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 Connecticut Commercial Driver 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.
Number of Question
Passing Score
1. Wheel rims that have been welded should:
Explanation
Wheels and rims with welding repairs are not safe to be used. Replace any damaged wheels and rims.
2. During a basic vehicle control skills test, you may be asked to:
Explanation
Maneuvers that may be included in the basic vehicle control skills test include straight line backing, offset back/right parking, offset back/left parking, driver side parallel parking, conventional parallel parking, and alley docking.
3. You should check and adjust your mirrors:
Explanation
Be sure to check your mirrors before beginning a drive. Your posture may change day to day and your mirrors may need to be adjusted.
4. A Class 1 hazardous material is:
Explanation
The first hazardous materials class includes explosives such as ammunition, dynamite, and fireworks.
5. Pressing and releasing the brake pedal unnecessarily can:
Explanation
On a vehicle with air brakes, pressing and releasing the brake pedal unnecessarily may let air out of the braking system faster than the compressor can replace it. This may cause the system's air pressure to become too low and the brakes to stop working.
6. Belts in the engine compartment should:
Explanation
When inspecting your vehicle's engine, check the belts for tightness and excessive wear. The amount of "give" that is safe for each belt in a given engine will vary, so learn what is appropriate for your vehicle.
7. Pre-trip inspections:
Explanation
A vehicle inspection should be completed in the same order every time. This will make it easier for you to learn all of the steps and will make it less likely that you will forget to check something.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2025 Connecticut DMV exam.
99.2% of people who use the cheat sheet pass the FIRST TIME
Alexa shares with us how she went in for her Class A permit and decided to get her Hazmat endorsement as a bonus!
Mark shares his feedback on his Class A CDL Cheat Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A CDL license in Connecticut is a commercial driver's license that allows the holder to operate a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes vehicles such as tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, and livestock carriers.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Connecticut, you must first pass a written knowledge test and a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must also have a valid medical examiner's certificate and meet other eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving) and having a clean driving record.
Once you have obtained your Class A CDL license in Connecticut, you must adhere to all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving, including hours-of-service rules and vehicle maintenance requirements.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Connecticut, you must first pass a written knowledge test and a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must also have a valid medical examiner's certificate and meet other eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving) and having a clean driving record.
Once you have obtained your Class A CDL license in Connecticut, you must adhere to all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving, including hours-of-service rules and vehicle maintenance requirements.
With a Class A CDL license in Connecticut, you can operate combination vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes:
1. Tractor-trailers: A combination of a tractor (or truck cab) and one or more trailers.
2. Truck and trailer combinations: A truck with a trailer attached.
3. Livestock carriers: Vehicles designed to transport live animals, such as cattle or horses.
4. Tanker trucks: Vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases, such as fuel or chemicals.
5. Flatbeds: Trucks with an open flatbed for carrying cargo.
6. Double and triple trailers: Vehicles that consist of two or three trailers connected to the same tractor.
It is important to note that operating these vehicles requires additional skills and training beyond what is required for a standard driver's license. You must also adhere to all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving, including hours-of-service rules and vehicle maintenance requirements.
1. Tractor-trailers: A combination of a tractor (or truck cab) and one or more trailers.
2. Truck and trailer combinations: A truck with a trailer attached.
3. Livestock carriers: Vehicles designed to transport live animals, such as cattle or horses.
4. Tanker trucks: Vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases, such as fuel or chemicals.
5. Flatbeds: Trucks with an open flatbed for carrying cargo.
6. Double and triple trailers: Vehicles that consist of two or three trailers connected to the same tractor.
It is important to note that operating these vehicles requires additional skills and training beyond what is required for a standard driver's license. You must also adhere to all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving, including hours-of-service rules and vehicle maintenance requirements.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Connecticut, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Hold a valid Connecticut driver's license.
3. Provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
4. Pass a medical exam and obtain a medical examiner's certificate.
5. Pass a written knowledge test on CDL rules and regulations.
6. Obtain a learner's permit and complete behind-the-wheel training with a qualified instructor.
7. Pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
8. Pay the required fees for testing and licensing.
9. Have a clean driving record with no serious violations or disqualifications in the past three years.
It is important to note that additional requirements may apply depending on your intended use of the CDL, such as additional endorsements for certain types of vehicles or cargo. You should consult Connecticut's CDL handbook or contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles for more information on specific requirements.
