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. Test questions come from the Minnesota Commercial Driver’s Manual. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has two, three or four possible answer choices. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Combination Vehicles, Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving. Endorsements that may be used with a Class A CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, Doubles/Triples, HazMat, Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
Number of Question
Passing Score
1. What does blocking cargo do?
Explanation
Blocking and bracing are used to prevent cargo from shifting in transit.
2. Which of the following is a good rule to follow when making a turn?
Explanation
Signal well in advance of a turn so drivers behind you are aware of your intentions. Keep the signal on throughout the turn and turn it off once the turn is complete.
3. When checking the engine compartment:
Explanation
Before inspecting the engine compartment, make sure that the parking brakes are on and/or the wheels are chocked. Check the engine compartment before entering the cab and starting the engine.
4. Testing positive for any amount of alcohol while still below the legal limit will result in a driver being placed out-of-service for 24 hours.
Explanation
If you are found to have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system, but are still below the legal limit of 0.04 percent, you will be placed out-of-service for 24 hours. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
5. A stopped bus:
Explanation
You should always exercise caution when driving near a stopped bus. There could be passengers in the vicinity and the bus may either prevent them from seeing you or you from seeing them.
6. Always perform the steps of a pre-trip inspection in the same order each time because:
Explanation
Completing the steps of a vehicle inspection in the same order before every trip aids in learning what the proper steps are. Additionally, you be less likely to forget a step when going through the checklist in a prescribed order.
7. Broken suspension parts:
Explanation
The suspension system is responsible for supporting a vehicle, supporting its load, and keeping its axles in place. When inspecting your vehicle, check for damaged or missing spring hangers, spring leaves, shock absorbers, u-bolts, and frame members. Broken parts in the suspension system are extremely dangerous.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Minnesota allows individuals to operate combination vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, with the towed vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, tanker vehicles, and livestock carriers.
To obtain a Class A CDL in Minnesota, you must first pass a written knowledge test and a skills test. Additionally, you must meet certain requirements such as being at least 18 years old (21 to drive across state lines), having a valid medical certificate, and having a clean driving record.
Once you have obtained your Class A CDL in Minnesota, you will be subject to certain rules and regulations regarding the operation of your commercial vehicle. It is important to stay up-to-date on these rules and regulations to ensure that you are operating your vehicle safely and legally.
To obtain a Class A CDL in Minnesota, you must first pass a written knowledge test and a skills test. Additionally, you must meet certain requirements such as being at least 18 years old (21 to drive across state lines), having a valid medical certificate, and having a clean driving record.
Once you have obtained your Class A CDL in Minnesota, you will be subject to certain rules and regulations regarding the operation of your commercial vehicle. It is important to stay up-to-date on these rules and regulations to ensure that you are operating your vehicle safely and legally.
With a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Minnesota, you can operate combination vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, with the towed vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds. Some examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class A CDL include:
- Tractor-trailers: This is a combination of a tractor unit with one or more semi-trailers attached to it. These vehicles are commonly used to transport goods and cargo over long distances.
- Tanker vehicles: These are vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk. Tanker vehicles can range in size from small trucks used for local deliveries to large trucks used for long-distance transportation.
- Livestock carriers: These are specialized vehicles designed to transport live animals such as cows, pigs, and sheep. These vehicles have special features such as ventilation systems and partitions to keep animals safe during transportation.
It is important to note that driving a commercial vehicle requires special skills and knowledge. If you are planning to operate a Class A vehicle in Minnesota, you will need to pass written and skills tests and meet certain requirements before you can obtain your CDL.
- Tractor-trailers: This is a combination of a tractor unit with one or more semi-trailers attached to it. These vehicles are commonly used to transport goods and cargo over long distances.
- Tanker vehicles: These are vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk. Tanker vehicles can range in size from small trucks used for local deliveries to large trucks used for long-distance transportation.
- Livestock carriers: These are specialized vehicles designed to transport live animals such as cows, pigs, and sheep. These vehicles have special features such as ventilation systems and partitions to keep animals safe during transportation.
It is important to note that driving a commercial vehicle requires special skills and knowledge. If you are planning to operate a Class A vehicle in Minnesota, you will need to pass written and skills tests and meet certain requirements before you can obtain your CDL.
To obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Minnesota, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Minnesota and 21 years old to drive across state lines.
2. Valid driver's license: You must have a valid driver's license issued by the state of Minnesota.
3. Clean driving record: You must have a clean driving record with no serious traffic violations or criminal offenses.
4. Medical certificate: You must have a valid medical certificate issued by a licensed medical examiner.
5. Written test: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers topics such as driving safety, vehicle inspection, and hazardous materials.
