Knowledge Test Class B
This license is required for driving a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds, and a trailer not to exceed 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or a vehicle designed to transport 24 or more people (including the driver). 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 Arkansas Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving.. Endorsements that may be used with a Class B CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
43. If driving so slowly that you could impede other drivers, you should:
If you must drive so slowly that you will impede the flow of traffic, you should turn on your four-way flashers to alert drivers behind you (as long as local laws allow the use of flashers).
44. What kind of brakes do most newer heavy-duty trucks use?
Most newer heavy-duty vehicles use dual air brake systems. A dual air brake system has two separate air brake systems which use a single set of brake controls.
45. When completing pre-trip inspections:
Pre-trip inspections should be conducted in the same way every time. This will reinforce the steps, making it less likely that you will forget to inspect something important.
46. What is a drawback of retarders?
A retarder is a device that helps to slow a vehicle, reducing the need for a driver to use the brakes. However, these devices can be noisy and are not permitted everywhere.
47. When leaving your vehicle unattended:
In general, you should always use the parking brake when parking your vehicle. However, you should not apply the parking brake if your brakes are very hot or if your brakes are wet and temperatures are below freezing.
48. When asked to make a lane change during the driving test, you should:
You will be asked to change lanes during the on-road driving test. When the examiner asks you to do this, you should make the necessary traffic checks and use the proper signals before changing lanes.
49. Without oil in its engine:
An engine can be rapidly destroyed if it is run without oil. If its oil pressure gauge is low or fluctuating, do not operate a vehicle.
50. If one air system in a dual air brake system is very low on pressure:
In a dual air brake system, if one of the air systems gets very low on pressure, either the front or rear brakes will not be operating fully. You should bring your vehicle to a safe stop and have the air system repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class B CDL in Arkansas, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old (or 21 years old for interstate driving)
2. Have a valid Arkansas driver's license
3. Pass a general knowledge test and any applicable endorsements (such as air brakes or hazardous materials)
4. Obtain a DOT medical certificate to prove you are physically fit to drive
5. Pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills test, and road test
Once you have passed all of these requirements and obtained your Class B CDL, it is important to remember that there are additional regulations and laws that apply to commercial drivers in Arkansas. These include regulations on hours of service, cargo securement, and drug and alcohol testing. It is important to stay informed and comply with all applicable rules and regulations to ensure safe driving practices and maintain your license.
1. Single vehicles with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more
2. Vehicles towing a trailer or other vehicle with a weight of less than 10,000 pounds
3. Passenger buses with a seating capacity of up to 24 passengers, including the driver
4. School buses designed to transport 24 passengers or fewer, including the driver, and weighing less than 26,001 pounds
It is important to note that if you want to operate vehicles with additional endorsements, such as air brakes, hazardous materials, or passenger endorsements, you will need to obtain those endorsements in addition to your Class B CDL. Each endorsement requires additional knowledge and skills testing.
Also, be aware that certain restrictions may apply to your Class B CDL based on the results of your skills test. For example, if you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will be restricted from operating vehicles with a manual transmission and may need additional testing to remove the restriction.
1. Be at least 18 years old (or 21 years old for interstate driving)
2. Hold a valid Arkansas driver's license
3. Have a clean driving record and no disqualifying criminal convictions
4. Obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate to prove you are physically fit to drive
5. Pass a written general knowledge test and any applicable endorsements, such as air brakes or hazardous materials
6. Pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test
It is important to note that additional requirements may apply depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate. For example, if you plan to drive a school bus or transport hazardous materials, you will need to obtain additional endorsements and pass additional tests.
To prepare for the tests, you can study the Arkansas Commercial Driver License Manual and take practice exams. Additionally, you may want to consider enrolling in a commercial driver training program to learn the necessary skills and gain experience operating commercial vehicles.
Once you have obtained your Class B CDL, it is important to follow all applicable regulations and laws related to commercial driving in Arkansas.
It is important to note that while you may be eligible for a Class B CDL at the age of 18, certain restrictions may apply based on your driving experience and the type of vehicle you plan to operate. For example, if you plan to operate a commercial vehicle with air brakes, you will need to obtain an air brake endorsement by passing an additional knowledge test and skills test. Additionally, if you have not previously held a CDL or have less than two years of driving experience, you may be restricted from operating certain types of commercial vehicles until you have gained more experience or completed additional training.
