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. Test questions come from the Florida CDL Handbook. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. 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 A CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, Doubles/Triples, HazMat, Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
29. What is the best way to stop if your brakes fail while you are driving downhill?
If your brakes fail on a downgrade, you will need to quickly find something outside that can stop your vehicle. An escape ramp is the best option. If no escape ramp is available, use the least hazardous available option, such as driving into an open field or side road that flattens out or turns uphill.
30. While driving downhill, you should brake until you reach a speed that is ____ below your safe speed, then release the brake pedal.
While driving downhill, you should hold down the brake pedal until your vehicle reaches a speed 5 mph below your safe speed, then release the brake pedal. Repeat this process.
31. To ensure normal stopping power, drivers of vehicles equipped with a front brake limiting valve should:
Some pre-1975 vehicles have a front brake limiting valve, which has "normal" and "slippery" settings. The idea behind these valves was to limit the air pressure available to the front brakes when driving on slippery surfaces, and thereby reduce the danger of a front-wheel skid. Studies have found that this is not actually a concern, so if your vehicle has a front brake limiting valve, leave it in the "normal" position.
32. When entering a foggy area, you should:
Always slow down before entering a foggy area. Use low beam headlights, avoid passing others, and avoid stopping on the side of the roadway. It is safest to completely avoid driving under foggy conditions, if possible.
33. When pulled off on the side of the road, a driver should:
If you must stop on the side of the road, it is important that you turn on your emergency flashers as a warning to other drivers. This is especially important if you are stopped at night.
34. To receive a hazardous materials endorsement, an applicant will be required to supply:
To obtain a hazardous materials endorsement, you will be required to submit your fingerprints and undergo a TSA background check.
35. When asked to make a lane change during the driving test, you should:
You will be asked to change lanes during the on-road driving test. When the examiner asks you to do this, you should make the necessary traffic checks and use the proper signals before changing lanes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Step-by-step process to obtain a Class A CDL license in Florida:
1. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): To obtain a Class A CDL license in Florida, you'll need to first obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test. You'll need to pass the General Knowledge test and any additional tests for endorsements you may need.
2. Practice driving with your CLP: With your CLP, you can start practicing driving with a qualified CDL holder who is at least 21 years old and has a valid Class A CDL license.
3. Pass the Skills Test: Once you feel confident in your driving skills, you can schedule an appointment to take the Skills Test at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office or an approved third-party testing site.
4. Pass a Medical Examination: You will need to pass a medical examination and obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) from an approved healthcare provider.
5. Submit required documents: You will need to submit several documents, including proof of identity, residence, and Social Security number, as well as your CLP and MEC.
6. Pay the required fees: You will need to pay the required fees for your CDL license, which vary based on the type of license and endorsements you need.
7. Receive your Class A CDL: Once you have completed all the steps outlined above and passed the Skills Test, you will receive your Class A CDL from the DHSMV or third-party testing site where you took your exam.
1. Tractor-trailers (also known as semi-trucks or 18-wheelers)
2. Truck and trailer combinations
3. Livestock carriers
4. Flatbeds
5. Tanker vehicles
6. Double and triple trailers
7. Any other combination of vehicles with a total weight of over 26,001 pounds.
It's important to note that if you want to operate a vehicle that requires additional endorsements, such as hazardous materials, passenger transport, or tanker vehicles, you'll need to obtain those endorsements in addition to your Class A CDL license.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license, but you will be limited to intrastate (within Florida) driving. If you want to drive across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Driver's License: You must have a valid Florida driver's license.
3. Medical Certificate: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) from an approved healthcare provider.
4. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test for the General Knowledge and any additional tests for endorsements you may need.
5. Driving Experience: You must have at least one year of driving experience with a regular driver's license before obtaining your Class A CDL.
6. Skills Test: You must pass the Skills Test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills test, and an on-road driving test.
7. Required Documents: You will need to provide several documents, including proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, as well as your CLP and MEC.
8. Fees: You will need to pay the required fees for your CDL license and any endorsements you need.
It is important to note that if you have a history of certain criminal offenses or traffic violations, it may affect your eligibility to obtain a Class A CDL license in Florida.
If you want to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license.
1. Hazmat Endorsement: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials.
2. Tanker Endorsement: This endorsement allows you to operate a vehicle that carries liquids or gases in bulk.
3. Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement: This endorsement allows you to operate a vehicle that pulls two or three trailers.
4. Passenger Endorsement: This endorsement allows you to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle, such as a bus.
To obtain an endorsement, you will need to pass additional knowledge and skills tests specific to the type of endorsement you are seeking. It is important to note that some endorsements, such as the Hazmat endorsement, may require additional background checks and security clearance.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: In this part of the test, you will be required to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. You will need to identify and explain any defects or safety issues you find.
2. Basic Controls: In this part of the test, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to control your vehicle in a controlled environment. This includes backing up, turning, and parking.
3. Road Test: In this part of the test, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate your vehicle on public roads. This includes merging onto highways, changing lanes, and making turns.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated on your ability to safely operate your vehicle, your knowledge of traffic laws and regulations, and your ability to follow proper procedures for performing pre-trip inspections and basic control maneuvers.
It is important to note that the skills test must be conducted in a vehicle that is representative of the type of vehicle you plan to operate with your Class A CDL license. For example, if you plan to operate a vehicle with air brakes, you must take the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes.
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you take the 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 a vehicle with air brakes.
2. Manual Transmission Restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will receive a manual transmission restriction on your license. This means you are not authorized to operate a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Hazmat Endorsement Background Check: To obtain a Hazmat endorsement, you must pass a background check conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
4. Passenger Endorsement: If you obtain a passenger endorsement, there may be restrictions on the number of passengers you are authorized to transport.
It is important to note that some employers may have additional requirements or restrictions for their drivers beyond those required by the state of Florida. It is always important to understand and comply with any restrictions or limitations on your license to ensure safe and legal operation of your vehicle.
To request accommodations, you must contact the DHSMV's Bureau of Motorist Compliance and provide documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations you are requesting. Examples of accommodations that may be available include extended time to complete the test, a separate testing area, and a reader or interpreter.
It is important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance of your scheduled test date. The DHSMV will review your request and determine if the requested accommodations can be provided. If you have any questions or concerns about requesting accommodations for the Class A CDL written test, it is recommended that you contact your local DHSMV office for more information.
It is important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the Class A CDL written test in Florida. If you fail the test multiple times, these fees can add up quickly. Therefore, it is recommended that you thoroughly study and prepare for the test before taking it.
If you have failed the Class A CDL written test multiple times and are having difficulty passing, it may be helpful to consider taking a commercial driver's license course or seeking additional resources to improve your knowledge and understanding of the material.