CDL Pre-trip: Air Brake Tests

Watch the, brake test, portion of the CDL pre-trip. A series of five brake tests, needed to complete the, brake test portion of your CDL exam.
Parking brake, Service brake, and all three emergency air tank tests.

[@robertsurprenant6420]

Thank you so much for your clear and precise tutorials. As someone who is preparing for their cdl test I'm feeling overwhelmed with the mechanical,verbiage and familiarity with the bus. I'll get it but it takes me time and repetition. Your tutorials are invaluable and comprehensive. You explain in a way that is easily absorbed. I thank you so much.

[@SchoolBusSass]

Robert, thank you for your comment and kind feedback….both a greatly appreciated. Best wishes for a successful test outcome. You can do this! 😁

[@YellowBussesAndCars]

I`d like to drive such buses too)

[@tonylin9639]

Here in NYC the cut off is also at 120psi, but as Teresa stated check with your individual state. I got an exam coming up and Teresa video is extremely helpful. Great tips from tungsten as well.

[@SchoolBusSass]

Best of luck!

[@memyselfirenejones9397]

New school bus driver coimg though 😃 recently passed the behind the wheel test with CHP. Your parallel park videos helped 🥳

[@SchoolBusSass]

That’s fantastic news! So glad to learn the videos were helpful for you. Congratulations and continued success in all you do.

[@MatthewBluefox]

In Switzerland, nothing of this has to be done in an exam, which surprises me. :) Greetings from Switzerland.

[@SchoolBusSass]

Greetings, Matthew! I always enjoy learning what the different requirements are from around the world. Thanks for sharing! 😁

[@MatthewBluefox]

@@SchoolBusSass Meow there! Our schoolbusses are not even half as big as yours, but on the flip side, we have bi-articulated city busses and even articulated country busses going mostly every 30 minutes out of town. Another thing I saw was the blinker and lightbeams operated by the left foot in some busses in America. In Switzerland it's all at the steering wheel just like in a normal car. :)

[@SchoolBusSass]

The newer busses have the controls on the steering wheel… My first bus had the high beam controller on the floor to the left of the accelerator pedal… but that was 24 years ago. 😏

[@MatthewBluefox]

@@SchoolBusSass Nice info, thankies! :)

[@user-rd5pd7eb6t]

You are very good at explaining all aspects of the process pre trip,airbrake,turns, I really enjoyed and got very good insight for my final test. Thank you❤

[@SchoolBusSass]

Thank you! So glad the video was helpful for you!

[@steamtrackriding1823]

The Vision earns its name due to its best in class driver visibility and maneuverability. The vision provides exceptional forward visibility and unique mirror systems that improve driver awareness and increase the safety of the children around the bus as well as in side. Sounds accurate!

[@SchoolBusSass]

Sounds like the BB Vision is a favorite of yours. They definitely maneuver quite well!

[@lucywork9260]

Best demonstration of brake tests. Thank you

[@quintell8208]

I just got my CDL permit ( class B ) and having to learn all this is very overwhelming. I feel like I won't get it but im not gonna give up and I just found your videos and they have actually been sime help

[@SchoolBusSass]

You can do this!

[@gracearmor]

How did you get your class B CDL license without doing an air break test?

[@Candace1979]

​@@gracearmorpermit on the computer is way easier than actual doing it behind the wheel with someone over your shoulder

[@danlenox1430]

I'm training to become a driver for Northmont (Englewood/Clayton area) and it's nice having your videos since your district is local to mine. All the information is pretty much dead on with how they want us to learn it and do it for our exam. It is a lot nicer having videos to watch instead of just reading a manual.. it makes it easier to learn it and make sure I get it right during practice and eventually the exam. Thank you for making these.

[@SchoolBusSass]

So glad to learn the videos have been helpful for you. Dan! Best wishes for a successful test outcome!

[@danlenox1430]

I passed all 3 portions of the test "with flying colors" and am now fully licensed. Only thing left for me is the pre-service class in the next week and I'll be good to go. I was originally supposed to test on Mon. 1/3, but they moved it up to Thurs. 12/30, luckily, and I got to test when it was almost 60 out instead of being 30 like it's supposed to be on Monday. The examiner at the middletown facility wanted me to pass the message on that if there are any districts that need drivers tested, to send them down there, as they're only doing ODOT and bus drivers right now and can usually get them in pretty quickly. Thank you again for your videos. You're doing a great service.

