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 three or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s Manual. 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.
Number of Question
Passing Score
8. Drivers trapped behind a slow-moving vehicle often:
Explanation
It is common for drivers to tailgate slow-moving vehicles that cannot keep up with the speed of surrounding traffic. If you are being tailgated, allow the other driver to pass your vehicle.
9. While driving, if you notice anything affecting safety or mechanics, you should:
Explanation
At the end of each day of driving, you may be required to make a written report on the vehicle or vehicles driven. Be sure to make note of any issues that could affect the safety of the vehicle or that could lead to a mechanical breakdown.
10. What do air brakes use to make the brakes work?
Explanation
Many large CMVs are equipped with air brakes. An air braking system uses compressed air to operate.
11. Dry bulk tanks require special care because:
Explanation
Driving with a dry bulk tank requires special care, both because dry bulk tanks have high centers of gravity and because their loads often shift in transit. Be especially careful when taking turns and curves while operating such a vehicle.
12. When taking the on-road driving skills test, you will be evaluated on your gear usage. You should not:
Explanation
During the on-road driving skills test, you will be evaluated on your gear usage. Select a gear that does not rev or lug the engine; avoid grinding and clashing gears; and avoid shifting through turns or intersections.
13. How does doubling your speed from 20 mph to 40 mph affect your vehicle's braking distance?
Explanation
Increasing your vehicle's speed will increase your vehicle's striking power and braking distance. Doubling your vehicle's speed from 20 to 40 mph will multiply its braking distance by four.
14. To ensure normal stopping power, drivers of vehicles equipped with a front brake limiting valve should:
Explanation
Some older vehicles have front brake limiting valves with "normal" and "slippery" settings. Setting a brake limiting valve to "slippery" reduces the vehicle's stopping power, so a driver should make sure the valve is in its "normal" position. Front wheel braking has proven to be effective in all driving conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Wisconsin allows a driver to operate any combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, tanker vehicles, livestock carriers, and flatbeds with heavy loads.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Wisconsin, you must pass a written test and a skills test. You must also have a valid medical certificate and meet other eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old (21 to operate across state lines), having a clean driving record, and passing a criminal background check.
Additionally, you may need to complete specialized training and endorsements for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger transportation. It is important to note that operating a commercial vehicle without the proper license or endorsement is illegal and can result in fines and other penalties.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Wisconsin, you must pass a written test and a skills test. You must also have a valid medical certificate and meet other eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old (21 to operate across state lines), having a clean driving record, and passing a criminal background check.
Additionally, you may need to complete specialized training and endorsements for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger transportation. It is important to note that operating a commercial vehicle without the proper license or endorsement is illegal and can result in fines and other penalties.
A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Wisconsin allows you to operate combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This includes but is not limited to:
- Tractor-trailers
- Livestock carriers
- Tanker vehicles
- Flatbeds with heavy loads
- Large buses or motor coaches
It is important to note that you may need additional endorsements or certifications to operate certain types of vehicles or carry certain types of cargo, such as hazardous materials or passengers. It is also important to always follow the rules and regulations set forth by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and adhere to safe driving practices while operating any commercial vehicle.
- Tractor-trailers
- Livestock carriers
- Tanker vehicles
- Flatbeds with heavy loads
- Large buses or motor coaches
It is important to note that you may need additional endorsements or certifications to operate certain types of vehicles or carry certain types of cargo, such as hazardous materials or passengers. It is also important to always follow the rules and regulations set forth by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and adhere to safe driving practices while operating any commercial vehicle.
To obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Wisconsin, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL, but you can only drive within Wisconsin state lines. To drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid Wisconsin driver's license.
3. Medical Certificate: You must provide proof of a valid medical certificate that meets the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical standards.
4. Knowledge Tests: You must pass a series of written tests that cover general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, and other specific topics related to commercial driving.
5. Skills Test: You must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check that covers your driving record and any criminal history.
7. Fees: You must pay the required fees to obtain your CDL.
It is important to note that additional endorsements or certifications may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger transportation.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL, but you can only drive within Wisconsin state lines. To drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid Wisconsin driver's license.
