good judgment, signal, and check the way is clear.

• ✓Do not drive on if anyone is leaning against the outside of the bus
• ✓Ensure dropped-off passengers won't be struck before driving on
• ✓On roads under 70 km/h in city limits, buses have right of way rejoining traffic but must signal and ensure it is safe

At level crossings, slow down and ensure you can stop without endangering others. Stop at least 5 m from the crossing and do not proceed until there is enough room ahead to clear the crossing completely, regardless of traffic lights. This is only exempted where an EXEMPT sign is posted.

• ✓Stop at least 5 m from a level crossing
• ✓Do not proceed until there is room to fully clear the crossing
• ✓Exempted only where an EXEMPT sign is posted

Buses need not stop at inspection stations unless hauling a trailer. Any vehicle with a total loaded mass of 3,000 kg or more, including a bus, must pull over at a brake check area marked with a VÉRIFICATION sign, stop fully at the stop sign, and check the brakes themselves.

• ✓Buses only stop at inspection stations if hauling a trailer
• ✓Vehicles ≥3,000 kg total loaded mass must stop at VÉRIFICATION brake check areas
• ✓Come to a full stop and check the brakes yourself at a brake check area

Driving on the shoulder of a highway or controlled access road is permitted only if all conditions are met: the driver took the required training, signage authorizes it, and highway traffic speed is under 50 km/h.

• ✓Driver must have taken the required training course
• ✓Signage must authorize travel on that highway or road
• ✓Highway traffic speed must be under 50 km/h

Only suspension components on weight-bearing axles must be checked. Check for movement of axles/wheels from normal position: as you approach, check wheel parallelism and axle position. Inspect U-Bolts and positioning components (torque rods, suspension brackets) where accessible.

• ✓Defect 14.C (major): A U-Bolt is missing, improperly mounted, cracked, or broken
• ✓Defect 14.G (major): The wheels are not parallel, or an axle/wheel has moved from its normal position

Only suspension components on weight-bearing axles must be checked. As you approach, check the parallelism of wheels and axle positions for any movement from normal position. Inspect the U-bolts and axle-positioning components (torque rods, suspension brackets) when accessible.

• ✓Major defect (14.C): a U-bolt is missing, improperly mounted, cracked or broken
• ✓Major defect (14.G): the wheels are not parallel, or an axle/wheel has moved from its normal position

For metal or composite spring suspensions, check presence, condition, and position of leaf springs, coil springs, and torsion bars. Observe for complete or partial sagging as you approach, then inspect accessible parts. Intersecting cracks means two cracks crossing at a perpendicular angle.

• ✓Defect 14.A (major): A master leaf is missing/broken, or 25% or more of an assembly's leaf springs are broken/missing
• ✓Defect 14.D (major): A composite leaf spring cracked along 75% of its length or with intersecting cracks
• ✓Defect 14.E/14.F (major): A coil spring out of place contacting a moving part; a coil spring broken causing complete sag; or a torsion bar broken
• ✓Defect 14.1 (minor): A leaf spring other than a master leaf, or a coil spring, is broken

For air suspensions, check vehicle balance, air spring condition, and system for leaks. Ensure air circulates in suspension lines and air springs are properly inflated (lines generally supplied at 483 kPa / 70 psi). Listen for leaks. You must start the vehicle to run the compressor and determine whether a leak is a major defect.

• ✓Defect 14.B (major): An air leak that cannot be compensated by the compressor at idle; or an air spring missing or deflated
• ✓Defect 14.2 (minor): Suspension shows an air leak; an air spring damaged exposing the cord; or an air spring showing repair indications
• ✓Suspension lines are generally supplied when air pressure reaches 483 kPa (70 psi)

For rubber pad suspensions (often on concrete mixers), check presence and condition of the rubber pads. This is done in addition to checks in 14.1.

• ✓Defect 14.A (major): A rubber pad is missing or broken
• ✓Position yourself to check the suspension's rubber pads

The circle check report differs from the list of defects and must be completed for each check, documenting results and defects.

• ✓The inspection report must be filled out during each circle check
• ✓It records inspection results, defects, the time of inspection and its validity period
• ✓The person performing the check must record detected defects; the driver must add any defect noted during the trip
• ✓A completed and valid report and the list of defects must be kept on board; a single report per circle check

While no specific format is mandated, the report must contain specific mandatory information items.

• ✓Must include vehicle's licence plate/unit number, operator's name, date and time of check, and location
• ✓Must include defects noted during the check or trip, or a statement that no defect was noted
• ✓Must include the legibly printed name and signed declaration of the person who performed the check
• ✓Must include the driver's signature if they reviewed and accepted another's inspection, and the odometer kilometrage if equipped

The original report must be submitted to the operator within a set period, and electronic formats are permitted under conditions.

