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. Test questions come from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Driving Safely and Transporting Cargo Safely. Endorsements that may be used with a Class B CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
Number of Question
Passing Score
1. If you experience a loss of hydraulic pressure, you should do all of the following, except:
Explanation
If you experience a loss of hydraulic pressure in your brakes, you should downshift, pump the brakes, and use the parking brake. Seek an escape route, such as an escape ramp, open field, or side street.
2. When checking the power steering fluid during a vehicle inspection, you will need to do each of the following, except:
Explanation
When checking the power steering fluid during the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to indicate where the power steering fluid dipstick is located and show that there is an adequate amount of power steering fluid in the engine compartment. The fluid level must be above the refill mark.
3. Front brake limiting valves were intended to:
Explanation
Some older vehicles with air brakes have front brake limiting valves. These valves were intended to reduce the risk of front wheels skidding. However, research has shown that such devices are unnecessary, so they should be left in the "normal" position.
4. Friction inside a brake drum is caused when the brake shoes and linings:
Explanation
Friction inside a brake drum is caused when the brake shoes and linings push against the inside of the drum. The friction in the drums will slow and stop the vehicle.
5. Which of the following is not a good way to reduce crashes when turning right?
Explanation
When making a right turn, avoid turning too wide to the left. If you must swing into another lane to complete the turn, you should keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb. Leaving space to the right of your vehicle while turning right may indicate to other drivers that you are turning left, so they may attempt to pass you on your right.
6. When it is difficult for others to see your vehicle, such as at dawn or dusk, you can help other drivers by:
Explanation
At times when visibility is low, you should turn your headlights on to the low beam setting. If you are having a difficult time seeing others, they are probably having a difficult time seeing you.
7. When taking the on-road test, you will be evaluated on regular traffic checks. You should not:
Explanation
While taking the on-road driving skills test, check for traffic and use your mirrors regularly, especially when encountering intersections. Scan and check for pedestrians in areas where they may be present.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2024 Pennsylvania DMV exam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In Pennsylvania, a Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is a type of license that allows drivers to operate a single vehicle with a weight of 26,001 or more pounds, or tow a vehicle not heavier than 10,000 pounds.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL license in Pennsylvania:
1. Obtain a learner's permit: To get started, you must first obtain a learner's permit by passing a written test. The test will cover the rules and regulations for driving commercial vehicles.
2. Practice driving: While holding your learner's permit, you must practice driving with a qualified CDL driver.
3. Schedule and pass the skills test: Once you feel ready, you must schedule and pass the skills test. This test includes three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
4. Pass a medical exam: You must pass a medical exam conducted by a licensed medical examiner to ensure you are physically able to operate a commercial vehicle.
5. Apply for the license: After passing the skills test and medical exam, you can apply for your Class B CDL license at your local PennDOT Driver License Center.
6. Pay the fees: There are fees associated with obtaining your CDL license in Pennsylvania. You will need to pay for your learner's permit, skills test, and license application fees.
7. Maintain your license: Once you have your Class B CDL license, you must maintain it by following all rules and regulations set forth by PennDOT and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL license in Pennsylvania:
1. Obtain a learner's permit: To get started, you must first obtain a learner's permit by passing a written test. The test will cover the rules and regulations for driving commercial vehicles.
2. Practice driving: While holding your learner's permit, you must practice driving with a qualified CDL driver.
3. Schedule and pass the skills test: Once you feel ready, you must schedule and pass the skills test. This test includes three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
4. Pass a medical exam: You must pass a medical exam conducted by a licensed medical examiner to ensure you are physically able to operate a commercial vehicle.
5. Apply for the license: After passing the skills test and medical exam, you can apply for your Class B CDL license at your local PennDOT Driver License Center.
6. Pay the fees: There are fees associated with obtaining your CDL license in Pennsylvania. You will need to pay for your learner's permit, skills test, and license application fees.
