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 possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Hawaii Commercial Driver License 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. When traveling down a steep downgrade:
Explanation
On long and/or steep downgrades, you should primarily use engine braking to control the speed of your vehicle. Use your brakes only as a supplement to this effect.
9. What is the number one cause of death and injury in a work zone?
Explanation
Speeding is the leading cause of death and injury in work zones. Use extra caution when driving near workers in a work zone.
10. If you must leave the roadway and drive on the shoulder in an emergency situation, you should:
Explanation
If you must drive onto the shoulder to avoid a hazard, stay on it until you come to a stop; then signal, check your mirrors, and merge back into traffic. Avoid braking on the shoulder at speeds higher than about 20 mph. To help maintain control, always keep one set of wheels on the pavement, if possible.
11. Friction in an S-cam brake is caused when the brake shoes and linings:
Explanation
Friction inside a brake drum is caused when the brake shoes and linings push against the inside of the drum. The friction in the drums will slow and stop the vehicle.
12. What kind of force do emergency brakes use?
Explanation
Air brakes are really three different braking systems: the service brake, the parking brake, and the emergency brake. Emergency and parking brakes are applied with mechanical force.
13. You should maintain at least ____ of following distance per every 10 feet of your vehicle when you are traveling more slowly than 40 mph.
Explanation
At speeds below 40 mph, you should allow at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle. Follow the same formula when traveling at faster speeds, then add one additional second to your following distance. Remember that larger vehicles require more space to stop than smaller vehicles.
14. What is the best way to stop if your brakes fail while you are driving downhill?
Explanation
If your brakes fail on a downgrade, you will need to quickly find something outside that can stop your vehicle. An escape ramp is the best option. If no escape ramp is available, use the least hazardous available option, such as driving into an open field or side road that flattens out or turns uphill.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Hawaii, a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is a license that allows the holder to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes vehicles such as tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, and other large commercial vehicles.
To obtain a Class A CDL in Hawaii, you must first pass a written knowledge test and a skills test (which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test). You must also meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old (21 if you will be transporting hazardous materials) and having a clean driving record.
Once you have obtained your Class A CDL in Hawaii, you must also meet certain ongoing requirements to maintain it. These include passing regular physical exams and complying with federal regulations related to hours of service and safety.
To obtain a Class A CDL in Hawaii, you must first pass a written knowledge test and a skills test (which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test). You must also meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old (21 if you will be transporting hazardous materials) and having a clean driving record.
Once you have obtained your Class A CDL in Hawaii, you must also meet certain ongoing requirements to maintain it. These include passing regular physical exams and complying with federal regulations related to hours of service and safety.
With a Class A CDL license in Hawaii, you are authorized to operate combination vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes:
- Tractor-trailers: A combination of a truck tractor and one or more trailers, with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Truck and trailer combinations: A combination of a truck and one or more trailers, with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Double and triple trailers: Vehicles with two or three trailers attached to the truck tractor, with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Tanker vehicles: Vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases, with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Livestock carriers: Vehicles designed to transport live animals, with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
It's important to note that some additional endorsements may be required to operate certain types of vehicles. For example, if you will be transporting hazardous materials, you will need to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement in addition to your Class A CDL.
- Tractor-trailers: A combination of a truck tractor and one or more trailers, with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Truck and trailer combinations: A combination of a truck and one or more trailers, with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Double and triple trailers: Vehicles with two or three trailers attached to the truck tractor, with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Tanker vehicles: Vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases, with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Livestock carriers: Vehicles designed to transport live animals, with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
It's important to note that some additional endorsements may be required to operate certain types of vehicles. For example, if you will be transporting hazardous materials, you will need to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement in addition to your Class A CDL.
To obtain a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) in Hawaii, you must meet certain requirements and pass a series of tests. Here are the basic steps to obtain a Class A CDL:
1. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old (21 if you will be transporting hazardous materials), have a valid driver's license, and have a clean driving record.
2. Obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP): Before you can take the skills test, you must first pass a written knowledge test and obtain a CLP. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or legal presence, as well as pass a medical exam.
3. Practice driving: With your CLP, you can practice driving with a licensed CDL holder in the vehicle with you.
4. Pass the skills test: The skills test includes three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test. You will need to provide your own vehicle that meets the requirements for the test.
5. Obtain your Class A CDL: Once you have passed all parts of the skills test and paid the appropriate fees, you will be issued your Class A CDL.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo. For example, if you will be transporting hazardous materials or passengers, you will need to obtain additional endorsements in addition to your Class A CDL.
1. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old (21 if you will be transporting hazardous materials), have a valid driver's license, and have a clean driving record.
2. Obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP): Before you can take the skills test, you must first pass a written knowledge test and obtain a CLP. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or legal presence, as well as pass a medical exam.
3. Practice driving: With your CLP, you can practice driving with a licensed CDL holder in the vehicle with you.
4. Pass the skills test: The skills test includes three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test. You will need to provide your own vehicle that meets the requirements for the test.
5. Obtain your Class A CDL: Once you have passed all parts of the skills test and paid the appropriate fees, you will be issued your Class A CDL.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo. For example, if you will be transporting hazardous materials or passengers, you will need to obtain additional endorsements in addition to your Class A CDL.
In Hawaii, the minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is 18 years old. However, if you will be transporting hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old to obtain a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement.
It's important to note that some employers or insurance companies may have their own age requirements for drivers, which may be higher than the state minimum.
