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 four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the West Virginia Commercial Driver’s 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. When conducting a vehicle inspection, you must show each of the following, except:
When checking the oil pressure gauge as part of a vehicle inspection test, you must ensure that it is working. The gauge should show increasing or normal oil pressure, or the oil pressure warning light should turn off. If equipped with one, the oil temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range.
2. A steering wheel should be held:
A steering wheel should be held firmly with both hands, positioned on opposite sides of the wheel.
3. When nearing a construction worker who is close to the road, you should:
In work zones, you should drive at the posted speed limits. Reduce your speed even further when workers are on or near the road.
4. An example of mandatory emergency equipment is:
Mandatory emergency equipment includes: at least one fire extinguisher; spare electrical fuses (unless the vehicle is equipped with circuit breakers); and warning devices for parked vehicles (such as reflective triangles).
5. During the vehicle inspection test, you will be required to do all of the following, except:
As a part of earning your CDL, you will have to pass an inspection test and demonstrate that your vehicle is safe for operation. During the vehicle inspection test, you will have to walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. You will not have to crawl under the hood or under the vehicle.
6. What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.
7. A cargo cover that flaps while you are driving:
If cargo is covered, the cover should not flap in the wind in transit. The cover could tear loose, uncovering the cargo while potentially blocking your view or the view of others.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving), hold a valid West Virginia driver's license, and have no disqualifying criminal offenses.
2. Obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP): You must pass the general knowledge test and any applicable endorsement tests for the vehicles you plan to operate. You must also pass a medical exam and obtain a medical certificate.
3. Gain experience: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
4. Schedule and pass the skills test: The skills test consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must bring your own vehicle to the test and have a qualified examiner administer the test.
5. Pay the fees: There are several fees associated with obtaining a Class A CDL license in West Virginia, including application fees, testing fees, and endorsement fees if applicable.
6. Receive your CDL: Once you have passed all tests and paid all fees, you will receive your Class A CDL license in West Virginia.
1. Tractor-trailer combinations: This includes a power unit (tractor) that is connected to one or more trailers.
2. Truck and trailer combinations: This includes a truck with a cargo-carrying unit (trailer) attached.
3. Double and triple trailers: This includes two or three trailers connected together.
4. Tanker vehicles: This includes vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases.
5. Livestock carriers: This includes vehicles designed to transport live animals.
6. Flatbed trucks: This includes trucks with a flat platform for carrying cargo.
7. Specialized hauling vehicles: This includes vehicles designed for specific types of cargo, such as oversized or hazardous materials.
It is important to note that additional endorsements may be required to operate certain types of vehicles, such as those transporting hazardous materials or passengers.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL in West Virginia, but you must be at least 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Residency: You must be a legal resident of West Virginia or provide proof of lawful presence in the United States.
3. Medical certification: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a qualified medical examiner.
4. Commercial learner's permit (CLP): You must hold a valid CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
5. Knowledge tests: You must pass the general knowledge test and any applicable endorsement tests for the vehicles you plan to operate.
6. Skills test: You must pass a three-part skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Fees: You must pay the appropriate fees for your CDL application, testing, and endorsements (if applicable).
8. Driving record: Your driving record will be checked for any disqualifying offenses or violations.
9. Background check: You may be subject to a criminal background check before receiving your CDL.
It is important to note that additional requirements may apply depending on your specific situation and the type of vehicle you plan to operate with your Class A CDL.
1. Tanker endorsement: Required if you plan to transport liquid or gas in tank trailers or tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
2. Hazmat endorsement: Required if you plan to transport hazardous materials as defined by the Department of Transportation.
3. Doubles/triples endorsement: Required if you plan to operate double or triple trailers.
4. Passenger endorsement: Required if you plan to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle, such as a bus.
To obtain these endorsements, you must pass additional knowledge and skills tests specific to each endorsement. It's important to note that there may be additional requirements and restrictions for each endorsement, such as background checks and age restrictions. Make sure to check with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific requirements related to your situation.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. During this test, you will be asked to identify and explain various components of the vehicle, such as brakes, tires, lights, and safety equipment.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in a variety of situations. This includes backing up, turning, and parking in a straight line and in reverse.
3. On-road driving: You will be evaluated on your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads and highways. During this test, you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to obey traffic laws, make lane changes, turn at intersections, and use proper communication with other drivers on the road.
It's important to note that each part of the skills test is scored separately, and you must pass each part to obtain your Class A CDL. Additionally, you must complete the skills test in a vehicle that is representative of the type of commercial vehicle you will be driving with your CDL.
1. Air brakes restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will have an air brakes restriction on your CDL. This means you are not allowed to operate a vehicle with air brakes.
2. Automatic transmission restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have an automatic transmission restriction on your CDL. This means you are not allowed to operate a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Hazmat endorsement background check: If you have a hazmat endorsement on your CDL, you will be subject to a background check every time you renew your endorsement.
4. Passenger endorsement age restriction: If you have a passenger endorsement on your CDL, you must be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle carrying 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
5. Time-limited medical certification: Depending on your medical condition, you may be required to obtain a time-limited medical certification before you can obtain or renew your CDL.
It's important to note that there may be additional restrictions and limitations depending on your specific situation. Make sure to check with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for more information about CDL restrictions and limitations.
However, if you have difficulty understanding English, you may bring an interpreter with you to the DMV to translate instructions and questions for you. The interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language, and they must not be a family member or friend. You may also use translation tools or services to help you understand the test questions.
It's important to note that if you are unable to read or write in English, you may still be eligible for a CDL if you can demonstrate your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. In this case, you will need to work with the DMV to determine an appropriate testing process for you.
To request accommodations for the CDL written test, you must complete and submit a Request for Reasonable Accommodations form to the DMV. The form requires you to provide information about your disability and the specific accommodations you are requesting. Some examples of accommodations that may be available include additional testing time, use of a sign language interpreter, or use of assistive technology.
The DMV will review your request and determine if your requested accommodations are reasonable and appropriate. They may also contact you for additional information or documentation related to your disability. Once your accommodations have been approved, the DMV will work with you to schedule a testing date and time that works for both parties.
It's important to note that the DMV may deny your request for accommodations if they determine that it would fundamentally alter the nature of the CDL written test or create an undue burden. If this occurs, they will work with you to find alternative testing options or accommodations.
It's important to note that there is a limit to how many times you can take the CDL written test. In West Virginia, you are allowed to take the CDL written test a maximum of three times within a 90-day period. If you fail the test three times, you will need to wait at least 90 days before you can take the test again.
To prepare for the CDL written test and improve your chances of passing on your first try, you should study the West Virginia Commercial Driver's License Manual and practice answering sample test questions. You can find study materials and practice tests on the West Virginia DMV website or through commercial CDL training programs.
If you continue to struggle with passing the CDL written test, it may be helpful to work with a CDL instructor or tutor who can provide additional guidance and support.