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 or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Maryland Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), 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, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
15. Convex mirrors:
Many large vehicles have curved, convex mirrors. Convex mirrors allow drivers to see a wider area than flat mirrors. However, they also make objects seem smaller and farther away than they really are.
16. A driver can rely on front wheel braking to work:
Front wheel braking is effective under all road conditions. It is unlikely that you will experience a front wheel skid, even on ice.
17. When you need to change lanes:
Lane changes should always be executed slowly and smoothly. This will result in safer handling of your vehicle while allowing time for other drivers to react to your movements.
18. A slack adjuster should move no more than ____ from where it is attached to the push rod.
Before a trip, you should check each slack adjuster after parking, setting wheel chocks, and disengaging the parking brake. Pull the slack adjusters to make sure that they do not move more than about one inch from where the push rod is attached. If they move more than one inch, they may be out of adjustment and will need to be fixed.
19. The most important reason to inspect your vehicle before a trip is:
The most important reason to inspect your vehicle before a trip is to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Safety inspections before every trip are required by state and federal laws.
20. What happens when a vehicle hydroplanes?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road surface and instead glide along on a film of water above the surface of the road.
21. When the brake pedal is depressed, air brakes work:
After the brake pedal is pushed down in a vehicle with air brakes, it takes a half-second or more for air to flow through the lines and make the brakes work. This contrasts with hydraulic brakes used in cars and light and medium trucks, which instantly begin working when the pedal is pushed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in Maryland:
1. Obtain a Maryland Commercial Driver's License manual from your local Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office or download it from their website.
2. Study the manual thoroughly and prepare for the knowledge test.
3. Schedule an appointment at a Maryland MVA office to take the knowledge test.
4. Pass the knowledge test with a score of at least 80%.
5. Obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP) by passing a vision test and paying the required fee.
6. Practice driving with your CLP and obtain any necessary endorsements such as tanker or hazardous materials.
7. Schedule an appointment for your skills test at a Maryland MVA office.
8. Pass the skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.
9. Pay the required fee and obtain your Class A CDL license.
It is important to note that obtaining a CDL requires additional requirements such as passing a medical exam and providing proof of citizenship or legal presence in the United States.
1. Tractor-trailers
2. Semi-trucks
3. Flatbed trucks towing a trailer or a second vehicle
4. Tanker trucks
5. Livestock carriers
6. Large bus and trailer combinations
It's important to note that to operate some of these vehicles, you may need additional endorsements such as doubles/triples, tanker, or hazardous materials (HazMat). Make sure to check with the Maryland MVA to determine what specific endorsements you may need for the type of vehicle(s) you plan to operate.
1. Be at least 18 years old to operate within Maryland or 21 years old for interstate driving.
2. Hold a valid Maryland non-commercial driver's license.
3. Pass a medical examination and obtain a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
4. Obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP) by passing a knowledge test and paying the required fee.
5. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
6. Pass the skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.
7. Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence in the United States.
8. Provide proof of Social Security number.
9. Pay the required fees for testing and licensing.
It's important to note that additional requirements may apply depending on the specific type of vehicle or endorsement you are seeking. For example, if you plan to transport hazardous materials, you must pass an additional knowledge test and undergo a background check by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Be sure to check with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) for specific requirements based on your situation.
It is worth noting that some employers may have their own age requirements that are higher than the state's minimum. Additionally, some endorsements such as hazardous materials may have a minimum age requirement higher than that of a standard Class A CDL license. It is important to check with your employer and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) for specific requirements based on your situation.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers Endorsement: This endorsement allows you to operate vehicles that have two or three trailers attached.
2. P - Passenger Endorsement: This endorsement allows you to transport passengers in a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people.
3. N - Tank Vehicle Endorsement: This endorsement allows you to operate vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers.
4. H - Hazardous Materials Endorsement: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials Endorsement: This endorsement combines the tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements.
To obtain any of these endorsements, you must pass additional knowledge and skills tests specific to each endorsement, and pay the required fees. It is important to note that some employers may require specific endorsements depending on the type of driving job you are seeking. Be sure to check with your employer and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) for specific requirements based on your situation.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: You will be required to complete a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, which includes checking the brakes, lights, tires, steering, suspension, and other components of the truck and trailer.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be evaluated on your ability to perform basic maneuvers such as backing up, turning, and parking the vehicle. You may also be required to demonstrate coupling and uncoupling procedures.
3. On-road Driving Test: You will be evaluated on your ability to drive safely in various traffic conditions such as merging, changing lanes, stopping at intersections, and driving on hills or curves.
During each part of the skills test, you will be scored on your ability to perform each task safely and accurately. You must pass all three parts of the test to obtain your Class A CDL license. It is important to note that some states may have slightly different requirements or variations in the skills test. It is recommended that you check with your local Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) for specific information on the Class A CDL skills test in Maryland.
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will be restricted from operating a vehicle with air brakes. To remove this restriction, you must retake the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes.
2. Manual Transmission Restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will be restricted from operating a vehicle with a manual transmission. To remove this restriction, you must retake the skills test in a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you only plan to drive within Maryland and do not plan to drive across state lines, you may be restricted to intrastate driving only.
4. Medical Certification Requirement: You must meet certain medical requirements and obtain a medical certificate to operate a commercial motor vehicle. The length of time your medical certificate is valid may vary depending on your individual circumstances.
5. Endorsement Restrictions: If you have endorsements on your CDL, such as hazardous materials or passenger endorsements, there may be additional restrictions or requirements for operating those types of vehicles or transporting those types of cargo.
It is important to note that there may be additional restrictions or requirements at the federal level based on your driving record or other factors. Be sure to check with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for specific information on CDL restrictions and limitations.
However, if you need assistance with understanding the written test questions or instructions due to a language barrier, you may bring an interpreter with you to the testing facility. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a CDL holder or have a vested interest in the test results. The interpreter must also sign an affidavit affirming that they will accurately interpret the test questions and instructions to you. It is recommended that you contact your local Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office ahead of time to ensure that interpreters are available and to schedule an appointment for testing with an interpreter.
To request accommodations, you must complete and submit an Application for Accommodation of Disabilities form to the MVA. The form must be completed by a licensed healthcare provider or other qualified professional who can attest to your disability and provide recommendations for accommodations. Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a separate testing room, or the use of assistive technology.
Once your application is approved, you will be contacted by the MVA to schedule your test with the requested accommodations. It is important to note that accommodations may take time to arrange, so it is recommended that you submit your application well in advance of your desired testing date.
For more information on requesting accommodations for the CDL written test in Maryland, you can contact the MVA's Commercial Driver's License Unit at 1-410-768-7000 or visit their website.
If you fail the CDL written test, you will be allowed to retake it the following business day. However, if you fail the test three times, you must wait at least seven days before taking it again. If you fail the test three times, you must also complete additional training before retaking the test.
It is important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the CDL written test. If you fail the test and need to retake it, you will need to pay the fee again.
To prepare for the CDL written test, you can study the Maryland Commercial Driver's License Manual or take a commercial driver education course. It is also recommended that you take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam and identify areas where you may need additional study.
If you pass the written test, you will be eligible to take the CDL skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and a road test. Passing both tests are required to obtain a Class A CDL in Maryland.