3. Medical Certificate: You must provide proof of a valid medical certificate that meets the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical standards.
4. Knowledge Tests: You must pass a series of written tests that cover general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, and other specific topics related to commercial driving.
5. Skills Test: You must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check that covers your driving record and any criminal history.
7. Fees: You must pay the required fees to obtain your CDL.
It is important to note that additional endorsements or certifications may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger transportation.
In Wisconsin, the minimum age requirement for a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is 18 years old. However, if you are under 21 years old, you are restricted from transporting hazardous materials and driving outside of Wisconsin state lines. To drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old. It is important to note that some employers may have their own age requirements for certain driving positions, so it is always a good idea to check with the employer before applying for a job.
Yes, you may need additional endorsements on your Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) depending on the type of vehicle you will be driving or the type of cargo you will be transporting. The most common endorsements for a Class A CDL include:
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement allows you to tow double or triple trailers.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement allows you to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle, such as a bus.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: This endorsement allows you to transport liquids in bulk containers.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids or gases.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test specific to that endorsement. Some endorsements may also require a background check and/or additional training. It is important to note that not all employers require endorsements for all driving positions, so it is always a good idea to check with the employer before applying for a job.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement allows you to tow double or triple trailers.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement allows you to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle, such as a bus.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: This endorsement allows you to transport liquids in bulk containers.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids or gases.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test specific to that endorsement. Some endorsements may also require a background check and/or additional training. It is important to note that not all employers require endorsements for all driving positions, so it is always a good idea to check with the employer before applying for a job.
The Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) skills test is a three-part test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be asked to do a walk-around inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is in safe working condition. You will be tested on your ability to identify any issues with the vehicle, such as brake or tire problems.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be tested on your ability to control your vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, parking, turning, and shifting gears. You may be asked to perform maneuvers such as straight-line backing, offset backing, parallel parking, and alley docking.
3. On-road driving: You will be tested on your ability to safely operate your vehicle on public roads while following all traffic laws and regulations. The examiner will evaluate your ability to handle various traffic situations, such as lane changes, turns, intersections, passing other vehicles, and merging onto highways.
Each part of the skills test must be passed in order to obtain a Class A CDL. It is important to practice and prepare for the test by studying the Wisconsin Commercial Driver's License Manual and obtaining any necessary endorsements for the type of driving you intend to do.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be asked to do a walk-around inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is in safe working condition. You will be tested on your ability to identify any issues with the vehicle, such as brake or tire problems.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be tested on your ability to control your vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, parking, turning, and shifting gears. You may be asked to perform maneuvers such as straight-line backing, offset backing, parallel parking, and alley docking.
3. On-road driving: You will be tested on your ability to safely operate your vehicle on public roads while following all traffic laws and regulations. The examiner will evaluate your ability to handle various traffic situations, such as lane changes, turns, intersections, passing other vehicles, and merging onto highways.
Each part of the skills test must be passed in order to obtain a Class A CDL. It is important to practice and prepare for the test by studying the Wisconsin Commercial Driver's License Manual and obtaining any necessary endorsements for the type of driving you intend to do.
Yes, there are some restrictions or limitations for drivers with a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Here are a few important ones:
1. Age Restrictions: To obtain a Class A CDL, you must be at least 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.
2. Interstate vs Intrastate: Depending on whether you plan to drive within Wisconsin only (intrastate) or across state lines (interstate), there may be different requirements and regulations that apply to your driving.
3. Endorsements: As mentioned earlier, some driving positions may require specific endorsements on your CDL, such as the Hazardous Materials endorsement.
4. Medical Certification: Commercial drivers must pass a medical examination and maintain a valid medical certificate in order to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
5. Vehicle Restrictions: Depending on your license class and endorsements, there may be certain restrictions on the type of vehicle you can operate. For example, if you have a passenger endorsement, you may not be allowed to operate a commercial vehicle designed to transport hazardous materials.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and restrictions that apply to your Class A CDL license and driving position, and to ensure that you comply with all state and federal laws at all times while on the road.
1. Age Restrictions: To obtain a Class A CDL, you must be at least 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.
