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 North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has 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.
1. What is Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)?
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is defined as the total weight of a single vehicle in addition to its load.
2. Header boards:
A header board protects a driver from moving cargo in the event of a crash or emergency stop.
3. States verify that a CDL or CLP driver has only one such license by:
All U.S. states share information about CDL and CLP licenses in a computerized database. If you apply for a license in one state, a state will check this database to verify that you do not already have one such license in another state.
4. When driving with a load, the driver should:
Cargo and its securing devices must be inspected before starting a trip. After beginning a trip, the driver should check the load and securing devices within the first 50 miles on the road, every three hours or 150 miles traveled, and after every break.
5. If driving on a surface with poor traction, a driver should accelerate slowly:
To avoid a loss of control, you should accelerate slowly when driving in poor-traction conditions, such as rain or snow.
6. Driving in extremely hot weather:
In extremely hot weather, tire pressure can increase to dangerous levels due to the expansion of the air in heat. To keep an engine from overheating, it is important that there be enough oil and coolant in the engine compartment.
7. If a load is 40 feet long, it must be secured by a minimum of ____ tie-downs.
On flatbed trailers and trailers without sides, cargo needs to be tied down. There should be at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo. Regardless of the size of the cargo, at least two tie-downs must be used.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class A CDL in North Carolina, you must pass a series of written knowledge tests and on-road skills tests. You must also meet certain age and medical requirements, have a valid North Carolina driver's license and provide proof of residency.
Here are the general steps to obtain a Class A CDL in North Carolina:
1. Obtain a North Carolina Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the required written knowledge tests.
2. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
3. Schedule and pass the required on-road skills test.
4. Provide proof of citizenship or legal presence, identity, Social Security number, and residency.
5. Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination.
6. Pay the required fees.
7. Receive your Class A CDL from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).
It is important to note that obtaining a Class A CDL also requires additional endorsements depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate, such as Hazardous Materials (H), Tanker (T), or Double/Triple Trailers (X).
Here are some examples of vehicles that you can operate with a Class A CDL:
1. Tractor-trailers: This includes a combination of a tractor and one or more trailers, with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
2. Tanker trucks: These are vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk.
3. Livestock carriers: These are vehicles used to transport live animals such as cattle, horses and pigs.
4. Flatbed trucks: These are open-air trucks that are used to transport heavy equipment, construction materials, and other large items that cannot fit inside a closed trailer.
5. Refrigerated trucks: These are vehicles equipped with temperature-controlled compartments for transporting perishable goods such as food and medicine.
6. Dump trucks: These are vehicles with an open bed that can be tilted to unload materials such as sand, gravel, and dirt.
It is important to note that you need additional endorsements to operate certain types of vehicles such as hazardous materials (H), double/triple trailers (T) or passenger transport (P).
1. Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle within North Carolina's state lines, and at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines.
2. Hold a valid North Carolina driver's license: You must hold a valid North Carolina driver's license.
3. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must pass the written knowledge test(s) required for the CLP. The CLP is valid for 180 days and must be held for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
4. Medical requirements: You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination to obtain your CDL. The medical examination must be performed by a licensed medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
5. Provide proof of citizenship or legal presence, identity, Social Security number, and residency: You must provide proof of these documents when applying for your CDL.
6. Pass the skills test: After holding your CLP for at least 14 days, you must pass the on-road skills test which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road test.
7. Pay the required fees: You will have to pay certain fees when applying for your CDL.
It is important to note that obtaining a Class A CDL also requires additional endorsements depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate, such as Hazardous Materials (H), Tanker (T), or Double/Triple Trailers (X).
It is important to note that certain endorsements for a CDL, such as Hazardous Materials (H), require the driver to be at least 21 years old, regardless of whether the driver is operating in intrastate or interstate commerce.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement is required for drivers who will be operating double or triple trailers.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement is required for drivers who will be operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: This endorsement is required for drivers who will be operating a vehicle used to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required for drivers who will be transporting hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required for drivers who will be transporting both hazardous materials and liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
It is important to note that not all employers require drivers to have endorsements, but having them can increase your job opportunities and earning potential.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: This is a thorough inspection of the vehicle before you start driving. You will need to show the examiner that you can check the vehicle's safety and operation, including tires, lights, brakes, steering, suspension, and other components.
2. Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test: This test measures your ability to control the vehicle in a variety of situations. You will need to demonstrate your ability to perform maneuvers such as backing up, turning in a tight space, and parking.
3. Road Test: This test measures your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads. You will need to demonstrate your ability to drive defensively, make proper lane changes, merge with traffic, and navigate intersections.
The skills test is conducted by a certified examiner and must be completed in a vehicle that is representative of the type of vehicle you intend to operate with your CDL. It is important to prepare for the skills test by practicing with a qualified instructor or mentor and studying the North Carolina CDL manual thoroughly.
1. Endorsements: If you do not have the required endorsements for the type of vehicle and cargo you will be transporting, there may be restrictions on what you can haul.
2. Weight Limits: Depending on the weight of the vehicle and cargo, there may be restrictions on where you can drive, such as bridges or certain roads.
3. Hours of Service: Federal regulations limit the number of hours a driver can operate a commercial vehicle in a day and week. You must comply with these regulations to avoid potential fines and penalties.
4. Medical Requirements: You must meet certain medical requirements to maintain your CDL, including passing a physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner.
5. Alcohol and Drug Use: You are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, and any violation can result in suspension or revocation of your CDL.
It is important to understand and comply with all restrictions and limitations related to your CDL to ensure safety on the road and avoid potential penalties.
- Extended time to take the test
- A separate testing room
- Large-print or Braille test materials
- Assistance from a reader or sign language interpreter
To request accommodations, you must submit a request to the North Carolina DMV at least 30 days before your scheduled testing date. You will need to provide documentation of your disability and how it affects your ability to take the test. The DMV will review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your needs and their resources. It is important to contact the DMV as soon as possible to discuss your needs and ensure that your request is properly processed.