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 Connecticut 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. You should maintain at least ____ of following distance per every 10 feet of your vehicle when you are traveling more slowly than 40 mph.
At speeds below 40 mph, you should allow at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle. Follow the same formula when traveling at faster speeds, then add one additional second to your following distance. Remember that larger vehicles require more space to stop than smaller vehicles.
9. If the low air pressure warning signal comes on in a vehicle with air brakes, the driver should:
If the low air pressure warning signal comes on while you are operating a vehicle with air brakes, you should stop and safely park the vehicle as soon as possible. It is essential that you are able to stop safely while you still have some braking power remaining.
10. Distracted driving:
Distractions while driving can be physical (such as reaching for an object), mental (such as making conversation with a passenger), or both (such as holding a phone to send texts). Strategies to help you avoid distracted driving include pre-programming radio stations; planning out your route in advance; avoiding complex or emotionally taxing conversation while driving; adjusting your mirrors before setting out; and not eating, drinking, or smoking while behind the wheel.
11. The height of a vehicle’s center of gravity:
The height of a vehicle's center of gravity is very important to a driver's ability to safely handle the vehicle. Always distribute the weight of cargo as low as possible.
12. The two indicators that determine when you should upshift are:
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.
13. When braking with ABS, you should:
When braking a vehicle equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should not brake any differently than you would if driving a vehicle with a different braking system.
14. If exiting a bus, a driver must:
When exiting 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 vehicle control skills test.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Connecticut, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Connecticut and 21 years old for interstate driving.
2. Hold a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record.
3. Pass a medical examination to ensure that you are physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Pass the written knowledge test and the road skills test.
Additionally, you may need to provide proof of citizenship or legal residency in the United States and pass a background check. You will also need to provide proof of insurance coverage for the vehicle you will be driving.
1. Tractor-trailers (also known as semi-trucks)
2. Tanker trucks
3. Livestock carriers
4. Flatbed trucks with oversize loads
5. Dump trucks with trailers
6. Double and triple trailers
7. Combination vehicles with three or more axles
It's important to note that each type of vehicle may require additional endorsements on your CDL license, such as the Hazmat endorsement for tanker trucks carrying hazardous materials. Make sure to check the specific requirements for the type of vehicle you will be operating before getting behind the wheel.
1. Be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Connecticut and 21 years old for interstate driving.
2. Hold a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record.
3. Pass a medical examination to ensure that you are physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test for the type of vehicle you intend to operate, as well as any additional endorsements required for that vehicle type.
5. Complete a state-approved CDL training program or receive training from an employer, including behind-the-wheel instruction and observation time.
6. Pass the road skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills test, and on-road driving test.
Additionally, you may need to provide proof of citizenship or legal residency in the United States and pass a background check. You will also need to provide proof of insurance coverage for the vehicle you will be driving.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailer: Required for drivers who plan to operate vehicles with two or three trailers attached.
2. P - Passenger: Required for drivers who plan to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: Required for drivers who plan to transport liquids or gases in tank vehicles.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who plan to transport hazardous materials that require placards.
To obtain these endorsements, you will need to pass additional written knowledge tests specific to each endorsement and, in some cases, complete additional training and/or pass a skills test. It's important to note that some endorsements may also have additional age requirements or background check requirements.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be required to perform a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. This will include checking items such as the brakes, tires, lights, and coupling devices.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your ability to control your vehicle in a controlled environment, such as a driving range. This will include exercises such as straight line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
3. On-Road Driving: You will be tested on your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads. This portion of the test will include a variety of driving situations such as turns, lane changes, and railroad crossings.
In order to pass the skills test, you must successfully complete all three parts of the exam. It's important to note that the skills test must be taken in a vehicle that is representative of the type of vehicle you plan to operate with your Class A CDL license. Additionally, you must have a valid medical certificate and pass all required written knowledge tests before taking the skills test.
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you take the CDL skills test in a vehicle that is not equipped with air brakes, you will receive an air brake restriction on your license. This means you are not authorized to operate vehicles with air brakes.
2. L - No Air Brake: If you take the CDL skills test in a vehicle that is equipped with air brakes, but you do not pass the air brake knowledge test or perform the air brake check during the skills test correctly, you will receive an L restriction on your license. This means that you are not authorized to operate vehicles with air brakes.
3. E - No Manual Transmission: If you take the CDL skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will receive an E restriction on your license. This means that you are not authorized to operate vehicles with a manual transmission.
4. Intrastate Only: If you do not meet federal medical requirements or are under 21 years old, you may be restricted to driving only within Connecticut (intrastate) and not allowed to drive across state lines (interstate).
It's important to note that restrictions and limitations may vary depending on individual circumstances and state laws. It's always best to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or licensing agency for specific information about CDL restrictions and limitations.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you may be able to receive language assistance during the written test. You can contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for information on available language assistance services. Additionally, some DMV offices may have interpreters available to assist with translation during the test. It's important to contact the DMV in advance to arrange for any necessary language assistance services.
To request accommodations for the CDL written test, you will need to fill out a Request for Accommodations form, which is available on the DMV website or at any DMV office. You will need to provide documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations you are requesting.
The DMV will review your request and may ask for additional information or documentation if needed. Accommodations that may be available include extended testing time, a separate testing room, a reader or interpreter, or assistive technology.
It's important to note that the DMV may require advance notice of your accommodation request in order to arrange for appropriate accommodations and staff. Therefore, it's recommended that you submit your request as soon as possible before your scheduled test date.
If you have any questions or concerns about requesting accommodations for the CDL written test, you can contact the Connecticut DMV directly for assistance.
You will also need to pay the testing fee again before you can retake the test. The current fee for the Class A CDL written test in Connecticut is $40.
It's important to note that there is a limit to how many times you can take the test in a certain period of time. In Connecticut, you are allowed three attempts to pass the written test within a 90-day period. After three failed attempts, you will need to wait six months before you can take the test again.
If you continue to have difficulty passing the written test, it may be helpful to seek additional training or study resources, such as a CDL study guide or practice tests. Additionally, some truck driving schools offer training specifically designed to help students pass the CDL written and practical tests.