Appendices – List 1: Pneumatic Brake System +10Quebec · CDL · English

Minor pneumatic defects include buzzers/warning lights and regulators not working properly and audible/measured leaks within limits. Major defects include no working low-pressure warning, an inoperative compressor, excessive air leaks, and important reduction of braking capacity.

• ✓Minor: audible leak or leak over 20 kPa (3 psi)/min single-unit, 28 kPa two-unit, 35 kPa three-unit
• ✓Major: leak over 40 kPa (6 psi)/min single-unit, 48 kPa two-unit, 62 kPa three-unit
• ✓Major: no low pressure visual or warning light/buzzer operating
• ✓Major: air compressor not operating properly; important reduction in braking capacity

Load rules protect the road network from costly damage and prevent damage to vehicle components. Exceeding load limits set by regulation or the manufacturer damages brakes, tires, suspension and coupling devices, causing premature wear. The Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation ensures road user safety and protects infrastructure such as roadways and bridges.

• ✓Exceeding load limits damages brakes, tires, suspension, and coupling devices
• ✓The Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation limits load size, load per axle group, and total loaded mass
• ✓Load limits protect road user safety and infrastructure

The maximum authorized load for an axle class is the lowest of: the total capacity of all tires in that axle class (marked on the sidewall), the front-axle capacity (5,500 kg for a front single axle class B.1; 11,000 kg for a front tandem B.2 or multiple B.3, higher if manufacturer/authorized modifier indicates), and the axle class load limit depending on season (normal or spring thaw).

• ✓Max axle load is the LOWEST of tire capacity, front-axle capacity, and seasonal axle limit
• ✓Front single axle (B.1) capacity is 5,500 kg
• ✓Front tandem (B.2) or multiple (B.3) axle capacity is 11,000 kg
• ✓Load limits vary by season (normal period vs spring thaw)

The authorized total loaded mass is the lower of: the sum of maximum loads authorized for each axle class (depending on season), or the total loaded mass limit for that vehicle/combination class.

• ✓Total loaded mass is the LOWER of the sum of axle-class limits or the vehicle-class limit
• ✓Seasonal period (normal or spring thaw) affects the axle-class sum

General maximum dimensions including load: Height 4.15 m; Width 2.6 m. Length: truck 12.5 m (max overhang 4 m); bus 14 m (max overhang 4 m); truck and trailer 23 m (max box length 20 m, max overhang 4 m); tractor and semi-trailer 23 m; type B double train 25 m (max box length 20 m); trailer with dolly 14.65 m; trailer without dolly 12.5 m; semi-trailer 16.2 m (max wheelbase 12.5 m).

• ✓Maximum height is 4.15 m and maximum width is 2.6 m
• ✓Truck max length 12.5 m; bus max length 14 m; tractor and semi-trailer 23 m
• ✓Type B double train max length 25 m; max box length 20 m; max overhang 4 m

Restricted weight signs near a bridge or overpass prohibit buses or trucks (also tow trucks, tool vehicles, equipment transport vehicles) whose total loaded mass exceeds the posted maximum. When accompanied by a tab at a preceding intersection, the sign gives direction and distance so drivers can choose an alternate route. A UN VÉHICULE À LA FOIS tab means only one heavy vehicle may cross at a time, even if under the posted mass limit.

• ✓Restricted weight signs bar vehicles exceeding the posted total loaded mass
• ✓A tab at an intersection shows direction and distance to the structure
• ✓A UN VÉHICULE À LA FOIS tab allows only one heavy vehicle to cross at a time
• ✓Signs also apply to tow trucks, tool vehicles and equipment transport vehicles

A weight-restricted-to-legal-load-limits (EN SURCHARGE) sign means a heavy vehicle cannot cross the bridge or overpass if its weight exceeds the legal limit under the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation. To cross while exceeding a posted or legal limit, the driver must hold a special travel permit issued for that purpose.

• ✓An EN SURCHARGE sign bars vehicles exceeding the legal load limit
• ✓A special travel permit is required to legally exceed the posted or legal limit
• ✓Contact the Ministère des Transports du Québec for weight limit information

Restricted weight signs indicate the maximum total loaded mass a bridge or overpass can support—buses/trucks exceeding it may not use it (also applies to tow trucks, tool vehicles, equipment transport vehicles). A restricted weight sign with a distance tab at an intersection lets you choose an alternate route. A UN VÉHICULE À LA FOIS tab means only one vehicle may cross at a time, even if under the weight limit.