• ✓The driver must submit the original copy of the report to the operator within 20 days of its writing
• ✓This applies even if a copy was already submitted to report a defect
• ✓Electronic reports are permitted if they meet the Act to establish a legal framework for information technology

Québec circle check rules are based on National Safety Code Standard 13, with reciprocity but possible defect classification differences elsewhere.

• ✓Québec circle check rules are based on National Safety Code Standard 13
• ✓Minor and major defect classifications may differ between jurisdictions
• ✓Drivers operating outside Québec must consult the operator regarding local regulations and always comply with the jurisdiction where travelling

Minor tire defects include the wear indicator touching the roadway or groove depth at/below the indicator, embedded foreign material, exposed cord/steel belt, distortion, and a worn/damaged valve. Major defects include a steering-axle (GVWR 4,500 kg+) tire with two adjacent grooves at/below the indicator, exposed cord on a whole assembly, and a flat, contacting, or bulging tire.

• ✓Minor: wear indicator touches roadway or groove depth ≤ wear indicator
• ✓Major: steering-axle tire (4,500 kg+ GVWR) with 2 adjacent grooves ≤ wear indicator
• ✓Major: single/dual tires with exposed cord or steel belt
• ✓Major: tire contacting a fixed part, flat, losing air, or bulging

A driver's door opening with difficulty is a minor defect, while a passenger compartment door failing to close securely is a major defect. Damaged windshields/side windows blocking the driver's view, missing/damaged/unadjustable required outside mirrors, and insecure/sharp-edged mirrors are minor defects.

• ✓Minor: driver's door opens with difficulty or fails to open
• ✓Major: passenger compartment door fails to close securely
• ✓Minor: windshield/side window damaged blocking required view; required mirror missing/damaged/insecure

There are three distinct lists of defects, each tailored to a vehicle type, used to determine if a defect is minor or major.

• ✓List 1 applies to all heavy vehicles except those covered by lists 2 and 3
• ✓List 2 applies to buses (excluding motor coaches), minibuses and trailers hauled by them
• ✓List 3 applies to motor coaches
• ✓Non-PMP motor coaches require the specific inspection report and List 3 on board; owner fills report every 12,000 km or 30 days, whichever comes first

Both operators and drivers have obligations to keep the prescribed list of defects on board and unmodified.

• ✓Operators must place the applicable prescribed-format list of defects in each heavy vehicle and cannot modify its text, order or numbering
• ✓Elements may only be added to the 'Specific inspections required by the operator' section
• ✓Drivers must ensure the applicable list remains on board and hand it to any peace officer who requests it

School bus and minibus drivers must hold a certificate of competency from one of the two road transport training centres plus an appropriate class driver's licence. Certification requires a 15-hour Basic training program covering roles, safety equipment, pickup/drop-off techniques, and emergency response, with renewal every 3 years after 6 hours of supplementary training. Drivers must be patient, vigilant, and familiar with the Highway Safety Code and school board policy.

• ✓Requires a certificate of competency plus appropriate class driver's licence
• ✓Complete a 15-hour Basic training program to obtain certification
• ✓Renew certificate every 3 years after 6 hours of supplementary training
• ✓Must know the Highway Safety Code and school board transportation policy

A school bus must be equipped with three reflective warning triangles, one dry-chemical fire extinguisher installed near the front door and secured in a box within the driver's reach, and one complete first-aid kit within reach of the driver (contents prescribed by regulation). Do not drive on after stopping until all passengers are seated and the door is closed, and never leave the bus with passengers on board unless absolutely necessary.

• ✓Carry three reflective warning triangles
• ✓Carry one secured dry-chemical fire extinguisher near the front door within reach
• ✓Carry one complete first-aid kit within reach of the driver
• ✓Do not drive on until all passengers are seated and the door is closed
• ✓Never leave a school bus with passengers aboard unless absolutely necessary

If using a school bus to carry school children or passengers under 18 years of age, the vehicle must have an ÉCOLIERS sign at the front and the back. If carrying passengers age 18 or older, these signs must be removed or covered.

• ✓ÉCOLIERS signs required at front and back when carrying children/under-18 passengers
• ✓Remove or cover ÉCOLIERS signs when carrying passengers 18 or older

Slow down and move right to the lane edge or parking area. Two phases: first switch on the alternately flashing yellow warning lights (buses built before Aug 29, 2005 use hazard lights instead), then switch on flashing red lights and activate the stop sign. You may not pick up or drop off children unless the flashing red lights are on. You must also switch on your lights and stop sign if parked behind another school bus with flashing lights on. Never use these lights/sign in any other circumstances.

