What Is a Brake Endorsement?
A brake endorsement---more commonly referred to as an air brake endorsement---is required to obtain a commercial driver's license, or CDL, to operate a vehicle fitted with air brakes, such as a large commercial truck.
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Endorsement
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Commercial drivers who wish to operate a specialized commercial motor vehicle, or CMV, require certain endorsements on their licenses. Specialized vehicles include school buses, double- or triple-trailers and vehicles that transport hazardous materials.
Air Brakes
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Air brakes are common on large and/or heavy vehicles such as buses and commercial trucks. They use compressed air to operate the braking mechanism. In order to remain effective and safe, they require regular maintenance and an educated understanding of their workings. This is why drivers must obtain endorsements.
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Restriction
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In the event that a driver fails to pass the knowledge test required to obtain an air brake endorsement, the driver may be issued a CDL with an air brake restriction. This license will allow the driver to operate only those commercial vehicles not fitted with air brakes.
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References
- Photo Credit Truck image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