7. Maintain your license: Once you have your Class B CDL license, you must maintain it by following all rules and regulations set forth by PennDOT and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
With a Class B CDL license in Pennsylvania, you are authorized to operate a single vehicle with a weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or a combination of vehicles with a total weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds. Examples of vehicles that you can operate with a Class B CDL license include:
- Straight trucks
- Large buses (such as school buses)
- Dump trucks
- Delivery trucks
- Tow trucks (with a towed vehicle weighing no more than 10,000 pounds)
- Cement mixers
- Garbage trucks
- Box trucks
It's important to note that while you can operate these types of vehicles with a Class B CDL license, you may need additional endorsements or qualifications to transport certain types of cargo or passengers. For example, if you want to transport hazardous materials, you must obtain a Hazmat endorsement, and if you want to drive a school bus, you must have a School Bus endorsement.
- Straight trucks
- Large buses (such as school buses)
- Dump trucks
- Delivery trucks
- Tow trucks (with a towed vehicle weighing no more than 10,000 pounds)
- Cement mixers
- Garbage trucks
- Box trucks
It's important to note that while you can operate these types of vehicles with a Class B CDL license, you may need additional endorsements or qualifications to transport certain types of cargo or passengers. For example, if you want to transport hazardous materials, you must obtain a Hazmat endorsement, and if you want to drive a school bus, you must have a School Bus endorsement.
To obtain a Class B CDL license in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within Pennsylvania or 21 years old to drive interstate.
2. Hold a valid Pennsylvania driver's license: You must have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license and have held it for at least one year before applying for a CDL.
3. Pass a physical exam: You must pass a medical exam conducted by a licensed medical examiner to ensure you are physically able to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Obtain a learner's permit: To get started, you must first obtain a learner's permit by passing a written test. The test will cover the rules and regulations for driving commercial vehicles.
5. Practice driving: While holding your learner's permit, you must practice driving with a qualified CDL driver.
6. Pass the skills test: Once you feel ready, you must schedule and pass the skills test. This test includes three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Provide required documentation: You will need to provide documentation to prove your identity, residency, and citizenship or legal presence in the United States.
8. Pay the fees: There are fees associated with obtaining your CDL license in Pennsylvania. You will need to pay for your learner's permit, skills test, and license application fees.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo. For example, if you want to transport hazardous materials, you will need to obtain a Hazmat endorsement.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within Pennsylvania or 21 years old to drive interstate.
2. Hold a valid Pennsylvania driver's license: You must have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license and have held it for at least one year before applying for a CDL.
3. Pass a physical exam: You must pass a medical exam conducted by a licensed medical examiner to ensure you are physically able to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Obtain a learner's permit: To get started, you must first obtain a learner's permit by passing a written test. The test will cover the rules and regulations for driving commercial vehicles.
5. Practice driving: While holding your learner's permit, you must practice driving with a qualified CDL driver.
6. Pass the skills test: Once you feel ready, you must schedule and pass the skills test. This test includes three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Provide required documentation: You will need to provide documentation to prove your identity, residency, and citizenship or legal presence in the United States.
8. Pay the fees: There are fees associated with obtaining your CDL license in Pennsylvania. You will need to pay for your learner's permit, skills test, and license application fees.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo. For example, if you want to transport hazardous materials, you will need to obtain a Hazmat endorsement.
In Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a Class B CDL license. However, if you plan to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old due to federal regulations. Additionally, some employers may have their own age requirements for drivers. It's important to check with your state's Department of Transportation and potential employers for specific age requirements.
You may need to obtain additional endorsements for your Class B CDL license depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate and the cargo you will be carrying. Here are some of the endorsements that may be required:
1. Passenger endorsement (P): If you plan to drive a bus or other vehicle designed to transport passengers, you will need a passenger endorsement.
2. School bus endorsement (S): If you plan to drive a school bus, you will need a school bus endorsement.
3. Tanker endorsement (N): If you plan to transport liquids or gases in a tank vehicle, you will need a tanker endorsement.
4. Hazardous materials endorsement (H): If you plan to transport hazardous materials, such as chemicals or explosives, you will need a hazardous materials endorsement.