2. Interstate vs Intrastate: Depending on whether you plan to drive within Wisconsin only (intrastate) or across state lines (interstate), there may be different requirements and regulations that apply to your driving.
3. Endorsements: As mentioned earlier, some driving positions may require specific endorsements on your CDL, such as the Hazardous Materials endorsement.
4. Medical Certification: Commercial drivers must pass a medical examination and maintain a valid medical certificate in order to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
5. Vehicle Restrictions: Depending on your license class and endorsements, there may be certain restrictions on the type of vehicle you can operate. For example, if you have a passenger endorsement, you may not be allowed to operate a commercial vehicle designed to transport hazardous materials.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and restrictions that apply to your Class A CDL license and driving position, and to ensure that you comply with all state and federal laws at all times while on the road.
No, in the state of Wisconsin, the Class A CDL written test is only available in English. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) requires that all CDL applicants must be able to read and understand English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you can bring an interpreter with you to translate the questions and answers. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a CDL holder or have any interest in your test or the outcome of your test. The interpreter must also sign an affidavit stating that they will truthfully and accurately translate the questions and answers.
It is important to note that all road signs and signals in the United States are in English, so it is essential to have a good understanding of the language to safely operate a commercial vehicle on American roads.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you can bring an interpreter with you to translate the questions and answers. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a CDL holder or have any interest in your test or the outcome of your test. The interpreter must also sign an affidavit stating that they will truthfully and accurately translate the questions and answers.
It is important to note that all road signs and signals in the United States are in English, so it is essential to have a good understanding of the language to safely operate a commercial vehicle on American roads.
Yes, if you have a disability or medical condition that requires accommodations to take the Class A CDL written test, you can request reasonable accommodations from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). This is in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the WisDOT's policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability.
To request accommodations, you should contact the WisDOT's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and explain your disability or medical condition and what specific accommodations you need to take the test. Some common accommodations include extra time to complete the test, a separate testing area, or the use of adaptive equipment.
You will need to provide documentation from a qualified medical professional that supports your request for accommodations. The documentation should describe your disability or medical condition and explain how it impacts your ability to take the Class A CDL written test without accommodations.
The WisDOT will review your request and documentation and determine what reasonable accommodations can be made. They will then work with you to schedule a testing appointment that accommodates your needs.
To request accommodations, you should contact the WisDOT's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and explain your disability or medical condition and what specific accommodations you need to take the test. Some common accommodations include extra time to complete the test, a separate testing area, or the use of adaptive equipment.
You will need to provide documentation from a qualified medical professional that supports your request for accommodations. The documentation should describe your disability or medical condition and explain how it impacts your ability to take the Class A CDL written test without accommodations.
The WisDOT will review your request and documentation and determine what reasonable accommodations can be made. They will then work with you to schedule a testing appointment that accommodates your needs.
If you fail the Class A CDL written test, you are allowed to retake the test. In Wisconsin, you can retake the written test as many times as necessary until you pass; however, there are some limitations on how often you can take the test.
In Wisconsin, you are required to wait at least one day before retaking the written test. If you fail the test three times, you are required to wait at least 14 days before taking it again. If you fail the test six times, you must wait at least 28 days before taking it again.
It is important to note that each time you retake the written test, you will need to pay the testing fee again. The fee for the Class A CDL written test in Wisconsin is $35.
To improve your chances of passing the written test, be sure to study and prepare thoroughly. You can find study materials and practice tests online or through commercial driving schools. Additionally, make sure to get plenty of rest and arrive at the testing location early to reduce stress and anxiety.
In Wisconsin, you are required to wait at least one day before retaking the written test. If you fail the test three times, you are required to wait at least 14 days before taking it again. If you fail the test six times, you must wait at least 28 days before taking it again.
It is important to note that each time you retake the written test, you will need to pay the testing fee again. The fee for the Class A CDL written test in Wisconsin is $35.
To improve your chances of passing the written test, be sure to study and prepare thoroughly. You can find study materials and practice tests online or through commercial driving schools. Additionally, make sure to get plenty of rest and arrive at the testing location early to reduce stress and anxiety.
