Knowledge Test Class B
This license is required for driving a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds, and a trailer not to exceed 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or a vehicle designed to transport 24 or more people (including the driver). 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), Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving.. Endorsements that may be used with a Class B CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
15. When approaching a vehicle for a pre-trip inspection, a driver should look under the vehicle:
When approaching your vehicle before an inspection, make note of its general condition and ensure that it is not damaged or leaning. Look under the vehicle for fresh leaks of oil, grease, or fuel. Check around the vehicle for hazards to movement, such as people, other vehicles, or low-hanging wires or tree limbs.
16. When using road speed to know when to switch gears, you should:
There are two indicators that determine when you need to shift into a higher gear. One indicator is the engine speed (rpm). You should read your vehicle's manual to learn its rpm range and shift up when you reach the top of that range. The other indicator is road speed (mph). You should learn which speeds each gear can accommodate, then keep an eye on the speedometer and shift up as needed.
17. When are people usually the least alert?
Most drivers are the least alert at night, especially after midnight. Therefore, crashes due to fatigued driving are more likely at night than any other time of day.
18. Over-the-counter medication:
Prescription and over-the-counter medications may have side effects that can impair a person's ability to drive safely. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance, including some over-the-counter medications.
19. The front of an enclosed trailer should:
When inspecting an enclosed trailer as a part of the vehicle inspection test, check the front area of the trailer for signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or holes.
20. If you are convicted of a traffic violation:
If you are convicted of any kind of traffic violation, in any type of vehicle, you must notify your employer within 30 days. You must also inform your motor vehicle licensing agency of the violation within 30 days if the conviction happened in another jurisdiction. This rule does not apply to parking infractions.
21. When passing a row of parked vehicles, a driver should:
You should be cautious when passing parked vehicles. A person may step out of a parked vehicle or out from between parked vehicles without looking for oncoming traffic. A driver may begin moving their vehicle before realizing you are there.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class B CDL license in Alabama, the following steps must be taken:
1. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test and obtaining a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
2. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
3. Schedule an appointment with a certified third-party CDL examiner or visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety location to take the skills test.
4. Pass the pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving portions of the skills test.
5. Pay the required fees and obtain your Class B CDL license from Alabama Department of Public Safety.
It is important to note that individuals must also meet specific age requirements and have a clean driving record to obtain a Class B CDL license in Alabama.
Examples of vehicles that you can operate with a Class B CDL license in Alabama include:
- Straight trucks (e.g., box trucks and dump trucks) with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more
- Buses with a seating capacity of 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
- Segmented buses
- Trucks towing trailers with less than 10,000 pounds GVWR
- Large passenger vans designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
- Tow trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more
It is important to note that certain endorsements may be required to operate certain types of vehicles, such as air brake endorsements for vehicles equipped with air brakes.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B CDL license in Alabama. However, you can only engage in intrastate commerce (i.e., within the state of Alabama) until you turn 21 years old. To engage in interstate commerce (i.e., across state lines), you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Valid driver's license: You must have a valid, non-commercial driver's license issued by the state of Alabama.
3. Medical certification: You must obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner to prove that you meet the medical standards necessary to operate commercial motor vehicles.
4. Knowledge test: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers topics such as vehicle inspection, driving safety, and hazardous materials regulations.
5. Skills test: You must pass a three-part skills test consisting of a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control skills, and an on-road driving test.
6. Fees: You must pay the required fees to obtain your Class B CDL license.
Additionally, you must have a clean driving record and not have any disqualifying criminal convictions or drug or alcohol violations on your record.
If you want to operate commercial vehicles across state lines (interstate commerce), you must be at least 21 years old. This age requirement is set by federal regulations and applies to all states in the United States.
It's important to note that certain endorsements may also have additional age requirements. For example, to transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old in addition to holding a hazardous materials endorsement on your CDL.
The following endorsements are available for Class B CDL holders in Alabama:
1. Passenger endorsement (P): Required for drivers who plan to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
2. School bus endorsement (S): Required for drivers who plan to operate a school bus.
3. Tanker endorsement (N): Required for drivers who plan to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. Hazardous materials endorsement (H): Required for drivers who plan to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
5. Combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsement (X): Required for drivers who plan to transport hazardous materials in tank vehicles.
To obtain any of these endorsements, you must pass additional knowledge and skills tests specific to each endorsement. Additionally, some endorsements may require additional background checks or medical certifications.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be tested on your ability to inspect the vehicle to ensure it is safe to operate. You will be asked to identify and explain various parts and equipment of the vehicle and demonstrate how to check them for safety.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be tested on your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, turning, parking, and maneuvering through tight spaces.
3. On-road driving: You will be tested on your ability to safely operate the vehicle in normal traffic situations, including intersections, turns, lane changes, and highway driving.
During the skills test, you will be observed and evaluated by a licensed examiner who will score your performance based on a predetermined set of criteria. To pass the test, you must achieve a score of at least 80% on each part of the exam.
It's important to note that you must have a valid Alabama CDL learner's permit and meet all other eligibility requirements before taking the skills test. Additionally, you must provide a properly equipped commercial vehicle for the test.
1. No passengers: If you hold a Class B CDL with a passenger endorsement (P), you are not allowed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver.
2. No hazardous materials: If you hold a Class B CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement (H), you are not allowed to transport hazardous materials that require placards.
3. No combination vehicles: If you hold a Class B CDL, you are not allowed to operate combination vehicles, which are vehicles with two or more trailers or other articulated units.
4. Air brake restriction: If you do not pass the air brakes knowledge test or the air brakes skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes, you will be restricted from operating vehicles with air brakes.
5. Automatic transmission restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, your CDL will be restricted to driving vehicles with automatic transmissions only.
It's important to note that violating these restrictions and limitations can result in fines, penalties, and even the suspension or revocation of your CDL.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you can bring an interpreter with you to translate the questions and answers on the written test. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old, fluent in both English and your preferred language, and not related to you.
It's important to note that if you pass the written test using an interpreter, your CDL will include a restriction that requires you to be accompanied by an interpreter when operating a commercial vehicle. Additionally, you must still demonstrate proficiency in English during the skills test and on-road driving test.
To request accommodations, you should contact the DPS Driver License Division in advance of your testing appointment to discuss your needs. You will be required to provide documentation of your disability and the requested accommodation. The DPS may provide accommodations such as extended time for testing, a separate testing area, or assistive technology.
It's important to note that the DPS will consider each request for accommodations on a case-by-case basis, and not all requests may be granted. Additionally, any requested accommodations must not fundamentally alter the nature of the CDL test or give you an unfair advantage over other test-takers.
The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) allows applicants to take the written test up to three times in a 12-month period. If you fail the test three times, you must wait at least 6 months before taking the test again.
It's important to note that if you fail the written test, you will not be eligible to take the skills test or on-road driving test until you pass the written test. Therefore, it's important to study and prepare thoroughly for the written test to avoid delays in obtaining your CDL.