5. Combination tank and hazardous materials endorsement (X): If you plan to transport both hazardous materials and liquids or gases in a tank vehicle, you will need a combination tank and hazardous materials endorsement.
Keep in mind that each endorsement requires additional knowledge and skills tests, as well as background checks. It's important to carefully review the requirements for each endorsement before applying for them.
1. Passenger endorsement (P): If you plan to drive a bus or other vehicle designed to transport passengers, you will need a passenger endorsement.
2. School bus endorsement (S): If you plan to drive a school bus, you will need a school bus endorsement.
3. Tanker endorsement (N): If you plan to transport liquids or gases in a tank vehicle, you will need a tanker endorsement.
4. Hazardous materials endorsement (H): If you plan to transport hazardous materials, such as chemicals or explosives, you will need a hazardous materials endorsement.
5. Combination tank and hazardous materials endorsement (X): If you plan to transport both hazardous materials and liquids or gases in a tank vehicle, you will need a combination tank and hazardous materials endorsement.
Keep in mind that each endorsement requires additional knowledge and skills tests, as well as background checks. It's important to carefully review the requirements for each endorsement before applying for them.
The Class B CDL skills test in Pennsylvania consists of three parts:
1. Pre-trip inspection: This portion of the test requires you to inspect your vehicle and demonstrate your knowledge of its components and safety features. You will need to identify and explain the purpose of different parts of the vehicle, such as the brakes, steering system, lights, and emergency equipment.
2. Basic vehicle control: In this part of the test, you will demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in different driving situations. You may be asked to perform maneuvers such as straight line backing, parallel parking, and turning.
3. On-road driving: The final part of the test involves driving on public roads while following instructions from the examiner. You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in traffic, obey traffic laws and signals, and communicate effectively with other drivers.
The skills test can take several hours to complete, and you must pass each part to obtain your Class B CDL license. It's important to practice driving and maneuvering your vehicle beforehand, as well as studying the Pennsylvania CDL driver's manual and any additional materials related to your specific endorsement(s).
1. Pre-trip inspection: This portion of the test requires you to inspect your vehicle and demonstrate your knowledge of its components and safety features. You will need to identify and explain the purpose of different parts of the vehicle, such as the brakes, steering system, lights, and emergency equipment.
2. Basic vehicle control: In this part of the test, you will demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in different driving situations. You may be asked to perform maneuvers such as straight line backing, parallel parking, and turning.
3. On-road driving: The final part of the test involves driving on public roads while following instructions from the examiner. You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in traffic, obey traffic laws and signals, and communicate effectively with other drivers.
The skills test can take several hours to complete, and you must pass each part to obtain your Class B CDL license. It's important to practice driving and maneuvering your vehicle beforehand, as well as studying the Pennsylvania CDL driver's manual and any additional materials related to your specific endorsement(s).
Yes, there are some restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class B CDL license in Pennsylvania. Here are a few important ones:
1. Passenger restriction: If you did not pass the passenger endorsement test, you cannot carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver) in a vehicle.
2. Air brake restriction: If you did not pass the air brake knowledge test or skills test, you cannot operate a vehicle with air brakes.
3. Hazmat endorsement restriction: If you did not pass the hazmat endorsement test or have not completed a TSA background check, you cannot transport hazardous materials.
4. Tanker endorsement restriction: If you did not pass the tanker endorsement test, you cannot drive a vehicle that transports liquids or gases in bulk containers of 1,000 gallons or more.
5. Automatic transmission restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, your CDL will be restricted to only allow you to operate vehicles with automatic transmissions.
It's important to note that if you have any of these restrictions on your CDL, they will be listed on your license and you must follow them. To remove restrictions, you will need to retake the appropriate knowledge or skills tests and pay any additional fees.
1. Passenger restriction: If you did not pass the passenger endorsement test, you cannot carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver) in a vehicle.
2. Air brake restriction: If you did not pass the air brake knowledge test or skills test, you cannot operate a vehicle with air brakes.
3. Hazmat endorsement restriction: If you did not pass the hazmat endorsement test or have not completed a TSA background check, you cannot transport hazardous materials.
