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 Commercial Driver Guide. 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
8. While driving, ____ generally holds spring brakes in place.
Explanation
While driving, spring brakes are generally held in place by air pressure. If the air pressure gets low enough, the springs will activate the brakes.
9. If you are braking on dry pavement while traveling at 55 mph, how much distance will brake lag add to your overall stopping distance?
Explanation
The total stopping distance for vehicles equipped with air brakes is made up of four factors: perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance. When braking at a speed of 55 mph while driving on dry pavement, the brake lag can add around 32 feet to the vehicle's total stopping distance.
10. When exiting a vehicle, a driver should:
Explanation
When exiting your vehicle during the basic vehicle control skills test, you must face the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times. If your testing vehicle is a bus, you must maintain contact with the handrail. Exiting the vehicle incorrectly may result in automatic failure of the basic vehicle control skills test.
11. Driving at night is:
Explanation
Driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day because hazards become more difficult to see in the dark.
12. To qualify for a CDL, which of the following is not an acceptable method for obtaining the minimum required training?
Explanation
If you are applying for your first CDL, or you have not been commercially licensed for the past year, you must provide proof of completing a commercial driver training program from a state-approved training school or registered employer.
13. If your wheels being to spin when accelerating on a poor traction surface, you should:
Explanation
If your drive wheels begin to spin while accelerating on a surface with poor traction, you should remove your foot from the accelerator.
14. When it is difficult to see and you are traveling near other drivers, you should:
Explanation
Use your low beam headlights when traveling near other drivers at times when it is difficult to see, such as at dawn, at dusk, or in poor weather conditions. Using the high beam setting under certain conditions could make it difficult for other drivers to see.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) in Washington state allows a driver to operate a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed is heavier than 10,000 pounds. This type of license is required for drivers who operate tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, or any other combination of vehicles that exceeds the weight limit for a Class B CDL. To obtain a Class A CDL in Washington, a driver must pass both written and driving tests, as well as meet other requirements such as age and medical certification.
With a Class A CDL license in Washington, you can operate the following vehicles:
1. Combination Vehicles: These are vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed has a weight of more than 10,000 pounds.
2. Tractor-Trailers: These are vehicles that consist of a tractor unit and a semi-trailer that are connected by a fifth wheel coupling.
3. Truck and Trailer Combinations: These are vehicles that consist of a truck and one or more trailers connected by a hitch.
4. Livestock Carriers: These are vehicles designed to transport live animals such as cattle, pigs, and sheep.
5. Flatbed Trucks: These are trucks that have an open cargo area without any sides or roof.
6. Tanker Vehicles: These are vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk, such as fuel or chemicals.
7. Doubles/Triples: These are combination vehicles with two or three trailers attached to the truck.
It is important to note that there may be additional endorsements or certifications required to operate certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
1. Combination Vehicles: These are vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed has a weight of more than 10,000 pounds.
2. Tractor-Trailers: These are vehicles that consist of a tractor unit and a semi-trailer that are connected by a fifth wheel coupling.
3. Truck and Trailer Combinations: These are vehicles that consist of a truck and one or more trailers connected by a hitch.
4. Livestock Carriers: These are vehicles designed to transport live animals such as cattle, pigs, and sheep.
5. Flatbed Trucks: These are trucks that have an open cargo area without any sides or roof.
6. Tanker Vehicles: These are vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk, such as fuel or chemicals.
7. Doubles/Triples: These are combination vehicles with two or three trailers attached to the truck.
It is important to note that there may be additional endorsements or certifications required to operate certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Washington, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL, but you will be restricted to operating within the state of Washington only. To operate across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid driver's license (Class C) or commercial driver's license permit (CDL permit).
3. Medical Certification: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
4. Knowledge Test: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers general driving knowledge and specific knowledge related to operating a commercial vehicle.
5. Skills Test: You must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Background Check: You will be required to undergo a background check as part of the application process.
