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 four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the North Dakota Commercial Driver Guide. 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.
15. To stop a vehicle using air brakes:
To stop normally in a vehicle with air brakes, press down the brake pedal.
16. When nearing a construction worker who is close to the road, you should:
When driving through work zones, you should make a particular point of reducing your speed when workers are on or near the road.
17. A low air pressure warning signal should activate:
In an air brake system, a low air pressure warning signal must come on if air pressure in the tanks falls below 60 psi. This warning signal may come in the form of a light, a buzzer, or a wig wag.
18. Where must placards be placed?
If a vehicle is carrying hazardous materials that require placarding, there must be identical placards placed on the front, rear, and both sides of the vehicle.
19. Retreaded tires:
Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires are prohibited from use on the front wheels of a bus.
20. What does driving intrastate mean?
Intrastate commerce is defined as when you drive a CMV only within a single state, and the cargo you are carrying is not part of a trip that began or will end outside of the state.
21. An applicant will be denied a hazardous materials endorsement if they:
Your application for a hazardous materials endorsement can be denied, or your existing endorsement canceled, if you do not have legal permanent status in the United States; you renounce U.S. citizenship; you are wanted for, under indictment for, or convicted of certain felonies; you are judged mentally incompetent or are involuntarily committed to a mental institution; or you are deemed by the Transportation Security Administration to pose a security threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class A CDL in North Dakota, you must first pass a written knowledge test and a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test. You must also meet certain medical requirements and provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the United States.
Once you have obtained your Class A CDL, you will be subject to certain regulations and restrictions related to driving hours, weight limits, and vehicle maintenance. It is important to follow these rules to ensure your safety on the road and avoid penalties or fines.
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Livestock carriers
- Tanker trucks
- Flatbeds
- Log carriers
- Dump trucks with trailers
It is important to note that some vehicles may require additional endorsements or certifications, such as hazardous materials or passenger endorsements. Additionally, certain weight limits and equipment requirements may apply to specific types of vehicles. It is important to understand and comply with all regulations to ensure safe and legal operation of commercial vehicles.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle within the state and 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle outside of the state.
2. License: You must have a valid North Dakota driver's license.
3. Medical requirements: You must meet certain medical requirements, including passing a medical examination and providing a medical examiner's certificate.
4. Knowledge test: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers topics such as driving safety, vehicle inspection, and basic control skills.
5. Skills test: You must pass a three-part skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.
6. Identity and residency: You must provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the United States.
7. Fees: You must pay the required fees for testing and licensing.
It is important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger endorsements.
1. Hazmat Endorsement: Required if you plan to transport hazardous materials.
2. Tanker Endorsement: Required if you plan to operate a commercial vehicle that transports liquid or gas in bulk.
3. Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement: Required if you plan to operate a commercial vehicle with two or three trailers.
4. Passenger Endorsement: Required if you plan to operate a commercial vehicle that carries passengers, such as a bus or taxi.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test specific to that endorsement and meet any additional requirements, such as a background check for the Hazmat endorsement. It is important to check with the North Dakota Department of Transportation for specific endorsement requirements and regulations.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be asked to perform a pre-trip inspection of your commercial vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. You will need to point out and explain the various parts and systems of the vehicle, such as the brakes, suspension, lights, and tires.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the commercial vehicle in a variety of situations, such as backing up, turning, and maneuvering through tight spaces.
3. On-Road Driving: You will be asked to drive the commercial vehicle on public roads while demonstrating your ability to safely operate the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and make decisions in real-world driving situations.
It is important to note that the skills test must be taken in a commercial vehicle that is representative of the type of vehicle you plan to operate with your Class A CDL license. Additionally, you must pass all three parts of the skills test in order to obtain your Class A CDL license.
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will have a restriction on your license that prohibits you from operating a commercial vehicle with air brakes.
2. Automatic 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 commercial vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you do not meet the federal medical requirements for interstate driving, you may be restricted to driving within North Dakota only.
4. Hazmat Endorsement Restriction: If you do not pass the Hazmat endorsement background check or do not meet other requirements, you will have a restriction on your license that prohibits you from transporting hazardous materials.
It is important to check with the North Dakota Department of Transportation for specific restrictions and limitations that may apply to your Class A CDL license.
1. Extended testing time
2. Oral exam
3. Braille or large-print test materials
4. Use of a scribe or computer
To request accommodations, you will need to submit a request in writing to the North Dakota Department of Transportation's Driver License Division, along with documentation from a healthcare professional that describes your disability and the specific accommodations you need. The Department will review your request and determine if the requested accommodations can be provided. It is important to make your request well in advance of your testing date to allow sufficient time for processing and scheduling of any necessary accommodations.
It is important to note that there is a waiting period of at least one day between each test attempt. So if you fail the test on Monday, you will need to wait until Wednesday to retake it. You will also need to pay the testing fee each time you take the test.
To increase your chances of passing the Class A CDL written test, it is recommended that you study thoroughly and use study materials provided by the North Dakota Department of Transportation or other reputable sources. You may also consider taking a commercial driver training course to help prepare for the exam.