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 Virginia Commercial Driver License Manual. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has three 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
1. If asked by a law enforcement officer to take a test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC):
Explanation
Most states have an Implied Consent Law, which means that by driving a vehicle on the state's roads, you have agreed to undergo a drug or alcohol test if a police officer asks you to do so. If you refuse to submit to a test, you will lose your operating privileges. Make sure you are aware of the laws for every state in which you drive.
2. When using a mirror, you should:
Explanation
When making mirror checks, you should look at the mirrors fairly quickly. If you spend too much time looking in a mirror, you may travel a substantial distance down the road without seeing what is coming up ahead.
3. Mirrors should:
Explanation
It is important to check your mirrors regularly when driving, both to be aware of other traffic and to observe problems that may arise on your own vehicle.
4. When coming to a stop, you should apply the brake pedal by:
Explanation
When stopping, you should push the brake pedal down gradually. Braking gradually will help you to maintain proper control of your vehicle.
5. Texting while driving is:
Explanation
Texting while driving is more distracting than talking on a phone because it involves both mental and physical distraction. It takes mental focus away from driving, requires you to take one or both hands off of the steering wheel to enter text, and forces you to take your eyes off the road to look at your phone screen.
6. When pulled off on the side of the road:
Explanation
If you must stop on the side of the road, make sure to use your four-way emergency flashers. This is particularly important at night.
7. How soon after starting a trip must cargo securement be checked?
Explanation
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
A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Virginia is required to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This type of license is necessary to drive large trucks and tractor-trailers on public roads and highways.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in Virginia:
1. Obtain a Virginia Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the knowledge test for obtaining a CDL.
2. Practice driving with a commercial vehicle that meets the Class A CDL requirements.
3. Schedule and pass a skills test for the Class A CDL license at a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
4. Provide proof of identity, residency, social security number, and medical certification.
5. Pay the required fees for obtaining a Class A CDL license in Virginia.
It's important to note that there are age requirements and restrictions for obtaining a Class A CDL license in Virginia. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain this type of license, but must be 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials. Additionally, drivers with a Class A CDL license must follow all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving and maintain their license through regular renewals and medical examinations.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in Virginia:
1. Obtain a Virginia Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the knowledge test for obtaining a CDL.
2. Practice driving with a commercial vehicle that meets the Class A CDL requirements.
3. Schedule and pass a skills test for the Class A CDL license at a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
4. Provide proof of identity, residency, social security number, and medical certification.
5. Pay the required fees for obtaining a Class A CDL license in Virginia.
It's important to note that there are age requirements and restrictions for obtaining a Class A CDL license in Virginia. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain this type of license, but must be 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials. Additionally, drivers with a Class A CDL license must follow all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving and maintain their license through regular renewals and medical examinations.
With a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Virginia, you can operate the following types of vehicles:
1. Combination vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
2. Tractor-trailers or semi-trucks.
3. Truck and trailer combinations with double or triple trailers.
4. Tanker vehicles used for transporting liquids or gases.
5. Livestock carriers used for transporting animals.
6. Flatbed trucks carrying oversized loads.
7. Hazardous materials carriers that require a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement in addition to the Class A CDL license.
It's important to note that drivers with a Class A CDL license must follow all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving and maintain their license through regular renewals and medical examinations.
1. Combination vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
2. Tractor-trailers or semi-trucks.
3. Truck and trailer combinations with double or triple trailers.
4. Tanker vehicles used for transporting liquids or gases.
5. Livestock carriers used for transporting animals.
6. Flatbed trucks carrying oversized loads.
7. Hazardous materials carriers that require a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement in addition to the Class A CDL license.
It's important to note that drivers with a Class A CDL license must follow all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving and maintain their license through regular renewals and medical examinations.
To obtain a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Virginia, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license, although you cannot drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials until you are 21 years old.
2. Residency: You must be a resident of Virginia or provide proof of legal presence in the United States.
3. Medical Certification: You must provide a valid medical certificate to prove that you meet the physical requirements for operating a commercial vehicle.
4. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must hold a valid Virginia Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
5. Knowledge Tests: You must pass the knowledge tests for obtaining a CDL, which includes general knowledge, combination vehicles, and air brakes if applicable.
6. Skills Test: You must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Background Check: You must pass a background check that includes driving history, criminal history, and other relevant information.
8. Fees: You must pay the required fees for obtaining a Class A CDL license in Virginia.
It's important to note that drivers with a Class A CDL license must follow all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving and maintain their license through regular renewals and medical examinations.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license, although you cannot drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials until you are 21 years old.
2. Residency: You must be a resident of Virginia or provide proof of legal presence in the United States.
3. Medical Certification: You must provide a valid medical certificate to prove that you meet the physical requirements for operating a commercial vehicle.
4. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must hold a valid Virginia Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
5. Knowledge Tests: You must pass the knowledge tests for obtaining a CDL, which includes general knowledge, combination vehicles, and air brakes if applicable.
6. Skills Test: You must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Background Check: You must pass a background check that includes driving history, criminal history, and other relevant information.
8. Fees: You must pay the required fees for obtaining a Class A CDL license in Virginia.
It's important to note that drivers with a Class A CDL license must follow all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving and maintain their license through regular renewals and medical examinations.
In Virginia, the minimum age requirement for obtaining a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) is 18 years old. However, drivers who are 18-20 years old are restricted to driving within the state of Virginia and are not permitted to operate commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials or cross state lines.
Drivers who are 21 years old or older are eligible to operate commercial vehicles across state lines and transport hazardous materials. It's important to note that individual employers may have their own age requirements for certain types of commercial driving positions.
Drivers who are 21 years old or older are eligible to operate commercial vehicles across state lines and transport hazardous materials. It's important to note that individual employers may have their own age requirements for certain types of commercial driving positions.
Yes, depending on the type of cargo you will be hauling, you may need to obtain additional endorsements for your Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Virginia. The following are the different endorsements available:
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: Required for drivers who will be hauling two or three trailers connected to their commercial vehicle.
2. P - Passenger: Required for drivers who will be operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank: Required for drivers who will be hauling liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of over 119 gallons.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who will be transporting hazardous materials as defined by federal regulations.
To obtain these endorsements, you must pass additional knowledge tests and meet other requirements related to the specific endorsement. It's important to note that some endorsements may require a background check and fingerprinting.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: Required for drivers who will be hauling two or three trailers connected to their commercial vehicle.
2. P - Passenger: Required for drivers who will be operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank: Required for drivers who will be hauling liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of over 119 gallons.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who will be transporting hazardous materials as defined by federal regulations.
To obtain these endorsements, you must pass additional knowledge tests and meet other requirements related to the specific endorsement. It's important to note that some endorsements may require a background check and fingerprinting.
The Class A CDL skills test in Virginia is comprised of three parts and is designed to evaluate your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. The following are the three parts of the skills test:
1. Pre-trip Inspection: The first part of the test involves an inspection of your commercial vehicle. You will be required to identify and explain to the examiner the various parts and systems of your vehicle that must be checked before driving.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: The second part of the test involves demonstrating your ability to maneuver the commercial vehicle in a controlled manner. This includes activities such as backing up, turning, and parking.
3. On-Road Test: The third and final part of the test involves driving the commercial vehicle on public roads while demonstrating safe driving habits and adherence to traffic laws.
It's important to note that you must pass all three parts of the skills test in order to obtain a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Virginia. Additionally, you will need to provide a properly equipped and insured commercial vehicle for testing purposes.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: The first part of the test involves an inspection of your commercial vehicle. You will be required to identify and explain to the examiner the various parts and systems of your vehicle that must be checked before driving.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: The second part of the test involves demonstrating your ability to maneuver the commercial vehicle in a controlled manner. This includes activities such as backing up, turning, and parking.
3. On-Road Test: The third and final part of the test involves driving the commercial vehicle on public roads while demonstrating safe driving habits and adherence to traffic laws.
