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 three or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s 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.
Number of Question
Passing Score
8. Drivers trapped behind a slow-moving vehicle often:
Explanation
It is common for drivers to tailgate slow-moving vehicles that cannot keep up with the speed of surrounding traffic. If you are being tailgated, allow the other driver to pass your vehicle.
9. While driving, if you notice anything affecting safety or mechanics, you should:
Explanation
At the end of each day of driving, you may be required to make a written report on the vehicle or vehicles driven. Be sure to make note of any issues that could affect the safety of the vehicle or that could lead to a mechanical breakdown.
10. What do air brakes use to make the brakes work?
Explanation
Many large CMVs are equipped with air brakes. An air braking system uses compressed air to operate.
11. Dry bulk tanks require special care because:
Explanation
Driving with a dry bulk tank requires special care, both because dry bulk tanks have high centers of gravity and because their loads often shift in transit. Be especially careful when taking turns and curves while operating such a vehicle.
12. When taking the on-road driving skills test, you will be evaluated on your gear usage. You should not:
Explanation
During the on-road driving skills test, you will be evaluated on your gear usage. Select a gear that does not rev or lug the engine; avoid grinding and clashing gears; and avoid shifting through turns or intersections.
13. How does doubling your speed from 20 mph to 40 mph affect your vehicle's braking distance?
Explanation
Increasing your vehicle's speed will increase your vehicle's striking power and braking distance. Doubling your vehicle's speed from 20 to 40 mph will multiply its braking distance by four.
14. To ensure normal stopping power, drivers of vehicles equipped with a front brake limiting valve should:
Explanation
Some older vehicles have front brake limiting valves with "normal" and "slippery" settings. Setting a brake limiting valve to "slippery" reduces the vehicle's stopping power, so a driver should make sure the valve is in its "normal" position. Front wheel braking has proven to be effective in all driving conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a type of driver's license required to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. In Wisconsin, this license also allows the driver to operate vehicles in Class B and C categories.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in Wisconsin:
1. Obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP): To get a CLP, you need to pass a written test and a vision exam. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid regular driver's license.
2. Complete CDL training: You can attend CDL training at an approved school or through an employer who provides training. The training should include both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
3. Pass CDL skills test: Once you have completed your training, you must pass a three-part skills test that includes pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
4. Submit medical certification: You must submit a medical certification that shows you are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
5. Pay fees and obtain your CDL: After passing the skills test and submitting the medical certification, you can pay the fees and obtain your Class A CDL.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or restrictions depending on your specific situation, such as background checks or specialized endorsements for certain types of vehicles or cargo.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in Wisconsin:
1. Obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP): To get a CLP, you need to pass a written test and a vision exam. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid regular driver's license.
2. Complete CDL training: You can attend CDL training at an approved school or through an employer who provides training. The training should include both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
3. Pass CDL skills test: Once you have completed your training, you must pass a three-part skills test that includes pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
4. Submit medical certification: You must submit a medical certification that shows you are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
5. Pay fees and obtain your CDL: After passing the skills test and submitting the medical certification, you can pay the fees and obtain your Class A CDL.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or restrictions depending on your specific situation, such as background checks or specialized endorsements for certain types of vehicles or cargo.
With a Class A CDL license in Wisconsin, you can operate the following types of vehicles:
1. Combination Vehicles: Combination vehicles are those that have a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, and other types of combination vehicles.
2. Single Vehicles: A Class A CDL also allows you to operate single vehicles with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
3. Vehicles in Class B and C Categories: With a Class A CDL, you are also allowed to operate vehicles in Class B and C categories, which includes buses and other commercial vehicles with fewer than three axles.
However, it is important to note that there may be additional requirements or endorsements needed to operate certain types of vehicles or cargo. It is always recommended to check with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for specific requirements and restrictions.
1. Combination Vehicles: Combination vehicles are those that have a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, and other types of combination vehicles.
2. Single Vehicles: A Class A CDL also allows you to operate single vehicles with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
3. Vehicles in Class B and C Categories: With a Class A CDL, you are also allowed to operate vehicles in Class B and C categories, which includes buses and other commercial vehicles with fewer than three axles.
However, it is important to note that there may be additional requirements or endorsements needed to operate certain types of vehicles or cargo. It is always recommended to check with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for specific requirements and restrictions.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Wisconsin, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Wisconsin and at least 21 years old to drive outside of the state.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid regular driver's license and a clean driving record.
3. Medical Certification: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a licensed medical examiner to show that you are physically and mentally fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must obtain a CLP by passing a written test and a vision exam.
5. CDL Training: You must complete a CDL training program that includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, which can be done through an approved school or employer.
6. Skills Test: You must pass a three-part skills test that includes pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
7. Background Check: Some employers may require you to pass a background check before hiring you as a commercial driver.
Additionally, there may be additional requirements or endorsements needed to operate certain types of vehicles or cargo. It is always recommended to check with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for specific requirements and restrictions.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Wisconsin and at least 21 years old to drive outside of the state.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid regular driver's license and a clean driving record.
3. Medical Certification: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a licensed medical examiner to show that you are physically and mentally fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must obtain a CLP by passing a written test and a vision exam.
5. CDL Training: You must complete a CDL training program that includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, which can be done through an approved school or employer.
6. Skills Test: You must pass a three-part skills test that includes pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
7. Background Check: Some employers may require you to pass a background check before hiring you as a commercial driver.
Additionally, there may be additional requirements or endorsements needed to operate certain types of vehicles or cargo. It is always recommended to check with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for specific requirements and restrictions.
