Alabama CDL Air Brakes study plan

Label each major air brake component (compressor, governor, reservoir, drain valves, safety valve, brake chambers, slack adjusters, foundation brakes) on a hand-drawn system diagram from memory

State the function of the compressor, governor, and safety valve and explain how the governor cut-in and cut-out pressures control compressor cycling

Describe the difference between service, parking, and emergency brake circuits and which components serve each

Explain what a slack adjuster does and how chamber pushrod travel relates to brake adjustment

Trace the path of compressed air from compressor through the supply reservoir, primary and secondary circuits, and to the brake chambers

Explain why the system is split into two circuits and what stays functional when one circuit fails

Describe the role of the double check valve, relay valve, and spring brakes in a dual system

Compare how a failure in the primary circuit versus the secondary circuit affects stopping ability

List the inspection steps performed during a pre-trip air brake check in the correct order

Identify what to look, listen, and feel for at each component during a walk-around

Describe how to check slack adjuster and pushrod travel and what indicates a defect

Explain how to check air compressor build-up rate and what a slow build-up signals

Perform and narrate the static leak test: engine off, brakes released, then applied, noting acceptable pressure-loss limits

Perform and narrate the low air pressure warning test and state the pressure range where the warning must activate

Perform and narrate the spring brake (emergency) pop-out test and state the pressure range where the button should pop

Perform and narrate the compressor build-up and governor cut-in/cut-out checks

Sequence all four tests into one continuous inspection routine

Re-run the full test sequence without notes and score yourself against the checklist

Diagnose three written scenarios describing out-of-spec test results and name the likely faulty component

Refine the pre-trip checklist to include the air brake tests as one integrated flow

Explain the consequences of skipping each individual test

Describe proper braking technique on downgrades, including gear selection and controlled use of the brakes

Explain why you should not ride the brakes and how brake fade develops

State safe following distance and stopping-distance factors for air-brake-equipped vehicles

Describe how to use the parking/spring brakes properly and when to use wheel chocks

Explain how load weight and road conditions change required stopping distance

Describe the warning signs of low air pressure and the exact steps to take when the warning activates

Explain what to do if the service brakes fail, including use of the emergency/spring brakes

Describe how to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop after a sudden air loss

List common causes of air loss and how each is recognized

Explain the risks of fanning the brakes and other habits that drain air pressure

Review weak areas flagged in earlier weeks and re-drill missed concepts

Complete a full-length timed practice exam and score it

Re-narrate the complete inspection and test sequence one final time

Verify every domain objective is covered by your own notes