What does the "air brake" endorsement allow a driver to operate?

The "air brake" endorsement specifically allows a driver to operate vehicles that are equipped with air brake systems. Air brakes utilize compressed air to operate the braking system, making them essential for larger vehicles such as trucks and buses that require substantial stopping power. This endorsement ensures that the driver has the knowledge and skills necessary to handle the complexities of air brake systems, including understanding how they function, performing necessary checks, and handling emergency situations that may arise.

Understanding and properly operating air brakes is critical, as these systems differ significantly from manual or hydraulic brake systems in their mechanics and maintenance requirements. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific type of braking system that requires additional training and certification.