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Canada · Air brake test

Air brake pre-trip inspection, step by step

An air brake pre-trip inspection checks, before you drive, that the air brake system has no defects. It’s also what the practical air brake tests are built on. Ontario’s Official Air Brake Handbook sets out the checks in order, with a pass or fail for each. Practical tests in other provinces use their own sheets.

  • 55 psiLowest pressure for the low air warning
  • 2 minutesLongest build-up from 85 to 100 psi
  • 600 to 900 revolutions a minuteEngine speed for the build-up test
Where to study

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Secure the vehicle first

Park on level ground, apply the spring brakes and chock the wheels. Never leave the driver’s seat or get under the vehicle unless the spring brakes are on or the wheels are blocked. Watch for air exhausting from valves, the air dryer and tank drains: it travels fast and carries dirt and oil.

What are the air brake pre-trip inspection steps?

  1. Low air warning: start above 90 psi (pounds per square inch) with the ignition on, pump the pedal and note when the warning comes on. It fails if it doesn’t come on at 55 psi or above on both gauges.
  2. Build-up time: with the trailer supply valve closed, drop below 80 psi, run the engine at 600 to 900 rpm (revolutions per minute) and time the rise from 85 to 100 psi. Over two minutes fails.
  3. Governor: note where pressure stops climbing (cut-out), then pump down and note where it climbs again (cut-in). Cut-out above 145 psi or cut-in below 80 psi fails.
  4. Air loss: release the spring brakes, shut off the engine, hold the pedal down and watch the gauges for one minute, ignoring the first drop.
  5. Tractor protection valve: close the trailer supply valve, disconnect the service line coupler and press the pedal. Air coming out of the service line fails.
  6. Trailer spring brakes: with the trailer charged, pull the supply valve. The trailer spring brakes should apply.
  7. Spring brakes: apply them, remove the chocks and gently apply power in a low gear. The vehicle mustn’t move.
  8. Air tank drains: drain the supply tank until only clean air comes out, then the others, and report oil or unusual moisture.

Air loss limits

VehicleLimit a minute
Straight truck, tractor or bus3 psi (21 kPa)
Tractor and trailer4 psi (28 kPa)
Tractor and two or more trailers6 psi (41 kPa)

kPa is kilopascals, the metric unit the handbook gives alongside psi.

Brake adjustment and the mechanical check

Ontario’s pre-trip also covers brake adjustment, measuring applied pushrod stroke at every wheel, and a walk-around of the brake parts: linings, chambers, drums, air lines, tank mounts and the compressor belt.

Measuring pushrod stroke →Ontario handbook: Checklists, charts and circuit diagrams ↗

Pre-trip tests in other provinces

Each province uses its own sheet and figures. New Brunswick’s practical test sheet is on its page, Nova Scotia’s manual sets a time limit for its inspection, and Alberta’s practical assessment is part of its course.

New Brunswick’s air check →Nova Scotia air brake test →Alberta’s practical assessment →What to bring in Ontario →
Sources: Ontario Official Air Brake Handbook · Nova Scotia Registry of Motor Vehicles · Government of New Brunswick and 7 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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