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 possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Kentucky 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.
29. Your horn should be used to:
Your vehicle's horn is a tool to warn others of your presence. Because the horn may create danger by startling other drivers, you should use it only if necessary.
30. You should always be able to stop within:
It is essential that your vehicle will be able to stop within the area of the road that you are able to see. This means that you must slow down whenever conditions reduce visibility.
31. When loading cargo, it is important to:
It is a driver's responsibility to make sure their vehicle is not overloaded. They must be aware of legal weight limits and the maximum weight that their vehicle is rated to carry, including the weight capacity rating of the suspension system.
32. Before driving a vehicle with air brakes, you should ensure that the ____ come on automatically when air pressure falls below 45 psi.
Before driving a vehicle with air brakes, you should ensure that the spring brakes come on automatically when air tank pressure falls to a level between 20 and 45 psi. You can do this by chocking the wheels and releasing air from the braking system by stepping on and off the brake pedal. Once the pressure levels drop to an unsafe level, the parking brake valve should pop out and spring brakes should come on.
33. Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after March 1, 1997 must have:
Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after March 1, 1997, and other vehicles with air brakes built on or after March 1, 1998, must be equipped with anti-lock brakes.
34. If driving through flowing water or a large puddle, you should:
It is best to avoid driving through large puddles or moving water. If there is no way to avoid driving through water, you should slow down, shift into a low gear, and gently apply the brakes. Pressing linings against the brake drums or discs will keep water, mud, silt, and sand from getting inside the brake mechanisms.
35. To avoid a hazard:
In some emergencies, the best strategy for avoiding a hazard may be to drive onto the shoulder. Most shoulders are strong enough to support the weight of a large vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class B CDL in Kentucky, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old (21 years old if you plan to operate across state lines or transport hazardous materials).
2. Hold a valid Kentucky driver's license.
3. Pass a vision test.
4. Obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
5. Pass the written knowledge test for a Class B CDL.
6. Obtain a learner's permit and practice driving with someone who holds a valid Class B CDL.
7. Pass the skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test) in the class of vehicle you plan to drive.
It is important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as passenger transport or hazardous materials.
Some examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class B CDL include:
- Straight trucks such as delivery trucks, dump trucks, and beverage trucks
- Large buses such as school buses and city transit buses
- Tractor-trailers or "semi-trucks" where the trailer weighs less than 10,000 pounds
- Box trucks with attached trailers
It is important to note that if you plan to operate vehicles that transport hazardous materials or passengers, you may need additional endorsements on your CDL. Additionally, certain types of vehicles may require specialized training or certifications beyond the standard Class B CDL requirements.
1. Be at least 18 years old. (However, you must be 21 years old if you plan to operate across state lines or transport hazardous materials.)
2. Have a valid Kentucky driver's license.
3. Pass a vision test.
4. Obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner indicating that you are physically fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
5. Pass the written knowledge test for a Class B CDL.
6. Obtain a learner's permit and practice driving with someone who holds a valid Class B CDL.
7. Pass the skills test, which includes three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as passenger transport or hazardous materials. Also, if you have any prior driving violations or criminal convictions, they may impact your ability to obtain a CDL license.
If you plan to operate a commercial motor vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old to obtain a Class B CDL license in Kentucky.
It's important to note that some employers may have their own age requirements that exceed the state's minimum age requirement.
1. Passenger (P) endorsement: required if you plan to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) in a commercial vehicle.
2. School Bus (S) endorsement: required if you plan to operate a school bus.
3. Tanker (N) endorsement: required if you plan to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement: required if you plan to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
To obtain an endorsement, you will need to pass an additional written test on that specific topic. You may also need to complete additional training and provide additional documentation, such as proof of specialized experience or certification.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: You will be required to conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. You will need to identify and explain the parts of the vehicle you are inspecting, and identify any defects or safety hazards.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in a variety of maneuvers, including straight line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
3. On-road Test: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in real-world situations on public roads. The test will evaluate your ability to obey traffic laws, communicate effectively with other drivers, and make safe driving decisions.
During the test, you will be evaluated on your ability to operate the vehicle safely and effectively, as well as your knowledge of the rules of the road and safe driving practices. It's important to practice and prepare for the skills test by studying the Kentucky CDL manual, obtaining proper training, and practicing with a qualified instructor or mentor.
1. Vehicle weight: Drivers with a Class B CDL are restricted from operating vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds.
2. Number of passengers: Drivers with a Class B CDL are restricted from transporting more than 16 passengers (including the driver) in a commercial vehicle.
3. Type of cargo: Depending on the type of cargo you plan to transport, you may need additional endorsements or certifications to comply with state and federal regulations.
4. Air brakes: If you do not pass the air brakes knowledge test or do not take the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes, you will be restricted from operating vehicles equipped with air brakes.
5. Time of day: If you obtain your Class B CDL at age 18, you will be restricted from driving between the hours of midnight and 4:00 am for the first six months of your license.
It's important to understand and comply with all restrictions and limitations associated with your Class B CDL license to avoid penalties or fines and maintain your driving privileges.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you may be able to use an interpreter during the written exam. The interpreter must be fluent in both English and your preferred language and must not have a personal interest in the outcome of the exam. You will be responsible for providing your own interpreter, and you may need to make arrangements with the Kentucky State Police in advance.
It's important to note that even if you use an interpreter during the written exam, you will still need to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in English during the skills test and on-road test.
To request accommodations, you will need to complete the Request for Accommodations form and submit it along with appropriate documentation of your disability. The documentation should include a diagnosis of your disability from a qualified professional and a description of how the disability affects your ability to take the test.
The Kentucky State Police will review your request and determine if they can provide reasonable accommodations that do not fundamentally alter the nature of the test or give you an unfair advantage. Some examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a separate testing room, or assistive technology.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time for review and implementation.
If you fail the test, you will be given a score report that shows which areas you need to study before retaking the test. It's important to review these areas carefully and take any necessary steps to improve your knowledge before retaking the test.
You may retake the test as many times as necessary to pass, but keep in mind that each attempt may require an additional fee. In addition, if you fail the test three times, you will be required to wait at least 30 days before taking it again.
It's important to prepare thoroughly before taking the Class B CDL written test to maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt. Consider using study materials such as the Kentucky Commercial Driver License Manual and taking practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the exam.