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. Each question has three or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving.. 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
43. Bridges usually:
Explanation
Bridges tend to freeze before other parts of the road surface. You should be especially careful on bridges when temperatures are near the freezing point.
44. In a dual air brake system:
Explanation
A dual air brake system is made up of two separate air brake systems. The systems share a single set of brake controls, but each has its own air tanks, hoses, and lines.
45. Before driving a vehicle with a dual air brake system, you must wait for the air compressor to build a minimum of ____ in both the primary and secondary systems.
Explanation
Before driving a vehicle with a dual air brake system, you should wait for the air compressor to build up at least 100 psi in both the primary and secondary systems.
46. To change lanes, you should:
Explanation
Always change lanes slowly and smoothly. If you did not see drivers who are already using the lane you wish to occupy, this will give them a chance to get out of your way or honk their horns to alert you. Always signal when changing lanes.
47. A tread depth of ____ should be in every major groove of a tire that is not in the front of a commercial motor vehicle.
Explanation
For safe operation, a commercial motor vehicle needs a tread depth of 4/32 of an inch in every major groove on the front tires, and a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch on other tires.
48. Containerized loads are used:
Explanation
Containerized loads are generally used when freight is carried partway by rail or ship. Sealed materials cannot be inspected, but a driver should ensure that the containers do not exceed safe and legal weight limits.
49. Spring brakes come on:
Explanation
Spring brakes come on automatically when air pressure drops to an unsafe psi level. Instead of waiting for the spring brakes to automatically activate, you should safely exit the road as soon as you notice the low pressure warning signal and bring your vehicle to a stop while you are still able to control the brakes.
50. What are placards?
Explanation
Placards are diamond-shaped warning signs that are placed on the outside of vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Placards are used to identify the specific hazard classes of the cargo being carried.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) in Alabama allows drivers to operate a single vehicle with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles with a total weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL license in Alabama:
1. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B CDL license in Alabama. However, if you plan to transport hazardous materials or operate across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Obtain a learner's permit: You must pass a written knowledge test and obtain a learner's permit before you can begin practicing driving. The learner's permit allows you to drive with a licensed CDL holder in the vehicle with you.
3. Practice driving: You will need to practice driving and become skilled in operating the type of vehicles you plan to drive.
4. Pass the skills test: The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must pass all three parts of the test to obtain your Class B CDL license.
5. Submit required documentation: You will need to provide proof of identification, residency, and citizenship or lawful permanent residency, as well as pass a medical examination and provide proof of your medical certification.
6. Pay the required fees: There are fees for obtaining your Class B CDL license in Alabama, including application fees and testing fees.
Once you have completed all of these steps successfully, you will be issued your Class B CDL license in Alabama and be authorized to operate commercial vehicles within the parameters of your license classification.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL license in Alabama:
1. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B CDL license in Alabama. However, if you plan to transport hazardous materials or operate across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Obtain a learner's permit: You must pass a written knowledge test and obtain a learner's permit before you can begin practicing driving. The learner's permit allows you to drive with a licensed CDL holder in the vehicle with you.
3. Practice driving: You will need to practice driving and become skilled in operating the type of vehicles you plan to drive.
4. Pass the skills test: The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must pass all three parts of the test to obtain your Class B CDL license.
5. Submit required documentation: You will need to provide proof of identification, residency, and citizenship or lawful permanent residency, as well as pass a medical examination and provide proof of your medical certification.
6. Pay the required fees: There are fees for obtaining your Class B CDL license in Alabama, including application fees and testing fees.
Once you have completed all of these steps successfully, you will be issued your Class B CDL license in Alabama and be authorized to operate commercial vehicles within the parameters of your license classification.
With a Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) in Alabama, you can operate a single vehicle with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles with a total weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
Some examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class B CDL license include:
- Straight trucks (such as delivery trucks and dump trucks) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
- Tractor-trailer combinations (such as box trucks and flatbed trucks) where the trailer has a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds
- Buses designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) that do not have a trailer attached
It's important to note that if you plan to transport hazardous materials or operate across state lines, you may need additional endorsements on your CDL license.
