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 four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Washington D.C. 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.
Number of Question
Passing Score
1. Which of the following is not a sign of bad brake drums or shoes?
Explanation
Potential problems to check for when inspecting brakes include cracked drums; shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them; and shoes that are missing, broken, or worn dangerously thin.
2. What is a wig wag?
Explanation
A wig wag is a type of low air pressure warning device in an air brake system. It drops a mechanical arm into the driver's view when the air pressure in the tanks falls below 60 psi.
3. In bad weather, many drivers:
Explanation
In bad weather, particularly when visibility is poor, it is common for automobile drivers to follow closely behind trucks. Open up the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you if you are being followed too closely.
4. If you’re not sure how to handle a fire, you should:
Explanation
If you are unsure of which method is appropriate to use to extinguish a fire, you should wait for firefighters to arrive and let them handle it. This is especially important when dealing with hazardous materials fires.
5. What should happen if the air pressure in the braking system's air tanks falls below 60 psi?
Explanation
On vehicles with air brakes, a low air pressure warning signal will come on if the pressure in the air tanks falls below 60 psi. On large buses, the signal may activate at 80 to 85 psi.
6. On newer vehicles, how do you put on the parking brake?
Explanation
On newer vehicles with air brakes, the parking brake is controlled by a yellow, diamond-shaped knob. The knob is pulled out to set the brakes, and pushed in to release them.
7. Which of the following is not a sign of fatigue?
Explanation
Driving while fatigued is dangerous. Warning signs of fatigue include difficulty focusing; repeated yawning or rubbing of the eyes; daydreaming or wandering thoughts; and drifting out of your lane.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) in District Of Columbia allows drivers to operate vehicles with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This type of license is required for drivers who operate tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, and other heavy vehicles used for commercial purposes. To obtain a Class A CDL in District Of Columbia, you must pass a written knowledge test and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test, and an on-road driving test. You must also meet the age and medical requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and undergo a criminal background check.
With a Class A CDL license in District of Columbia, you can operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, big rig trucks, tanker trucks, livestock carriers, and flatbeds among others.
Some specific examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class A CDL in District of Columbia include:
- Tractor-trailers
- Semi-trucks
- Combination vehicles (truck and trailer)
- Livestock carriers
- Flatbeds with a trailer
- Tanker trucks (for liquids or gases)
- Dump trucks with a trailer
It is important to note that different endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials.
Some specific examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class A CDL in District of Columbia include:
- Tractor-trailers
- Semi-trucks
- Combination vehicles (truck and trailer)
- Livestock carriers
- Flatbeds with a trailer
- Tanker trucks (for liquids or gases)
- Dump trucks with a trailer
It is important to note that different endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials.
To obtain a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) in the District of Columbia, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the District of Columbia and 21 years old to drive across state lines.
2. Driver's License: You must have a valid driver's license.
3. Medical Certification: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate to prove that you are physically able to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Knowledge Test: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers general knowledge of commercial driving, air brakes, and combination vehicles.
5. Skills Test: You must pass a skills test that includes three parts: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving test.
6. Background Check: You must undergo a criminal background check.
7. Residency: You must provide proof of residency in the District of Columbia.
Additionally, you may need to obtain specific endorsements depending on the type of commercial vehicle you will be driving, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the District of Columbia and 21 years old to drive across state lines.
2. Driver's License: You must have a valid driver's license.
3. Medical Certification: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate to prove that you are physically able to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Knowledge Test: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers general knowledge of commercial driving, air brakes, and combination vehicles.
5. Skills Test: You must pass a skills test that includes three parts: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving test.
6. Background Check: You must undergo a criminal background check.
7. Residency: You must provide proof of residency in the District of Columbia.
Additionally, you may need to obtain specific endorsements depending on the type of commercial vehicle you will be driving, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
In the District of Columbia, the minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is 18 years old to drive intrastate (within the District of Columbia) and 21 years old to drive interstate (across state lines).
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are 18-20 years old, you may obtain a Class A CDL license in the District of Columbia only if you will be driving a commercial vehicle within the District of Columbia's borders, and you cannot transport hazardous materials.
