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 Michigan 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. Failing to drain air tanks could result in:
In an air brake system, the air tanks must be periodically drained to remove accumulations of water and compressor oil. If water is not removed, it could freeze in cold weather and cause brake failure.
2. As the driver of a truck carrying a load, you are responsible for all of the following, except:
It is the driver's responsibility to inspect their cargo; recognize overloading or poorly balanced weight; know that the cargo is properly secured and does not obscure the driver's view; and know that the cargo does not restrict access to emergency equipment. The driver is responsible for their cargo even if they were not the one who initially loaded and secured the cargo.
3. When starting an engine, oil pressure should come up to a normal level:
Look at your truck's gauges when starting the engine. The oil pressure in an engine should come up to a normal level within seconds of the vehicle's engine being started.
4. If a vehicle's Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is malfunctioning:
An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) intervenes to reduce brake pressure if there is a risk of wheel lockup. If the ABS isn't working, the vehicle's basic braking functions are not affected. A driver should continue to drive and brake in a normal manner.
5. When loading cargo, weight should be placed:
A vehicle is vulnerable to tipping over if its center of gravity is too high. To prevent this, you should distribute the weight of your cargo evenly and as low as possible.
6. Alcohol can be removed from your system:
The liver removes alcohol from the body at a fixed rate, so the only way to sober up after consuming alcohol is to allow your body time to remove the alcohol on its own.
7. If there is a fire in your vehicle, you should not:
In the event of a vehicle fire, you should leave the road and stop in an open area. Do not pull into a service station as fuels at the service station could catch fire. Report the fire and your location to emergency services.
Ranked by best match
Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Michigan, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a series of tests. Here are the steps to get a Class A CDL license in Michigan:
1. Meet the eligibility requirements: To qualify for a Class A CDL license in Michigan, you must be at least 18 years old (or 21 years old for interstate driving), have a valid driver's license, and pass a medical exam to ensure that you are physically fit to drive.
2. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): Before you can take the skills test to obtain your Class A CDL license, you must first obtain a CLP by passing the written knowledge test. The CLP allows you to practice driving with a qualified CDL holder in the vehicle.
3. Practice driving: With your CLP in hand, you can begin practicing your driving skills with a qualified CDL holder in the vehicle. You must complete at least 14 hours of behind-the-wheel training before taking the skills test.
4. Schedule and pass the skills test: Once you feel confident in your driving skills, you can schedule and take the skills test. The test consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving.
5. Obtain your Class A CDL license: If you pass all three parts of the skills test, you will be issued a Class A CDL license by the Michigan Secretary of State's office.
It is important to note that obtaining a Class A CDL license in Michigan is a serious responsibility. Commercial drivers are held to higher safety standards than non-commercial drivers, and must adhere to strict federal and state regulations.
1. Tractor-trailers: These are the most common type of vehicle operated by drivers with a Class A CDL license. Tractor-trailers are large trucks that consist of a tractor (also known as a cab) and a trailer. They are used to transport goods and materials across long distances.
2. Tanker trucks: Tanker trucks are used to transport liquids, gases, and other materials in large tanks. They require special handling due to the nature of the cargo they carry.
3. Livestock carriers: Livestock carriers are used to transport animals such as cows, pigs, and sheep. They require special handling to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals being transported.
4. Flatbed trucks: Flatbed trucks are used to transport large items such as construction materials, heavy machinery, and oversized equipment. They have an open bed that allows for easy loading and unloading.
5. Dump trucks: Dump trucks are used to transport loose materials such as dirt, sand, gravel, and construction debris. They have a hydraulic system that allows for easy dumping of their cargo.
It's important to note that operating these types of vehicles requires specialized training and experience. Commercial drivers must also adhere to strict safety regulations set forth by federal and state agencies to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Class A CDL license in Michigan. However, if you plan to drive across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Valid driver's license: You must have a valid Michigan driver's license.
3. Medical certification: You must pass a medical examination to ensure that you are physically fit to drive commercial vehicles.
4. Knowledge test: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers topics such as driving safety, vehicle inspection, and hazardous materials.
5. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must obtain a CLP by passing the written knowledge test.
6. Training: You must complete at least 14 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a qualified CDL holder in the vehicle.
