A system for identifying whether the braking system of a train is functioning properly such as during a train terminal test. A monitor on a rail car is used to detect abnormalities in the braking system and can report problems to a handheld terminal or a central controller in the locomotive. The monitor has a pressure sensor for measuring brake pipe pressure, auxiliary reservoir pressure, emergency reservoir pressure, and brake cylinder pressure at the rail car. The monitor also has a controller that can calculate whether brake pipe reduction resulted in the appropriate amount of brake cylinder pressure. The monitor can then provide the results locally via a visual indicator or remotely to a handheld terminal used by a train inspector or the controller in the locomotive. Testing data over time may be stored for future reference or transmitted remotely to assist with maintenance and service scheduling.