Air Braking Course Can Make or Break A Commercial Driver

In Commercial Driving License (CDL) Air Brake Test is the most important part. Every truck driver needs to be versatile with the brake system on their truck.

“A" Driving School, a division of the Fleet Safety International has been offering driving training for all vehicle types since 1978. Its focus on safe driving and driver education led to many innovative driver training programs. Its special focus on truck driver training with comprehensive air-braking course training has shown the way for others. This award winning driving school in Calgary has highlighted the need for all potential drivers being hardcore learners on air-braking course.

The theoretical and practical knowledge on how to use the brake system must be deep. A driver needs to visualize in his mind the mechanics of the system during all braking and driving conditions. He should be competent enough to perform all the air brake tests and understand why each step is necessary.

In brake test checking the pressure and leak check are important. If a truck breaks down on the side of the road, he must communicate the problems with the breakdown company and get the mechanic; the right parts and equipment to get the truck back on the road.

To operate a vehicle equipped with air-brakes on a highway driver's license with an air brake endorsement is a must.

Air brake courses are offered by driving schools and many. In order to become eligible for a highway brake endorsement license, the applicant must

•    Age must be 16 years or above

•    Must complete an air-brake training course

•    Pass a Knowledge test

•    Pass a pre-trip inspection test

Generally two types of air-brake courses are offered--

Driver-certification and Standard. The Driver-certification course covers Classroom Theory of Sixteen Hours and Four hours of training on pre-trip brake inspections. The Standard course covers 16 hours of classroom theory on brake systems and expert training at specific locations.

The air braking course provides drivers with a thorough understanding of the brake systems. These skills can help to prevent collisions. Generally the course covers:

•    Braking Fundamentals


•    Fundamentals of Compressed Air

•    System Operation

•    Foundation Brakes and brake adjustment

•    System Inspection

•    Long downhill grades/bobtailing

The ability to troubleshoot air-brake problems can save precious hours of the driver's running time. As the driver gains more experience with his braking system he can fix them without assistance from a call Breakdown Company.

It is expected that all aspiring commercial drivers must study airbrake test long before they opt for a CDL training. While studying for the CDL Test the learner must take all the information and visualize the mechanics of the braking system.