7. Fees: You will need to pay the required fees for obtaining a CDL in Washington.
It is important to note that additional endorsements or certifications may be required depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport endorsements.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL, but you will be restricted to operating within the state of Washington only. To operate across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid driver's license (Class C) or commercial driver's license permit (CDL permit).
3. Medical Certification: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
4. Knowledge Test: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers general driving knowledge and specific knowledge related to operating a commercial vehicle.
5. Skills Test: You must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Background Check: You will be required to undergo a background check as part of the application process.
7. Fees: You will need to pay the required fees for obtaining a CDL in Washington.
It is important to note that additional endorsements or certifications may be required depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport endorsements.
The minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL license in Washington is 18 years old. However, drivers who are 18, 19, or 20 years old will be restricted to operating within the state of Washington only. To operate across state lines or transport hazardous materials, drivers must be at least 21 years old. Additionally, some employers may have their own age requirements that are higher than the state minimum.
Yes, you may need additional endorsements to operate certain types of commercial vehicles with a Class A CDL license in Washington. The most common endorsements for a Class A CDL are:
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement is required to operate a combination of two or three trailers.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement is required to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: This endorsement is required to operate a vehicle that carries liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required to transport hazardous materials in a tank vehicle.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass additional knowledge and skills tests beyond those required for the Class A CDL license. It is important to note that each endorsement requires additional fees and may have its own specific requirements for obtaining and renewing it.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement is required to operate a combination of two or three trailers.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement is required to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: This endorsement is required to operate a vehicle that carries liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required to transport hazardous materials in a tank vehicle.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass additional knowledge and skills tests beyond those required for the Class A CDL license. It is important to note that each endorsement requires additional fees and may have its own specific requirements for obtaining and renewing it.
The Class A CDL skills test in Washington State consists of three parts:
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be asked to perform a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you are checking for and why. You will need to identify and explain the condition of various components of your vehicle, such as the brakes, tires, lights, and coupling devices.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control your vehicle by performing various maneuvers, such as straight line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
3. On-Road Driving: You will be asked to drive on public roads while being evaluated on your ability to safely operate your vehicle in traffic. During this part of the test, you will be evaluated on your ability to perform tasks such as lane changes, turns, intersections, and merging onto highways.
Each part of the skills test must be completed successfully in order to pass. It is important to note that the skills test must be taken in a vehicle that is representative of the type of commercial vehicle you plan to operate with your Class A CDL license. Additionally, you must hold a valid Washington State commercial learner's permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be asked to perform a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you are checking for and why. You will need to identify and explain the condition of various components of your vehicle, such as the brakes, tires, lights, and coupling devices.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control your vehicle by performing various maneuvers, such as straight line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
3. On-Road Driving: You will be asked to drive on public roads while being evaluated on your ability to safely operate your vehicle in traffic. During this part of the test, you will be evaluated on your ability to perform tasks such as lane changes, turns, intersections, and merging onto highways.
Each part of the skills test must be completed successfully in order to pass. It is important to note that the skills test must be taken in a vehicle that is representative of the type of commercial vehicle you plan to operate with your Class A CDL license. Additionally, you must hold a valid Washington State commercial learner's permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
Yes, there are restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL license in Washington State. Some of the most common restrictions include:
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will be restricted from operating vehicles with air brakes.
2. L - No Air Brake Vehicles: If you take your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, but you want to operate vehicles with air brakes, you can obtain this restriction to show that you are not approved to operate vehicles with air brakes.
3. E - No Manual Transmission Vehicles: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will be restricted from operating vehicles with manual transmissions.
4. O - No Tractor-Trailer Combination: If you take your skills test in a single-unit vehicle, you will be restricted from operating combination vehicles.
5. M - Military Only: This restriction is for drivers who obtained their CDL while serving in the military and performed their driving duties in military vehicles similar to commercial vehicles.
It is important to note that some of these restrictions may be lifted if you pass additional tests or meet other requirements. Additionally, there may be other restrictions or limitations based on the type of vehicle or cargo you plan to transport with your CDL license.
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will be restricted from operating vehicles with air brakes.
