Instructions

Special Requirements

All CDL applicants in Texas must pass a Commercial Rules test before they will be permitted to take any other CDL application tests. The Commercial Rules test is based on the information found in Section 14 of the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook. This section covers special requirements for CMV drivers in the state of Texas, including lighting requirements, size and weight restrictions, and rules to enhance a driver’s safety. The test is made up of 20 multiple-choice questions, and applicants will need to correctly answer a minimum of 16 questions to pass.

Number of Question 20

Passing Score 16

1. In general, when approaching a railroad grade crossing, a school bus driver should:

Stop before crossing the tracks.

Accelerate over the tracks.

Rely only on warning signals.

Continue driving normally.

Generally, school buses carrying passengers should stop before passing over railroad grade crossings. The driver should ensure there are no trains coming from either direction before continuing. However, if an officer directs the driver to continue over the tracks without stopping, the driver should follow the officer's direction.

2. Passing a motorcycle while driving a semitrailer:

Is the same as passing any other vehicle.

Should be done with extra caution.

Should be done quickly.

Does not present challenges.

If you are operating a large vehicle, be especially cautious when passing a motorcycle or bicycle. Since they are much lighter than other vehicles, they're more prone to be negatively affected by the wind created by large vehicles.

3. If you need to enter a driveway to park, it is a good idea to:

Accelerate.

Back into the driveway.

Drive forward into the driveway.

Refuse the help of another individual.

If it is necessary to park in a driveway, you should enter the driveway by backing into the space. This way, when leaving the driveway, you can pull forward and clearly see where you are going.

4. If a semitrailer must be parked on the shoulder of a two-way roadway and flags are being used in the place of lighted lamps, the flags should be placed:

100 feet in front of and behind the vehicle.

100 and 200 feet in front of the vehicle.

100 and 200 feet behind the vehicle.

300 feet in front of and behind the vehicle.

If lighted lamps are not required to be used during an emergency stop, they should be replaced by two red flags. If a semitrailer must be parked on the shoulder of a two-way roadway and flags are being used in the place of lighted lamps, the flags should be placed 100 feet in front of and behind the vehicle.

5. If traveling down a hill, a commercial motor vehicle:

Should be shifted into a high gear.

May not coast down the grade.

Must be accelerated.

Should be close to the vehicle ahead.

When driving a commercial motor vehicle down a hill, you should control the speed by switching into a low gear and supplementing with engine braking. It would be unlawful to coast the vehicle down the grade.

6. On trucks, truck tractors, semitrailers, pole trailers, and buses that are at least 80 inches in width, reflectors should be placed between ____ from the ground.

50 and 100 inches

24 and 60 inches

10 and 35 inches

100 and 200 inches

On trucks, truck tractors, semitrailers, pole trailers, and buses that are at least 80 inches in width, reflectors should be placed between 24 and 60 inches from the ground. Be sure to know the reflector requirements for your specific vehicle.

7. A special permit will be required if you wish to drive a vehicle:

More slowly than the speed limit.

That is hauling an empty trailer.

On dirt roads.

That is hauling a load larger than the legal limits.

If a driver needs to haul a load that is heavier, longer, wider, or higher than is legally permitted, the driver must first obtain a special permit. If the load is seen as being easy to dismantle, the permit will not be granted.

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