4. Tanker endorsement restriction: If you did not pass the tanker endorsement test, you cannot drive a vehicle that transports liquids or gases in bulk containers of 1,000 gallons or more.
5. Automatic transmission restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, your CDL will be restricted to only allow you to operate vehicles with automatic transmissions.
It's important to note that if you have any of these restrictions on your CDL, they will be listed on your license and you must follow them. To remove restrictions, you will need to retake the appropriate knowledge or skills tests and pay any additional fees.
Yes, you can take the Class B CDL written test in a language other than English in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers the CDL knowledge tests in several languages, including Spanish, Korean, Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese. However, it's important to note that not all PennDOT locations may offer the test in every language.
To take the test in a different language, you will need to schedule an appointment at a PennDOT Driver License Center that offers the test in your preferred language. You will also need to bring a translator with you if you cannot read or speak English. The translator must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a family member or business associate.
It's important to note that while you can take the written test in a different language, you must still demonstrate English proficiency during the skills test portion of the CDL exam. You will need to be able to read and understand road signs and communicate effectively with other drivers on the road.
To take the test in a different language, you will need to schedule an appointment at a PennDOT Driver License Center that offers the test in your preferred language. You will also need to bring a translator with you if you cannot read or speak English. The translator must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a family member or business associate.
It's important to note that while you can take the written test in a different language, you must still demonstrate English proficiency during the skills test portion of the CDL exam. You will need to be able to read and understand road signs and communicate effectively with other drivers on the road.
Yes, you can request accommodations for the Class B CDL written test in Pennsylvania if you have a disability that affects your ability to take the test. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers accommodations for individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
To request accommodations, you will need to fill out the Request for Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities form and submit it to PennDOT. The form can be obtained from a Driver License Center or downloaded from PennDOT's website.
In your request, you will need to provide documentation from a qualified healthcare professional that explains your disability and how it impacts your ability to take the test. You will also need to describe the specific accommodations you are requesting, such as additional time, a private testing area, or assistive technology.
PennDOT will review your request and determine if the requested accommodations are appropriate and reasonable. If approved, you will be notified of the accommodations and provided with instructions on how to schedule your test with the requested accommodations.
To request accommodations, you will need to fill out the Request for Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities form and submit it to PennDOT. The form can be obtained from a Driver License Center or downloaded from PennDOT's website.
In your request, you will need to provide documentation from a qualified healthcare professional that explains your disability and how it impacts your ability to take the test. You will also need to describe the specific accommodations you are requesting, such as additional time, a private testing area, or assistive technology.
PennDOT will review your request and determine if the requested accommodations are appropriate and reasonable. If approved, you will be notified of the accommodations and provided with instructions on how to schedule your test with the requested accommodations.
If you fail the Class B CDL written test in Pennsylvania, you will be allowed to retake the test after a waiting period of at least one day. You will need to pay the testing fee again and schedule a new appointment at a PennDOT Driver License Center.
It's important to note that if you fail the test three times, you will be required to wait at least 15 days before retaking the test again. If you fail the test six times, you will need to wait at least 30 days before retaking it.
PennDOT allows CDL applicants to take the written test up to three times in one day, but only if there is availability and time permits. However, it's not recommended to take the test multiple times in one day if you are not adequately prepared as this can lead to additional fees and delays in obtaining your CDL.
It's important to study and prepare for the CDL written test thoroughly before taking it. PennDOT offers study materials and practice tests on their website, and there are also many commercial study guides available.
It's important to note that if you fail the test three times, you will be required to wait at least 15 days before retaking the test again. If you fail the test six times, you will need to wait at least 30 days before retaking it.
PennDOT allows CDL applicants to take the written test up to three times in one day, but only if there is availability and time permits. However, it's not recommended to take the test multiple times in one day if you are not adequately prepared as this can lead to additional fees and delays in obtaining your CDL.
It's important to study and prepare for the CDL written test thoroughly before taking it. PennDOT offers study materials and practice tests on their website, and there are also many commercial study guides available.
