Knowledge Test Class B
This license is required for driving a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds, a 3-axle vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds, a bus (except a trailer bus), with endorsement or any farm labor vehicle, with endorsement. To receive this license, applicants must pass a 50-question test. Each question has three answer choices. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Test questions come from the California Commercial Driver Handbook. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Combination Vehicles, 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.
29. Wheels with welding repairs are:
Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs are not safe for use. They should be replaced before the vehicle is taken on the road.
30. A poor balance of weight in a trailer:
Poorly balanced weight in a trailer can make handling unsafe. For example, either too little or too much weight on the front axle can make a vehicle difficult to steer. Weight should be distributed evenly from front to back and from side to side. It should be distributed as low as possible.
31. What is a tire load?
Tire load is defined as the maximum safe weight that a tire can carry at a specified pressure.
32. Cargo being transported should be checked:
Cargo should be inspected before beginning a trip, within the first 50 miles of the trip, and every three hours or 150 miles traveled thereafter. Cargo should be inspected every time the driver stops to take a break. The driver of a truck transporting cargo is responsible for the cargo being safely secured throughout the trip.
33. If driving through flowing water or a large puddle, you should:
It is best to avoid driving through large puddles or moving water. If there is no way to avoid driving through water, you should slow down, shift into a low gear, and gently apply the brakes. Pressing linings against the brake drums or discs will keep water, mud, silt, and sand from getting inside the brake mechanisms.
34. When operating a vehicle with a dual air brake system, the driver should:
Before driving a vehicle with a dual air brake system, allow time for the air compressor to build up a minimum of 100 psi pressure in both the primary and secondary systems. Watch the air pressure gauges to monitor the pressure levels.
35. When exiting a vehicle, it is important to maintain ____ with your vehicle at all times.
As you exit your vehicle during the basic vehicle control skills test, you must face the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times. If your testing vehicle is a bus, you must maintain contact with the handrail. Exiting the vehicle incorrectly may result in automatic failure of the basic control skills test.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class B CDL in California, you need to:
1. Meet the basic eligibility requirements such as being at least 18 years old and having a valid California driver's license.
2. Obtain a California Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test for Class B vehicles.
3. Complete the required training and practice driving with a qualified supervisor.
4. Pass the skills test which consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test.
5. Submit the required documents, pay the fees, and get your new Class B CDL license.
It is important to note that additional endorsements may be required for specific types of vehicles or cargo such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
- Straight trucks (e.g., delivery trucks, dump trucks)
- Large buses (e.g., city buses, charter buses)
- Segmented buses (e.g., Greyhound-style buses)
- Box trucks with trailers or towed vehicles with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds
- Certain types of recreational vehicles (RVs) that exceed 40 feet in length
- Concrete mixing trucks
- Tow trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more
It is important to note that additional endorsements may be required for specific types of vehicles or cargo such as hazardous materials or passenger transport. Also, some employers may require additional training or certification beyond what is required for obtaining a Class B CDL license.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B CDL. However, if you plan to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Valid California driver's license: You must have a valid California driver's license before applying for a Class B CDL.
3. Medical certificate: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
4. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must obtain a California Commercial Learner's Permit by passing the written knowledge test for Class B vehicles.
5. Training: You must complete the required training and practice driving with a qualified supervisor.
6. Skills Test: You must pass the skills test which consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test.
7. Documents and Fees: You must submit the required documents such as your CLP, medical certificate, and proof of residency, as well as pay the required fees.
It is important to note that additional endorsements may be required for specific types of vehicles or cargo such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
1. Passenger (P) endorsement: required for drivers who transport passengers, such as in a bus or shuttle.
2. School Bus (S) endorsement: required for drivers who operate a school bus.
3. Tank Vehicle (N) endorsement: required for drivers who transport liquid or gas in bulk containers.
4. Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement: required for drivers who transport hazardous materials.
5. Doubles/Triples (T) endorsement: required for drivers who operate double or triple trailers.
6. Air Brakes (L) endorsement: required for drivers who operate vehicles with air brakes.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test and, in some cases, a skills test. You may also need to meet additional requirements, such as obtaining a medical certificate or completing specialized training. It's important to check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine which endorsements you need based on your specific driving situation.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You must demonstrate your knowledge of the vehicle's components and safety features by conducting a thorough pre-trip inspection. This includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, steering, suspension, and other important systems.
2. Basic control skills: You must demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various driving situations, such as backing up, turning around, and parking. This portion of the test is conducted in a controlled environment, such as a driving range.
3. Road test: You must demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in real-world driving conditions on public roads. The road test will evaluate your ability to follow traffic laws and signals, maintain control of the vehicle, and interact with other drivers.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated by a DMV examiner who will score you based on your performance in each of these three areas. To pass the skills test, you must achieve a passing score in each area and have an overall passing score. It's important to practice and prepare for the skills test by studying the California Commercial Driver Handbook and working with a qualified driving instructor if possible.
1. Vehicle weight restrictions: Class B CDL holders are typically restricted to operating vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or less.
2. Passenger restrictions: Class B CDL holders may be restricted from transporting passengers depending on the type of endorsement they have. For example, drivers with a Passenger (P) endorsement are authorized to transport passengers while those without this endorsement are not.
3. Hazardous materials restrictions: Class B CDL holders may be restricted from transporting certain hazardous materials depending on the type of endorsement they have. For example, drivers with a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement are authorized to transport hazardous materials while those without this endorsement are not.
4. Air brake restrictions: Class B CDL holders may be restricted from operating vehicles with air brakes if they do not have an Air Brakes (L) endorsement.
5. Interstate commerce restrictions: Class B CDL holders who operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce must comply with federal regulations, including hours of service and other safety requirements.
It's important to note that these restrictions and limitations may vary depending on the specific circumstances and endorsements held by the driver. It's important to check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific information about your Class B CDL license and any associated restrictions or limitations.
To take the written test in a language other than English, you will need to indicate your preferred language when you apply for your Class B CDL permit. You will then be provided with a version of the written test in your preferred language.
It's important to note that while you may take the written test in a language other than English, you will still need to demonstrate your ability to read and understand English as part of the testing process. This includes reading road signs and understanding verbal instructions given by a DMV examiner during the skills test.
If you have any questions or concerns about taking the Class B CDL written test in a language other than English, you should contact the California DMV for more information.
To request accommodations for the Class B CDL written test, you will need to submit a completed DMV Request for Accommodations form (Form DL 309) along with documentation of your disability. The DMV will then review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your specific needs.
Some examples of accommodations that may be available for the Class B CDL written test include:
- Extending the time allowed to take the test
- Providing a private testing area
- Providing an interpreter or reader
- Providing special equipment or materials, such as a larger font size or Braille materials
It's important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance and may require additional processing time. If you have any questions or concerns about requesting accommodations for the Class B CDL written test, you should contact the California DMV for more information.
It's important to note that you are only allowed a certain number of attempts to pass the written test within a specific period of time. If you fail the test multiple times, you may be required to wait a longer period of time before you are allowed to retake it again.
To increase your chances of passing the Class B CDL written test on your first attempt, it's important to study and prepare thoroughly. The California DMV provides a Commercial Driver Handbook that covers all of the information you will need to know for the written test. You can also take practice tests online or through study guides to help prepare.
If you have any questions or concerns about retaking the Class B CDL written test in California, you should contact the DMV for more information.