It's important to note that some companies may have their own age requirements for employment as a commercial driver, so it's always a good idea to check with potential employers before pursuing a Class A CDL license.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are 18-20 years old, you may obtain a Class A CDL license in the District of Columbia only if you will be driving a commercial vehicle within the District of Columbia's borders, and you cannot transport hazardous materials.
It's important to note that some companies may have their own age requirements for employment as a commercial driver, so it's always a good idea to check with potential employers before pursuing a Class A CDL license.
Yes, you may need to obtain endorsements for your Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) depending on the type of commercial vehicle you will be driving and what you'll be transporting.
The most common endorsements for a Class A CDL are:
1. Hazmat (H) endorsement: required to transport hazardous materials.
2. Tanker (N) endorsement: required to operate a vehicle that carries liquids or gases in bulk.
3. Doubles/Triples (T) endorsement: required to pull double or triple trailers.
4. Passenger (P) endorsement: required to drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
You will need to pass a separate knowledge test for each endorsement you wish to add to your Class A CDL license. Additionally, some endorsements may require additional skills testing, such as the Tanker endorsement.
It's important to note that not all commercial driving jobs require endorsements, so it's a good idea to research the specific requirements of potential employers before pursuing any additional endorsements for your Class A CDL license.
The most common endorsements for a Class A CDL are:
1. Hazmat (H) endorsement: required to transport hazardous materials.
2. Tanker (N) endorsement: required to operate a vehicle that carries liquids or gases in bulk.
3. Doubles/Triples (T) endorsement: required to pull double or triple trailers.
4. Passenger (P) endorsement: required to drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
You will need to pass a separate knowledge test for each endorsement you wish to add to your Class A CDL license. Additionally, some endorsements may require additional skills testing, such as the Tanker endorsement.
It's important to note that not all commercial driving jobs require endorsements, so it's a good idea to research the specific requirements of potential employers before pursuing any additional endorsements for your Class A CDL license.
The Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) skills test is designed to evaluate your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely and competently. The skills test consists of three parts: the pre-trip inspection, the basic control skills test, and the road test.
1. Pre-trip inspection: Before you begin your road test, you will need to perform a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle. This involves identifying and explaining the various parts and systems of your vehicle, such as the engine, brakes, lights, and mirrors.
2. Basic control skills test: This part of the test involves demonstrating your ability to control and maneuver your vehicle in a variety of situations. You will be asked to perform tasks such as backing up, turning in a tight space, and maneuvering through a serpentine course.
3. Road test: The road test evaluates your ability to safely operate your vehicle on public roads. You will be asked to drive in traffic, make turns, stop at intersections, and perform other driving maneuvers.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated on your ability to follow traffic laws and regulations, use proper driving techniques, and maintain control of your vehicle at all times. It's important to note that the skills test can be quite challenging, so it's essential to practice extensively with a qualified instructor before taking the test.
1. Pre-trip inspection: Before you begin your road test, you will need to perform a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle. This involves identifying and explaining the various parts and systems of your vehicle, such as the engine, brakes, lights, and mirrors.
2. Basic control skills test: This part of the test involves demonstrating your ability to control and maneuver your vehicle in a variety of situations. You will be asked to perform tasks such as backing up, turning in a tight space, and maneuvering through a serpentine course.
3. Road test: The road test evaluates your ability to safely operate your vehicle on public roads. You will be asked to drive in traffic, make turns, stop at intersections, and perform other driving maneuvers.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated on your ability to follow traffic laws and regulations, use proper driving techniques, and maintain control of your vehicle at all times. It's important to note that the skills test can be quite challenging, so it's essential to practice extensively with a qualified instructor before taking the test.
Yes, there are some restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License). Some of the most common restrictions include:
1. Automatic transmission only: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, your license will be restricted to only allowing you to drive vehicles with automatic transmissions.
2. Air brakes: If you take your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, your license will be restricted to only allowing you to drive vehicles without air brakes.