Some examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class B CDL license include:
- Straight trucks (such as delivery trucks and dump trucks) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
- Tractor-trailer combinations (such as box trucks and flatbed trucks) where the trailer has a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds
- Buses designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) that do not have a trailer attached
It's important to note that if you plan to transport hazardous materials or operate across state lines, you may need additional endorsements on your CDL license.
In Alabama, the minimum age requirement for obtaining a Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is 18 years old. However, if you plan to transport hazardous materials or operate across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old.
In addition to meeting the minimum age requirement, there are other requirements that must be met in order to obtain a Class B CDL license in Alabama. These include:
1. Holding a valid driver's license: You must hold a valid driver's license issued by the state of Alabama.
2. Passing a medical exam: You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and obtain a medical certificate from a qualified medical examiner.
3. Passing written tests: You must pass a written knowledge test covering general knowledge of commercial vehicles and specific knowledge related to the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
4. Obtaining a learner's permit: You must obtain a learner's permit and practice driving with a licensed CDL holder in the vehicle with you.
5. Passing skills tests: You must pass skills tests which include pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Providing required documentation: You must provide proof of identification, residency, and citizenship or lawful permanent residency, as well as pass a medical examination and provide proof of your medical certification.
7. Paying the required fees: There are fees for obtaining your Class B CDL license in Alabama, including application fees and testing fees.
Meeting these requirements will allow you to obtain your Class B CDL license in Alabama and become qualified to operate commercial vehicles within the parameters of your license classification.
In addition to meeting the minimum age requirement, there are other requirements that must be met in order to obtain a Class B CDL license in Alabama. These include:
1. Holding a valid driver's license: You must hold a valid driver's license issued by the state of Alabama.
2. Passing a medical exam: You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and obtain a medical certificate from a qualified medical examiner.
3. Passing written tests: You must pass a written knowledge test covering general knowledge of commercial vehicles and specific knowledge related to the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
4. Obtaining a learner's permit: You must obtain a learner's permit and practice driving with a licensed CDL holder in the vehicle with you.
5. Passing skills tests: You must pass skills tests which include pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Providing required documentation: You must provide proof of identification, residency, and citizenship or lawful permanent residency, as well as pass a medical examination and provide proof of your medical certification.
7. Paying the required fees: There are fees for obtaining your Class B CDL license in Alabama, including application fees and testing fees.
Meeting these requirements will allow you to obtain your Class B CDL license in Alabama and become qualified to operate commercial vehicles within the parameters of your license classification.
Whether or not you need endorsements for a Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license in Alabama depends on what type of vehicle you plan to operate and what type of cargo you plan to transport.
Endorsements are additional certifications that allow you to operate specialized vehicles or transport certain types of cargo. The most common endorsements for a Class B CDL license are:
1. Passenger endorsement (P): This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver). This includes buses, school buses, and passenger vans.
2. School bus endorsement (S): If you plan to operate a school bus, you must have a school bus endorsement in addition to your CDL license.
3. Tanker endorsement (N): If you plan to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, you must have a tanker endorsement.
4. Hazardous materials endorsement (H): If you plan to transport hazardous materials in amounts that require placarding, you must have a hazardous materials endorsement.
5. Doubles/triples endorsement (T): If you plan to drive double or triple trailers, you must have a doubles/triples endorsement.
6. Air brake endorsement: This is required if the vehicle you will be operating has air brakes.
It's important to note that some endorsements may require additional testing and fees beyond the standard requirements for obtaining a Class B CDL license. Make sure to check with your local DMV or licensing agency for specific requirements and fees related to endorsements for a Class B CDL license in Alabama.
Endorsements are additional certifications that allow you to operate specialized vehicles or transport certain types of cargo. The most common endorsements for a Class B CDL license are:
1. Passenger endorsement (P): This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver). This includes buses, school buses, and passenger vans.
2. School bus endorsement (S): If you plan to operate a school bus, you must have a school bus endorsement in addition to your CDL license.
3. Tanker endorsement (N): If you plan to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, you must have a tanker endorsement.
4. Hazardous materials endorsement (H): If you plan to transport hazardous materials in amounts that require placarding, you must have a hazardous materials endorsement.
5. Doubles/triples endorsement (T): If you plan to drive double or triple trailers, you must have a doubles/triples endorsement.
