Alaska CDL Combination Practice Test (AK) 2

4.9 out of 5 (45 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
Boost your preparation for the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with our Alaska combination CDL practice test. This Alaska permit practice test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions covering essential topics like inspection procedures, safe driving practices, air brake systems, and more. With the requirement to correctly answer at least 16 questions to pass, this Alaska permit test practice is designed to build your confidence and ensure you are thoroughly prepared for the permit test. The varied questions on this DMV practice test are crafted to mirror the actual test format used by the DMV, including multiple-choice and true-or-false questions. This similarity helps you get accustomed to the process of eliminating incorrect answers to find the right one, a crucial skill for the actual test. Additionally, upon completing the Alaska permit practice test, you have the opportunity to review your answers, with hints and detailed explanations provided for any questions you missed. This immediate feedback is invaluable for understanding why certain answers are correct or incorrect, significantly aiding in your learning process. One of the key areas highlighted in this CDL combination test is the risk of jackknifing, where the trailer swings out of alignment with the tractor. Learning to avoid this dangerous situation through smooth braking and careful handling is vital for safe driving, especially in Alaska's diverse and often challenging driving conditions. From the icy roads in the northern regions to the rugged terrain in the south, understanding these critical safety practices is essential for any aspiring commercial driver in Alaska. By integrating unique driving conditions in various parts of Alaska into the questions, this Alaska combination CDL practice test ensures that you are not only prepared for the test but also for real-world driving situations. Whether you are navigating through the snowy passes of the Brooks Range or dealing with the heavy rain and slippery roads in the coastal areas, this practice permit test is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle any driving challenge.
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Sample Alaska Combination Test Questions

Question 1

Which procedure correctly tests the trailer emergency brakes?

  1. A Open both shutoff valves at the rear of the last trailer
  2. B Charge the system, pull out the trailer air-supply control, and gently pull against the trailer
  3. C Shut off the engine and repeatedly press the brake pedal
  4. D Release every parking brake and accelerate normally

Correct answer: B – Charge the system, pull out the trailer air-supply control, and gently pull against the trailer

First charge the trailer air-brake system and verify that the trailer can roll freely. Stop, pull out the trailer air-supply control or place it in the emergency position, and then pull gently with the tractor. Resistance from the trailer confirms that its emergency brakes have applied.

Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — § 6.5.2, “Combination Vehicle Brake Check”

Question 2

Which braking method reduces the risk of a trailer skid during normal driving?

  1. A Use the foot brake instead of the trailer hand valve
  2. B Accelerate while entering each curve
  3. C Make quick steering corrections while braking
  4. D Watch only the driver-side mirror

Correct answer: A – Use the foot brake instead of the trailer hand valve

The foot brake sends air to the brakes throughout the combination vehicle. Using only the trailer hand valve while driving can lock the trailer wheels and cause a skid or jackknife. The hand valve should be used to test the trailer brakes, not as the normal driving brake.

Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — § 6.2.1, “Trailer Hand Valve”

Question 3

If a semitrailer breaks away and separates the emergency air line, what should the tractor protection valve do?

  1. A Allow all tractor air pressure to escape
  2. B Keep the trailer supply valve open
  3. C Immediately lock every tractor wheel
  4. D Retain air so the tractor brakes can continue working

Correct answer: D – Retain air so the tractor brakes can continue working

A breakaway causes pressure loss in the emergency line, applying the trailer emergency brakes. The tractor protection valve closes to stop air from escaping from the tractor through the damaged trailer connection. This preserves air in the tractor or truck brake system so its brakes remain operational.

Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — § 6.2.2, “Tractor Protection Valve”, Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — § 6.2.4, “Trailer Air-lines”

Question 4

Which practices help reduce the risk of a combination-vehicle rollover?

  1. A Keep heavy cargo as low as possible
  2. B Slow down before curves and ramps
  3. C Use smooth, gentle steering inputs
  4. D All of the above

Correct answer: D – All of the above

Alaska’s CDL manual emphasizes keeping the vehicle’s center of gravity low because top-heavy loads are more likely to tip. Drivers should slow before curves, ramps, and corners rather than attempting sudden speed changes within them. Gentle steering also reduces the side forces that can roll a trailer over.

Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — § 3.2.3, “Don’t Be Top-heavy”, Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — § 7.1.1, “Prevent Trailer from Rolling Over”

Question 5

What exterior feature commonly identifies an ABS-equipped trailer?

  1. A A red lamp on the trailer’s right side
  2. B A pressure gauge beside the landing gear
  3. C A yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the trailer’s left side
  4. D A blue light above the emergency glad hand

Correct answer: C – A yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the trailer’s left side

An ABS-equipped trailer has a yellow external malfunction lamp on its left side. Federal equipment standards require ABS on applicable semitrailers and converter dollies manufactured on or after March 1, 1998, along with an external malfunction indicator. On older trailers without an obvious lamp, ABS components may be identified by the electronic control unit and wheel-sensor wiring.

Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.18.3, “How to Know If Your Vehicle Is Equipped with ABS”, 49 CFR § 571.121, S5.2.3 — Standard No. 121; Air brake systems

Question 6

A major leak develops in the trailer service air line. What can happen when the driver applies the brakes?

  1. A The tractor will accelerate unexpectedly
  2. B The steering axle will automatically lock
  3. C The emergency line will refill the damaged service line
  4. D Air pressure can fall rapidly and eventually apply the trailer emergency brakes

Correct answer: D – Air pressure can fall rapidly and eventually apply the trailer emergency brakes

The Alaska manual explains that a major service-line leak may not be noticed until the brakes are applied. Brake application sends air into the leaking line, causing reservoir pressure to fall quickly. If the pressure becomes low enough, the trailer emergency brakes will apply.

Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — § 6.2.8, “Trailer Service, Parking and Emergency Brakes”

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