• ✓Phase 1: switch on alternately flashing yellow warning lights (or hazard lights on pre-2005 buses)
• ✓Phase 2: switch on flashing red lights and activate the mandatory stop sign
• ✓Never pick up/drop off children unless the flashing red lights are on
• ✓Switch on your lights/sign if parked behind another school bus with flashing lights on
• ✓Never use flashing lights or the stop sign in any other circumstances

Do not drive on after stopping until all passengers are seated and the door is closed. Never leave a school bus while passengers are still on board unless absolutely necessary.

• ✓Do not drive on until all passengers are seated and the door is closed
• ✓Never leave the bus with passengers on board unless absolutely necessary

School bus and minibus drivers need a certificate of competency from one of two road transport training centres plus a proper class licence. Certification requires passing a 15-hour Basic training program covering roles, safety equipment, pick-up/drop-off techniques, and emergency response. Renewal every 3 years requires 6 hours of supplementary training.

• ✓Must hold a certificate of competency plus the appropriate class licence
• ✓Complete a 15-hour Basic training program for school bus drivers
• ✓Renew the certificate every 3 years after 6 hours of supplementary training

A school bus must have three reflective warning triangles, one dry-chemical fire extinguisher secured in a box near the front door within the driver's reach, and one complete first-aid kit within reach (contents prescribed by regulation). When carrying children or passengers under 18, ÉCOLIERS signs must be at front and back; for passengers 18 or older, these signs must be removed or covered.

• ✓Carry three reflective warning triangles
• ✓Carry a secured dry-chemical fire extinguisher near the front door within reach
• ✓Carry a complete first-aid kit within reach with regulation contents
• ✓ÉCOLIERS signs required for passengers under 18; removed/covered for 18+

The parking brake system also serves as the emergency brake. If the service brake system fails and air cannot reach the brake chambers, the emergency brake stops the vehicle. It can be activated manually by pulling up the parking brake knob, or automatically when service brake air pressure drops below 242 kPa (35 psi).

• ✓Parking brake system doubles as emergency brake
• ✓Activate manually by pulling up parking brake control knob
• ✓Activates automatically below 242 kPa (35 psi)
• ✓Takes over if service brakes fail

When emergency brakes activate, wheels with brake chambers begin locking at 483 kPa (70 psi) or below. By below 242 kPa (35 psi) all air is evacuated and the emergency brake is fully engaged, stopping the vehicle. A serious mechanical problem can drop pressure in seconds and lock rear wheels abruptly.

• ✓Wheels begin to lock at 483 kPa (70 psi) or below
• ✓Below 242 kPa (35 psi): all air gone, brake fully engaged
• ✓Pressure can drop in seconds with serious faults
• ✓Rear wheels may lock abruptly, making control difficult

Low air pressure indicators warn before an emergency, activating when service reservoir pressure drops below 380 kPa (55 psi); some manufacturers set 550 kPa (80 psi) for more warning. When warned, react immediately and choose the best spot to stop before the emergency brakes lock the wheels.

• ✓Low air indicators activate below 380 kPa (55 psi)
• ✓Some manufacturers set warning at 550 kPa (80 psi)
• ✓React immediately when light/buzzer comes on
• ✓Stop safely before emergency brakes lock the wheels completely

The parking brake system also acts as the emergency brake. If the service brakes fail, the emergency brake stops the vehicle. You can activate it by pulling up the parking brake control knob, and it activates automatically when service system air pressure drops below 242 kPa (35 psi).

• ✓Parking brake system doubles as the emergency brake
• ✓Activate manually by pulling up the parking brake control knob
• ✓Activates automatically below 242 kPa (35 psi)

When emergency brakes activate, wheels with brake chambers begin locking at 483 kPa (70 psi) or below; by below 242 kPa (35 psi) all air is evacuated and the emergency brake fully engages, stopping the vehicle. Low air pressure warnings activate below 380 kPa (55 psi); some manufacturers set the threshold at 550 kPa (80 psi) for more warning.

• ✓Wheels begin locking at 483 kPa (70 psi) or below
• ✓Full emergency engagement below 242 kPa (35 psi)
• ✓Low air warning activates below 380 kPa (55 psi), sometimes 550 kPa (80 psi)

React immediately when the low-pressure light or buzzer comes on: choose the best spot to stop before pressure drops enough to lock the wheels. Serious mechanical problems can drop pressure in seconds, and rear wheels may lock abruptly making the vehicle hard to control.

• ✓React immediately to the low-pressure warning
• ✓Stop safely before the emergency brakes lock the wheels
• ✓Air loss can happen in seconds; rear wheels may lock abruptly

The self-evaluation exercises reinforce critical exam facts: mandatory seat belt use, circle check reporting, inspection station obligations, spring thaw load restrictions, accident scene duties, and fatigue/alcohol/vision principles.

