Cheat sheet
Alberta Air Brake (Q) Cheat Sheet
Q Endorsement & Test Rules
- Not published of exam
- Test Format Facts Approved Course Path Q Endorsement Scope Retest Rules Farm Vehicle Exemption
Braking Fundamentals
- Not published of exam
- Stopping Power Factors Stopping Distance Parts Perception + Reaction GVWR Effect Brake Condition
Compressed Air & Reservoirs
- Not published of exam
- Compressor & Governor Reservoirs & Air Quality Build-Up Test Wet Tank Cut-In vs Cut-Out
Vehicle Braking Circuits
- Not published of exam
- Tractor Air Circuits Trailer Air Circuit Spring & Parking Brakes Park Valve Pop-Out Primary vs Secondary
System Operation & Failures
- Not published of exam
- Circuit Failure Signs Supply Circuit Failure Secondary Circuit Failure Trailer Line Failure Spring Brake Cage Safety
Foundation Brakes & Adjustment
- Not published of exam
- Foundation Brake Parts Pushrod Stroke Limits S-Cam Brakes Brake Fade Slack Adjuster Types
Inspections & Downgrade Driving
- Not published of exam
- Trip Inspection Steps Leak & Warning Limits Downgrade Technique Pre-Descent Test Trailer Valve Misuse
Quick Facts
- Exam AB Air Brake (Q)
- Format 30 MCQ
- Pass Score 25/30 (83.33%)
- Test Ends After 6 wrong answers
- Time Limit No limit
- Course 6.5 hrs + practical
- Practical Test 15 min limit
- Retest Rule Different day required
- Language English only
Air-Over-Hydraulic vs Air-Actuated Hydraulic TE
Air-Over-Hydraulic
- Some axles air, some hydraulic
- Needs Q or Class 1
Air-Actuated Hydraulic
- Air only boosts hydraulic system
- Q endorsement NOT required
- Mixed axles vs boosted hydraulic
Test Format Facts TE
- 30 questions Total knowledge test length
- 25 correct Passing threshold (83.33%)
- 6 wrong Test ends automatically
- No time limit Untimed knowledge test
- English only No translated or paper test
- Different day Required for every retest
- Unlimited attempts No cap on retests
Approved Course Path TE
- 6.5 hours Minimum classroom training
- Practical training Instructor demo plus 2 practices
- 15 minutes Practical assessment time limit
- One-on-one Practical assessment format
- Notice of Completion Form for registry agent
- Valid licence Non-suspended Alberta licence needed
Q Endorsement Scope TE
- Q endorsement Required Class 1-5 air brakes
- Class 1 path Q earned before Class 1
- Single-motor farm Exempt from Q endorsement
- Farm combination Still needs Q for Class 1
- Air-over-hydraulic Needs Q or Class 1
- Air-actuated hydraulic Q NOT required
Stopping Distance Order FU
- Perceive, react, lag, then brake
- 3/4 sec perceive 3/4 sec react 4/10 sec lag Then braking distance
Stopping Power Factors FU
- Traction Tire-road friction, biggest factor
- GVWR doubled Stopping power doubles
- Speed doubled Stopping power 4x
- Weight+speed doubled Stopping power 8x
- Brake condition Misaligned brakes overload others
Stopping Distance Parts FU
- Perception time About 3/4 second to see
- Reaction time About 3/4 second to press
- Brake lag time About 4/10 second, air travel
- Braking distance Travel during full brake force
- Total stopping distance Sum of all four distances
- Downgrade Increases stopping distance
- Upgrade Decreases stopping distance
Key PSI Checkpoints AI
- 60 warns, 120-135 cuts out
- 60 PSI: warning light 120-135 PSI: cut-out 20-25 below: cut-in 20-45 PSI: park pop
Cut-In vs Cut-Out AI
Cut-Out
- Compressor stops pumping
- 120 to 135 PSI
Cut-In
- Compressor restarts pumping
- 20-25 PSI below cut-out
- Stops vs restarts compressor
Compressor & Governor AI
- Compressor Engine-driven, supplies air
- Fast idle About 1200 RPM for test
- Build-up test 50 to 90 PSI
- Build-up time Within 3 minutes
- Cut-out 120 to 135 PSI
- Cut-in 20-25 PSI below cut-out
