Air Brakes
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course guides participants in passing the ICBC Air Brakes Knowledge Test and includes
the ICBC Pre Trip Inspection Assessment. This course has both theory and practical
components, where participants learn about the different components of common airbrake
systems; plus, learn how to competently conduct air brake pre-trip inspections.
Upon completion of this course, participants will:
(1) understand what knowledge is required to pass the ICBC Air Brakes Knowledge Test, plus
(2) have completed an air brake pre-trip assessment.
Certification for this course is provided by an ICBC endorsed air brakes instructor.
On completion of the course,
participants will be able to:
- Recognize and define all of the different components of an air brake system.
- Use practical tools to manually set air-operated equipment.
- Demonstrate a completed Air Brake Pre-Inspection.
- Describe BC's driver licensing classes.
- Know which vehicles require air brake certification to operate.
- Describe the steps to get an air brake endorsement or heavy trailer endorsement.
- Identify the components of an air brake system.
- Explain why heavy vehicles take longer to stop than smaller passenger vehicles.
- Describe the basic principles of braking.
- Identify the elements of stopping distance and the effects of weight and speed on stopping distance.
- Explain how to brake safely in different situations.
- Explain how s-cam foundation brakes operate.
- Describe what happens when one or more air brake components fail.
- Explain how trailer brakes are applied.
- Describe how air reservoirs are used within an air brake system.
- Explain why and when to use a foot valve and how much pressure should be applied.
- Describe the purpose and components of a dual air brake system.
- Explain the purpose of air dryers.
- Explain why spring parking brakes are a reliable type of brake.
- Describe how wedge brakes operate.
- Explain the advantages of a dual air brake system.
- Explain the purpose of a tractor protection system on a tractor.
- Describe why air brake adjustments need to be conducted.
- Explain how to measure air brake chamber pushrod travel and how to adjust air brakes.
Outline
- Explain what tools should be carried to measure and adjust brakes.
REQUIRED RESOURCES:
Driving Commercial Vehicles: A Guide for Professional Drivers (provided by Go Team)
PARTICIPANT CONDUCT:
Participants are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and in accordance with Go Team’s
established standards of conduct.
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES:
Participants who require academic accommodations as a result of a disability should advise the
instructor. Students requiring support should request a meeting prior to registering in the course
to ensure that supports can be met by Go Team prior to attending any course.
METHODS OF EVALUATION:
Participants will be evaluated through their attendance and demonstrated competency during
the ICBC Air Brakes Pre Trip Inspection Assessment. Unit quizzes will be provided as a
resource for students to self-assess exam preparedness.
GRADING SCALE:
A participant who has met course requirements will receive an ICBC Airbrakes Certification.
(Code 15) which must be added to their BC Driver’s License at a designated ICBC service
representative such as Service BC.
