Knowledge Test Class B
This license is required for driving a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds, and a trailer not to exceed 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or a vehicle designed to transport 24 or more people (including the driver). To receive this license, applicants must pass a 50-question test. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the 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 B CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
1. When starting the vehicle during the pre-trip inspection, the coolant temperature should:
After starting your vehicle during the pre-trip inspection, you should watch the gauges. The coolant temperature should gradually rise to a normal operating range.
2. If your vehicle is hydroplaning, you should:
If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, do not apply the brakes. Instead, release the accelerator and push in the clutch. This will slow down your vehicle and help it regain traction.
3. When approaching a railroad crossing, you should:
Reduce your speed as you approach a railroad crossing. Remember that you will not necessarily be able to hear a train, and don't assume that signals will warn you of its approach. Never try to outdrive an approaching train at a railroad crossing.
4. When driving down a steep grade, your brakes may fade. What happens if brakes fade?
If you use your brakes too much when traveling on a steep downgrade, they may overheat and become less effective. To avoid causing your brakes to overheat on a steep hill, you should rely on engine braking.
5. When it is difficult for others to see your vehicle, such as at dawn or dusk, you can help other drivers by:
At times when visibility is low, you should turn your headlights on to the low beam setting. If you are having a difficult time seeing others, they are probably having a difficult time seeing you.
6. Looking far ahead of your vehicle while driving is:
Good drivers look down the road at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of their vehicles. This makes it possible to identify hazards early, when drivers are more likely to have time to respond appropriately.
7. The height of a vehicle’s center of gravity:
The height of a vehicle's center of gravity is very important to a driver's ability to safely handle the vehicle. Always distribute the weight of cargo as low as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL license in Massachusetts:
1. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving), have a valid driver's license, and pass a medical examination to ensure that you are physically fit to drive a commercial vehicle.
2. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): To get a CLP, you must pass the written knowledge test specific to the type of commercial vehicle you plan to operate. You must also pass a vision test and pay the required fee.
3. Practice driving with your CLP: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the road test.
4. Schedule and take the road test: The road test consists of three parts - pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control skills, and on-road driving test. You must provide your own vehicle for the road test.
5. Pass the road test: If you pass all three parts of the road test, you will receive your Class B CDL license.
6. Maintain your CDL: Your CDL will need to be renewed every 5 years and you will need to pass regular medical examinations to ensure that you are still physically fit to drive.
Some examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class B CDL license include:
- Straight trucks (e.g., delivery trucks, dump trucks)
- Large buses (e.g., school buses, city buses)
- Segmented buses
- Box trucks with trailers
- Tractor-trailer combinations where the trailer has a weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds
It's important to note that some vehicles may require additional endorsements or certifications to operate legally. For example, you may need a passenger endorsement to drive certain types of buses with passengers on board. Be sure to check the specific requirements for the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B CDL in Massachusetts. However, you must be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Valid driver's license: You must have a valid driver's license.
3. Medical certification: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate indicating that you are physically fit to drive a commercial vehicle.
4. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must obtain a CLP by passing the written knowledge test specific to the type of commercial vehicle you plan to operate. You must also pass a vision test and pay the required fee.
5. Driving experience: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the road test.
6. Road test: You must successfully pass a three-part road test, including pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control skills, and on-road driving test.
7. Fees: You must pay the required fees for obtaining your Class B CDL license.
It's important to note that additional endorsements or certifications may be required to operate certain types of commercial vehicles legally. For example, you may need a passenger endorsement to drive certain types of buses with passengers on board. Be sure to check the specific requirements for the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
It's important to note that some employers may have their own age requirements for hiring drivers. Additionally, certain endorsements or certifications may also have their own age requirements. For example, the minimum age requirement to obtain a passenger endorsement is 21 years old in Massachusetts.
1. Passenger endorsement: If you plan to drive a vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers, including the driver, you will need to obtain a passenger endorsement.
2. Tanker endorsement: If you plan to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 119 gallons or more, you will need to obtain a tanker endorsement.
3. Hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement: If you plan to transport hazardous materials in amounts that require placards, you will need to obtain a HazMat endorsement.
4. School bus endorsement: If you plan to drive a school bus, you will need to obtain a school bus endorsement.
It's important to note that each of these endorsements requires passing an additional written knowledge test and may also require additional fees. The endorsements are added to your Class B CDL license upon successful completion of the required tests and fees.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be asked to perform a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. You will need to identify and explain any potential safety hazards or equipment malfunctions.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking. You may be asked to maneuver through a course of cones or other obstacles.
3. On-road driving: You will be evaluated while driving on public roads and highways. The examiner will assess your ability to safely handle the vehicle in traffic, make turns, change lanes, and obey traffic signals and signs.
It's important to note that the skills test must be taken in a vehicle that is representative of the type of Class B vehicle that you plan to operate. Additionally, you must have a valid medical certificate, proof of insurance, and all necessary endorsements for the vehicle you plan to operate during the test.
1. Air brake restriction: If you did not pass the air brake knowledge and skills test, you will have an "L" restriction on your license that prohibits you from operating a vehicle equipped with air brakes.
2. Automatic transmission restriction: If you took the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have an "E" restriction on your license that prohibits you from operating a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Passenger endorsement restriction: If you did not pass the passenger endorsement knowledge and skills test, you will not be able to operate a vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
4. School bus endorsement restriction: If you did not pass the school bus endorsement knowledge and skills test, you will not be able to operate a school bus.
5. HazMat endorsement restriction: If you did not pass the HazMat endorsement knowledge test or if you were disqualified from holding a HazMat endorsement, you will not be able to transport hazardous materials.
It's important to note that these restrictions will be noted on your CDL license and it is your responsibility to comply with them at all times.
However, it's important to note that the skills test must be taken in English and the examiner will only communicate with you in English during the test. Additionally, if you need an interpreter for the skills test, you will need to provide your own interpreter at your own expense.
If you choose to take the written test in a language other than English, you will be provided with an audio headset and a translation of the questions and answers. You will still need to know how to read and understand road signs and other written materials in English, as those are not translated during the test.
To request accommodations for the written test, you need to complete an ADA Accommodation Request Form, which is available on the RMV website or can be obtained by contacting the RMV's ADA Coordinator. You must submit the form and any supporting documentation at least 30 days before your scheduled test date.
Some types of accommodations that may be provided include extended time, a reader or scribe, a separate testing room, or a sign language interpreter. The RMV will review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your specific needs and the requirements of the test.
It is important to note that you must still meet all other requirements for obtaining a Class B CDL license, including passing the written and skills tests under modified conditions.
It's important to note that if you fail the test three times, you will need to wait at least 30 days before taking it again. Additionally, if you fail the test five times, you will need to wait at least six months before taking it again.
Before retaking the test, it's a good idea to review the study materials and practice answering sample questions. The RMV offers a free CDL manual that covers all of the information you need to know for the written test. You can also find online practice tests and study guides to help you prepare.
If you have any questions or concerns about retaking the Class B CDL written test, you can contact the RMV or visit a local RMV service center for assistance.