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.. Read More

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

15. What does ABS do?

Explanation
The purpose of an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is to prevent wheels from locking up during hard applications of the brakes, especially on slippery surfaces.

16. Roads are slippery when it first begins to rain because:

Explanation
Roads are especially slippery when it first begins to rain. Rain water initially mixes with oil and grease on the road to form a slippery film. As the rain continues, this mixture will eventually wash away.

17. 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.

18. To help your vehicle be seen by others:

Explanation
When driving at night, it is important that your lights be clean so that they provide as much light as possible. This will help others to see your vehicle.

19. If another driver is tailgating you, you should:

Explanation
If you are being tailgated, it is advisable to open up the space in front of your vehicle, making it easier for the tailgater to get around you. Speeding up may be counterproductive because the driver may continue to tailgate you at the higher speed, only increasing the danger.

20. When checking the engine compartment, you should check all of the following, except:

Explanation
When inspecting your vehicle's engine compartment, be sure to check the oil level; the radiator coolant level and the condition of the hoses; the power steering fluid level and the condition of the hoses, if applicable; the windshield washer fluid level; the battery connections, fluid level, and tie-downs; the automatic transmission fluid level; and the condition and tightness of the belts. Additionally, check for any leaks in the engine compartment and cracked or worn electrical wiring insulation.

21. During exercises that are not the straight line backing exercise, you may exit your vehicle to check its position no more than:

Explanation
A driver is allowed to exit their vehicle to check its position during any basic control skills test exercise. This action is called a "look." During the straight line backing exercise, a driver may not exceed one look. During any other exercise, a driver may not exceed two looks.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.
DMV Writen Test