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.
43. Bridges usually:
Bridges tend to freeze before other parts of the road surface. You should be especially careful on bridges when temperatures are near the freezing point.
44. In a dual air brake system:
A dual air brake system is made up of two separate air brake systems. The systems share a single set of brake controls, but each has its own air tanks, hoses, and lines.
45. Before driving a vehicle with a dual air brake system, you must wait for the air compressor to build a minimum of ____ in both the primary and secondary systems.
Before driving a vehicle with a dual air brake system, you should wait for the air compressor to build up at least 100 psi in both the primary and secondary systems.
46. To change lanes, you should:
Always change lanes slowly and smoothly. If you did not see drivers who are already using the lane you wish to occupy, this will give them a chance to get out of your way or honk their horns to alert you. Always signal when changing lanes.
47. A tread depth of ____ should be in every major groove of a tire that is not in the front of a commercial motor vehicle.
For safe operation, a commercial motor vehicle needs a tread depth of 4/32 of an inch in every major groove on the front tires, and a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch on other tires.
48. Containerized loads are used:
Containerized loads are generally used when freight is carried partway by rail or ship. Sealed materials cannot be inspected, but a driver should ensure that the containers do not exceed safe and legal weight limits.
49. Spring brakes come on:
Spring brakes come on automatically when air pressure drops to an unsafe psi level. Instead of waiting for the spring brakes to automatically activate, you should safely exit the road as soon as you notice the low pressure warning signal and bring your vehicle to a stop while you are still able to control the brakes.
50. What are placards?
Placards are diamond-shaped warning signs that are placed on the outside of vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Placards are used to identify the specific hazard classes of the cargo being carried.
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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.