Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements. Driving across the Heart of Dixie, you’ve no doubt learned that most big rigs and buses rely on air brakes. The Alabama DMV requires every driver of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) equipped with air brakes to pass the official Air Brakes Knowledge Test and Skills Test. Without passing, your CDL will carry an “L” restriction, meaning you can’t drive any truck or bus equipped with air brakes. This severely limits most trucking and passenger-transport jobs in the state (including the operation of tractor-trailers and other combination vehicles, most of which are air brake-equipped. Don’t worry. Our experts have put together Air Brakes Practice Tests that filter out the unnecessary bulk of information you’d find in study guides and focus directly on what you’ll need to pass the test on your first attempt.
Employers like FedEx, Old Dominion, Southeastern Freight Lines, and UPS rely on air-brake-qualified drivers. School systems and charter companies like Capital Trailways and Southern Coaches do as well. Major manufacturers like Honda, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz require air brake-equipped trucks for their logistics needs. Whether you’re hauling timber, poultry, cotton, or car parts, removing the air brakes restriction from your CDL is a must!
The official Air Brakes Knowledge Test covers service brakes, parking brakes, and emergency brakes. You’ll need to recognize how air pressure builds, how warning systems work, and how to conduct inspections to identify leaks or low-pressure conditions. The test consists of multiple-choice questions, 16 of which must be answered correctly (80%) to pass. Failing requires a mandatory wait period and a possible fee for retesting.
Our Alabama CDL Air Brakes Practice Tests mirror the DMV exam and reflect the latest state and FMCSA guidelines. Our practice tests offer feedback on each response, which helps you learn as you go, versus other resources that retain all comments until the end. Our practice tests help you recognize the exact phrasing you’ll see on test day and avoid common traps like distracting or tricky words or phrases, or double negatives often used. Once you’ve aced this one, try another practice test here: https://driving-tests.org/alabama/al-cdl-air-brake-practice-test/.
When you’re ready, schedule your exam with DMV, pay any applicable fees, and take your test. Also, check out our Alabama endorsement practice tests to add valuable marketability to your CDL. Here’s one: https://driving-tests.org/alabama/al-cdl-hazmat-practice-test/. And while you’re getting your Air Brakes restriction removed, you might consider testing for the Class A CDL, which permits you to legally operate tractor-trailers and other combination vehicles! Check out our series of Combination Vehicle Practice Tests here: https://driving-tests.org/alabama/al-cdl-combination-test/.