6. Skills test: You must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Background check: You must pass a background check that includes criminal history and driving record.
Additionally, if you are planning to operate a vehicle with air brakes or transport hazardous materials, you will need to obtain additional endorsements on your CDL by passing additional written and skills tests.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Minnesota and 21 years old to drive across state lines.
2. Valid driver's license: You must have a valid driver's license issued by the state of Minnesota.
3. Clean driving record: You must have a clean driving record with no serious traffic violations or criminal offenses.
4. Medical certificate: You must have a valid medical certificate issued by a licensed medical examiner.
5. Written test: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers topics such as driving safety, vehicle inspection, and hazardous materials.
6. Skills test: You must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Background check: You must pass a background check that includes criminal history and driving record.
Additionally, if you are planning to operate a vehicle with air brakes or transport hazardous materials, you will need to obtain additional endorsements on your CDL by passing additional written and skills tests.
In Minnesota, the minimum age requirement for a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is 18 years old. However, if you plan to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.
It is important to note that some employers may require a higher minimum age for their drivers, so you should check with your potential employer to see if they have any additional age requirements. Additionally, drivers under the age of 21 may face certain restrictions on their CDL, such as limitations on the types of cargo they can transport or where they can drive.
It is important to note that some employers may require a higher minimum age for their drivers, so you should check with your potential employer to see if they have any additional age requirements. Additionally, drivers under the age of 21 may face certain restrictions on their CDL, such as limitations on the types of cargo they can transport or where they can drive.
Yes, you may need to obtain additional endorsements on your Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) depending on the type of cargo you plan to transport.
Here are some common endorsements:
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: Required for drivers who will be pulling two or three trailers.
2. P - Passenger: Required for drivers who will be transporting passengers.
3. N - Tank Vehicles: Required for drivers who will be transporting liquid or gaseous materials in tanks.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who will be transporting hazardous materials, as defined by the Department of Transportation.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who will be transporting both hazardous materials and liquid or gaseous materials in tanks.
You may need to pass additional written and skills tests to obtain these endorsements, depending on the type of endorsement you are seeking.
Here are some common endorsements:
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: Required for drivers who will be pulling two or three trailers.
2. P - Passenger: Required for drivers who will be transporting passengers.
3. N - Tank Vehicles: Required for drivers who will be transporting liquid or gaseous materials in tanks.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who will be transporting hazardous materials, as defined by the Department of Transportation.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who will be transporting both hazardous materials and liquid or gaseous materials in tanks.
You may need to pass additional written and skills tests to obtain these endorsements, depending on the type of endorsement you are seeking.
The Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) skills test consists of three parts: a pre-trip inspection, a basic vehicle control test, and an on-road driving test.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: This portion of the test requires you to inspect the vehicle and its components to ensure they are in proper working order. You will need to explain what you are inspecting and why it is important.
2. Basic Vehicle Control Test: This portion of the test requires you to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, turning, and maneuvering in tight spaces.
3. On-Road Driving Test: This portion of the test requires you to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads. You will be evaluated on your ability to follow traffic laws, use turn signals, make lane changes, and other driving skills.
During all parts of the skills test, you will be evaluated by a licensed examiner who will be looking for specific skills and abilities required for safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle. It is important to practice and prepare thoroughly before taking the skills test to increase your chances of passing.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: This portion of the test requires you to inspect the vehicle and its components to ensure they are in proper working order. You will need to explain what you are inspecting and why it is important.
2. Basic Vehicle Control Test: This portion of the test requires you to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, turning, and maneuvering in tight spaces.
3. On-Road Driving Test: This portion of the test requires you to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads. You will be evaluated on your ability to follow traffic laws, use turn signals, make lane changes, and other driving skills.
During all parts of the skills test, you will be evaluated by a licensed examiner who will be looking for specific skills and abilities required for safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle. It is important to practice and prepare thoroughly before taking the skills test to increase your chances of passing.
Yes, there are some restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) that you should be aware of. Here are a few examples:
1. Age Restrictions: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license, but you will be restricted to driving within your state of residence and cannot transport hazardous materials. To drive interstate and transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Endorsement Restrictions: As I mentioned earlier, you may need to obtain additional endorsements on your CDL depending on the type of cargo you plan to transport. Without the proper endorsements, you may be restricted from transporting certain types of cargo.
3. Vehicle Restrictions: Depending on the weight and size of the vehicle, you may be restricted from driving on certain roads or bridges. There may also be restrictions on the number of trailers that can be pulled or the length of the combination vehicle.
