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 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Combination Vehicles. 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. 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.
2. When entering traffic on an expressway during the skills test, you should:
Explanation
During the on-road driving skills test, you may be asked to enter an expressway. Before doing so, you must check traffic, use proper signals, and merge smoothly into the proper lane.
3. Areas of the road that are shaded:
Explanation
Because they are exposed to less sunlight, shaded patches of road will stay cooler longer than other areas of the road. Due to the lack of direct sunlight, shady areas can remain icy and slippery after ice on other areas of the road has melted.
4. When making a turn, when should you cancel your turn signal?
Explanation
When turning or changing lanes, you should signal early and signal continuously. Cancel your turn signal once the turn or lane change is complete.
5. When driving at highway speeds, you should watch the road about ____ ahead of your vehicle.
Explanation
Stay aware of upcoming obstacles and hazards by consistently watching the road at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. When traveling at highway speeds, this is equivalent to about a quarter of a mile.
6. If you need to travel down a hill, you should switch into a lower gear:
Explanation
Always downshift before beginning to drive downhill. Forcing an automatic transmission into a lower gear at a high speed could damage the transmission and also lead to a loss of ability to engine brake. Drive at a speed that will allow you to control your vehicle without overusing your brakes. When determining a safe speed to drive, you should take into account the steepness of the grade, the length of the grade, the weight of your vehicle, road conditions, and weather conditions.
7. Failing to exit your vehicle properly during an exercise in the basic vehicle control skills test will result in:
Explanation
When exiting your vehicle during the basic vehicle control skills test, you must face the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times. If your testing vehicle is a bus, you must maintain contact with the handrail. Exiting the vehicle incorrectly may result in automatic failure of the basic control skills test.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2025 Pennsylvania 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 (Commercial Driver's License) is a license that allows you to drive a combination of vehicles with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. In Pennsylvania, this includes tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, and other large commercial vehicles.
To obtain a Class A CDL in Pennsylvania, you must first pass a written knowledge test and then pass a skills test in a vehicle that meets the Class A requirements. You must also meet other requirements such as having a valid driver's license and being at least 18 years old (or 21 years old if you plan to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials).
To obtain a Class A CDL in Pennsylvania, you must first pass a written knowledge test and then pass a skills test in a vehicle that meets the Class A requirements. You must also meet other requirements such as having a valid driver's license and being at least 18 years old (or 21 years old if you plan to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials).
With a Class A CDL license in Pennsylvania, you can operate combination vehicles with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Examples of vehicles that you can operate with a Class A CDL license include:
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Livestock carriers
- Flatbed trucks with trailers
- Tanker trucks with trailers
- Double and triple trailers
It's important to note that you may need additional endorsements on your CDL to operate certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport vehicles. Be sure to check the specific requirements for the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Livestock carriers
- Flatbed trucks with trailers
- Tanker trucks with trailers
- Double and triple trailers
It's important to note that you may need additional endorsements on your CDL to operate certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport vehicles. Be sure to check the specific requirements for the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
In Pennsylvania, the requirements to obtain a Class A CDL license include:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL, but you must be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines or to transport hazardous materials.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid driver's license issued by your state of residence.
3. Medical Certification: You must obtain a medical certification from a licensed medical examiner. The certification confirms that you are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Knowledge Test: You must pass a written knowledge test that includes questions about general trucking knowledge, vehicle inspection, and safe driving practices.
5. Skills Test: Once you have passed the knowledge test, you must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving test.
6. Background Check: You will need to undergo a background check as part of the CDL application process.
7. Fees: You will need to pay the required fees for obtaining your Class A CDL license.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your situation.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL, but you must be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines or to transport hazardous materials.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid driver's license issued by your state of residence.
3. Medical Certification: You must obtain a medical certification from a licensed medical examiner. The certification confirms that you are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Knowledge Test: You must pass a written knowledge test that includes questions about general trucking knowledge, vehicle inspection, and safe driving practices.
5. Skills Test: Once you have passed the knowledge test, you must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving test.
6. Background Check: You will need to undergo a background check as part of the CDL application process.
7. Fees: You will need to pay the required fees for obtaining your Class A CDL license.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your situation.
In Pennsylvania, the minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL license 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. Additionally, some employers may have their own age requirements that exceed the state minimum. It's important to check with your employer or the specific requirements for the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
Yes, depending on what you plan to haul with your Class A CDL license, you may need to obtain endorsements. Endorsements are additional qualifications that allow you to operate certain types of vehicles or transport specific types of cargo. The following are the endorsements available in Pennsylvania:
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement allows you to operate a truck with two or three trailers attached.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement allows you to transport passengers for a fee, such as in a bus or limousine.
3. N - Tank Vehicles: This endorsement allows you to transport liquid or gaseous materials in tank vehicles.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials in tank vehicles.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test that covers the specific knowledge required for that endorsement. You may also need to pass a skills test depending on the endorsement.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement allows you to operate a truck with two or three trailers attached.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement allows you to transport passengers for a fee, such as in a bus or limousine.
3. N - Tank Vehicles: This endorsement allows you to transport liquid or gaseous materials in tank vehicles.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials in tank vehicles.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test that covers the specific knowledge required for that endorsement. You may also need to pass a skills test depending on the endorsement.
