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. Test questions come from the Georgia Commercial Driver’s Manual. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Combination Vehicles, Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving. Endorsements that may be used with a Class A CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, Doubles/Triples, HazMat, Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
15. The most important reason to inspect your vehicle before a trip is:
The most important reason to inspect your vehicle before a trip is to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Safety inspections before every trip are required by state and federal laws.
16. Why do you need to drain air tanks regularly?
Compressed air in an air brake system usually contains a certain amount of water and compressor oil. The water and oil can damage the brakes if left to accumulate in the system. Tanks must be drained regularly to remove this build-up.
17. To use the stab braking method in an emergency situation, you should:
The stab braking method for emergency stops involves fully applying the brakes until they lock up. The brakes are then released until the wheels start rolling, then the process is repeated.
18. How is water and compressor oil removed from the bottom of an air storage tank?
Water and compressor oil are removed from air storage tanks through a drain valve. The water and oil can damage the brakes if left to accumulate in the system. Manually operated tanks must be drained every day to remove this build-up.
19. If you must stop on the side of a highway, how far behind your vehicle should warning devices be placed?
When stopping your CMV on the side of a highway, warning devices must be placed 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind the vehicle.
20. If an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) malfunctions:
On a vehicle with ABS, a yellow malfunction lamp on the instrument panel will illuminate to alert you if the braking system is not working.
21. Being convicted of an alcohol-related offense in your personal vehicle:
If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, canceled, or suspended due to an alcohol-related offense, controlled substance-related offense, or felony violation, you will lose your CDL for one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in Georgia:
1. Obtain a Georgia Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): To obtain a CLP, you must pass the written knowledge exams for both general knowledge and combination vehicles. You must also provide proof of identity, residency, and medical certification.
2. Practice driving with your CLP: With your CLP in hand, you can legally practice driving a commercial vehicle on public roads as long as you are accompanied by a licensed CDL holder who has the same class of license as the vehicle you are driving.
3. Pass the skills test: When you feel confident in your driving abilities, you can schedule an appointment for your skills test at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) location. The skills test consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving.
4. Obtain your Class A CDL: If you pass all three parts of the skills test, you will be issued your Class A CDL.
Note that there may be additional requirements depending on your specific situation or the type of cargo you will be hauling. It's always best to consult with the Georgia DDS or a reputable truck driving school for guidance on obtaining your Class A CDL license.
1. Tractor-trailers: A combination of a tractor unit and one or more trailers.
2. Truck and trailer combinations: A combination of a truck and one or more trailers.
3. Double and triple trailers: A combination of two or three trailers connected to a tractor unit.
4. Tanker vehicles: Used for transporting liquids or gases.
5. Livestock carriers: Used for transporting live animals.
It's important to note that there may be additional endorsements required to operate certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport. Always check with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) or a reputable truck driving school for specific requirements before operating any commercial vehicle.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle within Georgia and 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Valid driver's license: You must have a valid Georgia driver's license.
3. Medical certification: You must provide proof of medical certification, which is required to ensure you are physically able to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must hold a valid CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
5. Written knowledge exams: You must pass the written knowledge exams for both general knowledge and combination vehicles.
6. Skills test: You must pass a three-part skills test consisting of pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving.
7. Background check: You must pass a criminal background check and disclose any previous convictions.
8. Fees: You must pay the required fees for obtaining your CDL license.
Note that there may be additional requirements depending on your specific situation or the type of cargo you will be hauling. It's always best to consult with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) or a reputable truck driving school for guidance on obtaining your Class A CDL license.
If you are between 18 and 20 years old, you can only operate a commercial vehicle within the state of Georgia and cannot transport hazardous materials. You can also not operate a commercial vehicle outside of Georgia if it weighs more than 10,000 pounds or is transporting hazardous materials.
If you are between 21 and 24 years old, you can operate a commercial vehicle across state lines but still cannot transport hazardous materials.
