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 possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Hawaii 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.
36. What can happen if the air pressure gets too low in an air brake system?
Pressing and releasing the brake pedal unnecessarily can let air out of the braking system faster than the compressor can replace it. Air brakes may cease to work effectively if the pressure becomes too low.
37. Containerized loads are used:
Containerized loads are generally used when freight is carried partway by rail or ship. Sealed materials cannot be inspected, but a driver should ensure that the containers do not exceed safe and legal weight limits.
38. When driving on a wet road, you should reduce your speed by:
Reduce your speed when traveling on surfaces that provide reduced traction. Reduce your speed by about one-third when driving on a wet road.
39. If taking the driving test and the route does not include a railroad crossing, you:
If your on-road driving test route does not include a railroad crossing, you may be asked to explain and demonstrate the proper railroad crossing procedures to the examiner at a simulated location.
40. How should you brake if your vehicle's ABS is not working?
Without a working Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), your vehicle will still have normal brake function. Continue to drive and brake as you normally would and have your ABS serviced as soon as possible.
41. People working on a disabled vehicle:
Be cautious when driving near people who are working on a disabled vehicle on the side of the road. They may be focused on the repair and not paying attention to nearby traffic.
42. What helps prevent wheel lockup when braking?
The purpose of an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is to prevent wheel lockup while brakes are being applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class A CDL in Hawaii, you must first pass a written knowledge test and a skills test (which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test). You must also meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old (21 if you will be transporting hazardous materials) and having a clean driving record.
Once you have obtained your Class A CDL in Hawaii, you must also meet certain ongoing requirements to maintain it. These include passing regular physical exams and complying with federal regulations related to hours of service and safety.
- Tractor-trailers: A combination of a truck tractor and one or more trailers, with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Truck and trailer combinations: A combination of a truck and one or more trailers, with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Double and triple trailers: Vehicles with two or three trailers attached to the truck tractor, with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Tanker vehicles: Vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases, with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Livestock carriers: Vehicles designed to transport live animals, with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
It's important to note that some additional endorsements may be required to operate certain types of vehicles. For example, if you will be transporting hazardous materials, you will need to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement in addition to your Class A CDL.
1. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old (21 if you will be transporting hazardous materials), have a valid driver's license, and have a clean driving record.
2. Obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP): Before you can take the skills test, you must first pass a written knowledge test and obtain a CLP. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or legal presence, as well as pass a medical exam.
3. Practice driving: With your CLP, you can practice driving with a licensed CDL holder in the vehicle with you.
4. Pass the skills test: The skills test includes three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test. You will need to provide your own vehicle that meets the requirements for the test.
5. Obtain your Class A CDL: Once you have passed all parts of the skills test and paid the appropriate fees, you will be issued your Class A CDL.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo. For example, if you will be transporting hazardous materials or passengers, you will need to obtain additional endorsements in addition to your Class A CDL.
It's important to note that some employers or insurance companies may have their own age requirements for drivers, which may be higher than the state minimum.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement allows you to drive vehicles with double or triple trailers.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement allows you to drive vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: This endorsement allows you to drive vehicles that transport liquids or gases in tanks.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
You will need to pass additional knowledge and skills tests for each endorsement that you want to obtain. It's important to note that some endorsements may have additional requirements, such as a background check or additional training.
Make sure to check with your local DMV or commercial driver's license office for specific requirements and procedures to obtain endorsements for your Class A CDL.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: This portion of the test evaluates your ability to inspect your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. You will be asked to identify and explain various parts of the vehicle and demonstrate how to check for safety issues.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: This portion of the test evaluates your ability to control the vehicle in a variety of situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking. You will be asked to perform specific maneuvers, such as straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
3. On-Road Driving: This portion of the test evaluates your ability to safely drive the vehicle on public roads. You will be asked to drive a predetermined route while following all traffic laws and properly communicating with other drivers on the road.
During each part of the test, you will be evaluated on your ability to safely operate the vehicle, use appropriate techniques and procedures, and follow all traffic laws and regulations. You must pass all three portions of the skills test in order to obtain your Class A CDL.
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will have an air brake restriction on your license. This means you are not authorized to operate a vehicle with air brakes.
2. No Manual Transmission Restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have a restriction on your license that prohibits you from operating a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you only plan to drive within the state of Hawaii, you may have an Intrastate Only restriction on your license.
4. Medical Certification Restriction: If you do not meet the medical requirements to operate a commercial motor vehicle, you may have a Medical Certification Restriction on your license.
It's important to note that some restrictions may be removed by passing additional tests or meeting certain requirements. Make sure to check with your local DMV or commercial driver's license office for specific restrictions and procedures to remove them from your license.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you may be able to request special accommodations from the Hawaii DMV. Accommodations may include an interpreter or translated written materials. You should contact the DMV in advance to request accommodations and determine what options are available.
It's important to note that even if accommodations are provided, you will still need to have a basic understanding of the English language to be able to safely operate a commercial vehicle on public roads.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended time for taking the test, the use of a reader or scribe, or alternative formats for test materials. The DMV may also allow you to take the test in a separate, quiet room if you have a disability that makes it difficult to concentrate in a busy testing room.
To request accommodations, you will need to contact the Hawaii DMV in advance and provide documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations you are requesting. The DMV may require additional information or assessments to determine what accommodations are appropriate.
It's important to note that accommodations must be reasonable and not fundamentally alter the nature of the test. Additionally, you will still need to demonstrate your knowledge of commercial driving regulations and safe driving practices to pass the test and obtain your Class A CDL license.
If you fail the test multiple times, you may need to wait longer before retaking it. The Hawaii DMV may require you to complete additional training or education before allowing you to retake the test.
It's important to note that passing the written test is only one step in obtaining your Class A CDL license. You will also need to pass a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test. Therefore, it's important to prepare thoroughly for both the written and skills tests to increase your chances of passing and obtaining your license.