The Class A CDL skills test is divided into three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. Here's what each part entails:
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of the vehicle by conducting a pre-trip inspection. This includes checking the engine compartment, brakes, tires, lights, and other safety features.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be tested on your ability to control the vehicle in a closed course setting. This includes backing up, turning, shifting gears, and stopping.
3. On-road driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to drive the vehicle safely on public roads. This includes merging onto highways, changing lanes, making turns, and navigating through intersections.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated on your ability to control the vehicle safely and effectively. It's important to practice your driving skills beforehand and be familiar with the vehicle you'll be using for the test.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of the vehicle by conducting a pre-trip inspection. This includes checking the engine compartment, brakes, tires, lights, and other safety features.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be tested on your ability to control the vehicle in a closed course setting. This includes backing up, turning, shifting gears, and stopping.
3. On-road driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to drive the vehicle safely on public roads. This includes merging onto highways, changing lanes, making turns, and navigating through intersections.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated on your ability to control the vehicle safely and effectively. It's important to practice your driving skills beforehand and be familiar with the vehicle you'll be using for the test.
Yes, there are some restrictions or limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL license in Pennsylvania. These include:
1. Age restrictions: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license in Pennsylvania, but you will be limited to intrastate driving only until you are 21 years old.
2. Endorsement restrictions: As I mentioned earlier, you may need endorsements for certain types of vehicles or cargo. If you don't have the required endorsements, you won't be able to operate those vehicles or transport that cargo.
3. Vehicle restrictions: You may be restricted from operating certain types of vehicles, such as those with air brakes or manual transmissions, if you haven't passed the required knowledge and skills tests.
4. Medical restrictions: You must meet certain medical requirements to maintain your CDL license. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely, your CDL may be restricted or revoked.
5. Alcohol and drug restrictions: If you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a commercial vehicle, your CDL will be suspended or revoked.
It's important to understand and follow these restrictions and limitations to maintain your CDL license and ensure safe operation of commercial vehicles on the roadways.
1. Age restrictions: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license in Pennsylvania, but you will be limited to intrastate driving only until you are 21 years old.
2. Endorsement restrictions: As I mentioned earlier, you may need endorsements for certain types of vehicles or cargo. If you don't have the required endorsements, you won't be able to operate those vehicles or transport that cargo.
3. Vehicle restrictions: You may be restricted from operating certain types of vehicles, such as those with air brakes or manual transmissions, if you haven't passed the required knowledge and skills tests.
4. Medical restrictions: You must meet certain medical requirements to maintain your CDL license. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely, your CDL may be restricted or revoked.
5. Alcohol and drug restrictions: If you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a commercial vehicle, your CDL will be suspended or revoked.
It's important to understand and follow these restrictions and limitations to maintain your CDL license and ensure safe operation of commercial vehicles on the roadways.
No, in Pennsylvania, the Class A CDL written test is only available in English. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires that all applicants for a CDL be able to read and understand English well enough to safely operate a commercial vehicle on public roads. This is because all road signs and other traffic control devices are in English, and being able to understand them is critical to safe operation of a commercial vehicle.
However, if you need assistance with reading or understanding the questions on the written test due to a language barrier or other disability, you may be able to request an accommodation. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for more information on how to request an accommodation.
However, if you need assistance with reading or understanding the questions on the written test due to a language barrier or other disability, you may be able to request an accommodation. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for more information on how to request an accommodation.
Yes, if you have a disability that impacts your ability to take the Class A CDL written test, you may be able to request accommodations. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to take the written knowledge test.
To request accommodations, you will need to fill out a Request for Reasonable Accommodations form and provide documentation of your disability and how it affects your ability to take the test. The form and documentation can be submitted in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center or by mail.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a reader or interpreter, or a separate testing room. The accommodation provided will depend on the individual's needs and the type of disability.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance of the test date, and it may take some time for PennDOT to review and approve the request. Be sure to plan ahead and submit your request well in advance of your desired test date.
To request accommodations, you will need to fill out a Request for Reasonable Accommodations form and provide documentation of your disability and how it affects your ability to take the test. The form and documentation can be submitted in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center or by mail.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a reader or interpreter, or a separate testing room. The accommodation provided will depend on the individual's needs and the type of disability.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance of the test date, and it may take some time for PennDOT to review and approve the request. Be sure to plan ahead and submit your request well in advance of your desired test date.
Yes, if you fail the Class A CDL written test, you can retake it. However, you will need to wait at least one day before you can take the test again. If you fail the test three times, you will need to wait at least two weeks before taking it again.
There is a fee for each attempt at the written test, so keep this in mind when scheduling your retake. You may also want to spend some additional time studying and preparing for the test before attempting it again.
It's important to note that passing the written test is just one step in obtaining a CDL. You will also need to pass a skills test in a commercial vehicle and meet other requirements before you can obtain your CDL.
There is a fee for each attempt at the written test, so keep this in mind when scheduling your retake. You may also want to spend some additional time studying and preparing for the test before attempting it again.
It's important to note that passing the written test is just one step in obtaining a CDL. You will also need to pass a skills test in a commercial vehicle and meet other requirements before you can obtain your CDL.