[@TungstenCarbideTempe]

Here I. California we do things a bit different, here’s what’s different : 1)You didn’t to do the eclectic part of the brakes(abs light check) 2) when doing a service brake check, DO NOT TOUCH THE STEERING WHEEL !! 3) you need to check that how fast your compressor pumps air , cut in cut out PSI( between 85psi to 100psi, by timing it) 4) @3:03 It SHOULD not move more then 3psi per minute 5) we need to check governor cut off pressure at 120-125psi( to make sure it doesn’t go to 150 psi to trigger asafety valve . 6) you got to comment out loud on every step you do. Thank you for a great video

[@SchoolBusSass]

Hands off the steering wheel here would be considered an unsafe maneuver and an automatic failure. You need to maintain control of your vehicle at all times. Thanks for your comment and feedback… always enjoy learning how other states conduct their pretrip.

[@tonylin9639]

Here in NYC the cut off is also at 120psi, but as Teresa stated check with your individual state. I got an exam coming up and Teresa video is extremely helpful. Great tips from tungsten as well.

[@stevericketts810]

Excellent video. While taking a driver to his test, I saw 3 drivers in a row fail because they didn’t do the brake pre trip correctly!

[@SchoolBusSass]

It’s so important…A lot of emphasis and practice goes into the brake portion of the pretrip, when I’m training new drivers. It’s so tough to learn drivers aren’t passing because they miss a step on the brake test. Thanks for the comment and kind feedback.

[@SeanTaylor23]

When you do the static brake check is the vehicle completely off or in the Auxiliary position?

[@Zizzyyzz]

​@@SeanTaylor23In my state, it's in the RUN position.

[@NickyNoyes]

So awesome…19 yr otr driver. I know the steps but kind a forgot the numbers. Excellent 4min refresher ❤

[@JustDave2]

I found a KZbin video titled “Module 2: Bus Components” very helpful. The bottom line is you need to learn the parts, what they do, and what could go wrong. Just trying to memorize the sheets of paper is too daunting. He also emphasized the CDL’S; not Cracked, Damaged, or Leaking, and Securely mounted. Hope this helps.

[@blanemassey6324]

Therese, just wanted to say thanks again for all your help in this position! Keep up the good work. And have a merry Christmas. Your videos are inspiring.

[@SchoolBusSass]

Hello, Blane Thank you…oh, so, much for your kind and thoughtful note. I appreciate your kindness more than you may realize. I am thrilled to learn the videos have been helpful for you! A very blessed and merry Christmas to you and your family as well.

[@railfanjames7699]

@@SchoolBusSass What are you do differently if my boss is equipped with hydraulic brakes

[@evangelistagonzalez2015]

Dominican Republic. Excellent. I'like that.I want to get CDL. You are good teacher.

[@SchoolBusSass]

Hello Evangelista...thank you so much for your comment and kind feedback! I wish you great success in obtaining your CDL...Go for it! :)

[@Zizzyyzz]

5 point mirror checks! 🙂

[@timgiles9413]

Never Ever apply pressure to your Service Brake when the Park/Spring Brake is applied !!! Very good video.

[@KenmareVintageVehicles]

Our state requires to check the air governor cut in and cut out as well. No less than 85 cut-in, no greater than 130 cut-out.

[@SchoolBusSass]

Do you reside in NY?

[@KenmareVintageVehicles]

@@SchoolBusSass California

[@sebastianmartinez2964]

Therese, Can you make a new video with more explanation about each test at the time. Like what device are you check it to or or if you doing it the spring brake test. Or other test I love your videos. On this video I only understand when you were doing it the parking brake test. After that I did get it. I’m 100% if you do that I pass my road test next week. 🥳🥳🥳 I hope you see this comment before my road test.

[@SchoolBusSass]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYKQi2ucfLmWh8k Hello, Sebastian I put the link to another pretrip video I have, which goes over a bit more detail on the inside of the bus in addition to the air brakes. Let me know if that video gives you more of the explanation you are looking for. I’ll be cheering for your successful test outcome…you’ve got this, Sebastian!