4. Medical Restrictions: To obtain and maintain a CDL license, you must meet certain medical standards set by the Department of Transportation. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle, you may be restricted from driving until the condition is resolved.
It is important to understand these restrictions and limitations to ensure that you are in compliance with all laws and regulations when operating a commercial motor vehicle with a Class A CDL license.
1. Age Restrictions: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license, but you will be restricted to driving within your state of residence and cannot transport hazardous materials. To drive interstate and transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Endorsement Restrictions: As I mentioned earlier, you may need to obtain additional endorsements on your CDL depending on the type of cargo you plan to transport. Without the proper endorsements, you may be restricted from transporting certain types of cargo.
3. Vehicle Restrictions: Depending on the weight and size of the vehicle, you may be restricted from driving on certain roads or bridges. There may also be restrictions on the number of trailers that can be pulled or the length of the combination vehicle.
4. Medical Restrictions: To obtain and maintain a CDL license, you must meet certain medical standards set by the Department of Transportation. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle, you may be restricted from driving until the condition is resolved.
It is important to understand these restrictions and limitations to ensure that you are in compliance with all laws and regulations when operating a commercial motor vehicle with a Class A CDL license.
In Minnesota, the Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) written test is only available in English. However, if English is not your first language and you need assistance understanding the test questions, you may request an interpreter.
The interpreter must not be a family member or a friend and must be approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). The interpreter will be required to sign an oath of confidentiality and must interpret the test questions accurately without providing any additional information or assistance.
It is important to note that even with an interpreter, you will still need to have a basic understanding of the English language to pass the CDL written test, as many of the road signs and driving instructions are in English. It may be helpful to study the CDL manual in both English and your native language to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the material.
The interpreter must not be a family member or a friend and must be approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). The interpreter will be required to sign an oath of confidentiality and must interpret the test questions accurately without providing any additional information or assistance.
It is important to note that even with an interpreter, you will still need to have a basic understanding of the English language to pass the CDL written test, as many of the road signs and driving instructions are in English. It may be helpful to study the CDL manual in both English and your native language to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the material.
Yes, if you have a disability that may impact your ability to take the Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) written test, you may request accommodations. Accommodations are available through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) and are provided on a case-by-case basis.
To request accommodations, you will need to complete and submit the Request for Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities form, which is available on the Minnesota DPS website. The form will ask you to provide information about your disability and the specific accommodations you are requesting.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a separate testing room, a reader or scribe, or assistive technology. The DPS will review your request and will work with you to determine what accommodations are necessary to ensure that you have an equal opportunity to take the CDL written test.
It is important to note that you must provide documentation from a qualified professional that supports your need for accommodations. This documentation should include a diagnosis of your disability and recommendations for specific accommodations that will help you take the CDL written test.
To request accommodations, you will need to complete and submit the Request for Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities form, which is available on the Minnesota DPS website. The form will ask you to provide information about your disability and the specific accommodations you are requesting.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a separate testing room, a reader or scribe, or assistive technology. The DPS will review your request and will work with you to determine what accommodations are necessary to ensure that you have an equal opportunity to take the CDL written test.
It is important to note that you must provide documentation from a qualified professional that supports your need for accommodations. This documentation should include a diagnosis of your disability and recommendations for specific accommodations that will help you take the CDL written test.
If you fail the Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) written test in Minnesota, you may retake the test after a waiting period of at least one day. However, you will be required to pay the testing fee again.
It is important to note that if you fail the CDL written test three times, you will be required to wait at least two weeks before you can take the test again. If you fail the test three times, it may be helpful to review the CDL manual and consider taking a commercial driver training course before attempting the test again.
When you retake the CDL written test, you will be given a different version of the test with new questions. It is important to study and prepare for the test before retaking it in order to increase your chances of passing.
If you pass the CDL written test, you will receive a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), which will allow you to practice driving a commercial vehicle while accompanied by a licensed driver. Once you have practiced driving and feel confident in your skills, you can schedule a skills test with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to obtain your Class A CDL.
It is important to note that if you fail the CDL written test three times, you will be required to wait at least two weeks before you can take the test again. If you fail the test three times, it may be helpful to review the CDL manual and consider taking a commercial driver training course before attempting the test again.
When you retake the CDL written test, you will be given a different version of the test with new questions. It is important to study and prepare for the test before retaking it in order to increase your chances of passing.
If you pass the CDL written test, you will receive a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), which will allow you to practice driving a commercial vehicle while accompanied by a licensed driver. Once you have practiced driving and feel confident in your skills, you can schedule a skills test with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to obtain your Class A CDL.
