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 Minnesota Commercial Driver’s Manual. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has two, three or 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.
Number of Question
Passing Score
15. Some air brake systems introduce alcohol into the system to:
Explanation
Some air brake systems contain an alcohol evaporator. An evaporator introduces alcohol into the system to help inhibit the formation of ice in cold weather.
16. A distracted driver:
Explanation
Driving while distracted may result in slowed perception, delayed decision-making, and improper actions. Watch for distracted drivers and avoid them, when possible.
17. Headlights:
Explanation
To improve visibility, you should use high beam headlights at night where it is safe and legal to do so. However, the glare from high beam lights can blind other drivers. You should dim your lights to their low beam setting when driving within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle.
18. If the safety relief valve in an air brake system is releasing air:
Explanation
The safety relief valve in an air brake system releases air if necessary to prevent pressure in the system from becoming too high. If the valve starts releasing air, there is something wrong. Have a mechanic fix the problem.
19. When checking your windshield wiper blades, the blades should be:
Explanation
When inspecting your vehicle, you should check the wiper blades for damage, stiff rubber, and proper securement.
20. Driving at night is:
Explanation
Driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day because hazards become more difficult to see in the dark.
21. If being tailgated, you should open up your following distance.
Explanation
If someone is tailgating you, it is a good idea to open up the space ahead of your vehicle to make it easier for the driver to pass you. Increasing your speed is not a good idea because the driver may continue to tailgate you at the higher speed, only increasing the danger.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is a type of license required to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, including the weight of a towed vehicle that weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This license allows the holder to operate tractor-trailers, tanker vehicles, and other heavy commercial vehicles. In Minnesota, obtaining a Class A CDL requires passing both a written knowledge test and a skills test. Additionally, applicants must meet certain age and medical requirements and provide proof of residency in Minnesota.
With a Class A CDL license in Minnesota, you can operate a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes:
- Tractor-trailers: These are vehicles with a cab and a separate trailer. They are commonly used for long-haul trucking.
- Tanker vehicles: These are vehicles that transport liquids or gases. They can be single or double trailers.
- Livestock carriers: These are vehicles that transport live animals.
- Flatbed trucks: These are trucks with a flat platform on the back for carrying cargo.
- Heavy haulers: These are vehicles that transport oversized or overweight loads, such as construction equipment or machinery.
It's important to note that you may need additional endorsements on your CDL to operate certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials (HazMat) or passenger-carrying vehicles.
- Tractor-trailers: These are vehicles with a cab and a separate trailer. They are commonly used for long-haul trucking.
- Tanker vehicles: These are vehicles that transport liquids or gases. They can be single or double trailers.
- Livestock carriers: These are vehicles that transport live animals.
- Flatbed trucks: These are trucks with a flat platform on the back for carrying cargo.
- Heavy haulers: These are vehicles that transport oversized or overweight loads, such as construction equipment or machinery.
It's important to note that you may need additional endorsements on your CDL to operate certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials (HazMat) or passenger-carrying vehicles.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Minnesota, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Minnesota and 21 years old to drive across state lines.
2. Driver's License: You must have a valid driver's license in Minnesota.
3. Medical Requirements: You must meet the medical requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by providing a valid medical examiner's certificate.
4. Knowledge Tests: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and combination vehicles.
5. Skills Test: You must pass a three-part skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving.
6. Background Check: You must pass a background check, including a criminal history check, driving record check, and drug and alcohol screening.
7. Residency: You must provide proof of residency in Minnesota.
It's important to note that obtaining endorsements for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger-carrying vehicles, may require additional tests or qualifications.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Minnesota and 21 years old to drive across state lines.
2. Driver's License: You must have a valid driver's license in Minnesota.
3. Medical Requirements: You must meet the medical requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by providing a valid medical examiner's certificate.
4. Knowledge Tests: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and combination vehicles.
5. Skills Test: You must pass a three-part skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving.
6. Background Check: You must pass a background check, including a criminal history check, driving record check, and drug and alcohol screening.
7. Residency: You must provide proof of residency in Minnesota.
It's important to note that obtaining endorsements for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger-carrying vehicles, may require additional tests or qualifications.
In Minnesota, the minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL license is 18 years old for intrastate (within Minnesota) driving. However, for interstate (across state lines) driving, the minimum age requirement is 21 years old due to federal regulations. It's important to note that certain types of driving jobs may also have additional age requirements beyond the CDL license age limit.
Whether you need endorsements for your Class A CDL license in Minnesota depends on the type of driving you plan to do. Some endorsements require additional knowledge and skills tests, as well as background checks:
1. Tanker Endorsement (T): Needed to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers that have a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
2. Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement (T): Needed to pull double or triple trailers.
3. Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H): Needed to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
4. Passenger Endorsement (P): Needed to transport passengers in a vehicle with 16 or more occupants.
5. School Bus Endorsement (S): Needed to operate a school bus.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test specific to the type of endorsement you are seeking and meet any additional requirements, such as background checks and medical exams.
1. Tanker Endorsement (T): Needed to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers that have a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
2. Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement (T): Needed to pull double or triple trailers.
3. Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H): Needed to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
4. Passenger Endorsement (P): Needed to transport passengers in a vehicle with 16 or more occupants.
5. School Bus Endorsement (S): Needed to operate a school bus.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test specific to the type of endorsement you are seeking and meet any additional requirements, such as background checks and medical exams.
The Class A CDL skills test in Minnesota consists of three parts:
1. Pre-trip Inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to control your vehicle in various situations, such as moving forward and backward, turning within a confined space, and turning at an intersection.
3. Road Test: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate your vehicle on public roads in various traffic situations, such as changing lanes, merging, and turning.
You will be evaluated on your ability to perform each task safely and correctly. To pass the skills test, you must pass each part of the test with a score of at least 80%.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to control your vehicle in various situations, such as moving forward and backward, turning within a confined space, and turning at an intersection.
3. Road Test: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate your vehicle on public roads in various traffic situations, such as changing lanes, merging, and turning.
You will be evaluated on your ability to perform each task safely and correctly. To pass the skills test, you must pass each part of the test with a score of at least 80%.
Yes, there are certain restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL license in Minnesota. Some of the most common restrictions and limitations include:
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, which means you are not authorized to drive a vehicle 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, which means you are not authorized to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you do not meet federal medical requirements or are unable to self-certify as an interstate driver, you will have an "K" restriction on your license, which means you are only authorized to drive within the state of Minnesota.
4. Passenger Vehicle Endorsement Required: If you plan to transport passengers, you will need to obtain a passenger endorsement (P) in addition to your Class A CDL license.
It is important to understand and comply with these restrictions and limitations as they can affect your driving privileges and employment opportunities.
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, which means you are not authorized to drive a vehicle 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, which means you are not authorized to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you do not meet federal medical requirements or are unable to self-certify as an interstate driver, you will have an "K" restriction on your license, which means you are only authorized to drive within the state of Minnesota.
4. Passenger Vehicle Endorsement Required: If you plan to transport passengers, you will need to obtain a passenger endorsement (P) in addition to your Class A CDL license.
It is important to understand and comply with these restrictions and limitations as they can affect your driving privileges and employment opportunities.
Yes, it is possible to take the Class A CDL written test in a language other than English in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety allows for the use of interpreters or translated versions of the test in certain languages, such as Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
However, it is important to note that the skills test must still be taken in English, as it involves communication with other drivers and law enforcement. Additionally, if you are not fluent in English, it may be beneficial to work on improving your English skills as it is a requirement for obtaining a commercial driver's license and for communicating with others on the road.
If you are interested in taking the written test in a language other than English, you should contact your local driver's license office or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for more information and to inquire about available language options.
However, it is important to note that the skills test must still be taken in English, as it involves communication with other drivers and law enforcement. Additionally, if you are not fluent in English, it may be beneficial to work on improving your English skills as it is a requirement for obtaining a commercial driver's license and for communicating with others on the road.
If you are interested in taking the written test in a language other than English, you should contact your local driver's license office or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for more information and to inquire about available language options.
Yes, you can request accommodations for the Class A CDL written test in Minnesota due to a disability. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities so they can participate in the testing process.
Some examples of accommodations that may be available include:
- Extended testing time
- Use of a reader or magnifying glass
- Use of a scribe or assistive technology
- Accessible testing materials
To request accommodations, you should contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services Division and submit documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations you need. They will review your request and work with you to determine what accommodations are appropriate.
It is important to note that requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time for review and implementation of the accommodations.
Some examples of accommodations that may be available include:
- Extended testing time
- Use of a reader or magnifying glass
- Use of a scribe or assistive technology
- Accessible testing materials
To request accommodations, you should contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services Division and submit documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations you need. They will review your request and work with you to determine what accommodations are appropriate.
It is important to note that requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time for review and implementation of the accommodations.
Yes, you can retake the Class A CDL written test in Minnesota if you fail. However, you may have to wait a certain amount of time before you can retake the test, depending on how many times you have failed.
If you fail the written test, you will be given a diagnostic report that outlines the areas where you need improvement. You can use this report to study and prepare for your next attempt.
The waiting period between attempts depends on the type of commercial driver's license (CDL) being sought and the number of times the test has been failed. In Minnesota, the waiting periods are:
- 1 day for the first and second attempts for a Class A, B, or C CDL
- 7 days for the third and fourth attempts for a Class A, B, or C CDL
- 30 days for all subsequent attempts for a Class A, B, or C CDL
It is important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the written test. Therefore, it is in your best interest to prepare thoroughly before taking the test to increase your chances of passing on your first attempt.
If you fail the written test, you will be given a diagnostic report that outlines the areas where you need improvement. You can use this report to study and prepare for your next attempt.
The waiting period between attempts depends on the type of commercial driver's license (CDL) being sought and the number of times the test has been failed. In Minnesota, the waiting periods are:
- 1 day for the first and second attempts for a Class A, B, or C CDL
- 7 days for the third and fourth attempts for a Class A, B, or C CDL
- 30 days for all subsequent attempts for a Class A, B, or C CDL
It is important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the written test. Therefore, it is in your best interest to prepare thoroughly before taking the test to increase your chances of passing on your first attempt.