Once you reach the age of 21 and have held your Class A CDL license for at least one year, you can transport hazardous materials across state lines.
It's important to note that some employers may require drivers to be at least 21 years old regardless of state regulations.
Here are the most common CDL endorsements in Georgia:
1. Hazmat endorsement (H): Required to transport hazardous materials.
2. Tanker endorsement (N): Required to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers.
3. Double/triple trailer endorsement (T): Required to operate double or triple trailers.
4. Passenger endorsement (P): Required to transport passengers in a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver.
5. School bus endorsement (S): Required to operate a school bus.
6. Combination of tank and hazardous materials endorsement (X): Required to transport both hazardous materials and liquids or gases in bulk containers.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test that covers the specific knowledge required for that type of vehicle or cargo. You will also need to meet any additional requirements, such as obtaining a medical certificate or passing a background check.
It's important to note that some endorsements may have additional age requirements or experience requirements, so be sure to check with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) for specific details before applying for an endorsement.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. The inspection must be completed in a specific order and covers both the exterior and interior of the vehicle.
2. Basic Controls Test: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking.
3. Road Test: You will be required to drive the vehicle on public roads while demonstrating your ability to safely operate the CMV in traffic. The test will include various maneuvers, such as lane changes, turns, and intersections.
During the test, you will be evaluated on your ability to perform each task safely and efficiently. You must pass each part of the test in order to obtain your Class A CDL.
It's important to note that you must provide your own CMV for the skills test, and it must meet certain requirements set by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Additionally, you must hold a valid Georgia commercial learner's permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
1. Intrastate only restriction: This restriction limits you to driving only within the state of Georgia. You cannot operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) across state lines.
2. Air brake restriction: This restriction limits you to driving CMVs without air brakes.
3. No manual transmission restriction: This restriction applies if you passed your skills test using a CMV with an automatic transmission. You will be restricted from operating CMVs with manual transmissions.
4. L - No air brake equipped CMV: This restriction is placed on drivers who have not taken and passed the air brake knowledge test or who have taken it and failed.
5. K - Intrastate only: This restriction is placed on drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles solely within the State of Georgia.
6. M - Except Class A bus: This restriction is placed on drivers who are not qualified to operate Class A buses.
It's important to note that these restrictions may limit your employment opportunities, as some employers may require drivers with a full Class A CDL license without any restrictions. Additionally, some restrictions may be removed by completing additional training and passing additional tests.
However, it's important to note that you must be able to read and understand the language in which you take the test. Additionally, if your first language is not English, you will be required to take the English proficiency test to ensure that you have a basic understanding of the English language.
If you pass the written test in a language other than English, you will receive a Class A CDL permit with a "V" restriction. This restriction means that you are only allowed to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a qualified interpreter present. Once you pass the road skills test with an interpreter present, the "V" restriction will be removed from your license.
To request accommodations for the test, you will need to fill out the Request for Accommodation of Disability form and submit it to the DDS. The form is available on the DDS website or can be obtained at any DDS Customer Service Center.
The form will ask you to provide information about your disability and the type of accommodation you are requesting. You may need to provide documentation from a licensed healthcare provider or specialist that verifies your disability and explains why the accommodation is necessary.
The DDS will review your request and may contact you for additional information if needed. They will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations that meet your needs while maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended time for taking the test, a private testing room, or a reader or scribe to assist with reading or writing.
If you fail the test, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will provide you with a score report that shows your performance on each section of the test. You can use this information to identify areas where you need to improve your knowledge before retaking the test.
It's important to note that if you fail the test three times, you will need to wait at least 30 days before retaking it. If you fail the test six times, you will need to wait at least 90 days before retaking it.
To prepare for the test, you can study the Georgia Commercial Driver’s Manual, which is available on the DDS website. You may also want to consider taking a commercial driver's license training course, which can help prepare you for both the written and road skills tests.