Chapter 2-6: Use of brakes

The “Use of Brakes” section of the Ontario truck driver knowledge test evaluates a driver’s understanding of proper braking techniques for commercial vehicles.

Ontario Truck Driver Test - Chapter 2-6: Use of brakes

1 / 12

On dry pavement, why should you avoid fanning (alternately applying and releasing) the brakes?

It is only allowed when using ABS

It reduces air pressure and serves no useful purpose

It improves brake cooling but uses more fuel

It increases stopping distance but improves comfort

2 / 12

On slippery pavement, why might fanning (threshold braking) be used?

It completely prevents all skids in any condition

It is required by law on all icy roads

It only helps when driving uphill

It can give better control, reduce skidding risk, and shorten stopping distance

3 / 12

On long downhill grades, what is the principal method you should use to control speed?

Fanning the brakes frequently

Coasting in neutral

Engine braking

Continuous hard brake application

4 / 12

When making a normal stop, how should you apply the brakes to avoid a jerk and rebound?

Pump the brakes rapidly until the vehicle stops

Apply maximum pressure throughout the stop

Apply steady pressure, ease off as you slow, release just before stopping, then reapply to hold the vehicle

Coast to a stop without using the brakes

5 / 12

If the tractor is jackknifing (rear tractor wheels sliding sideways), what should you do?

Accelerate to straighten the unit

Apply the trailer brakes only

Apply both tractor and trailer brakes harder

Release all brakes and steer sharply

6 / 12

If the brakes fail on a level road, what is your first response?

Pull the parking brake as hard as possible

Immediately turn off the engine

Coast to a stop without changing gears

Downshift and use engine braking to slow the vehicle

7 / 12

In a tractor–semi-trailer combination, what is “balanced braking”?

Trailer and truck-tractor brakes receive the same pressure from the foot control valve

Only the tractor brakes are applied by the foot control valve

The hand valve controls both tractor and trailer brakes equally

Only the trailer brakes are applied by the foot control valve

8 / 12

What must you do regarding municipal restrictions on engine braking?

Follow the restriction signs in each municipality

Ignore them if traffic is light

Only follow them when hauling hazardous materials

Only follow them at night

9 / 12

What do spring brakes do when air pressure in the system drops below a set level (normally 414 kPa or 60 psi)?

Release automatically

Lock only the steering axle

Apply automatically

Turn off the low air-pressure warning device

10 / 12

What should you do if the low air-pressure warning device operates at any time?

Turn off the warning and check the system later

Stop immediately in the safest place and correct the air loss before proceeding

Continue driving to the next scheduled stop

Reduce speed but keep driving until the warning stops

11 / 12

Which gear selection practice is recommended for descending a long grade?

Continuously shift to lower gears while descending

Shift into neutral and rely on brakes only

Use the same gear you would use to climb the grade

Use the highest gear possible to save fuel

12 / 12

How can trailer brakes be applied independently of the truck brakes?

By pressing the accelerator pedal firmly

By using the trailer hand valve

By partially releasing the parking brake

By turning off the engine brake

Your score is

This section covers the importance of applying brakes smoothly to prevent skidding, using engine braking on declines, and avoiding brake fade from excessive use. Drivers are tested on safe stopping distances, the impact of vehicle load on braking performance, and the proper use of air brakes. Mastery of these concepts is crucial for maintaining vehicle control, especially in emergency or adverse conditions. Proper brake use helps prevent accidents, protects equipment, and demonstrates a driver’s readiness for Ontario’s roads.