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 two, three or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Utah Commercial Driver License Handbook. 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.
1. If hydraulic brakes fail, a driver can reduce their speed by:
If your hydraulic bakes fail, shifting into a lower gear can help slow your vehicle down.
2. If another driver is tailgating you, you should:
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.
3. While driving a vehicle, if an unusual noise or feeling occurs, the driver should:
If you see, hear, smell, or feel anything that could indicate trouble while you are driving, you should stop and inspect the source of the unusual occurrence.
4. Which of the following is acceptable?
When inspecting a vehicle, you should ensure that dual tires do not come into contact with each other or with other parts of the vehicle. Tire sizes should not be mismatched, and tires should not be cut or damaged in any way. Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires are not permitted to be used on the front wheels of a bus.
5. If exiting a bus, a driver must:
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 vehicle control skills test.
6. Which of the following is not a reason to cover cargo?
You should cover your cargo to protect people from the cargo if it spills, as well as to protect the cargo from the weather.
7. When asked to complete an offset back/right parking maneuver, you should:
If you are asked to complete an offset back/right parking maneuver, you should first pull straight forward, then back up to the right. Your vehicle must be parked completely within the boundaries of the parking space.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A CDL license. However, if you plan to operate a vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Driver's License: You must already have a valid Utah driver's license.
3. Medical Certification: You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and obtain a medical certification.
4. Knowledge Tests: You must pass knowledge tests covering general commercial driving and specific knowledge for the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
5. Skills Test: You must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Background Check: You must pass a background check that includes your driving record and criminal history.
7. Fees: You must pay the appropriate fees for your CDL license and any endorsements or additional certifications needed.
It is also important to note that additional requirements may apply for specific types of vehicles or endorsements, such as hazardous materials or passenger endorsements.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement is required to operate a combination of two or three trailers.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement is required to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
4. N - Tank Vehicles: This endorsement is required to operate a vehicle designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required to transport hazardous materials in a tank vehicle.
It is important to note that each endorsement requires passing additional knowledge tests and, in some cases, skills tests.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: In this part of the test, you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge of the vehicle and its safety equipment. You will be asked to do a thorough inspection of the vehicle and identify any defects or safety hazards.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: In this part of the test, you will demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in a variety of situations such as straight backing, offset backing, parallel parking, and alley docking.
3. On-road Driving: In this part of the test, you will demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads. You will be evaluated on your ability to obey traffic laws, use proper shifting techniques, change lanes safely, and navigate turns and intersections.
Each state may have its own specific requirements and scoring criteria for the skills test. It is important to consult your state's CDL manual for detailed information on what is required in your state.
1. E - Automatic Transmission: This restriction is imposed if the driver has not passed the skills test in a vehicle with a manual transmission. The restriction limits the driver to operating vehicles with an automatic transmission.
2. L - Air Brakes: This restriction is imposed if the driver has not passed the air brake knowledge test or skills test. The restriction limits the driver to operating vehicles without air brakes.
3. Z - No Full Air Brake Equipped CMV: This restriction is imposed if the driver has passed the air brake knowledge test but has not passed the air brake skills test in a vehicle with a full air brake system. The restriction limits the driver to operating vehicles without full air brakes.
4. B - Outside Mirror: This restriction is imposed if the vehicle being operated does not have two outside mirrors, one on each side.
5. K - Intrastate Only: This restriction is imposed if the driver operates only within their home state and does not cross state lines.
It is important to note that some restrictions may require additional testing or training to be removed, so it is important to consult your state's CDL manual for specific requirements and procedures for removing restrictions on your license.
If you prefer to take the test in a language other than English, you should contact your local Driver License Division office to inquire about the availability of tests in your preferred language. It is important to note that if you choose to take the test in a language other than English, you will need to bring someone with you who is fluent in both languages to act as an interpreter during the test. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a licensed CDL holder.
To request accommodations, you should contact the Utah Driver License Division and provide information about your disability and the type of accommodation you need. The division may require documentation from a medical professional to support your request.
Examples of accommodations that may be available include extended time for the test, a separate testing area, or the use of assistive technology. The division will work with you to determine the appropriate accommodations based on your individual needs.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations should be made well in advance of the scheduled test date to allow time for processing and implementation of the requested accommodations.
If you fail the test three times, you will be required to wait at least 30 days before being allowed to retest. If you fail the test six times, you will be required to wait at least 90 days before being allowed to retest.
It's important to note that while there is no limit to the number of times you can take the written test, failing it multiple times can result in significant delays and additional expenses. To increase your chances of passing the test on your first attempt, it's recommended that you study the Utah CDL Manual thoroughly and take practice tests before taking the actual test.