[@sebastianmartinez2964]

@@SchoolBusSass SUPER NICE! I saw the video it’s helpful I only didn’t get the portion on which device or what you’re checking on the brake test. The rest it’s fine.

[@SchoolBusSass]

When I turn the bus off, after checking the parking brake and service brake, I’m checking for air leakage from the air tanks by looking at the air tank gauges. The static brake test is with no pressure put on the service brake. The tanks should not lose more than 2 psi in a minute. Look at both the front and rear air brake gauges to determine if the needle on the gauge is lowering. Always make certain the air brake gauges have a minimum of 100 lbs of pressure, after you have checked the parking brake and service brake. When you turn the engine off, put the key back into accessory, you should have at least 100 pounds of air pressure before continuing with your static brake test, which is meant to determine any leaking from the air tanks . After the static brake test, you will apply heavy pressure to the service brake. You are still checking for excessive air brake leaks and after the initial drop in pressure on the air brake tank gauges, you can begin to pump down the remaining air in the tanks by repeatedly pressing down on the service brake with your foot . This will cause the air pressure to release from the air tanks which in turn will engage the emergency features. Once you have released enough of the air from the tanks, by fanning the brakes, it should activate the low pressure alarm, above 55 lbs of pressure, on your air tank gauges, and finally, by continuing to put repetitive pressure on the service brake, the parking brake should set itself when the pressure from the air tanks fall between 20-40 on your air tank gauges. These tests let the driver know that all of their braking elements on the bus are functioning properly. Hope my explanation helps.

[@Authenticc1997]

Absolutely love this, clear and concise. God bless you and thank you so much!!

[@SchoolBusSass]

Thank you!

[@blanemassey6324]

Absolutely the best air brake ever! You go girl! We are all counting on you !!!

[@SchoolBusSass]

Blane, your comment made my night. Thank you for the comment and kind feedback! 😁

[@codyfujimoto9945]

Great video Therese

[@SchoolBusSass]

Thank you, Cody! Hope all is well. :)

[@minimocha336]

Beautiful thank you ma'am and PLEASE BE SAFE!!!

[@SchoolBusSass]

Thank you, Meloney! Safe travels to you as well.

[@Cstbernard6]

Thanks

[@SchoolBusSass]

You’re welcome

[@juliusmay8712]

Any idea as to when will you do a video of a full cdl school bus inspection for 2022?

[@SchoolBusSass]

Not sure…perhaps next spring.

[@blanemassey6324]

Don't think I'd be where I'm at in my career without your help

[@SchoolBusSass]

Thank you for your thoughtful kindness, Blane! You, however, did all the hard work to get where you are.

[@YellowBussesAndCars]

I like your videos about school buses) and make videos sometime too)

[@juliusmay8712]

When will you do a video of the full school bus inspection for the 2021-22 school year?

[@SchoolBusSass]

I’m not sure… Possibly when it gets cooler out.

[@dennisfly1]

Thanks I will try this on next test first time I failed.

[@SchoolBusSass]

If you’re interested, there are also two complete pretrip demonstrations on my channel as well. Best wishes for a successful test outcome!

[@SchoolBusSass]

When are you going back? Best wishes for a positive test outcome.

[@dennisfly1]

@@SchoolBusSass I went this friday and passed thanks so Much!

[@SchoolBusSass]

Dennis, this is outstanding news! Thank you so much for sharing your positive test outcome with me! Way to go and continued success in all you do. :)

[@dennisfly1]

@@SchoolBusSass I could not have done this with out watching your videos Thanks again!

[@blanemassey6324]

Super video Therese! Thank you !

[@SchoolBusSass]

Thanks, Blane! 😃

[@holdenwynn-ludwig3903]

I love BB visions I ride one of the handicap BBVs

[@mohsen7021]

Thank you so much

[@SchoolBusSass]

You’re welcome 😊

[@tribzman3977]

I know this is a stupid question, but where is the 'emergency' brake if you've only shown the parking and service brake. I thought there are 3 brakes, no?

[@SchoolBusSass]

The parking brake also functions as your emergency brake. A very good and logical question.

[@markwright8498]

@@SchoolBusSass Thank you very much indeed for taking the time to reply. I’m very grateful!

[@yolandalcheek462]

Great job 🎉

[@steamtrackriding1823]

Do you think you can do an episode on your channel of all the types of buses you have in your district and mention about them: stuff like types of lights types of engines numbers and how many you got in your district?