2. L - No Air Brake Vehicles: If you take your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, but you want to operate vehicles with air brakes, you can obtain this restriction to show that you are not approved to operate vehicles with air brakes.
3. E - No Manual Transmission Vehicles: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will be restricted from operating vehicles with manual transmissions.
4. O - No Tractor-Trailer Combination: If you take your skills test in a single-unit vehicle, you will be restricted from operating combination vehicles.
5. M - Military Only: This restriction is for drivers who obtained their CDL while serving in the military and performed their driving duties in military vehicles similar to commercial vehicles.
It is important to note that some of these restrictions may be lifted if you pass additional tests or meet other requirements. Additionally, there may be other restrictions or limitations based on the type of vehicle or cargo you plan to transport with your CDL license.
Yes, in Washington State, you can take the Class A CDL written test in a language other than English. The Washington State Department of Licensing offers the written test in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Punjabi, and Vietnamese.
If you choose to take the test in a language other than English, you will need to bring an interpreter with you to help with the testing process. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old, not related to you, and must not have any financial interest in your passing or failing the test.
It is important to note that if you take the written test in a language other than English and pass, your CDL will be issued with a restriction stating that you are only authorized to operate a commercial vehicle if it is equipped with a translator device or if an interpreter is present. If you choose to remove this restriction in the future, you will need to retake the written test in English and pass it.
If you choose to take the test in a language other than English, you will need to bring an interpreter with you to help with the testing process. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old, not related to you, and must not have any financial interest in your passing or failing the test.
It is important to note that if you take the written test in a language other than English and pass, your CDL will be issued with a restriction stating that you are only authorized to operate a commercial vehicle if it is equipped with a translator device or if an interpreter is present. If you choose to remove this restriction in the future, you will need to retake the written test in English and pass it.
Yes, in Washington State, you can request accommodations for the Class A CDL written test due to a disability. The Washington State Department of Licensing provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to ensure that they have an equal opportunity to take the written test.
To request accommodations, you will need to fill out the "Request for Reasonable Accommodation" form, which is available on the Department of Licensing's website. The form must be completed by a qualified professional who can provide documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations that are necessary.
Some examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a separate testing room, or the use of assistive technology such as a screen reader or magnifier.
It is important to note that accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis, and not all requests will be granted. The Department of Licensing will review each request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on the individual's disability and the requirements of the written test.
To request accommodations, you will need to fill out the "Request for Reasonable Accommodation" form, which is available on the Department of Licensing's website. The form must be completed by a qualified professional who can provide documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations that are necessary.
Some examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a separate testing room, or the use of assistive technology such as a screen reader or magnifier.
It is important to note that accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis, and not all requests will be granted. The Department of Licensing will review each request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on the individual's disability and the requirements of the written test.
Yes, if you fail the Class A CDL written test in Washington State, you can retake it. However, there are certain rules and restrictions regarding how many times you can take the test and how long you must wait before retaking it.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it as soon as the next day. However, if you fail the test three times within a two-year period, you will be required to wait at least 30 days before taking it again. If you fail the test four or more times within a two-year period, you will be required to wait at least 6 months before taking it again.
It is important to note that each time you retake the written test, you will need to pay the testing fee again. Additionally, if you fail the test multiple times, it may be a good idea to seek additional study materials or consider taking a CDL training course to better prepare for the exam.
Once you pass the written test, you will need to complete additional requirements in order to obtain your Class A CDL license, such as passing a skills test and meeting other eligibility requirements.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it as soon as the next day. However, if you fail the test three times within a two-year period, you will be required to wait at least 30 days before taking it again. If you fail the test four or more times within a two-year period, you will be required to wait at least 6 months before taking it again.
It is important to note that each time you retake the written test, you will need to pay the testing fee again. Additionally, if you fail the test multiple times, it may be a good idea to seek additional study materials or consider taking a CDL training course to better prepare for the exam.
Once you pass the written test, you will need to complete additional requirements in order to obtain your Class A CDL license, such as passing a skills test and meeting other eligibility requirements.
