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 possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Iowa 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
8. Air tank drains should:
Explanation
Compressed air in an air brake system usually contains a certain amount of water and compressor oil. The water and oil can damage the brakes if left to accumulate in the system. Manually operated air tank drains must be opened daily to remove this build-up.
9. ____ are the most likely to be affected by strong winds.
Explanation
Strong winds can make it difficult for a driver to maintain control of their vehicle. Usually, this is especially true for drivers of lighter CMVs.
10. When should you slow for a curve?
Explanation
You should always slow to a safe speed before entering a curve. Slowing while within the curve could cause a skid.
11. Of the following, which is not a recommended way to spot potential signs of trouble?
Explanation
During a trip, you should regularly make checks to ensure that your vehicle is operating properly. Check the instrument panel and gauges; look at your mirrors; and examine the tires, cargo, and lights. Use all of your senses and be alert for anything that could be an early indication of trouble.
12. Dry bulk tanks:
Explanation
Dry bulk tanks require special care to be driven, both because they have high centers of gravity and because the weight of the load can shift in transit.
13. Which of the following is the best advice for driving in fog?
Explanation
Driving in fog is always dangerous and should be avoided entirely if at all possible. If you must drive in fog, be sure to turn on your low beam headlights and fog lights, even during the daytime.
14. When using a mirror, you should:
Explanation
When making mirror checks, you should look at the mirrors fairly quickly. If you spend too much time looking in a mirror, you may travel a substantial distance down the road without seeing what is coming up ahead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license in Iowa allows an individual to operate a combination of vehicles with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the weight of the vehicle being towed is over 10,000 pounds.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in Iowa:
1. Obtain a copy of the Iowa Commercial Driver's License Manual: This manual contains all the information you need to know to pass the CDL test.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements: To obtain a Class A CDL license in Iowa, you must be at least 18 years old (or 21 years old for interstate travel), possess a valid Iowa driver's license, and have no disqualifying criminal convictions.
3. Obtain a medical certificate: You must pass a medical exam and obtain a medical certificate from a licensed medical examiner.
4. Obtain a learner's permit: To practice driving with a commercial vehicle, you must first obtain a learner's permit. To obtain this permit, you must pass a knowledge test and pay the applicable fees.
5. Practice driving with a commercial vehicle: You must practice driving with a commercial vehicle under the supervision of someone who holds a valid Class A CDL license.
6. Pass the skills test: Once you feel comfortable driving with a commercial vehicle, you must pass the skills test which includes pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
7. Pay applicable fees and obtain your Class A CDL license: Once you pass the skills test, pay the applicable fees and obtain your Class A CDL license from your local Iowa DOT office.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or steps depending on your specific situation or endorsements needed for specific vehicles or cargo.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in Iowa:
1. Obtain a copy of the Iowa Commercial Driver's License Manual: This manual contains all the information you need to know to pass the CDL test.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements: To obtain a Class A CDL license in Iowa, you must be at least 18 years old (or 21 years old for interstate travel), possess a valid Iowa driver's license, and have no disqualifying criminal convictions.
3. Obtain a medical certificate: You must pass a medical exam and obtain a medical certificate from a licensed medical examiner.
4. Obtain a learner's permit: To practice driving with a commercial vehicle, you must first obtain a learner's permit. To obtain this permit, you must pass a knowledge test and pay the applicable fees.
5. Practice driving with a commercial vehicle: You must practice driving with a commercial vehicle under the supervision of someone who holds a valid Class A CDL license.
6. Pass the skills test: Once you feel comfortable driving with a commercial vehicle, you must pass the skills test which includes pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
7. Pay applicable fees and obtain your Class A CDL license: Once you pass the skills test, pay the applicable fees and obtain your Class A CDL license from your local Iowa DOT office.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or steps depending on your specific situation or endorsements needed for specific vehicles or cargo.
With a Class A CDL license in Iowa, you can operate combination vehicles with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the weight of the vehicle being towed is over 10,000 pounds.
Some examples of vehicles that you can operate with a Class A CDL license include:
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Livestock carriers
- Tank vehicles
- Flatbeds and lowboys hauling heavy equipment
It is important to note that some vehicles may require additional endorsements or specialized training, such as hazardous materials (HazMat) or passenger endorsements, depending on the cargo or passengers being transported.