[@SchoolBusSass]

I will see what I can do. What size district do you work for?

[@steamtrackriding1823]

@@SchoolBusSass I’m Not A Bus Driver, I Would Like To Be Though.

[@theisaacshowlaughs6214]

This is a different order then what I was taught. Does the order matter to the examiner? Because it's better this way since bus is already in 120 psi?

[@SchoolBusSass]

Terrific question! Please check with your local test site. If you are in. Ohio, the order is accepted both ways. I prefer this order for exactly the reason you mentioned . If you reside in another state, you may also need wheel chocks. It’s always best to ask the test site you you intend to use.

[@theisaacshowlaughs6214]

@@SchoolBusSass I am not sure in nyc From what I heard it just matters if you do alll 5 brake system tests

[@SchoolBusSass]

Exactly.

[@juliusmay8712]

Do the school buses have an emergency brake?

[@SchoolBusSass]

Ours are diesel, but busses can be propane, gasoline, or electric.

[@SchoolBusSass]

Yes, it is known as the, parking brake.

[@juliusmay8712]

Are they bringing in New models of school buses for the 2021-22 school year and do the new buses have ac?

[@SchoolBusSass]

Our district has 8 new busses coming in. International convention also and Blue Bird 84 psgr transits. Same types of busses we currently have, just new year. Too costly for A/C on a fleet of busses for the district of our size.

[@juliusmay8712]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@SchoolBusSass]

You’re welcome, Julius.

[@domingohoyos9831]

Excelente therese saludos desde Colombia felicitaciones..👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@SchoolBusSass]

Hello Domingo...Thank you for your continued support, I hope all is well with you and your family! :)

[@godfreykhumalo3]

What might be the reason for the bus to pull to the right when breaking (RHD bus)

[@SchoolBusSass]

Slack adjusters

[@juliusmay8712]

I wonder will there be covid changes with the school buses because of the recent covid surge ?

[@SchoolBusSass]

Districts will determine protocol

[@steamtrackriding1823]

Unable to secure a chassis, Luce instead purchased the display vehicle, importing it to the United States. After reverse-engineering the chassis design (to modify American-produced vehicles), Blue Bird completed its first forward-control prototype in 1949, naming it the All American.

[@SchoolBusSass]

This is fabulous…thanks for sharing!!!

[@tiawannahomer1420]

Thank you for this video

[@SchoolBusSass]

You’re welcome

[@juliusmay8712]

Any idea as to when will you do a full video of the 2021 school bus CDL pre trip inspection?

[@SchoolBusSass]

I have two 2021 pretrip demonstrations. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4DOe6R6pKitl80

[@SchoolBusSass]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmrIpqmgd6acg5I

[@raminbaghirov9998]

Hey Theresa. Thanks for videos. In my county they said 3 psi in a minute. What is the difference?

[@SchoolBusSass]

The static brake test, no pressure on the service brake) is 2 psi, and with heavy pressure on the service brake it’s 3 psi. The static brake test is no longer required by ODOT, but is required by ODE. The static is to ensure your tanks are maintaining air brake pressure in the tanks. By pressing on the service brake, you’re checking for leakage in the brake lines, and by continuing to fan the brakes, you are checking for the emergency braking features to occur. Your alarm should sound when your air tanks reach no less than 55 and your parking brake should engage if the air pressure drops between 40-20 psi. Which county do you reside in?

[@raminbaghirov9998]

@@SchoolBusSass Maryland. Montgomery

[@serious3f]

forgot to chock the wheels

[@SchoolBusSass]

On a closed test course, in Ohio, chocks are not required.

[@youtubevlogproductions1567]

Hello, can you do a demonstration of right hand turns with your 77 passenger bluebird T3FE?

[@SchoolBusSass]

I do have a conventional school bus right and left hand turns. Let me know if this is what you’re looking for. kzbin.info/www/bejne/in6apXykmcSjfdE

[@youtubevlogproductions1567]

@@SchoolBusSass I SAW THAT ONE

[@SchoolBusSass]

Or perhaps this one will work… kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWrWh2qvfMabe9U

[@juliusmay8712]

I don't understand why a lot of school buses have no ac? They have heaters but no ac. I don't get it.