It's always important to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific requirements and restrictions related to obtaining a Class B CDL license.
The following are the most common endorsements for a Class B CDL:
1. Passenger endorsement (P): Required if you plan to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
2. School bus endorsement (S): Required if you plan to operate a school bus that is designed to transport students to and from school and other educational activities.
3. Tanker endorsement (N): Required if you plan to transport liquid or gaseous materials in a tank that has a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. Hazardous materials endorsement (H): Required if you plan to transport hazardous materials that are classified as such by the Department of Transportation.
5. Air brakes endorsement (L): Required if you plan to operate a vehicle with air brakes.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass additional knowledge and skills tests that are specific to the type of vehicle or cargo you plan to transport. It's important to note that certain endorsements may also require additional background checks, such as fingerprinting, and may have additional fees associated with them.
Make sure to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific requirements and restrictions related to obtaining endorsements for your Class B CDL license.
1. Pre-trip inspection: The pre-trip inspection is a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle that you will be operating. This includes checking the brakes, steering, tires, lights, and other components to ensure that they are in good working condition. During the test, you will be asked to identify and explain the various components of the vehicle and demonstrate how to check them.
2. Basic control skills: The basic control skills test evaluates your ability to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces and under various conditions. This includes backing up in a straight line, backing up while turning, and completing a turn around a cone or other obstacle.
3. On-road driving: The on-road driving test evaluates your ability to safely operate the vehicle in normal traffic conditions. This includes starting and stopping the vehicle smoothly, merging onto highways or other roads with traffic, making turns at intersections, and performing other driving maneuvers.
The skills test is typically administered by a licensed examiner who will evaluate your performance during each section of the test. In order to pass the skills test and obtain your Class B CDL license, you must successfully complete all three sections of the test within a specified time frame and meet all other requirements for obtaining a CDL license in your state.
1. Vehicle weight: Drivers with a Class B CDL license may only operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or any vehicle towing a trailer with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds.
2. Passenger restrictions: Drivers with a Class B CDL license may transport passengers, but only if they have obtained the necessary passenger endorsement.
3. Hazardous materials: Drivers with a Class B CDL license may transport hazardous materials, but only if they have obtained the necessary hazardous materials endorsement.
4. Air brakes: Drivers with a Class B CDL license may operate vehicles with air brakes, but only if they have obtained the necessary air brakes endorsement.
5. Time limits: Drivers with a Class B CDL license may be subject to certain time limits for driving and mandatory rest periods, as specified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
It's important to note that these restrictions and limitations are in place for safety reasons and to ensure that drivers are properly trained and qualified to operate specific types of vehicles and cargo. Make sure to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific restrictions and limitations related to your Class B CDL license.
In Arkansas, for instance, the written tests are available in English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese for all classes of CDL licenses, including Class B. However, it is important to note that the skills test (the driving portion of the exam) is typically only offered in English.
If you are more comfortable taking the written test in a language other than English, you should check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see what options are available. They can provide you with information about the languages in which the test is available and any other requirements or considerations specific to your state.
To request accommodations for the Class B CDL written test, you should contact your state's DMV and request a "Request for Accommodations Form." This form will ask you to describe your disability and the specific accommodations you need to take the test. Some common accommodations include additional time, a private testing room, or a large print or Braille test booklet.
Once you have completed the form, you will need to submit it to the DMV along with any necessary documentation, such as a doctor's note or other proof of your disability. The DMV will review your request and determine if the requested accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.
It is important to note that you should submit your request for accommodations as early as possible before your scheduled test date to allow time for the DMV to review and process your request.
It is important to note that there may be a fee associated with retaking the test, and you will need to schedule a new appointment with your state's DMV to retake the test. Before taking the test again, it is a good idea to review your study materials and identify any areas where you may need additional preparation.
If you continue to have difficulty passing the written test even after additional study and preparation, you may want to consider enrolling in a CDL training program or seeking assistance from a professional driving instructor. They can provide you with additional guidance and support to help you prepare for the exam and successfully obtain your Class B CDL license.