Some examples of vehicles that you can operate with a Class A CDL license include:
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Livestock carriers
- Tank vehicles
- Flatbeds and lowboys hauling heavy equipment
It is important to note that some vehicles may require additional endorsements or specialized training, such as hazardous materials (HazMat) or passenger endorsements, depending on the cargo or passengers being transported.
To obtain a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license in Iowa, you must meet certain requirements. Here are the basic requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license in Iowa. If you plan to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Driver's License: You must possess a valid Iowa driver's license.
3. Medical Certificate: You must pass a medical exam and obtain a medical certificate from a licensed medical examiner.
4. Knowledge Tests: You must pass the required knowledge tests, which include a general knowledge test, air brakes test, and combination vehicles test.
5. Skills Test: You must pass the skills test, which includes three parts - pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
6. Fees: You must pay the applicable fees for obtaining and renewing your Class A CDL license.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or steps depending on your specific situation or endorsements needed for specific vehicles or cargo.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license in Iowa. If you plan to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Driver's License: You must possess a valid Iowa driver's license.
3. Medical Certificate: You must pass a medical exam and obtain a medical certificate from a licensed medical examiner.
4. Knowledge Tests: You must pass the required knowledge tests, which include a general knowledge test, air brakes test, and combination vehicles test.
5. Skills Test: You must pass the skills test, which includes three parts - pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
6. Fees: You must pay the applicable fees for obtaining and renewing your Class A CDL license.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or steps depending on your specific situation or endorsements needed for specific vehicles or cargo.
In Iowa, the minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license is 18 years old. However, if you plan to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old to obtain a CDL license.
It is worth noting that some employers may have their own age requirements that exceed the state minimum. Additionally, certain endorsements may have additional age requirements.
It is worth noting that some employers may have their own age requirements that exceed the state minimum. Additionally, certain endorsements may have additional age requirements.
Yes, you may need endorsements for a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) depending on the type of vehicle you plan to drive and the cargo you plan to transport. Here are the common endorsements for a Class A CDL license in Iowa:
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement is required if you plan to tow two or three trailers at the same time.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicles: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport liquid or gaseous materials in a tank.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport hazardous materials, as defined by federal law.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport hazardous materials in a tank vehicle.
It is important to note that each endorsement requires passing a specific knowledge test, and some endorsements may require a background check and fingerprinting.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement is required if you plan to tow two or three trailers at the same time.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicles: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport liquid or gaseous materials in a tank.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport hazardous materials, as defined by federal law.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport hazardous materials in a tank vehicle.
It is important to note that each endorsement requires passing a specific knowledge test, and some endorsements may require a background check and fingerprinting.
The Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) skills test in Iowa consists of three parts:
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be tested on your ability to inspect your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to drive. During this part of the test, you will be asked to explain and demonstrate different components of the vehicle, such as brakes, tires, lights, and the engine.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be tested on your ability to control your vehicle in different situations, such as backing up, turning around, and parking. You will be asked to perform maneuvers such as straight line backing, offset backing left and right, parallel parking, and alley docking.
3. On-road driving: You will be tested on your ability to drive safely on the road. During this part of the test, you will be asked to drive in traffic and demonstrate your ability to merge onto highways, change lanes, make turns, and obey traffic laws.
It is important to note that the skills test must be taken in a vehicle that is representative of the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive. Additionally, you must pass all three parts of the skills test in order to obtain a Class A CDL license.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be tested on your ability to inspect your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to drive. During this part of the test, you will be asked to explain and demonstrate different components of the vehicle, such as brakes, tires, lights, and the engine.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be tested on your ability to control your vehicle in different situations, such as backing up, turning around, and parking. You will be asked to perform maneuvers such as straight line backing, offset backing left and right, parallel parking, and alley docking.
3. On-road driving: You will be tested on your ability to drive safely on the road. During this part of the test, you will be asked to drive in traffic and demonstrate your ability to merge onto highways, change lanes, make turns, and obey traffic laws.
It is important to note that the skills test must be taken in a vehicle that is representative of the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive. Additionally, you must pass all three parts of the skills test in order to obtain a Class A CDL license.
Yes, there are some restrictions or limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license in Iowa. Here are some of the common restrictions:
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you take the skills test using a vehicle without air brakes, you will receive an "L" restriction on your CDL. This restriction prohibits you from operating a vehicle with air brakes.
