CDL Vehicle Combination Practice Test

Under what condition will the tractor protection valve close and the trailer emergency brakes engage?

1. When the service line is faulty

2. When there is a major break leak in the emergency brake line

3. When the trailer is unloaded

4. When the tractor is in neutral

The correct answer is: When there is a major break leak in the emergency brake line

The tractor protection valve is designed to protect the air supply to the trailer and engage the trailer's emergency brakes under specific conditions that indicate a failure in the braking system. When there is a major leak in the emergency brake line, this condition presents a risk that the air pressure required for the braking system is insufficient to operate properly. To prevent a potentially dangerous situation where the trailer could lose braking capability, the tractor protection valve will automatically close, thus sealing off the air supply to the trailer. This action triggers the engagement of the trailer emergency brakes, ensuring that the trailer remains safely in place, reducing the risk of an accident. In contrast, other scenarios like a faulty service line or the tractor being in neutral do not directly lead to the emergency braking system engaging on their own. Similarly, an unloaded trailer does not impact the functionality of the tractor protection valve in a way that necessitates engagement of the emergency brakes. Thus, the specific condition of a major brake leak in the emergency brake line is what correctly triggers this safety feature.