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 Indiana Commercial Driver License Manual. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has four possible answer choices. 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.
1. To prevent fatigue while driving, you should:
A hot, poorly-ventilated area can make a person sleepy. Opening a window, opening a vent, or using the air conditioning can help keep the cab cool and reduce the risk of fatigue.
2. A distracted driver:
Driving while distracted may result in slowed perception, delayed decision-making, and improper actions. Watch for distracted drivers and avoid them, when possible.
3. A steering wheel should be held:
A steering wheel should be held firmly with both hands, positioned on opposite sides of the wheel.
4. In an engine compartment, loose belts will:
Be sure to check the tightness of the belts in your engine compartment. Loose belts will not turn the water pump and/or fan properly, which can lead the engine overheating.
5. When you leave your vehicle, you should:
Always apply the parking brake when leaving your vehicle.
6. In cold weather, an alcohol evaporator should be checked and filled:
An alcohol evaporator can help prevent ice from building up in an air brake system. In cold weather, the evaporator should be checked and refilled every day.
7. What happens if the air pressure in a system's air tanks falls below 60 psi?
In an air brake system, a low pressure warning signal should activate if the pressure in the air tanks falls to a level below 60 psi. This signal may be in the form of a warning light or a wig wag.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in Indiana:
1. Obtain a learner's permit: You must pass a written test to obtain a learner's permit. This will allow you to practice driving with a qualified CDL driver in the vehicle.
2. Practice driving: You will need to practice driving with a qualified CDL driver for at least 14 days before taking your driving test.
3. Pass the skills test: The skills test consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You will need to pass all three parts to obtain your CDL.
4. Pass a medical exam: You must pass a medical exam to ensure that you are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
5. Submit required documents: You will need to provide proof of your identity, citizenship or legal presence in the U.S., and residency in Indiana.
6. Pay the fees: You will need to pay the fees for your learner's permit, skills test, and CDL license.
Once you have obtained your Class A CDL license in Indiana, you will need to renew it every four years and pass a medical exam every two years.
- Tractor-trailers
- Tanker trucks
- Livestock carriers
- Flatbed trucks with trailers
- Double and triple trailers
- Combination buses with trailers
It's important to note that you cannot operate vehicles that require a Class B or C CDL license with a Class A license. Additionally, certain endorsements may be required for specific types of vehicles, such as HazMat or passenger endorsements.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle within the state of Indiana, and at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines.
2. Driver's license: You must have a valid Indiana driver's license.
3. Medical certification: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a qualified medical examiner to prove that you are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Knowledge test: You must pass a written knowledge test on general commercial driving rules and regulations, as well as specific knowledge related to operating Class A vehicles.
5. Skills test: You must pass a three-part skills test that includes pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Background check: You must undergo a criminal background check to ensure that you do not have any disqualifying offenses on your record.
7. Residency: You must be a resident of Indiana or provide proof that you intend to establish residency in the state.
8. Training: While not required by law, it is highly recommended that you complete an approved CDL training program before taking your skills test in order to increase your chances of passing and becoming a safe driver.
It's important to note that additional requirements may apply depending on the specific type of vehicle you plan to operate and any endorsements or restrictions you may need on your CDL license.
1. HazMat: This endorsement is required for drivers who will be transporting hazardous materials.
2. Tanker: This endorsement is required for drivers who will be operating a vehicle that transports liquid or gaseous materials in bulk.
3. Double/Triple: This endorsement is required for drivers who will be operating a vehicle with multiple trailers.
4. Passenger: This endorsement is required for drivers who will be transporting passengers, such as a bus driver.
5. School Bus: This endorsement is required for drivers who will be operating a school bus.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test specific to the endorsement and meet any additional requirements, such as a background check or specialized training. It's important to note that some endorsements may have their own age requirements, such as the HazMat endorsement, which requires drivers to be at least 21 years old.
1. Pre-trip inspection: This part of the test requires you to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is in safe operating condition. You will be asked to identify and explain the function of various parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, brakes, and steering.
2. Basic vehicle control skills test: This part of the test requires you to demonstrate your ability to control your vehicle in tight spaces. You will be asked to perform maneuvers such as straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley docking.
3. On-road driving test: This part of the test requires you to demonstrate your ability to safely operate your vehicle in traffic. You will be asked to drive on public roads while completing various tasks, such as turning, changing lanes, and merging.
During each part of the test, you will be evaluated by a certified examiner who will score you based on your performance. To pass the Class A CDL skills test in Indiana, you must score at least 80% on each part of the test.
1. Air brake restriction: If you did not pass the air brake knowledge test or the air brake skills test during your CDL exam, you will have 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 completed your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have a manual transmission restriction on your license. This means you are not authorized to operate a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Time of day restriction: Some drivers may have a time of day restriction on their license if they are required to wear corrective lenses while driving. This restriction limits the driver's driving hours to daylight hours only.
4. Hazardous materials endorsement restriction: If you have a hazardous materials endorsement on your license, there may be additional restrictions and regulations that apply to the transportation of hazardous materials.
It's important to note that violating these restrictions or limitations can result in penalties, fines, and even the suspension or revocation of your CDL license.
However, if you need assistance with translation or interpretation during the written test, you may bring your own translator or interpreter to assist you. The BMV also provides a list of approved translators and interpreters who can assist you at your own expense. It's important to note that your translator or interpreter must be fluent in both English and your preferred language, and must not interfere with the testing process in any way.
To request accommodations, you must complete and submit the Request for Accommodation form to the BMV. The form requires you to provide documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations you are requesting.
The BMV will review your request and documentation and determine whether your requested accommodations are reasonable and appropriate. Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended time to complete the test, a reader or scribe, or a private testing room.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations must be submitted at least 30 days before your scheduled test date to allow sufficient time for review and processing. If you have any questions about requesting accommodations for the Class A CDL written test, you can contact the Indiana BMV for assistance.
In Indiana, you are allowed to take the written test up to two times in a single day. If you fail the test twice in one day, you must wait until the next day to retake it.
If you fail the test three times, you will need to wait at least 90 days before you can retake it. You will also need to pay the testing fee again.
It's important to note that passing the written test is just one step in obtaining your Class A CDL. You will also need to pass a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic control skills test, and an on-road driving test.
If you fail any part of the skills test, you will need to wait at least 14 days before retaking it. You may be required to complete additional training or practice before retaking the skills test.
Overall, it's important to study and prepare thoroughly for both the written and skills tests in order to increase your chances of passing on your first attempt.