1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Hold a valid Connecticut driver's license.
3. Provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
4. Pass a medical exam and obtain a medical examiner's certificate.
5. Pass a written knowledge test on CDL rules and regulations.
6. Obtain a learner's permit and complete behind-the-wheel training with a qualified instructor.
7. Pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
8. Pay the required fees for testing and licensing.
9. Have a clean driving record with no serious violations or disqualifications in the past three years.
It is important to note that additional requirements may apply depending on your intended use of the CDL, such as additional endorsements for certain types of vehicles or cargo. You should consult Connecticut's CDL handbook or contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles for more information on specific requirements.
The minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL license in Connecticut is 18 years old. However, if you plan to transport hazardous materials or operate a commercial vehicle across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old. Additionally, some employers may have their own age requirements for certain types of commercial driving jobs.
Yes, depending on the type of cargo you plan to transport or the type of vehicle you plan to operate, you may need additional endorsements on your Class A CDL license. Some common endorsements include:
1. Hazmat endorsement: required if you plan to transport hazardous materials.
2. Tanker endorsement: required if you plan to operate a vehicle with a tank that is used for transporting liquids or gases.
3. Double/triple trailer endorsement: required if you plan to operate a vehicle with multiple trailers attached.
4. Combination of hazardous materials and tanker endorsement: required if you plan to transport both hazardous materials and liquids or gases in a tank.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test on the specific knowledge and skills related to that endorsement. You may also need to pass a skills test that demonstrates your ability to safely operate a vehicle with that endorsement.
1. Hazmat endorsement: required if you plan to transport hazardous materials.
2. Tanker endorsement: required if you plan to operate a vehicle with a tank that is used for transporting liquids or gases.
3. Double/triple trailer endorsement: required if you plan to operate a vehicle with multiple trailers attached.
4. Combination of hazardous materials and tanker endorsement: required if you plan to transport both hazardous materials and liquids or gases in a tank.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test on the specific knowledge and skills related to that endorsement. You may also need to pass a skills test that demonstrates your ability to safely operate a vehicle with that endorsement.
The Class A CDL skills test is a two-part examination that includes a pre-trip inspection test and a driving test.
1. Pre-trip inspection test: This test is designed to evaluate your ability to inspect the vehicle and identify any potential safety hazards or defects. You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of the vehicle's components, including the engine, brakes, lights, mirrors, and tires.
2. Driving test: During the driving test, you will be evaluated on your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle in various traffic situations. The driving test will include several exercises such as backing up, alley docking, and coupling/uncoupling of a trailer. You will also be evaluated on your ability to perform basic driving maneuvers such as turning, stopping, and starting.
In order to pass the skills test, you must demonstrate that you can operate a commercial vehicle safely and according to all state and federal regulations. It is important to prepare for the skills test by studying the Connecticut CDL Manual and getting plenty of practice behind the wheel.
1. Pre-trip inspection test: This test is designed to evaluate your ability to inspect the vehicle and identify any potential safety hazards or defects. You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of the vehicle's components, including the engine, brakes, lights, mirrors, and tires.
2. Driving test: During the driving test, you will be evaluated on your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle in various traffic situations. The driving test will include several exercises such as backing up, alley docking, and coupling/uncoupling of a trailer. You will also be evaluated on your ability to perform basic driving maneuvers such as turning, stopping, and starting.
In order to pass the skills test, you must demonstrate that you can operate a commercial vehicle safely and according to all state and federal regulations. It is important to prepare for the skills test by studying the Connecticut CDL Manual and getting plenty of practice behind the wheel.
Yes, there are certain restrictions and limitations that apply to drivers with a Class A CDL license. Some of these restrictions include:
1. Air brake restriction: If you did not pass the air brake knowledge test or the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes, you will be prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle with air brakes.
2. Lifting restriction: If you are unable to meet the physical requirements for lifting, you may be restricted from operating commercial vehicles that require heavy lifting.
3. Automatic transmission restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will be restricted from operating commercial vehicles with manual transmissions.
4. Intrastate only restriction: If you do not meet the federal medical requirements, you may be restricted to driving only within Connecticut, known as an intrastate only restriction.