Low-Air Warning vs Governor Cut-In AI
Low-Air Warning
- Alerts driver by 60 PSI
- Signal to stop safely
Governor Cut-In
- Restarts compressor automatically
- 20-25 PSI below cut-out
- Driver alert vs auto restart
Reservoirs & Air Quality AI
- Wet tank First reservoir, traps moisture
- Draining Often; fully drain each shift
- Air dryer Cools and dries compressor air
- One-way check valves Block backward air loss
- Safety valve Backup pressure relief device
Trailer Pop-Out Range CI
- Park 20-45, trailer supply 40-60+
- Park valve: 20-45 PSI Trailer supply: 40-60+ PSI Both spring-applied
Primary vs Secondary Circuit CI
Primary Circuit
- Controls drive axle brakes
- Nearest the brake pedal
Secondary Circuit
- Controls steer axle brakes
- Backs up primary failure
- Drive brakes vs steer brakes
Tractor Air Circuits CI
- Supply circuit Compressor to wet tank
- Primary circuit Rear drive axle brakes
- Secondary circuit Front steer axle brakes
- Park/emergency circuit Controls the spring brakes
- Dual gauges Show each circuit pressure
Supply Line vs Control Line CI
Supply (Emergency) Line
- Fills trailer air reservoirs
- Applies trailer springs if lost
Control (Service) Line
- Sends variable pressure signal
- Matches pedal application force
- Fills tank vs signals brakes
Trailer Air Circuit CI
- Supply (emergency) line Fills trailer air reservoirs
- Control (service) line Signals trailer brake force
- Glad hands Trailer air line couplers
- Tractor protection valve Isolates trailer air loss
- Trailer supply pop-out 40-60 PSI or higher
Spring Brakes vs Service Brakes CI
Spring (Park) Brakes
- Mechanical spring force applies
- Applies if air is lost
Service (Foot Valve) Brakes
- Air pressure applies force
- Capped by reservoir PSI
- Mechanical park vs air service
Spring & Parking Brakes CI
- Spring brakes Air holds off, spring applies
- Park valve pop-out 20-45 PSI
- Compounding brakes Never combine spring plus service
- Caging Manual release; chock wheels first
- Breakaway protection Lost air auto-applies springs
Warning & Failure Response FA
- Low-air warning light activates → Stop safely, rebuild air ( Below 60 PSI )
- One reservoir gauge keeps dropping → Suspect a failed circuit ( Stop safely, get service )
- Supply circuit line ruptures → Check valves protect service air ( Brakes still work )
- Secondary circuit fails → Steer axle brakes stop applying ( Primary keeps park released )
- Trailer service line fails → Pull red trailer supply valve ( Applies trailer spring brakes )
- Trailer supply line ruptures → Tractor protection isolates trailer air ( Trailer springs auto-apply )
- Vehicle must move, no air → Cage the spring brake ( Chock wheels first )
Circuit Failure Signs FA
- Failed circuit One gauge keeps dropping
- Reduced braking Stop safely, get repaired
- Supply failure Gauges stop rebuilding pressure
- Secondary failure Steer brakes stop applying
- Trailer service line failure Trailer brakes stop responding
- Trailer supply line loss Springs auto-apply immediately
Stroke Limit Ladder FO
- Type 20 smallest, Type 30 long-stroke biggest
- Type 20: 1-3/4 in Type 30: 2 in Type 30 long: 2-1/2 in
Automatic vs Manual Slack Adjuster FO
Automatic Adjuster
- Self-adjusts during each stop
- Still needs stroke checked
Manual Adjuster
- Needs scheduled hand adjustment
- Forcing it hides problems
- Self-corrects vs hand-adjusted
Foundation Brake Parts FO
- Brake chamber Converts air into force
- Pushrod Transfers force to slack
- Slack adjuster Lever arm to S-cam
- S-cam Rotates, spreads brake shoes
- Automatic adjuster Self-corrects for lining wear
- Manual adjuster Needs scheduled hand adjustment
Pushrod Stroke Limits FO
- Type 20 chamber Max 1-3/4 in (45 mm)
