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200+ Free Georgia CDL Air Brakes Test Practice Questions

Pass your Georgia Commercial Driver License (CDL) Air Brakes Knowledge Test exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Under Georgia DDS Section 5 air-brake guidance, should you couple glad hands while pressurized air is flowing through them?

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Key Facts: Georgia CDL Air Brakes Test Exam

80%

Minimum CDL knowledge-test passing score

49 CFR 383.135

60 psi

Low-air warning threshold

Georgia CDL Manual Section 5 / 49 CFR 393.51

20-45 psi

Typical spring-brake automatic application range

Georgia CDL Manual Section 5

150 psi

Safety valve setting

Georgia CDL Manual Section 5

$10

Georgia permit/testing fee before written knowledge exams

Georgia DDS CDL Permit page

$35

Georgia CAP fee valid for 4 test attempts

Georgia DDS CDL Permit page

Study Section 5 of the Georgia Commercial Driver's Manual. Know governor cut-in and cut-out, daily tank draining, low-air warning before 60 psi, spring-brake application around 20-45 psi, buildup and leak-test limits, ABS behavior, brake lag, safe downgrade braking, parking controls, foundation brake inspection, alcohol evaporators, and the legacy front-brake limiting valve. Georgia lists a $10 permit/testing fee, a $35 CAP fee valid for 4 attempts, a 14-day CLP holding period, and 365-day CLP validity for permits issued on or after July 1, 2021.