[@SchoolBusSass]

Too costly for most school districts

[@youtubevlogproductions1567]

I know some states require it

[@juliusmay8712]

If this covid variant causes more problems , I wonder what will school districts do to the rules on the school buses , how many people can be on it , etc

[@SchoolBusSass]

We will be required to start the school year with masks again this year. I do not know of any additional restrictions, but we are still weeks away from the start of school. Anything can happen.

[@youtubevlogproductions1567]

Do You Have The IC 3800 ( International Amtran ) Buses In Your Fleet?

[@SchoolBusSass]

We do not.

[@davidbeardsley7429]

Hey Therese this is David how are u my friend 💗

[@SchoolBusSass]

Hello, David… I am well, how about you?

[@davidbeardsley7429]

@@SchoolBusSass I'm good I was just thinking of u Therese ♥️

[@sebass156]

What about your wheel chokes?

[@SchoolBusSass]

Always check with your local test site for specific requirements. We are not required to bring wheel chocks to our testing sites in Ohio.

[@MichaelBrown-i4n]

My examiner told me I don’t have too release the parking break to hold my service brake for 1 minute is that true or do you still have too release it ? Thanks in advance

[@SchoolBusSass]

I’m sorry… I’m not certain I understand the question. Do you have hydraulic brakes?

[@MichaelBrown-i4n]

I’m not certain if it does but sorry I’ll clarify better meaning that if I’m doing the air leak test do I release the parking brake or can I leave it engaged ? I was told either or is fine

[@steamtrackriding1823]

Do You Know How The Blue Bird Vision & Blue Bird All American Got Their Names?

[@SchoolBusSass]

I do not, but I’d sure love to learn… 😁

[@steamtrackriding1823]

IDK Either

[@davidbeardsley7429]

I love it Therese u do a great job always

[@SchoolBusSass]

Thanks so much, David!

[@youtubevlogproductions1567]

DO YOU HAVE PROPANE BUSES IN YOUR FLEET? I WISH I DID!

[@SchoolBusSass]

We do not… Many years ago we had them, but no longer. What do you like about propane busses?

[@youtubevlogproductions1567]

@@SchoolBusSass 1. THEY ARE MORE EFFICIENT THAN TRADITIONAL DIESEL BUSES 2. THEY ARE EASIER TO MAINTAIN 3. BETTER MILAGE 4. LESS WEAR ON THE ENGINE 5. VERY CLEAN 6. PROPANE BUSES ARE QUIETER WHICH IS NICE FOR HEARING STUDENTS, RAILROAD CROSSINGS, ETC. 7. LESS SPILLS WHEN FILLING 8. OVERALL BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT RATHER THAN SOME OF THE NOISY DIESEL BUSES THAT KIDS CAN BE SCARED OF AS IF IT CAN HURT THEIR EARS

[@SchoolBusSass]

@@youtubevlogproductions1567 I was not around when our district had them, so I've never driven one. Perhaps one day I will. Thanks for sharing!

[@juliusmay8712]

What type of gasoline do the school buses use?

[@SchoolBusSass]

Diesel

[@juliusmay8712]

Any update as to when will you do a 2021-22 version of the full school bus CDL inspection and are there any changes this year?

[@SchoolBusSass]

No pretrip is being planned anytime soon. Big changes may be here in February. The extent and content of these changes remains to be seen or known. I will give an update when I have the details. CPI training will be our next training video. I’m hoping to have it completed sometime this week.

[@juliusmay8712]

@@SchoolBusSass looking forward to seeing that video

[@YellowBussesAndCars]

We have such buses in Ukraine too)

[@robertmoir5695]

Why don t you leave me alone Theresa

[@konakev1203]

You did a tug test first?... that's a fail in my state

[@SchoolBusSass]

Which state?

[@glenncrothers6180]

There's gaps in this instructive video that will expose your lack of familiarity with the correct sequence in carrying out your pre-trip

[@genticezmaxhi553]

Great i am going for the CDL class C

[@SchoolBusSass]

Go for it, Genti! Best wishes for a successful test outcome. 😁

[@ComputerBugged]

2:58

[@mikedfonseca7251]

Absolutely wrong This test is from 40 before christ

[@SchoolBusSass]

Not wrong, just different requirements in different states.