• ✓Heavy vehicle drivers in Québec must wear the seat belt installed by the manufacturer
• ✓The principal causes of accidents on Québec roads are speeding, alcohol, distraction and fatigue
• ✓If tired while driving, pull over and stop in a safe location to rest
• ✓When driving at night, your full stopping distance must be within the area lit by your headlights

The fatigue self-test confirms key testable points on sleep debt, biological clock, alcohol interaction and long-trip preparation.

• ✓Fatigue effects equal a 0.05 BAC after 17 hours without sleep
• ✓Driving ability is affected after even a single night without a full night's sleep
• ✓Periods of drowsiness are more frequent at night; lowest fatigue-accident risk is morning between 8:00 a.m. and noon
• ✓Drivers under age 25 should sleep more hours than an older driver, and even one or two drinks significantly affect an already tired driver

Inspecting the fifth wheel mounting angle fasteners determines hitching solidity; defect severity depends on percentage missing/loose and hitched status.

• ✓MAJOR (1.C): when hitched, more than 20% of parts fastening the fifth wheel to the frame are missing, broken or loose on an anchorage
• ✓MAJOR (1.B): when hitched, there is movement between a fifth wheel fastener (mounting angle) and the vehicle chassis frame
• ✓MINOR (1.1): when hitched, 20% or less of fastening parts are missing, broken or loose on an anchorage
• ✓MINOR (1.1): when unhitched, one or more fastening parts are missing, broken or loose
• ✓Non-load-bearing sections (in red) are not covered by the circle check

The sliding fifth wheel's locking pins must be present and in locked position; a percentage threshold determines a major defect.

• ✓MAJOR (1.D): when hitched, 25% or more of the locking pins of a sliding fifth wheel are missing or inoperative
• ✓The percentage concerns the sum of all pins; typically two pins (one each side) but sometimes more — check all pins

Visible fifth wheel components must be inspected for cracks, deformation or deterioration that could cause breakage or separation.

• ✓MAJOR (1.F): when hitched, a fifth wheel component is cracked, misshapen or deteriorated to the point of risk of breakage or separation
• ✓Inspect visible parts including lower coupling plate, mounting angles, jaws and support

The semi-trailer's upper coupling plate and kingpin must be inspected for deformation, cracks or improper securing.

• ✓MAJOR (1.A): the coupling plate or kingpin is so misshapen it adversely affects hitching, or is cracked or improperly secured
• ✓MAJOR (1.F): when hitched, the coupling plate or kingpin is deteriorated to the point of risk of breakage or separation
• ✓Use opportunities when the vehicle is unhitched to inspect these parts, as deformation is hard to see when hitched

The fifth wheel jaws must be fully closed behind the kingpin and the locking mechanism engaged for a safe hitch.

• ✓MAJOR (1.E): when hitched, the jaws are not completely closed behind the kingpin
• ✓MAJOR (1.F): when hitched, the jaw locking mechanism is not engaged
• ✓Check the locking mechanism indicator (bolt) or locking handle(s) position; ensure all handles are fully pushed in
• ✓If sliding under the semi-trailer to check jaws, proceed safely with engine off, vehicle stationary, and notify someone

For hook-and-ring type couplings (e.g. pintle hook, drawbar ring), fasteners on both the pulling and pulled vehicles must be inspected.

• ✓MAJOR (1.C): when hitched, more than 20% of the fasteners attaching the coupling device are missing, broken or loose
• ✓MINOR (1.1): when hitched, 20% or less of the fasteners are missing, broken or loose
• ✓MINOR (1.1): when unhitched, one or more fasteners are missing, broken or loose
• ✓Inspect fasteners attaching the device on both the tractor vehicle (hook) and the pulled vehicle (ring to drawbar)

The inspection tables use icons to distinguish defect severity and offences, and provide pressure conversion units for brake/suspension checks.

• ✓Icons distinguish minor defects, major defects, and Highway Safety Code offences (not defects under the safety standards regulation)
• ✓1 psi (lb/in²) = 6.895 kPa; pressure in kPa is calculated by multiplying psi by 6.895
• ✓100 kPa = 1 bar; 1 kcm² = 14.22 psi

Minor defects include lubricant under minimum or leaking (other than oozing) and an insecure spare wheel mount. Major defects include missing/invisible wheel bearing lubricant, a missing/cracked/broken/insecure wheel fastener, and a wheel that is damaged or repaired with welds.

• ✓Minor: lubricant under minimum level or leakage other than oozing
• ✓Major: wheel bearing lubricant missing or not visible through sight glass
• ✓Major: wheel fastener missing, cracked, broken, or insecure
• ✓Major: wheel damaged or shows signs of weld repair

A driver's seat that is inadequate or does not stay in the set position is a minor defect. A driver's seat belt that is missing, modified, or inadequate is a major defect.

• ✓Minor: driver's seat inadequate or not staying in set position
• ✓Major: driver's seat belt missing, modified, or inadequate