Sample Georgia CDL Air Brakes Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Georgia CDL Air Brakes Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1For the Georgia CDL Air Brakes knowledge test, what component compresses air for the air brake system?
A.The air dryer
B.The air compressor
C.The brake chamber
D.The slack adjuster
Explanation: Georgia DDS uses the Commercial Driver's Manual air-brakes material for this knowledge area. The air compressor pumps air into the air storage tanks. It is driven by the engine, either through belts or directly. The air dryer removes moisture from the compressed air, the brake chamber converts air pressure into mechanical force at each wheel, and the slack adjuster transfers that force to the S-cam.
2Under Georgia DDS Section 5 air-brake guidance, what is the typical air compressor governor cut-out pressure range?
A.60 to 80 psi
B.100 to 125 psi
C.125 to 140 psi
D.150 to 175 psi
Explanation: Georgia DDS uses the Commercial Driver's Manual air-brakes material for this knowledge area. The governor cuts out the compressor (stops pumping) at about 125 to 140 psi. It cuts back in (resumes pumping) at about 100 to 125 psi. This pressure range keeps the system safely above the low-pressure warning threshold of 60 psi while preventing over-pressurization.
3When preparing for the Georgia CDL air-brake exam, at what pressure does the air compressor governor typically cut IN to resume pumping?
A.60 to 80 psi
B.100 to 125 psi
C.125 to 140 psi
D.145 to 150 psi
Explanation: Georgia DDS uses the Commercial Driver's Manual air-brakes material for this knowledge area. The governor typically cuts in at 100 to 125 psi, signaling the compressor to resume pumping. It cuts out at 125 to 140 psi when system pressure is sufficient. Together these limits maintain a safe operating range well above the 60 psi low-pressure warning.
4For an air-brake-equipped CMV in Georgia testing, what is the purpose of the air dryer in the brake system?
A.To cool the air before storage
B.To remove moisture and oil before air reaches the tanks
C.To increase compressed air pressure
D.To warn the driver of low pressure
Explanation: Georgia DDS uses the Commercial Driver's Manual air-brakes material for this knowledge area. The air dryer uses a desiccant cartridge to remove water vapor and oil from compressed air before it enters the storage tanks. Removing moisture prevents corrosion, contamination of brake components, and dangerous freezing of air lines in cold weather.
5For the Georgia CDL Air Brakes knowledge test, what is the function of the wet tank (supply or service reservoir)?
A.It cools brake fluid
B.It is the first storage tank where moisture collects before air moves to the other tanks
C.It supplies air only to the trailer
D.It activates the parking brakes
Explanation: Georgia DDS uses the Commercial Driver's Manual air-brakes material for this knowledge area. The wet tank is the first storage reservoir downstream of the compressor. Most moisture and oil that gets past the air dryer settles there before clean air moves on to the primary and secondary tanks. Drivers must drain the wet tank daily to prevent contamination of the rest of the system.
6Under Georgia DDS Section 5 air-brake guidance, at what pressure does the safety valve in the supply tank typically open to release excess air?
A.100 psi
B.125 psi
C.150 psi
D.200 psi
Explanation: Georgia DDS uses the Commercial Driver's Manual air-brakes material for this knowledge area. The safety valve, installed in the supply (wet) tank, is set to open at about 150 psi. It is a backup that protects the system if the governor fails to cut out the compressor. If the valve releases, the compressor or governor needs immediate repair.
7When preparing for the Georgia CDL air-brake exam, what is the role of the foot valve (also called the treadle or service brake valve)?
A.It locks the parking brake
B.It supplies air to the brake chambers in proportion to how hard the driver presses the pedal
C.It drains water from the tanks
D.It controls the trailer air supply
Explanation: Georgia DDS uses the Commercial Driver's Manual air-brakes material for this knowledge area. The foot valve (treadle valve) meters air to the brake chambers in proportion to how far the driver depresses the brake pedal. Pressing harder sends more air, applying more braking force. Releasing the pedal exhausts air from the chambers, allowing the springs and slack adjusters to release the brakes.
8For an air-brake-equipped CMV in Georgia testing, what does the brake chamber do?
A.Stores compressed air for emergencies
B.Converts air pressure into mechanical force through a pushrod
C.Cools brake drums during use
D.Acts as a backup for the parking brake
Explanation: Georgia DDS uses the Commercial Driver's Manual air-brakes material for this knowledge area. A brake chamber is a sealed housing with a diaphragm or piston. When air pressure enters, the diaphragm pushes a pushrod outward. The pushrod rotates the slack adjuster and S-cam, which forces the brake shoes against the drum to apply braking force.
9For the Georgia CDL Air Brakes knowledge test, what is the role of the slack adjuster on an S-cam brake?
A.It cushions the impact of hard braking
B.It transfers force from the pushrod to the S-cam and can be adjusted to compensate for lining wear
C.It bleeds water from the system
D.It limits maximum air pressure
Explanation: Georgia DDS uses the Commercial Driver's Manual air-brakes material for this knowledge area. The slack adjuster is a lever that connects the brake chamber pushrod to the S-cam. As the pushrod extends, the slack adjuster rotates the S-cam, which pushes the brake shoes against the drum. It can be adjusted to maintain proper pushrod travel as brake linings wear.
10Under Georgia DDS Section 5 air-brake guidance, what does the S-cam do in an S-cam drum brake?
A.It releases air from the lines
B.It rotates between the brake shoes, forcing them outward against the drum
C.It cools the brake drum
D.It activates the low-pressure warning
Explanation: Georgia DDS uses the Commercial Driver's Manual air-brakes material for this knowledge area. The S-cam is an S-shaped piece of steel between the two brake shoes. When the slack adjuster rotates it, the wide part of the S forces the shoes outward against the drum, creating friction and slowing the wheel. When air pressure is released, return springs pull the shoes back and rotate the S-cam to its original position.

About the Georgia CDL Air Brakes Test Exam

The Georgia CDL Air Brakes Knowledge Test covers the information in Section 5 of the Georgia Commercial Driver's Manual for drivers who operate trucks, buses, or other commercial motor vehicles equipped with air brakes. The test focuses on air compressor and governor operation, storage tanks and draining, low-air warnings, air pressure buildup and leak tests, spring and parking brakes, dual air systems, ABS, brake lag, emergency braking, slack adjusters, foundation brakes, inspection procedures, alcohol evaporators, and older front brake limiting valves. DDS administers CDL written knowledge exams through Georgia Customer Service Centers under FMCSA CDL standards.