• ✓Vehicles over the posted maximum mass may not use the bridge/overpass
• ✓A tab sign at an intersection shows direction/distance so you can find an alternate route
• ✓A UN VÉHICULE À LA FOIS tab means only one heavy vehicle at a time may cross

An EN SURCHARGE (weight restricted to legal load limits) sign means a heavy vehicle cannot cross if its weight exceeds the legal limit in the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation. To cross exceeding a posted or legal limit, the driver must hold a special travel permit issued for that purpose.

• ✓EN SURCHARGE sign forbids crossing if weight exceeds the legal load limit
• ✓A special travel permit is required to exceed a posted or legal limit on a bridge/overpass

Check that brakes are in good working order before each trip (method in Chapter 12). Watch pressure gauges and lights while driving and note anything abnormal. In hilly or mountainous regions there are brake check areas marked by a VÉRIFICATION sign; you must pull over, park at the stop sign, and check your brakes.

• ✓Check brakes before each trip
• ✓Monitor pressure gauges and lights while driving
• ✓Stop and check brakes at VÉRIFICATION brake check signs

Brakes must be properly adjusted, not just in good condition, so maximum lining pressure reaches the drums or discs. A poorly adjusted brake never works efficiently; too much clearance between drum linings and drum gives insufficient pressure even if gauges show adequate air. Drums expand when hot and can wear or twist, increasing clearance; the push rod must bridge the gap. Always check adjustment even with automatic self-adjusting levers.

• ✓Proper adjustment is required for maximum braking, not just good condition
• ✓Excess clearance gives insufficient pressure even with adequate air
• ✓Heat expands drums and increases clearance
• ✓Check adjustment even with automatic self-adjusting brake levers

These automatically compensate for play between linings and drums as the linings wear, but still require regular checking.

• ✓Automatic levers compensate for lining wear automatically
• ✓Regular checking is still essential

To optimize lining-to-drum play: ensure brakes are cold, release the parking brake, bring the system to maximum air pressure (120 psi), then fully depress the brake pedal for five seconds and release completely. Repeat four or five times. You may include this in the circle check when checking the pressure regulator; if not done regularly, repeat step 4 more than five times.

• ✓Brakes must be cold and parking brake released
• ✓Bring system to maximum air pressure (120 psi)
• ✓Fully depress pedal for five seconds, release, repeat 4-5 times

Vehicles without automatic self-adjusting levers require manual brake adjustment. This is a complex task that should only be done by mechanics or specially trained drivers.

• ✓Manual brake levers require manual adjustment
• ✓Only mechanics or specially trained drivers should adjust them

Under the Highway Safety Code, a vehicle's load must be properly secured or covered so it cannot shift or be dislodged, placed so as not to obstruct the driver's view, interfere with stability or handling, or block lights, and secured in compliance with the Cargo Securement Standards Regulation.

• ✓Load must be secured or covered so it cannot shift or fall off
• ✓Load must not obstruct the driver's view, affect stability/handling, or block lights
• ✓Load must comply with the Cargo Securement Standards Regulation

The Cargo Securement Standards Regulation integrates National Safety Code Standard 10, Cargo Securement, applied throughout North America. It sets minimum requirements for securement systems and their use based on vehicle type and cargo type, aiming to prevent cargo from shifting or tipping and to ensure vehicle stability.

• ✓The Regulation integrates National Safety Code Standard 10 (Cargo Securement)
• ✓It sets minimum requirements based on vehicle and cargo type
• ✓The objective is to prevent shifting/tipping and ensure vehicle stability

Under the Highway Safety Code, a load must be properly secured or covered so it cannot shift or be dislodged; placed so it does not obstruct the driver's view, interfere with stability/handling, or block lights; and secured per the Cargo Securement Standards Regulation. That regulation integrates National Safety Code Standard 10, applies across North America, and sets minimum securement requirements based on vehicle and cargo type to prevent shifting/tipping and ensure stability.