- Type 30 chamber Max 2 in (51 mm)
- Type 30 long-stroke Max 2-1/2 in (64 mm)
- Measured applied Full application, not partial
- Brake fade Hot drum loses friction
- Uneven adjustment Overworked brakes can skid
Applied Leak Limits IN
- 4 for power unit, plus 2 per trailer
- 4 PSI power unit +2 PSI each trailer 2-minute full application
Trip Inspection Sequence IN
- Vehicle on level ground → Chock wheels, visual check ( Step 1 )
- Engine off, key in run → Push red trailer supply valve ( Park valve pulled out )
- Both trailer lines disconnected → Supply valve pops 40-60+ ( PSI or higher )
- Push yellow park control valve → Pump foot valve, check pop ( 20-45 PSI )
- Engine at fast idle → Build-up 50-90 PSI, 3 min ( About 1200 RPM )
- Pressure built to system max → Governor cuts out 120-135 ( PSI )
- Pump brakes to reduce pressure → Governor cuts in 20-25 below ( cut-out pressure )
- Full service brake applied 2 min → Max 4 PSI, +2/trailer ( After pressure stabilizes )
- Chocks removed, springs released → Test foot valve, then trailer ( Step 6 response test )
Trip Inspection Steps IN
- Step 1 Chock wheels, visual check
- Step 2 Tractor protection system check
- Step 3 Park control valve check
- Step 4 Supply circuit build-up check
- Step 5 Air system leak test
- Step 6 Service brake response test
Downgrade Driving Picker IN
- Approaching a long downgrade → Downshift before the crest ( Use engine compression )
- Descending the grade → Apply steady, moderate pressure ( Never pump the brakes )
- Before starting a descent → Test brakes, watch gauge ( No abnormal pressure loss )
- Trailer hand valve overused → Risk trailer brake failure ( Can cause a jackknife )
- Coming to a full stop → Even pressure, then ease off ( Release just before stopping )
Leak & Warning Limits IN
- Low-air warning Activates by 60 PSI
- Applied leak test 2-minute full application hold
- Power unit limit Max 4 PSI loss
- Per trailer limit Plus 2 PSI loss
- Warning response Stop safely, rebuild air
Downgrade Driving Technique IN
- Downshift early Before descending the grade
- Engine compression Controls speed on grades
- No pumping Wastes air on long grades
- Retarders Assist descents, avoid poor conditions
- Overused trailer valve Can cause trailer brake failure
- Pre-descent test Check gauge, apply, watch loss
Common Traps
Cut-In vs Cut-Out Pressure
- Cut-out stops near 120-135 ≠ Cut-in restarts 20-25 lower
Low-Air Warning vs Park Pop
- Warning fires by 60 PSI ≠ Park pops 20-45 PSI
Free Play vs Full Stroke
- Stroke measured fully applied ≠ Partial application hides defects
Supply Line vs Control Line
- Supply fills trailer air tanks ≠ Control signals brake force
Primary vs Secondary Circuit
- Primary brakes the drive axle ≠ Secondary brakes the steer axle
Caging Without Chocking Wheels
- Caging releases the spring hold ≠ Always chock wheels first
Pumping Brakes On Downgrades
- Pumping wastes air pressure fast ≠ Use steady moderate pressure instead
Last Minute
- 1. 30 questions, 25 correct to pass
- 2. Test ends after 6 wrong answers
- 3. No time limit; retest different day
- 4. Governor cuts out 120-135 PSI
- 5. Cut-in is 20-25 PSI below cut-out
- 6. Build-up: 50-90 PSI in 3 minutes
- 7. Low-air warning lights by 60 PSI
- 8. Park valve pops 20-45 PSI
- 9. Trailer supply pops 40-60+ PSI
- 10. Leak cap: 4 PSI + 2/trailer
- 11. Chock wheels before caging spring brakes
- 12. Never pump brakes on long downgrades
- 13. Do not combine spring + service brakes
- 14. Downshift early; never pump on grades
Alberta Air Brake (Q Endorsement) Knowledge Test
- Practice Questions 180 questions Study Guide 24 topics Cheat Sheet 92 facts Flashcards 50 cards
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