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.
15. Backing with a trailer is dangerous because:
Backing is always dangerous because it is impossible to see everything that is behind your vehicle. Only drive in reverse if it is absolutely necessary.
16. To use the controlled braking method, you should:
Controlled braking is the method of applying a vehicle's brakes as hard as possible without locking the wheels. A driver should keep steering wheel movements very small if braking while using this method.
17. If you doubt that you have enough space to safely drive under a bridge or sign, you should:
If you are not certain that your vehicle will fit under overhead objects, you should slow down and take a different route, if possible.
18. After an accident, flares should be used with caution because:
A common cause of vehicle fires in the aftermath of an accident is the improper use of flares near spilled fuel. Use flares with caution.
19. Emergency equipment in a vehicle is:
During a pre-trip inspection, you should check for emergency equipment, including spare electrical fuses; three red reflective triangles, six fuses, or three liquid burning flares; and at least one properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.
20. Pre-trip inspections:
A vehicle inspection should be completed in the same order every time. This will make it easier for you to learn all of the steps and will make it less likely that you will forget to check something.
21. Friction in an S-cam brake is caused when the brake shoes and linings:
Friction inside a brake drum is caused when the brake shoes and linings push against the inside of the drum. The friction in the drums will slow and stop the vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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.
- 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.
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.