It is important to note that these restrictions and limitations may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the state in which you are licensed. It is important to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for specific information on Class A CDL restrictions and limitations.
1. Air brake restriction: If you did not pass the air brake knowledge test or the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes, you will be prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle with air brakes.
2. Lifting restriction: If you are unable to meet the physical requirements for lifting, you may be restricted from operating commercial vehicles that require heavy lifting.
3. Automatic transmission restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will be restricted from operating commercial vehicles with manual transmissions.
4. Intrastate only restriction: If you do not meet the federal medical requirements, you may be restricted to driving only within Connecticut, known as an intrastate only restriction.
It is important to note that these restrictions and limitations may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the state in which you are licensed. It is important to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for specific information on Class A CDL restrictions and limitations.
In Connecticut, the Class A CDL written test is available in Spanish, as well as English and several other languages. This is done to ensure that non-English speakers have equal access to the testing process and can demonstrate their knowledge of the rules and regulations governing commercial driving.
However, it is important to note that the skills test, which includes the pre-trip inspection and driving portions, are only available in English. This is because commercial driving requires the ability to communicate in English, both on the road and with law enforcement officers. Therefore, it is important for drivers to have a good understanding of English in order to operate a commercial vehicle safely and effectively.
However, it is important to note that the skills test, which includes the pre-trip inspection and driving portions, are only available in English. This is because commercial driving requires the ability to communicate in English, both on the road and with law enforcement officers. Therefore, it is important for drivers to have a good understanding of English in order to operate a commercial vehicle safely and effectively.
Yes, you may request accommodations for the Class A CDL written test if you have a disability that may affect your ability to take the test. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
To request accommodations, you must complete and submit a Request for Accommodations form to the DMV. The form includes a section where you can describe your specific needs and explain how your disability affects your ability to take the test. You must also provide documentation from a qualified professional, such as a doctor or psychologist, that verifies your disability and supports your request for accommodations.
The DMV will review your request and may contact you to discuss your needs in more detail. They will then determine what reasonable accommodations can be made to ensure that you have an equal opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills on the test. Examples of accommodations that may be made include extended time, a separate testing room, or assistive technology.
It is important to note that requests for accommodations should be made well in advance of the scheduled test date to allow time for review and implementation of the accommodations.
To request accommodations, you must complete and submit a Request for Accommodations form to the DMV. The form includes a section where you can describe your specific needs and explain how your disability affects your ability to take the test. You must also provide documentation from a qualified professional, such as a doctor or psychologist, that verifies your disability and supports your request for accommodations.
The DMV will review your request and may contact you to discuss your needs in more detail. They will then determine what reasonable accommodations can be made to ensure that you have an equal opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills on the test. Examples of accommodations that may be made include extended time, a separate testing room, or assistive technology.
It is important to note that requests for accommodations should be made well in advance of the scheduled test date to allow time for review and implementation of the accommodations.
If you fail the Class A CDL written test in Connecticut, you will be allowed to retake the test after a waiting period of at least 14 days. The Connecticut DMV allows you to take the test up to two additional times within a 90-day period, and each retest requires a new fee payment.
It is important to prepare thoroughly for the test and review all relevant materials, including the Connecticut Commercial Driver's License Manual, before retaking the test. You may also consider taking a CDL practice test or attending a commercial driving school to improve your knowledge and skills.
If you fail the written test three times within a 90-day period, you will be required to wait at least 60 days before taking the test again. Additionally, if you fail the skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and road test) three times within a six-month period, you will be required to wait six months before taking the test again.
It is important to note that passing the written test does not guarantee that you will receive your CDL. You must also pass the skills test and meet all other requirements, such as age and medical requirements, before being issued a CDL in Connecticut.
It is important to prepare thoroughly for the test and review all relevant materials, including the Connecticut Commercial Driver's License Manual, before retaking the test. You may also consider taking a CDL practice test or attending a commercial driving school to improve your knowledge and skills.
If you fail the written test three times within a 90-day period, you will be required to wait at least 60 days before taking the test again. Additionally, if you fail the skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and road test) three times within a six-month period, you will be required to wait six months before taking the test again.
It is important to note that passing the written test does not guarantee that you will receive your CDL. You must also pass the skills test and meet all other requirements, such as age and medical requirements, before being issued a CDL in Connecticut.
