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 Montana 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.
22. When inspecting the exhaust system for defects, which of the following should be fixed?
Exhaust system defects can be extremely serious because they may make it possible for poisonous fumes to enter into the cab or sleeper berth. Issues to check for in a pre-trip inspection include loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, vertical stacks, mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts; exhaust system parts that are rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, or other moving parts of the vehicle; and exhaust system parts that are leaking.
23. Brake linings should be:
Brake linings should not be loose or soaked with oil or grease. They shouldn't be dangerously thin.
24. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, you should:
If you encounter an aggressive driver, you should not let yourself be provoked by any angry gestures they make toward you. Avoid making eye contact with the other driver and do not try to race them.
25. Hydroplaning:
If there is enough water on the road, hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph. It is most likely if the tires' air pressure is too low or if tires' tread is worn.
26. If an air compressor is belt-driven, the belt should be routinely checked to ensure that it is:
If your vehicle has air brakes, the air compressor drive belt should be checked before each drive. Check the tightness of the belt and verify that it is in good condition.
27. After the engine is started, warning lights and buzzers should all:
After the engine is started, the warning lights and buzzers should deactivate immediately. The charging circuit warning, oil, coolant, and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) lights should all turn off.
28. In hot weather, spots on the pavement where tar is bleeding:
Tar in road pavement often rises to the surface of the road, or "bleeds," in very hot weather. Watch for such areas because they can be very slippery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Montana, you must pass a written knowledge test and a skills test. The skills test consists of a pre-trip inspection, a basic control skills test, and an on-road driving test. You must also meet certain medical and residency requirements, as well as pass a background check.
Some examples of vehicles that you can operate with a Class A CDL license in Montana include:
- Tractor-trailers (also known as semis or 18-wheelers)
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Livestock carriers
- Tanker vehicles (for liquids or gases)
- Flatbeds with oversized loads
- Double or triple trailers
It's important to note that you can only operate the types of vehicles that you have been specifically trained and tested on during the skills test portion of your CDL exam. If you want to add additional endorsements to your CDL license to operate specific types of vehicles, you will need to pass additional knowledge and skills tests.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license in Montana. However, you cannot operate a commercial vehicle across state lines until you are 21 years old.
2. Medical requirements: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. This certificate is valid for up to two years and must be renewed regularly.
3. Knowledge test: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers general safety rules, driving laws, and specific information related to operating commercial vehicles.
4. Skills test: You must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic control skills test, and an on-road driving test. You will need to provide the combination vehicle you will be tested on.
5. Residency: You must be a resident of Montana or provide proof of legal presence in the United States.
6. Background check: You must pass a background check, which includes providing your driving history from all states where you have held a driver's license in the past 10 years.
7. Fees: There are fees associated with obtaining your CDL license in Montana, including application fees and testing fees.
It's important to note that obtaining your Class A CDL license is typically a process that involves training and practice beyond these basic requirements. Many people choose to attend truck driving school or receive training from an experienced commercial driver before attempting to obtain their CDL license.
Once a driver turns 21, they are no longer subject to these restrictions and can operate commercial vehicles across state lines. However, some companies may have their own policies regarding minimum age requirements for drivers, so it's important to check with potential employers before pursuing a Class A CDL license.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement allows you to tow two or three trailers at once.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement allows you to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle, such as a bus.
3. N - Tank Vehicles: This endorsement allows you to transport liquids or gases in tanks.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials, such as explosives, gasses, flammable liquids or solids, and radioactive materials.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: This endorsement combines the Tank Vehicles and Hazardous Materials endorsements.
To obtain these endorsements, you will need to pass additional knowledge tests that cover specific information related to each endorsement. You may also need to pass additional skills tests depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate. It's important to note that some endorsements also require additional background checks or other requirements beyond the basic requirements for obtaining a Class A CDL license.
1. Pre-trip inspection: Before you can take the vehicle out on the road, you will need to demonstrate your ability to conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection. This includes checking things like the brakes, tires, lights, and other important components of the vehicle.
2. Basic vehicle control skills test: This part of the test is conducted in an off-street area and involves demonstrating your ability to control the vehicle in various situations. You will be asked to perform maneuvers like backing up, turning, and parking.
3. On-road driving test: This part of the test involves driving on public roads while being evaluated on your ability to safely operate the commercial vehicle. You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to perform tasks like merging onto highways, changing lanes, and navigating through intersections.
It's important to note that you will need to pass all three parts of the skills test in order to obtain your Class A CDL license. Additionally, you will need to provide your own commercial vehicle for use during the test, so it's important to make sure that your vehicle meets all state and federal requirements before scheduling your test.
1. Age restrictions: To obtain a Class A CDL license in Montana, you must be at least 18 years old, but you will be limited to intrastate driving only. If you plan to drive interstate, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Endorsement restrictions: As I mentioned earlier, certain endorsements are required to operate certain types of commercial vehicles or transport certain types of cargo. Without the appropriate endorsements, you will be limited in the types of vehicles and cargo you can transport.
3. Vehicle restrictions: Depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate, there may be specific restrictions or limitations on your commercial driver's license. For example, if you plan to operate a vehicle with air brakes, you will need to pass an air brake knowledge test and add an endorsement to your license.
4. Medical restrictions: All commercial drivers are required to undergo regular medical examinations to ensure that they are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle. If you have a medical condition that could impair your ability to drive safely, there may be restrictions or limitations on your license.
It's important to understand the specific restrictions and limitations that apply to your Class A CDL license in Montana in order to ensure that you are driving legally and safely.
If you are not comfortable taking the written test in English, it may be helpful to brush up on your language skills before taking the test. There are many resources available to help you learn English, including online courses and language classes offered by community organizations.
It's also worth noting that some states may offer language assistance for the written test in certain languages. However, this is not currently offered in Montana, so it's important to be prepared to take the test in English.
To request accommodations for the written test, you will need to fill out a Request for Accommodations form and provide documentation of your disability. The form is available on the Montana Department of Justice website or can be obtained from a driver licensing office.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extra time to complete the test, a separate testing room, or assistive technology such as screen readers or magnifiers. The specific accommodations provided will depend on your individual needs and the documentation provided.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance of taking the test. Providing documentation of your disability and requesting accommodations can take time, so it's important to plan ahead if you require accommodations for the Class A CDL written test.
If you fail the general knowledge portion of the Class A CDL written test, you will need to retake the entire test. If you fail one or more of the endorsement tests (such as the hazardous materials or passenger endorsement), you will only need to retake the specific endorsement(s) that you failed.
It's important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the written test. If you fail multiple times, these fees can add up quickly. It's a good idea to thoroughly prepare for the test by studying the Montana Commercial Driver License Manual and taking practice tests before attempting the real thing.
If you do fail the written test, don't get discouraged. Many people find this test challenging, and it's not uncommon to need to retake it one or more times before passing. Just be sure to take advantage of all available resources and study materials to increase your chances of passing on your next attempt.