Rev Up for Success: Conquer the 2025 Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Exam!

In an air brake system, emergency brakes are activated by a loss of air pressure. This system is designed for safety, ensuring that if there is a significant drop in air pressure—such as when there is an air leak or failure—the emergency brakes will automatically engage to bring the vehicle to a stop. This is crucial because it provides a fail-safe mechanism that helps prevent accidents in the event of a critical failure of the air brake system.

When the air pressure drops below a certain threshold, the spring brakes activate, applying pressure on the brake shoes to slow down or stop the vehicle. This automatic response is essential for maintaining control and safety when operating a commercial vehicle, particularly in emergencies where immediate braking is necessary.

The other options involve methods that do not directly trigger the emergency brakes in a standard air brake system. Engaging the parking brake is related but serves a different function—helping to secure the vehicle when parked rather than responding to a pressure loss. Applying physical pressure or manually pulling a lever are not mechanisms used for emergency activation; instead, they might refer to other types of brake or system functions.