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 Maine 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. When backing up, follow a turning trailer by:
When backing with a trailer, begin by turning the steering wheel in the direction opposite of the turn. Once the trailer starts to turn, reverse the direction of the steering wheel to follow the trailer.
9. While driving, ____ generally holds spring brakes in place.
While driving, spring brakes are generally held in place by air pressure. If the air pressure gets low enough, the springs will activate the brakes.
10. Having weight loaded in a way that creates a high center of gravity:
Transporting cargo that is loaded with a high center of gravity increases the risk that the transporting vehicle will tip over. Cargo should be loaded with a safe weight distribution.
11. Compared to talking on a cell phone while driving, texting while driving is:
Texting while driving is even more dangerous than speaking on a phone while driving. In addition to being mentally distracting, texting is also physically distracting.
12. Air storage tanks:
In an air brake system, the air storage tanks hold compressed air to be used by the brakes. The number and size of air tanks varies among vehicles.
13. If driving so slowly that you could impede other drivers, you should:
If you must drive so slowly that you will impede the flow of traffic, you should turn on your four-way flashers to alert drivers behind you (as long as local laws allow the use of flashers).
14. When stopping in an emergency situation, you should:
If you need to make an emergency stop, you can use either the controlled braking method or the stab braking method. It's important to brake in a way that keeps your vehicle in a straight line but will still allow you to turn if necessary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Maine, the following steps must be taken:
1. Obtain a Maine Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): The first step towards obtaining a Class A CDL is to obtain a CLP by passing a written knowledge test. The CLP allows you to practice driving with a qualified CDL holder.
2. Practice driving and obtain necessary endorsements: You must practice driving with a qualified CDL holder and obtain any necessary endorsements for your desired type of commercial vehicle.
3. Pass a skills test: Once you feel comfortable driving, you must pass a skills test which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving test.
4. Pay the necessary fees: There are fees associated with obtaining a CDL license in Maine which include application fees, testing fees, and endorsement fees.
It is important to note that there are age restrictions for obtaining a Class A CDL license in Maine. You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Maine and 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
- Tractor-trailers (semi-trucks)
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Livestock carriers
- Flatbeds and lowboys
- Tanker trucks
- Double and triple trailers
- Other large commercial vehicles
It is important to note that there may be specific endorsements required for certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger endorsements for buses. Additionally, some employers may require additional training and certifications beyond the basic CDL requirements.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Maine and 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Hold a valid Maine driver’s license: You must hold a valid Maine driver’s license.
3. Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): You must obtain a CLP by passing a written knowledge test. The CLP allows you to practice driving with a qualified CDL holder.
4. Pass a medical examination: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate from a certified medical examiner.
5. Complete the necessary training: You must complete the necessary training and practice driving with a qualified CDL holder before taking the skills test.
6. Pass the CDL skills test: You must pass the CDL skills test which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving test.
7. Pay the necessary fees: There are fees associated with obtaining a CDL license in Maine which include application fees, testing fees, and endorsement fees.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements for specific endorsements, such as hazardous materials or passenger endorsements for buses. Additionally, some employers may require additional training and certifications beyond the basic CDL requirements.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers Endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to operate vehicles with double or triple trailers.
2. P - Passenger Endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to transport passengers in a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicles Endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to operate vehicles that transport liquids or gases in tanks.
4. H - Hazardous Materials Endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test and meet specific requirements, such as additional training or background checks, depending on the endorsement. It is important to note that some endorsements may require a higher minimum age requirement than the general Class A CDL license, such as the hazardous materials endorsement which requires you to be at least 21 years old.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: This is a test of your ability to inspect your vehicle to ensure that it is in safe working condition. You will be asked to identify and explain the function of various parts of the vehicle, such as the brakes, lights, and steering system.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: This is a test of your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking. You will be asked to perform tasks such as backing the vehicle into a loading dock or parallel parking.
3. On-Road Driving: This is a test of your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads and highways. You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to perform various driving maneuvers, such as changing lanes, merging onto highways, and navigating intersections.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated by a licensed CDL examiner who will assess your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely and effectively. It is important to note that you must pass all three parts of the skills test in order to obtain a Class A CDL license.
1. Endorsement Restrictions: If you have a Class A CDL with specific endorsements, such as a hazardous materials endorsement, you may be restricted from driving certain types of vehicles or carrying certain types of cargo.
2. Age Restrictions: To obtain a hazardous materials endorsement, you must be at least 21 years old.
3. Medical Certification: You must maintain a valid medical certification to operate a commercial vehicle. The type of certification required depends on the type of vehicle you are driving and the distance you are driving.
4. Vehicle Restrictions: Depending on the type of vehicle you are driving, there may be restrictions on where and when you can drive. For example, if you are driving a vehicle with air brakes, you may be restricted from driving in certain areas or during certain times.
5. Hours of Service Restrictions: Commercial drivers are subject to federal hours of service regulations that limit the amount of time they can drive and require them to take rest breaks.
It is important to follow all restrictions and limitations associated with your Class A CDL license to ensure that you are in compliance with state and federal regulations and to maintain your license.
To request accommodations, you must complete the BMV Request for Accommodations form and provide documentation of your disability from a qualified professional. The documentation must include information on your diagnosis, the functional limitations caused by your disability, and recommendations for accommodations that would allow you to take the test.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a separate testing room, a reader or scribe for the test, or a sign language interpreter. The BMV will review your request and determine what accommodations can be provided based on your individual needs and the requirements of the test.
It is important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance of the test date in order to allow time for review and implementation of accommodations.
If you fail the written test three times, you will need to wait at least 30 days before retaking the test. If you fail the test three times again, you will need to wait 60 days before retaking it. If you fail the test a total of six times, you will need to wait at least one year before retaking it.
It is important to note that if you fail the written test, you will not be able to take the road skills test until you pass the written test. Therefore, it is important to study and prepare thoroughly for the written test to increase your chances of passing on your first attempt.
If you are having difficulty passing the written test, you may want to consider taking a CDL training course or studying with a commercial driver's license handbook to improve your knowledge and understanding of the material.