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
22. 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.
23. You may be an aggressive driver if you:
Explanation
Avoid being an aggressive driver by being realistic about your travel time, making allowance for delays, maintaining reasonable following distances, and not making hand gestures that could anger another driver.
24. Maintaining a cushion of space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead is:
Explanation
For safe driving, it is essential that you maintain cushions of space on all sides of your vehicle. This helps to ensure that you will have time to take appropriate action if a problem arises.
25. The ____ between an air compressor and reservoir tank prevents air from escaping if the air compressor has a leak.
Explanation
A one-way check valve is required to be between an air compressor and the first main reservoir. This valve prevents air from escaping the system if the air compressor develops a leak.
26. What is brake lag?
Explanation
Because air takes time to flow through the air lines to the brakes, air brakes cannot begin working instantly. There is often a brake lag of at least one-half of a second between the moment the brake pedal is pressed and the moment the brakes begin to work.
27. You should maintain at least ____ of following distance per every 10 feet of your vehicle when you are traveling more slowly than 40 mph.
Explanation
At speeds below 40 mph, you should allow at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle. Follow the same formula when traveling at faster speeds, then add one additional second to your following distance. Remember that larger vehicles require more space to stop than smaller vehicles.
28. If an unusual noise or feeling occurs in a vehicle while it is being driven, the driver should:
Explanation
If you see, hear, smell, or feel anything while driving that does not feel right, you should have it checked out.
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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.
