Air brakes in the simulator
Every part of the Air brakes zone, in the order of the inspection, with what to check and what to say to the examiner in English and in your language. Tap a part to see it on the truck.
Parts in this zone
- 1
Step 1: Air gauge and governor cut-out check
What to check: Chock wheels if required, start the engine, show the air gauges work, build pressure and identify governor cut-out at about 120-140 psi (2005 NY wording 100-125 psi) or manufacturer spec.
- 2
Step 2: Air leakage rate (applied) test
What to check: Engine off, key on, push in the parking brake and trailer air supply (tractor protection) valves, fully apply the foot brake; after the initial drop stabilizes hold for one minute: loss must not exceed 4 psi for a combination (3 psi single vehicle).
- 3
Step 3: Low air warning device test
What to check: Key on, engine off, fan the brakes (apply and release) and call out the pressure at which the buzzer, light and/or wig-wag activate: must be before 55 psi (modernized) or 60 psi (2005 system).
- 4
Step 4: Emergency / spring brake (tractor protection valve) pop-out test
What to check: Continue fanning: the parking brake (yellow) valve must pop out between 20 and 45 psi (2005: about 40 psi) and the trailer air supply (red) valve at the same time or before it; if the valves do not pop, listen for air discharge; explain the dual-circuit backup if equipped. Failing any of the four parts is an automatic failure.
- 5
Wheel chocks
What to check: Place chocks for safety during the air brake check where required (bracketed jurisdiction option in the model manual; NY requires them where an incline is present).
- 6
Tractor parking brake (tug) check
What to check: With the tractor parking brake set and the trailer brakes released, foot off the service brake, put in low gear and gently pull forward: the brake must hold the vehicle.
- 7
Trailer parking brake (tug) check
What to check: With the tractor parking brake released and the trailer parking brake (red valve) set, foot off the service brake, gently pull forward: the trailer brakes must hold; this also confirms the coupling.
- 8
Service brake check
What to check: Release all brakes, pull forward at about 5 mph, apply the service brake and come to a complete stop; the vehicle must stop and not pull to either side.