2. Automatic Transmission Restriction: If you take the skills test using a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will receive an "E" restriction on your CDL. This restriction prohibits you from operating a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you do not meet the federal medical requirements or are not 21 years of age, you will receive a restriction on your CDL that limits you to driving within the state of Iowa only.
4. Hazmat Endorsement Restriction: If you have a hazmat endorsement on your CDL, you will be subject to additional federal regulations, such as background checks and security screenings.
It is important to note that any violations of federal or state laws while driving with a Class A CDL can result in suspension or revocation of the license.
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you take the skills test using a vehicle without air brakes, you will receive an "L" restriction on your CDL. This restriction prohibits you from operating a vehicle with air brakes.
2. Automatic Transmission Restriction: If you take the skills test using a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will receive an "E" restriction on your CDL. This restriction prohibits you from operating a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you do not meet the federal medical requirements or are not 21 years of age, you will receive a restriction on your CDL that limits you to driving within the state of Iowa only.
4. Hazmat Endorsement Restriction: If you have a hazmat endorsement on your CDL, you will be subject to additional federal regulations, such as background checks and security screenings.
It is important to note that any violations of federal or state laws while driving with a Class A CDL can result in suspension or revocation of the license.
No, in Iowa, all Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written tests are administered in English only. This includes the general knowledge test, air brakes test, combination vehicles test, and any other endorsement tests you may need.
However, if you are not fluent in English, you may bring an interpreter with you to the DMV to translate the questions and answers for you. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a family member or friend. Additionally, the interpreter must provide identification and sign an affidavit stating that they will accurately translate the questions and answers on the test.
It is important to note that if you require an interpreter for the written test, you will also need one for the skills test. The interpreter must be present during both tests to ensure that there is no language barrier.
However, if you are not fluent in English, you may bring an interpreter with you to the DMV to translate the questions and answers for you. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a family member or friend. Additionally, the interpreter must provide identification and sign an affidavit stating that they will accurately translate the questions and answers on the test.
It is important to note that if you require an interpreter for the written test, you will also need one for the skills test. The interpreter must be present during both tests to ensure that there is no language barrier.
Yes, if you have a disability that may affect your ability to take the Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test, you can request accommodations from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in order to ensure that they have equal access to DMV services.
To request accommodations for the written test, you will need to complete an ADA Accommodation Request Form and submit it to the Iowa DOT. The form can be obtained from the Iowa DOT website or by contacting your local DMV office.
You will need to provide documentation of your disability and describe the specific accommodation(s) you are requesting. The DOT will review your request and determine if the accommodation(s) are reasonable and appropriate.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided for the written test include extended time, a separate room for testing, a sign language interpreter, or a reader. The DOT will work with you to determine the best accommodation(s) based on your specific needs.
To request accommodations for the written test, you will need to complete an ADA Accommodation Request Form and submit it to the Iowa DOT. The form can be obtained from the Iowa DOT website or by contacting your local DMV office.
You will need to provide documentation of your disability and describe the specific accommodation(s) you are requesting. The DOT will review your request and determine if the accommodation(s) are reasonable and appropriate.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided for the written test include extended time, a separate room for testing, a sign language interpreter, or a reader. The DOT will work with you to determine the best accommodation(s) based on your specific needs.
Yes, if you fail the Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test in Iowa, you can retake the test. However, there are some restrictions on how soon you can retake the test.
If you fail the general knowledge test or any endorsement test, you must wait at least one business day before retaking the test. If you fail the air brakes test or combination vehicles test, you must wait at least seven business days before retaking the same test. If you fail a test three times, you will need to wait at least 30 days before retaking the same test.
It is important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the written test. If you fail a test and need to retake it, you will need to pay the fee again.
Before retaking the test, it is recommended that you study and review the material thoroughly. You may also want to consider taking a CDL practice test to help prepare for the exam.
If you fail the general knowledge test or any endorsement test, you must wait at least one business day before retaking the test. If you fail the air brakes test or combination vehicles test, you must wait at least seven business days before retaking the same test. If you fail a test three times, you will need to wait at least 30 days before retaking the same test.
It is important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the written test. If you fail a test and need to retake it, you will need to pay the fee again.
Before retaking the test, it is recommended that you study and review the material thoroughly. You may also want to consider taking a CDL practice test to help prepare for the exam.
