Georgia Commercial Driver License Practice Test

If the spring brakes are activated in a vehicle, what should you never do?

1. Release the handbrake

2. Push down the brake pedal

3. Engage the parking brake

4. Increase the air pressure

The correct answer is: Push down the brake pedal

When spring brakes are activated in a vehicle, it is crucial to avoid pushing down the brake pedal. This is because, when spring brakes are engaged, the vehicle is in a state where the brakes are already applied due to spring tension, and pressing the brake pedal can cause unwanted complications. If the brake pedal is depressed while the spring brakes are activated, it could lead to the unintentional release of the spring brakes in an emergency or create issues with the braking system. Understanding the function of the spring brakes is important; they are designed to engage automatically when air pressure drops below a certain level, ensuring the vehicle remains stationary. This is a safety feature meant to prevent accidents. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of the braking system while it is in this state is essential for safe operation. The other actions, such as releasing the handbrake or engaging the parking brake, would not directly conflict with spring brakes and could be part of normal operations depending on the context. Increasing the air pressure is also typically a necessary action to ensure full functionality of the braking system. Therefore, avoiding any action that may disrupt the balance and function of the engaged spring brakes, especially pressing the brake pedal, is key for safe vehicle operation.