7. Skills test: You must pass a skills test that consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving.
8. Background check: You must pass a background check that includes a criminal history check and a driving record check.
It's important to note that obtaining a Class A CDL license requires specialized training and experience, and commercial drivers are held to higher safety standards than non-commercial drivers. Therefore, it's important to take the process seriously and ensure that you are fully prepared before taking the skills test.
If a driver wants to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines, they must be at least 21 years old. This is due to federal regulations that require drivers to be at least 21 years old to operate commercial vehicles that transport goods or people across state lines.
It's important to note that obtaining a Class A CDL license requires specialized training and experience, regardless of age, and drivers are held to higher safety standards than non-commercial drivers. Therefore, it's important to take the process seriously and ensure that you are fully prepared before taking the skills test.
1. Combination Vehicles (No endorsement code): Required for all Class A CDL holders and covers the operation of combination vehicles that have a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
2. Double/Triple Trailers (T): Allows you to tow double or triple trailers with a total length of more than 28 feet.
3. Tank Vehicles (N): Required if you plan to haul any liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks that have an individual capacity of more than 119 gallons or an aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. Hazardous Materials (H): Required if you plan to transport any hazardous materials that require placarding.
5. Passenger (P): Required if you plan to transport passengers for compensation or more than 16 passengers, including the driver.
6. School Bus (S): Required if you plan to operate a school bus.
It's important to note that each endorsement requires passing a separate written test, and some may require additional training and certification. Additionally, some endorsements may have age restrictions and/or additional background checks. Therefore, it's important to carefully review the requirements and regulations for each endorsement before pursuing it.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. This includes checking the engine, lights, brakes, steering system, tires, and other key components.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control your vehicle in tight spaces and low-speed maneuvers. This may include backing up, turning, and parking your vehicle in various situations.
3. On-Road Driving: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to operate your vehicle safely on public roads in a variety of traffic situations. You will be evaluated on your ability to obey traffic laws, make safe lane changes, merge onto highways, and navigate through intersections.
It's important to note that the skills test is a comprehensive evaluation of your driving skills and requires significant preparation and practice. Additionally, you must provide a vehicle that meets the requirements for the test, which may include specific equipment such as air brakes or manual transmissions. Therefore, it's important to work with a qualified driving instructor and ensure that you are fully prepared before taking the skills test.
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will be restricted from operating any vehicle with air brakes.
2. Automatic Transmission Restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will be restricted from operating any vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you only plan to operate your commercial vehicle within Michigan, you may be restricted from operating your vehicle outside of the state.
4. Hazmat Endorsement Restrictions: Depending on the type of hazardous materials you plan to transport, you may be subject to additional background checks or restrictions on where and when you can transport these materials.
5. Medical Certification Restrictions: Depending on your physical condition and medical history, you may be required to obtain a medical certification from a qualified healthcare professional in order to maintain your CDL license.
It's important to note that these restrictions and limitations are designed to ensure the safety of commercial drivers and other motorists on the road. Therefore, it's important to understand and abide by these regulations in order to maintain your CDL license and operate your commercial vehicle safely and legally.
However, if you require a translator due to a hearing impairment or a disability that affects your ability to read English, you may be able to request an accommodation from the Michigan Department of State. In this case, you will need to provide documentation from a medical professional indicating your need for a translator. The Department of State will then work with you to arrange for an appropriate translator or other accommodation for the written test.
To request accommodations, you will need to contact the Department of State directly and provide documentation of your disability from a medical professional. The documentation should include a description of your disability and how it affects your ability to take the written test.
Once your request is received, the Department of State will work with you to determine what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. Accommodations may include additional time to take the test, a separate testing room, or a reader or interpreter.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance, so be sure to contact the Department of State as soon as possible if you require accommodations for the Class A CDL written test due to a disability.
If you fail the test three times, you will need to wait at least 14 days before taking it again. In addition, there is a fee for each attempt at the written test.
It's important to note that if you fail the test multiple times, it may be a sign that you need additional study materials or practice before attempting the test again. Consider reviewing the Michigan CDL Manual and taking practice tests to help prepare for the exam.
If you pass the written test, you will be eligible to take the driving skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. Once you pass both the written and driving skills tests, you will be issued a Class A CDL license in Michigan.