Assessment

Multiple-choice CDL written knowledge exam covering air-brake systems and Section 5 air-brake knowledge. Federal rules require applicants who fail the air-brake knowledge portion to receive an air-brake restriction if issued a CLP or CDL, and removing air-brake restrictions requires the air-brake knowledge test and required air-brake pre-trip or skills-test conditions.

Time Limit

No single Georgia-published Air Brakes time limit; DDS says CDL written knowledge exams must begin at least 45 minutes before Customer Service Center closing

Passing Score

80% minimum

Exam Fee

$10 permit/testing fee plus $35 Commercial Application (CAP) fee (Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS))

Georgia CDL Air Brakes Test Exam Content Outline

Core Section 5 domain

Air Brake System Parts

Compressor, governor, tanks, drains, alcohol evaporator, safety valve, brake pedal, foundation brakes, slack adjusters, air gauges, low-air warning, spring brakes, parking controls, and ABS.

Core Section 5 domain

Dual Air Brake Systems

Primary and secondary systems, pressure gauges, redundancy, spring brakes, parking controls, and safe response when one circuit loses pressure.

Core inspection domain

Inspecting Air Brakes

Governor cut-out and cut-in, air buildup rate, static and applied leak checks, low-air warning, spring-brake pop-out, parking-brake and service-brake tests, and wheel-end inspection.

Core operation domain

Using Air Brakes

Brake lag, normal stops, controlled braking, stab braking, ABS stops, brake fade, long downgrades, emergency braking, parking, and cold-weather moisture control.

How to Pass the Georgia CDL Air Brakes Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% minimum
  • Assessment: Multiple-choice CDL written knowledge exam covering air-brake systems and Section 5 air-brake knowledge. Federal rules require applicants who fail the air-brake knowledge portion to receive an air-brake restriction if issued a CLP or CDL, and removing air-brake restrictions requires the air-brake knowledge test and required air-brake pre-trip or skills-test conditions.
  • Time limit: No single Georgia-published Air Brakes time limit; DDS says CDL written knowledge exams must begin at least 45 minutes before Customer Service Center closing
  • Exam fee: $10 permit/testing fee plus $35 Commercial Application (CAP) fee

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Georgia CDL Air Brakes Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the key air-brake numbers: governor cut-in/cut-out, 60 psi low-air warning, 20-45 psi spring-brake application, 150 psi safety valve, 85-to-100 psi buildup, and leak-rate limits.
2Practice explaining each in-cab air-brake inspection step out loud in the order used by the Georgia CDL manual.
3Separate air-brake knowledge from combination-only detail unless the question involves trailer air supply or combination leak-test limits.
4Understand spring brakes conceptually: air holds them released, and loss of air lets the springs apply.
5Review ABS and emergency braking carefully; ABS helps maintain control but does not cancel speed, following distance, or surface-condition limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Georgia CDL Air Brakes test?

Georgia DDS administers CDL written knowledge exams through Customer Service Centers and publishes the Georgia Commercial Driver's Manual used for preparation.

What score do I need to pass?

FMCSA rules require at least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test, including the air-brake knowledge portion.

How much does Georgia CDL knowledge testing cost?

DDS lists a $10 permit/testing fee paid before CDL written knowledge exams and a $35 Commercial Application fee valid for 4 test attempts.

Does passing the Air Brakes knowledge test remove the L restriction by itself?

Passing the knowledge test is necessary, but federal rules also require the proper air-brake pre-trip and skills-test conditions when removing or avoiding an air-brake restriction.

What section of the Georgia CDL manual should I study?

Study Section 5, Air Brakes. If you will operate a combination vehicle with air brakes, review the combination-vehicle air-brake material as context without replacing Section 5.

When must Georgia CDL written exams begin?

DDS says all CDL written knowledge exams must begin at least 45 minutes before the Customer Service Center closing time.