Knowledge Test Class A
This license is required for driving any legal combination of vehicles, with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of a trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds To receive this license, applicants must pass a 50-question test. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has three or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Combination, Doubles and Hazardous Materials. Endorsements that may be used with a Class A CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
8. When backing with a trailer, turning toward the driver’s side is encouraged because:
When driving in reverse, it is always recommended that a driver backs their vehicle toward its left side. This will allow the driver the best possible view of the rear of their vehicle.
9. If there are no warning gates or lights at a railroad crossing, you should:
A passive railroad crossing is a crossing that lacks control devices, like gates or warning lights. Before crossing a passive railroad crossing, you should search the tracks for approaching trains coming from either direction.
10. To check the automatic transmission fluid level in some vehicles, you will have to:
In some vehicles, it may be necessary to leave the engine running when checking the automatic transmission fluid level.
11. When changing lanes:
Always change lanes slowly and smoothly to maintain control of your vehicle. Doing this will also allow a driver that you did not see time to move out of the way of your vehicle. Use the proper turn signal to communicate with other road users.
12. When checking the exhaust system, it should be:
When checking the exhaust system, you should verify that no parts of the system are loose, broken, or missing.
13. When should you watch out for black ice?
Black ice is a thin layer of ice that is clear enough for the road surface to be seen through it. Be alert to black ice any time the temperature is below freezing and the road surface looks wet.
14. When conducting a vehicle inspection, you will need to identify all of the following, except:
During the vehicle inspection test, you must check the power steering belt, water pump belt, alternator belt, and air compressor belt for snugness, cracks, or frays. If any of these components are not belt-driven, you must tell the examiner which one(s), and verify that they are operating properly, mounted securely, and not damaged or leaking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Alabama, you will typically need to:
1. Hold a valid Alabama driver's license
2. Pass a medical exam and obtain a medical certificate
3. Obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP) by passing a written exam
4. Complete a training program or obtain the required driving experience
5. Pass a skills test that includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving
Additionally, you may be required to pass additional endorsements for specific types of cargo or hazardous materials.
1. Tractor-trailers: This is the most common type of vehicle that requires a Class A CDL license. A tractor-trailer is a combination of a tractor (the front part that contains the engine and driver's cab) and a trailer (the back part that carries cargo).
2. Livestock carriers: These are vehicles used to transport animals such as cattle, horses, and pigs.
3. Tanker trucks: Tanker trucks are used to transport liquids or gases, such as fuel, milk, or chemicals.
4. Flatbed trucks: These are trucks with a flat bed on the back used to transport large items or machinery.
5. Other types of combination vehicles: Any other type of vehicle that meets the weight requirements and is a combination of a truck and trailer falls under the Class A CDL license category in Alabama.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of cargo or hazardous materials.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within Alabama and at least 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Medical exam: You must pass a medical exam and obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
3. Knowledge test: You must pass a written knowledge test based on the Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual and obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP) before you can practice driving.
4. Training: You can choose to complete a CDL training program or obtain the required driving experience by practising with your CLP.
5. Driving experience: Applicants must have at least one year of driving experience with a regular driver's license before applying for a CDL license.
6. Skills test: Once you have obtained your CLP, you must pass a three-part skills test, which includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Background check: You will also be required to pass a criminal background check and disclose any previous motor vehicle violations or convictions.
8. Fees: There is a fee associated with obtaining your CDL license in Alabama, which may vary depending on your location and the type of license you are applying for.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for specific types of cargo or hazardous materials.
It's important to note that some employers may have their own age requirements for CDL drivers, so it's a good idea to check with them before pursuing your license. Additionally, younger drivers may face restrictions on the types of cargo they can transport or the hours they can work.
Here are some common endorsements that may be required for a Class A CDL license:
1. Hazmat endorsement: If you plan to transport hazardous materials, you will need a Hazmat endorsement, which requires additional background checks and testing.
2. Tanker endorsement: If you plan to operate a tanker vehicle, you will need a Tanker endorsement.
3. Double/Triple Trailer endorsement: If you plan to operate a vehicle with multiple trailers, such as a double or triple trailer, you will need this endorsement.
4. Passenger endorsement: If you plan to transport passengers, such as on a bus or shuttle, you will need a Passenger endorsement.
5. School Bus endorsement: If you plan to drive a school bus, you will need a School Bus endorsement.
It's important to note that additional requirements may apply for each endorsement, including additional testing and background checks. To obtain an endorsement, you must pass the appropriate knowledge and skills tests in addition to the standard CDL tests.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to drive. This includes checking the engine compartment, brakes, steering, tires, and other components.
2. Basic control skills: You will be tested on your ability to control your vehicle in different situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking.
3. Road test: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate your vehicle in real-world traffic situations. This includes merging onto highways, changing lanes, and driving through intersections.
During the test, you will be evaluated on a variety of factors including your ability to control the vehicle, your knowledge of traffic laws and regulations, and your ability to anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road.
It's important to note that the skills test is only one part of obtaining a Class A CDL license in Alabama. You will also need to pass a written knowledge test and meet other requirements such as age and medical fitness standards.
1. Air brakes restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, your license will be restricted to vehicles without air brakes.
2. Manual transmission restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, your license will be restricted to vehicles with an automatic transmission.
3. Intrastate-only restriction: If you do not meet the federal medical requirements or are under 21 years of age, your license will be restricted to intrastate driving only.
4. Passenger endorsement restriction: If you do not have a passenger endorsement, you may not operate a vehicle designed to transport passengers.
5. Hazmat endorsement restriction: If you do not have a Hazmat endorsement, you may not transport hazardous materials.
It's important to note that restrictions and limitations vary depending on the individual's circumstances and the type of CDL license they hold. Make sure to check with the Alabama Department of Public Safety for specific information regarding your CDL license.
However, some study materials and resources may be available in other languages to assist with preparation for the written test. It's important to note that if you are not proficient in English, it may be necessary to find a translator or interpreter to assist you during the testing process.
To request accommodations, you must contact the Alabama DPS Driver License Division and provide documentation of your disability and the type of accommodation(s) you need. The documentation should be from a qualified professional, such as a doctor or licensed therapist, and describe the nature and extent of your disability and how it affects your ability to take the test.
The Alabama DPS will work with you to determine appropriate accommodations based on your needs and the nature of the test. Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extra time to complete the test, special equipment such as a magnifying lens or Braille materials, a reader or interpreter, or a separate testing location.
It's important to note that you must submit your request for accommodations at least 30 days before your scheduled test date to allow sufficient time for processing.
According to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, you are allowed three attempts to pass the written test within a 12-month period. If you fail the test three times, you must wait six months before attempting to take it again.
It's important to note that each time you take the written test, there is a fee. Therefore, it is best to prepare thoroughly for the exam before taking it. You can find study materials and practice tests online or through commercial driving schools.
If you fail the written test but pass other parts of the CDL exam (such as the skills tests and road tests), you may be issued a commercial learner's permit that allows you to practice driving with a licensed CDL holder. However, you must pass the written test within a certain amount of time in order to obtain a full CDL.