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 South Dakota 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.
1. To ensure normal stopping power, drivers of vehicles equipped with a front brake limiting valve should:
Some older vehicles have front brake limiting valves with "normal" and "slippery" settings. Setting a brake limiting valve to "slippery" reduces the vehicle's stopping power, so a driver should make sure the valve is in its "normal" position. Front wheel braking has proven to be effective in all driving conditions.
2. When driving, you should stop and take a break ____ to avoid becoming too tired.
To reduce the chances of becoming fatigued on a long trip, a driver should stop for a break at least once every two hours or 100 miles driven.
3. Skids caused by over-acceleration can usually be resolved by:
A skid caused by over-acceleration can be resolved simply by removing your foot from the accelerator. Skids of this nature happen most frequently on surfaces covered in snow or ice.
4. A wig wag is:
Vehicles with air brakes are required to be equipped with a low pressure warning device. A wig wag is a type of low air pressure warning device. This device drops a mechanical arm into the driver's view if the pressure in the tanks drops to a level between 55 and 75 psi.
5. When entering a foggy area, you should:
Always slow down before entering a foggy area. Use low beam headlights, avoid passing others, and avoid stopping on the side of the roadway. It is safest to completely avoid driving under foggy conditions, if possible.
6. Regrooved tires:
Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires are prohibited on the front wheels of a bus.
7. How soon after starting a trip must cargo securement be checked?
Cargo should be inspected before beginning a trip, within the first 50 miles of the trip, and every three hours or 150 miles traveled thereafter. The driver of a truck transporting cargo is responsible for the cargo being safely secured throughout the trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class A CDL license in South Dakota, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving)
2. Possess a valid South Dakota driver's license
3. Provide proof of your identity and residency in the state
4. Pass a medical exam and obtain a medical certificate
5. Pass a written knowledge test on general driving knowledge and commercial driving regulations
6. Pass a skills test, which includes pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for specialized types of commercial vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
1. Tractor-trailers: A combination of a tractor (also known as a cab) and a trailer, with the trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
2. Tanker vehicles: A vehicle designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk, such as gasoline or propane.
3. Livestock carriers: A vehicle designed to transport live animals.
4. Flatbeds: A truck with an open bed for carrying goods.
5. Refrigerated trailers: A trailer with a refrigeration unit for transporting perishable goods.
6. Double/triple trailers: Vehicles with two or three trailers attached to the tractor.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for specialized types of commercial vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
1. Be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving).
2. Possess a valid South Dakota driver's license.
3. Provide proof of identity and residency in the state.
4. Obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate to prove you are medically fit to drive a commercial vehicle.
5. Pass a written knowledge test on general driving knowledge and commercial driving regulations.
6. Pass a skills test, which includes pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
In addition to the above requirements, you may also need to obtain additional endorsements for specialized types of commercial vehicles such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
It's important to note that obtaining a CDL license can be a lengthy and costly process. You may want to consider attending a truck driving school to prepare for the written and skills tests and gain valuable experience behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle.
To drive a commercial vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.
The following endorsements are available for a Class A CDL license in South Dakota:
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement allows you to operate double or triple trailers, which are two or three trailers connected to one truck.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement allows you to operate a commercial vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicles: This endorsement allows you to operate a commercial vehicle used to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test specific to the type of vehicle you wish to operate. You may also need to undergo additional training or meet other requirements, such as a background check or fingerprinting.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: You'll be asked to inspect your vehicle to ensure it is safe to drive. You'll need to identify and explain each item you are inspecting, such as the engine compartment, brakes, tires, and lights.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You'll be asked to demonstrate your ability to control your commercial vehicle in a controlled environment. This may include backing up, turning around, or maneuvering through an obstacle course.
3. On-road Driving Test: You'll be asked to demonstrate your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle on public roads. You'll need to follow the examiner's instructions while obeying traffic laws and driving defensively.
The skills test may take several hours to complete, and you'll need to bring a properly licensed and insured commercial vehicle with you for the test. It's important to practice beforehand and ensure you are familiar with your vehicle's operations and handling characteristics.
1. Weight Restrictions: Depending on your endorsement and the type of vehicle you are operating, there may be weight restrictions that limit the amount of cargo you can transport.
2. Speed Restrictions: Some commercial vehicles may have speed limiters that prevent you from driving faster than a certain speed.
3. Passenger Restrictions: If you have a Class A CDL with a passenger endorsement, there may be restrictions on the number of passengers you can carry and where you can drive.
4. Hazmat Restrictions: If you have a hazardous materials endorsement, there may be restrictions on the types of materials you can transport and where you can drive.
5. Time Restrictions: Depending on the type of commercial vehicle you are operating, there may be restrictions on how many hours you can drive in a day and how many days in a row you can drive without taking a break.
It's important to be aware of any restrictions or limitations that apply to your Class A CDL license and to comply with all applicable rules and regulations.
Therefore, all CDL tests, including the written test, are only offered in English. However, you may be able to bring a translator with you to assist you during the testing process if you need help understanding the instructions. It's important to contact your local South Dakota DMV office ahead of time to inquire about any accommodations or resources that may be available to you.
To request accommodations, you will need to complete a Request for Accommodations form and submit it to your local South Dakota DMV office. The form requires documentation of your disability and how it affects your ability to take the test. The DMV will review your request and determine what accommodations can be provided based on your individual needs.
Examples of accommodations that may be available include extended testing time, a separate testing room, the use of assistive technology or software, or a sign language interpreter. It's important to make your request for accommodations as early as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made for your testing session.
If you fail the test three times, you will need to wait at least 14 days before retaking it. If you fail the test six times, you will need to wait at least 30 days before retaking it.
Each time you take the test, you will need to pay a testing fee. The fee for the Class A CDL written test is $8.00 in South Dakota.
It's important to prepare thoroughly for the test and review the CDL handbook and any other study materials before taking it again. If you continue to have difficulty passing the written test, consider seeking additional training or assistance from a reputable CDL training program or instructor.