• ✓Load must be secured/covered so it cannot shift or be dislodged
• ✓Load must not obstruct the driver's view, block lights, or affect stability/handling
• ✓Cargo must comply with the Cargo Securement Standards Regulation (NSC Standard 10)

All heavy vehicle drivers must master basic skills to control speed and direction — using the accelerator, steering wheel, brakes and transmission correctly when negotiating curves, turning at intersections or passing.

• ✓Master control of speed and direction
• ✓Correct use of accelerator, steering, brakes and transmission
• ✓Apply skills for curves, intersections and passing

Beyond mechanical skills, drivers must observe and adapt to the driving environment. Checking blind spots, using rearview mirrors, signalling intentions and maintaining adequate space must become second nature for safe, cooperative, responsible professional driving.

• ✓Check blind spots regularly
• ✓Use the rearview mirror and signal intentions
• ✓Maintain adequate space around the vehicle
• ✓Adopt the right professional attitude from the beginning

List 2 applies to buses (other than motor coaches), minibuses, and any trailer towed by a bus, minibus, or motor coach. Bus-specific defects add luggage compartment door issues, emergency exit and door requirements, school bus side window views, and passenger transport safety items.

• ✓List 2 applies to buses, minibuses, and their towed trailers
• ✓Major: emergency exit blocked; emergency door inadequate or warning not working
• ✓Minor (11.4): school bus side/rear driver-area window damaged blocking required view
• ✓Minor: outside luggage/auxiliary compartment door inadequate or insecure

Passenger transport defects (all minor) cover insecure stanchions/handrails/grab handles, missing shock-absorbing material, damaged floors/steps, inoperative aisle lighting, insecure luggage racks, inadequate seats, and school bus stop sign and flashing light failures.

• ✓Minor: stanchion, horizontal bar, grab handle, or guard panel insecure
• ✓Minor: stop sign not operating properly or a flashing light not turning on (20.7)
• ✓Minor: a flashing light or alternately flashing yellow light not turning on (20.8)

Testable facts from the self-evaluation exercises: the tachometer is more reliable than engine sound for shifting; progressive shifting is NOT revving to maximum RPM; the emergency brake is not the device that holds a parked vehicle (that is the parking brake); the hand brake must not be used as a road service brake; air brakes react slower than hydraulic brakes; parking brakes are applied by spring force, not compressed air; braking power depends on vehicle weight and speed.

• ✓Tachometer is more reliable than engine sound for gear changes
• ✓Progressive shifting does not mean revving to maximum RPM
• ✓Never use the hand brake control as a road service brake
• ✓Parking brakes are applied by spring force (air releases them)
• ✓Braking power depends on weight and speed

List 3 applies to motor coaches; any towed trailer is inspected under List 2. Notably, the electric brake system (17) and hydraulic brake system (18) are not subject to inspection for motor coaches, and the suspension list is reduced. Passenger transport items exclude the school bus stop sign/flashing light points.

• ✓List 3 applies to motor coaches; towed trailers use List 2
• ✓Electric brake (17) and hydraulic brake (18) systems are not subject to inspection
• ✓Motor coach suspension defects are limited to air leak and broken axle items
• ✓Passenger transport items 20.1–20.6 apply (no stop sign/flashing light points)

Heavy vehicle operation is governed by key laws including the Act respecting owners, operators and drivers of heavy vehicles, the Highway Safety Code, and the Transport Act, plus numerous supporting regulations on bus transport, cargo securement, licences, safety standards, driving hours/rest, and dangerous substances.

• ✓Key laws: Act respecting owners/operators/drivers of heavy vehicles, Highway Safety Code, Transport Act
• ✓Regulations govern cargo securement, licences, safety standards, and driving hours/rest
• ✓Specific regulations cover dangerous substances and vehicle load/size limits

The pressure conversion table relates psi, kPa, and bar for brake and tire pressures. Key exam-relevant values include 1 psi ≈ 6.9 kPa, and threshold values such as 5 psi ≈ 34.5 kPa and 3 psi ≈ 20.7 kPa used in air brake leak limits.

• ✓1 psi is approximately 6.9 kPa (0.07 bar)
• ✓5 psi ≈ 34.5 kPa and 3 psi ≈ 20.7 kPa correspond to brake leak thresholds
• ✓Use the table to convert between psi, kPa, and bar