3. Hazmat endorsement: If you have a Hazmat (H) endorsement on your license, you may be subject to additional background checks and security requirements when transporting hazardous materials.
4. Passenger endorsement: If you have a Passenger (P) endorsement on your license, you may be subject to additional safety regulations when transporting passengers.
It's important to note that some employers may have additional requirements or restrictions beyond those imposed by the state. For example, some employers may require drivers to have a clean driving record or a certain amount of driving experience before hiring them. Always check with potential employers to confirm their specific requirements for drivers with a Class A CDL license.
1. Automatic transmission only: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, your license will be restricted to only allowing you to drive vehicles with automatic transmissions.
2. Air brakes: If you take your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, your license will be restricted to only allowing you to drive vehicles without air brakes.
3. Hazmat endorsement: If you have a Hazmat (H) endorsement on your license, you may be subject to additional background checks and security requirements when transporting hazardous materials.
4. Passenger endorsement: If you have a Passenger (P) endorsement on your license, you may be subject to additional safety regulations when transporting passengers.
It's important to note that some employers may have additional requirements or restrictions beyond those imposed by the state. For example, some employers may require drivers to have a clean driving record or a certain amount of driving experience before hiring them. Always check with potential employers to confirm their specific requirements for drivers with a Class A CDL license.
In the District Of Columbia, the CDL written test is available in English only. All CDL applicants must pass the written test in English to obtain a CDL or commercial learner’s permit (CLP). However, there are some resources available to help non-native English speakers prepare for the test.
The District Of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles provides a CDL manual in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and Chinese. The manual covers all the information you need to know for the test, including traffic laws, regulations, and safe driving practices.
Additionally, you may be able to find private companies that offer CDL test preparation courses in languages other than English. These courses can help you prepare for the written test and provide you with additional support and resources to help you succeed.
It's important to note that even if you take a test preparation course in another language, you will still need to pass the written test in English to obtain your CDL or CLP.
The District Of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles provides a CDL manual in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and Chinese. The manual covers all the information you need to know for the test, including traffic laws, regulations, and safe driving practices.
Additionally, you may be able to find private companies that offer CDL test preparation courses in languages other than English. These courses can help you prepare for the written test and provide you with additional support and resources to help you succeed.
It's important to note that even if you take a test preparation course in another language, you will still need to pass the written test in English to obtain your CDL or CLP.
Yes, you can request accommodations for the Class A CDL written test if you have a disability that may impact your ability to take the test. The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
To request accommodations, you will need to contact the DMV and provide documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations you require. Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a reader or sign language interpreter, or a private testing room.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible to allow time for the DMV to make arrangements. Additionally, while the DMV provides accommodations for the written test, they may not be able to provide accommodations for other aspects of the CDL licensing process, such as the skills test or medical examination.
To request accommodations, you will need to contact the DMV and provide documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations you require. Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a reader or sign language interpreter, or a private testing room.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible to allow time for the DMV to make arrangements. Additionally, while the DMV provides accommodations for the written test, they may not be able to provide accommodations for other aspects of the CDL licensing process, such as the skills test or medical examination.
Yes, you can retake the Class A CDL written test if you fail it. In the District of Columbia, you are allowed to retake the written test up to three times within a 12-month period. If you fail the test three times, you will need to wait 12 months from the date of your last attempt before you can retake the test again.
It's important to note that there is a waiting period between attempts. You will need to wait at least one day before you can retake the test after a failed attempt. If you fail the test a second time, you will need to wait at least seven days before you can retake it again.
Additionally, there may be a fee for each attempt at the written test. You should check with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles for specific information on fees and how to schedule a retake of the written test. It's also a good idea to review study materials and practice before retaking the test to increase your chances of passing on subsequent attempts.
It's important to note that there is a waiting period between attempts. You will need to wait at least one day before you can retake the test after a failed attempt. If you fail the test a second time, you will need to wait at least seven days before you can retake it again.
Additionally, there may be a fee for each attempt at the written test. You should check with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles for specific information on fees and how to schedule a retake of the written test. It's also a good idea to review study materials and practice before retaking the test to increase your chances of passing on subsequent attempts.