6. Air brake endorsement: This is required if the vehicle you will be operating has air brakes.
It's important to note that some endorsements may require additional testing and fees beyond the standard requirements for obtaining a Class B CDL license. Make sure to check with your local DMV or licensing agency for specific requirements and fees related to endorsements for a Class B CDL license in Alabama.
The Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) skills test in Alabama is designed to evaluate your ability to safely operate a Class B commercial vehicle. The skills test consists of three parts:
1. Pre-trip inspection: Before you begin driving, you will need to perform a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle. This involves checking various components such as the brakes, steering, tires, lights, and mirrors to ensure they are in good working condition.
2. Basic vehicle control: In this part of the test, you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations such as backing up, turning, and parking. You will be evaluated on your ability to maneuver the vehicle smoothly and safely.
3. Road test: The road test is designed to evaluate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in real-world driving situations. You will be asked to drive on a predetermined route that includes a variety of driving scenarios such as intersections, traffic signals, and highway driving. During the road test, you will be evaluated on your ability to handle the vehicle safely and effectively, follow traffic laws and signs, and make proper lane changes.
To pass the Class B CDL skills test in Alabama, you must successfully complete all three parts of the test. It's important to practice and prepare thoroughly for the skills test by studying the Alabama CDL manual, practicing driving skills with a licensed CDL holder, and reviewing any specific requirements or restrictions related to your license classification or endorsements.
1. Pre-trip inspection: Before you begin driving, you will need to perform a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle. This involves checking various components such as the brakes, steering, tires, lights, and mirrors to ensure they are in good working condition.
2. Basic vehicle control: In this part of the test, you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations such as backing up, turning, and parking. You will be evaluated on your ability to maneuver the vehicle smoothly and safely.
3. Road test: The road test is designed to evaluate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in real-world driving situations. You will be asked to drive on a predetermined route that includes a variety of driving scenarios such as intersections, traffic signals, and highway driving. During the road test, you will be evaluated on your ability to handle the vehicle safely and effectively, follow traffic laws and signs, and make proper lane changes.
To pass the Class B CDL skills test in Alabama, you must successfully complete all three parts of the test. It's important to practice and prepare thoroughly for the skills test by studying the Alabama CDL manual, practicing driving skills with a licensed CDL holder, and reviewing any specific requirements or restrictions related to your license classification or endorsements.
Yes, there are some restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license in Alabama. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Vehicle weight: With a Class B CDL, you are authorized to drive a single vehicle with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a trailer with a weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds. You are not authorized to drive combination vehicles with a total weight of more than 26,000 pounds.
2. Passenger restrictions: If you have a Class B CDL without a passenger endorsement (P), you are not allowed to drive vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), such as buses or passenger vans.
3. Endorsement restrictions: If you do not have the proper endorsements on your Class B CDL license, you may be restricted from operating certain types of vehicles or transporting certain types of cargo. For example, without a hazardous materials (H) endorsement, you may not transport hazardous materials in amounts that require placarding.
4. State-specific restrictions: Some states may have additional restrictions or limitations on Class B CDL drivers, such as age requirements or additional training requirements.
It's important to note that violating any of these restrictions can result in penalties such as fines, license suspension or revocation, and even criminal charges in some cases. Make sure to check with your local DMV or licensing agency for specific requirements and restrictions related to your Class B CDL license in Alabama.
1. Vehicle weight: With a Class B CDL, you are authorized to drive a single vehicle with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a trailer with a weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds. You are not authorized to drive combination vehicles with a total weight of more than 26,000 pounds.
2. Passenger restrictions: If you have a Class B CDL without a passenger endorsement (P), you are not allowed to drive vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), such as buses or passenger vans.
3. Endorsement restrictions: If you do not have the proper endorsements on your Class B CDL license, you may be restricted from operating certain types of vehicles or transporting certain types of cargo. For example, without a hazardous materials (H) endorsement, you may not transport hazardous materials in amounts that require placarding.
4. State-specific restrictions: Some states may have additional restrictions or limitations on Class B CDL drivers, such as age requirements or additional training requirements.
It's important to note that violating any of these restrictions can result in penalties such as fines, license suspension or revocation, and even criminal charges in some cases. Make sure to check with your local DMV or licensing agency for specific requirements and restrictions related to your Class B CDL license in Alabama.