It's important to note that you must pass all three parts of the skills test in order to obtain a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Virginia. Additionally, you will need to provide a properly equipped and insured commercial vehicle for testing purposes.
Yes, there are certain restrictions or limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL license in Virginia. Some of these restrictions include:
1. With a Class A CDL, you may only operate combination vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is over 10,000 pounds.
2. If you are under 21 years of age, you cannot operate a commercial vehicle outside of Virginia and cannot transport hazardous materials.
3. If you have an "L" (learner's) restriction on your license, you must be accompanied by a licensed CDL holder in the front seat who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience in the same type of commercial vehicle.
4. If you have an "E" (automatic transmission only) restriction on your license, you are only authorized to operate commercial vehicles with automatic transmissions.
It's important to note that violating any of these restrictions can result in fines and/or penalties and can jeopardize your CDL eligibility.
1. With a Class A CDL, you may only operate combination vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is over 10,000 pounds.
2. If you are under 21 years of age, you cannot operate a commercial vehicle outside of Virginia and cannot transport hazardous materials.
3. If you have an "L" (learner's) restriction on your license, you must be accompanied by a licensed CDL holder in the front seat who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience in the same type of commercial vehicle.
4. If you have an "E" (automatic transmission only) restriction on your license, you are only authorized to operate commercial vehicles with automatic transmissions.
It's important to note that violating any of these restrictions can result in fines and/or penalties and can jeopardize your CDL eligibility.
No, in Virginia, the Class A CDL written test is only available in English. This is because being able to understand and communicate in English is an important requirement for commercial drivers, as they need to be able to read and understand road signs, communicate with other drivers and law enforcement officials, and understand instructions from dispatchers.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you may be allowed to bring an interpreter with you to translate the test questions and answers into a language that you are more comfortable with. You will need to make arrangements with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ahead of time and provide your own interpreter. Additionally, it's important to note that your interpreter cannot assist you in answering any of the test questions.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you may be allowed to bring an interpreter with you to translate the test questions and answers into a language that you are more comfortable with. You will need to make arrangements with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ahead of time and provide your own interpreter. Additionally, it's important to note that your interpreter cannot assist you in answering any of the test questions.
Yes, if you have a disability that may affect your ability to take the Class A CDL written test, you can request accommodations for the test. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities that may include, but are not limited to:
- Extended time to complete the test
- A separate room for testing
- Assistance from a reader or a scribe
- An oral test administered by a DMV examiner
To request accommodations, you will need to contact the DMV Special Services Division at least two weeks before your scheduled test date. You will need to provide documentation of your disability and the type of accommodation you are requesting. The DMV will review your request and work with you to determine what accommodations are necessary and appropriate.
- Extended time to complete the test
- A separate room for testing
- Assistance from a reader or a scribe
- An oral test administered by a DMV examiner
To request accommodations, you will need to contact the DMV Special Services Division at least two weeks before your scheduled test date. You will need to provide documentation of your disability and the type of accommodation you are requesting. The DMV will review your request and work with you to determine what accommodations are necessary and appropriate.
Yes, if you fail the Class A CDL written test, you can retake it. However, you will need to wait at least one business day before taking the test again, and you will need to pay the testing fee each time you take the test.
It's important to note that if you fail the test three times, you will be required to complete a Virginia DMV-approved commercial driver training program before taking the test again. The commercial driver training program is designed to help you prepare for the test and ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the material covered on the test. You will need to provide proof of completion of the training program before being allowed to take the test again.
Additionally, it's important to study and prepare thoroughly for the Class A CDL written test before taking it. You can find study materials and practice tests on the Virginia DMV website or at your local DMV office.
It's important to note that if you fail the test three times, you will be required to complete a Virginia DMV-approved commercial driver training program before taking the test again. The commercial driver training program is designed to help you prepare for the test and ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the material covered on the test. You will need to provide proof of completion of the training program before being allowed to take the test again.
Additionally, it's important to study and prepare thoroughly for the Class A CDL written test before taking it. You can find study materials and practice tests on the Virginia DMV website or at your local DMV office.