In Wisconsin, the minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL license is 18 years old. However, drivers who are younger than 21 years old are restricted to driving commercial vehicles within the state of Wisconsin only. If a driver is 21 years old or older, they may drive commercial vehicles across state lines. It is important to note that individual employers may have their own age requirements for hiring commercial drivers, so it is recommended to check with potential employers for their specific requirements.
Yes, you may need endorsements for a Class A CDL license depending on the type of cargo you will be transporting. The following endorsements are available for a Class A CDL:
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement is required if you will be operating a combination of two or three trailers.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement is required if you will be operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicles: This endorsement is required if you will be transporting liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required if you will be transporting hazardous materials that require placards.
To obtain these endorsements, you must pass additional written tests and meet specific requirements, such as background checks and additional training. It is important to note that some endorsements may require a minimum age or experience requirement.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement is required if you will be operating a combination of two or three trailers.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement is required if you will be operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicles: This endorsement is required if you will be transporting liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required if you will be transporting hazardous materials that require placards.
To obtain these endorsements, you must pass additional written tests and meet specific requirements, such as background checks and additional training. It is important to note that some endorsements may require a minimum age or experience requirement.
The Class A CDL skills test is broken down into three parts:
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle before you begin driving. This includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, horn, mirrors, and more.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your ability to control your vehicle in a variety of situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking.
3. On-Road Test: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate your vehicle on the road. This includes merging onto highways, navigating through traffic, and making turns.
During the skills test, you will be graded on a point system. If you accumulate too many points due to mistakes or violations, you may fail the test. In addition to passing the skills test, you must also pass the written knowledge test and meet all other requirements for obtaining a Class A CDL license in Wisconsin.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle before you begin driving. This includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, horn, mirrors, and more.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your ability to control your vehicle in a variety of situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking.
3. On-Road Test: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate your vehicle on the road. This includes merging onto highways, navigating through traffic, and making turns.
During the skills test, you will be graded on a point system. If you accumulate too many points due to mistakes or violations, you may fail the test. In addition to passing the skills test, you must also pass the written knowledge test and meet all other requirements for obtaining a Class A CDL license in Wisconsin.
Yes, there are some restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL license in Wisconsin. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will have an air brake restriction on your license. This means you are not allowed to operate a vehicle with air brakes.
2. Automatic Transmission Restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have an automatic transmission restriction on your license. This means you are not allowed to operate a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you do not meet the federal medical requirements or have not provided proof of citizenship or legal presence, you may be restricted to operating only within Wisconsin.
4. Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) Background Check: If you have not passed the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check for the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on your CDL, you will not be allowed to transport hazardous materials.
5. Time Limitations: Some drivers may be subject to time limitations based on their age or medical condition. For example, drivers over the age of 70 must renew their CDL every two years instead of every eight years like younger drivers.
It is important to understand and abide by any restrictions or limitations on your CDL license to avoid penalties or fines.
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will have an air brake restriction on your license. This means you are not allowed to operate a vehicle with air brakes.
2. Automatic Transmission Restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have an automatic transmission restriction on your license. This means you are not allowed to operate a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you do not meet the federal medical requirements or have not provided proof of citizenship or legal presence, you may be restricted to operating only within Wisconsin.
4. Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) Background Check: If you have not passed the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check for the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on your CDL, you will not be allowed to transport hazardous materials.
5. Time Limitations: Some drivers may be subject to time limitations based on their age or medical condition. For example, drivers over the age of 70 must renew their CDL every two years instead of every eight years like younger drivers.
It is important to understand and abide by any restrictions or limitations on your CDL license to avoid penalties or fines.
In Wisconsin, the Class A CDL written test is only available in English. There is no option to take the test in any other language. However, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) offers a CDL manual in Spanish, which can be helpful for Spanish-speaking drivers who want to prepare for the test. The Spanish-language manual covers the same material as the English-language manual and includes information on traffic laws, safe driving practices, and more. It is important to note that even if you are able to study in a language other than English, you will still need to be able to read and understand English to pass the written test and operate a commercial vehicle safely on Wisconsin roads.
Yes, if you have a disability, you may request accommodations for the Class A CDL written test in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure that they have equal access to the CDL testing process. Some examples of accommodations that may be available include:
- Extended test time
- A separate testing room
- A reader to read the questions aloud
- A scribe to record your answers
To request accommodations, you will need to complete and submit the "Request for Reasonable Accommodation" form, which is available on the Wisconsin DOT website. You will also need to provide documentation from a qualified professional that supports your request for accommodations. The DOT will review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your specific needs. It is important to submit your request for accommodations well in advance of your scheduled CDL test date to allow sufficient time for the DOT to process your request.
- Extended test time
- A separate testing room
- A reader to read the questions aloud
- A scribe to record your answers
To request accommodations, you will need to complete and submit the "Request for Reasonable Accommodation" form, which is available on the Wisconsin DOT website. You will also need to provide documentation from a qualified professional that supports your request for accommodations. The DOT will review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your specific needs. It is important to submit your request for accommodations well in advance of your scheduled CDL test date to allow sufficient time for the DOT to process your request.
If you fail the Class A CDL written test in Wisconsin, you will be allowed to retake the test. However, you will need to wait at least one day before taking the test again. If you fail the test three times, you will need to wait at least 14 days before taking the test again. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test, but you will need to pay a fee each time you take it.
It is important to note that if you fail the written test, you will not be able to take the skills test until you have passed the written test. Therefore, it is recommended that you study thoroughly and be well-prepared for the written test. You can use study materials such as the Wisconsin CDL manual and online practice tests to help prepare for the exam.
It is important to note that if you fail the written test, you will not be able to take the skills test until you have passed the written test. Therefore, it is recommended that you study thoroughly and be well-prepared for the written test. You can use study materials such as the Wisconsin CDL manual and online practice tests to help prepare for the exam.