No, the Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test in Alabama is only available in English. All applicants must be able to read and understand English well enough to take the written test and understand road signs and signals. This is because all road signs and signals in the United States are in English, and it is important for drivers to be able to read and understand them for safety reasons.
However, if you need assistance with the Class B CDL written test due to a language barrier, you may be able to bring a translator with you to the testing center. The translator must be fluent in both English and your native language, and they must not have any interest or stake in the outcome of the test. The translator may help you understand the instructions and questions on the test, but they cannot answer the questions for you or give you any assistance with the content of the test.
It's important to note that if you require a translator, you should contact your local DMV or licensing agency ahead of time to make arrangements. Some testing centers may require an appointment or have specific policies regarding translators.
However, if you need assistance with the Class B CDL written test due to a language barrier, you may be able to bring a translator with you to the testing center. The translator must be fluent in both English and your native language, and they must not have any interest or stake in the outcome of the test. The translator may help you understand the instructions and questions on the test, but they cannot answer the questions for you or give you any assistance with the content of the test.
It's important to note that if you require a translator, you should contact your local DMV or licensing agency ahead of time to make arrangements. Some testing centers may require an appointment or have specific policies regarding translators.
Yes, you may be able to request accommodations for the Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test in Alabama if you have a disability that affects your ability to take the test. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) is committed to providing equal access to all individuals, including those with disabilities.
To request accommodations for the Class B CDL written test, you will need to fill out a Request for Accommodation form and submit it to your local DPS Driver License Office. The form requires you to provide information about your disability and the accommodations you are requesting. Some examples of accommodations that may be available include:
- Extended testing time
- Use of a reader or scribe
- Use of a sign language interpreter
- Use of a special testing room or equipment
The DPS will review your request and determine if the requested accommodations are reasonable and appropriate. If your request is approved, you will be notified of the accommodations that will be provided for your test.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible, as it may take some time for the DPS to review and approve your request. Additionally, you may be asked to provide documentation from a qualified professional (such as a doctor or psychologist) to support your request.
To request accommodations for the Class B CDL written test, you will need to fill out a Request for Accommodation form and submit it to your local DPS Driver License Office. The form requires you to provide information about your disability and the accommodations you are requesting. Some examples of accommodations that may be available include:
- Extended testing time
- Use of a reader or scribe
- Use of a sign language interpreter
- Use of a special testing room or equipment
The DPS will review your request and determine if the requested accommodations are reasonable and appropriate. If your request is approved, you will be notified of the accommodations that will be provided for your test.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible, as it may take some time for the DPS to review and approve your request. Additionally, you may be asked to provide documentation from a qualified professional (such as a doctor or psychologist) to support your request.
If you fail the Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test in Alabama, you will need to wait at least one business day before you can retake the test. You will need to pay the testing fee again when you retake the test.
It's important to review the material thoroughly before retaking the test. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides a Commercial Driver License Manual that covers all of the topics you will need to know for the test, including general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles. You can also find practice tests online or through commercial driving schools.
If you fail the written test three times, you will be required to wait at least 30 days before you can retake the test. Additionally, if you fail the written test six times within a 12-month period, you will be required to wait at least one year before you can retake the test.
It's important to note that if you fail the written test, but pass other parts of the CDL exam (such as the skills test), you may be able to receive a restricted CDL that allows you to operate a commercial vehicle with certain limitations until you pass the written test. The restrictions on your CDL will depend on which parts of the exam you pass and which parts you fail.
It's important to review the material thoroughly before retaking the test. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides a Commercial Driver License Manual that covers all of the topics you will need to know for the test, including general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles. You can also find practice tests online or through commercial driving schools.
If you fail the written test three times, you will be required to wait at least 30 days before you can retake the test. Additionally, if you fail the written test six times within a 12-month period, you will be required to wait at least one year before you can retake the test.
It's important to note that if you fail the written test, but pass other parts of the CDL exam (such as the skills test), you may be able to receive a restricted CDL that allows you to operate a commercial vehicle with certain limitations until you pass the written test. The restrictions on your CDL will depend on which parts of the exam you pass and which parts you fail.
