Does your home jurisdiction require air brake endorsement?

There is often people posting questions about their air brake systems and their lack of basic knowledge of how they work is sometimes scary. Air brake systems are more complex than regular juice brake systems and do require a basic understanding of how they work, and how they should be maintained.I have heard people say "how many old folks can climb under their rig and set up their brakes?" It is not the fact that they can't do it is it more like they should know it needs to be done periodically and have it done for them. There is a very valid reason why commercial drivers need air brake training, and it is a little more than just pushing a pedal. Even hydraulic brakes have there limitations with a big class a and certain road conditions and not knowing you can overheat the brake fluid can lead to a scary or worse situation.

Here in VA there is no endorsement(s) required. However there is no logic being applied. For example: My MH has a Gross Weight Rating of 44,000 (54,000 if towing) three axles and airbrakes, overwidth on some roads, and just under height (13'2") and yet I do not require any endorsement(s). Additionally, my MH has "auto" plates. However, according to the drivers manual and DMV website my standard license is up to 26,000. VA does not have a category for anything non-comercial over 26,001. But if I buy a F350 and want to tow a large 5er, it better have weight rated plates for the combined weight of the tow and trailer.

Now, despite VA DMV, I wanted training. I called a CDL training company just down the street and asked I could take just the modules that would pertain to me and they said; "No".

There ought to be a law:regulation: training for anyone doing anything.
People aren't generally stupid. Once or twice around the parking lot or corner and being careful is all that's needed. A special expensive piece of paper, from nanny is not needed.

So, Let's see the hands of everybody who get on their hands and knees to check the slack adjusters each and every time you start the engine and move out down the road??

Deadbat: You are correct. People with all those certificates still fly into the side of the mountains. Or worse, watch the propellors slow up as the fuel guages say "E".

Kerry

BobGed wrote:

vegasfoodguy wrote:

BobGed wrote:
From what I have read I believe most Canadian provinces require an air brake endorsement. In the US there are states such as CA and ID that don't even require a special driver's license to operate a coach weighing 26,001+ lbs, let alone issue an air brake endorsement.

I reside in NV and while I have a non commercial Class B and was tested on my air brake knowledge, I was not issued an endorsement.

Bottom line is an air brake endorsement and/or special license requirements vary by state.

When I received my Nevada Non commercial class "B", The examiner said "You will have the Air Brake endorsement, unless we specifically exclude Air brakes".

Terry.

I believe he may have been talking about "Restrictions". What does the back of your license after "Endorsements" say? If it's like mine it will read "None". The only Restriction I have is A (now B) - Corrective Lenses. If I didn't complete the air brake written and inspection test, I would have another Restriction that would say something like "No air brakes".

You are correct Bob.

Terry.

Tom_Anderson wrote:

wny_pat wrote:
Not knowing how to apply air brakes in certain situations can get one into all kinds of trouble.

Same with hydraulic brakes, mechanical brakes, or any other kind of brakes.

Not it is not the same. The NHSTA had well documentated that it is not the same. That is why all CDL holders are required to have special air brake training - and it is for the general public's protection!!!

No requirement in FL.

vegasfoodguy wrote:

BobGed wrote:
From what I have read I believe most Canadian provinces require an air brake endorsement. In the US there are states such as CA and ID that don't even require a special driver's license to operate a coach weighing 26,001+ lbs, let alone issue an air brake endorsement.

I reside in NV and while I have a non commercial Class B and was tested on my air brake knowledge, I was not issued an endorsement.

Bottom line is an air brake endorsement and/or special license requirements vary by state.

When I received my Nevada Non commercial class "B", The examiner said "You will have the Air Brake endorsement, unless we specifically exclude Air brakes".

Terry.

I believe he may have been talking about "Restrictions". What does the back of your license after "Endorsements" say? If it's like mine it will read "None". The only Restriction I have is A (now B) - Corrective Lenses. If I didn't complete the air brake written and inspection test, I would have another Restriction that would say something like "No air brakes".

wny_pat wrote:
Not knowing how to apply air brakes in certain situations can get one into all kinds of trouble.

Same with hydraulic brakes, mechanical brakes, or any other kind of brakes.

doxiemom11 wrote:
I don't think any endorsement makes a difference. The people who will drive in erratic ways, tailgate and speed will keep doing it with or without the endorsement. Bad drivers are bad drivers no matter what they are behind the wheel of.

The required knowledge of a air brake endorsement makes a big difference if you know nothing about air brakes and how they operate and what to expect from them.

And to the OP, NYS does not require the endorsement for Air Brakes for a RV, but if one is a CDL holder it is mandatory. I gave up my CDL about 5 years after I retired from hauling bulk petroleum products in tankers. Do I think it should be mandatory? In one work - Yes!!! Not knowing how to apply air brakes in certain situations can get one into all kinds of trouble.