It's important to note that some employers or insurance companies may have their own age requirements for drivers, which may be higher than the state minimum.
Yes, you may need additional endorsements for a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License), depending on the type of vehicle you will be driving and the type of cargo you will be transporting. Here are some of the common endorsements for a Class A CDL:
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement allows you to drive vehicles with double or triple trailers.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement allows you to drive vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: This endorsement allows you to drive vehicles that transport liquids or gases in tanks.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
You will need to pass additional knowledge and skills tests for each endorsement that you want to obtain. It's important to note that some endorsements may have additional requirements, such as a background check or additional training.
Make sure to check with your local DMV or commercial driver's license office for specific requirements and procedures to obtain endorsements for your Class A CDL.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement allows you to drive vehicles with double or triple trailers.
2. P - Passenger: This endorsement allows you to drive vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: This endorsement allows you to drive vehicles that transport liquids or gases in tanks.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
You will need to pass additional knowledge and skills tests for each endorsement that you want to obtain. It's important to note that some endorsements may have additional requirements, such as a background check or additional training.
Make sure to check with your local DMV or commercial driver's license office for specific requirements and procedures to obtain endorsements for your Class A CDL.
The Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) skills test is designed to evaluate your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. The test consists of three parts:
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: This portion of the test evaluates your ability to inspect your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. You will be asked to identify and explain various parts of the vehicle and demonstrate how to check for safety issues.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: This portion of the test evaluates your ability to control the vehicle in a variety of situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking. You will be asked to perform specific maneuvers, such as straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
3. On-Road Driving: This portion of the test evaluates your ability to safely drive the vehicle on public roads. You will be asked to drive a predetermined route while following all traffic laws and properly communicating with other drivers on the road.
During each part of the test, you will be evaluated on your ability to safely operate the vehicle, use appropriate techniques and procedures, and follow all traffic laws and regulations. You must pass all three portions of the skills test in order to obtain your Class A CDL.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: This portion of the test evaluates your ability to inspect your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. You will be asked to identify and explain various parts of the vehicle and demonstrate how to check for safety issues.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: This portion of the test evaluates your ability to control the vehicle in a variety of situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking. You will be asked to perform specific maneuvers, such as straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
3. On-Road Driving: This portion of the test evaluates your ability to safely drive the vehicle on public roads. You will be asked to drive a predetermined route while following all traffic laws and properly communicating with other drivers on the road.
During each part of the test, you will be evaluated on your ability to safely operate the vehicle, use appropriate techniques and procedures, and follow all traffic laws and regulations. You must pass all three portions of the skills test in order to obtain your Class A CDL.
Yes, there are restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license. Here are some of the common restrictions:
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will have an air brake restriction on your license. This means you are not authorized to operate a vehicle with air brakes.
2. No Manual Transmission Restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have a restriction on your license that prohibits you from operating a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you only plan to drive within the state of Hawaii, you may have an Intrastate Only restriction on your license.
4. Medical Certification Restriction: If you do not meet the medical requirements to operate a commercial motor vehicle, you may have a Medical Certification Restriction on your license.
It's important to note that some restrictions may be removed by passing additional tests or meeting certain requirements. Make sure to check with your local DMV or commercial driver's license office for specific restrictions and procedures to remove them from your license.
1. Air Brake Restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will have an air brake restriction on your license. This means you are not authorized to operate a vehicle with air brakes.
2. No Manual Transmission Restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have a restriction on your license that prohibits you from operating a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you only plan to drive within the state of Hawaii, you may have an Intrastate Only restriction on your license.
4. Medical Certification Restriction: If you do not meet the medical requirements to operate a commercial motor vehicle, you may have a Medical Certification Restriction on your license.
It's important to note that some restrictions may be removed by passing additional tests or meeting certain requirements. Make sure to check with your local DMV or commercial driver's license office for specific restrictions and procedures to remove them from your license.
In Hawaii, the Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test is only available in English. The test is designed to evaluate your knowledge of commercial driving regulations, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, which requires an understanding of the English language.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you may be able to request special accommodations from the Hawaii DMV. Accommodations may include an interpreter or translated written materials. You should contact the DMV in advance to request accommodations and determine what options are available.
It's important to note that even if accommodations are provided, you will still need to have a basic understanding of the English language to be able to safely operate a commercial vehicle on public roads.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you may be able to request special accommodations from the Hawaii DMV. Accommodations may include an interpreter or translated written materials. You should contact the DMV in advance to request accommodations and determine what options are available.
It's important to note that even if accommodations are provided, you will still need to have a basic understanding of the English language to be able to safely operate a commercial vehicle on public roads.
Yes, you can request accommodations for the Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test due to a disability. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Hawaii DMV is required to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to services and programs.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended time for taking the test, the use of a reader or scribe, or alternative formats for test materials. The DMV may also allow you to take the test in a separate, quiet room if you have a disability that makes it difficult to concentrate in a busy testing room.
To request accommodations, you will need to contact the Hawaii DMV in advance and provide documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations you are requesting. The DMV may require additional information or assessments to determine what accommodations are appropriate.
It's important to note that accommodations must be reasonable and not fundamentally alter the nature of the test. Additionally, you will still need to demonstrate your knowledge of commercial driving regulations and safe driving practices to pass the test and obtain your Class A CDL license.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended time for taking the test, the use of a reader or scribe, or alternative formats for test materials. The DMV may also allow you to take the test in a separate, quiet room if you have a disability that makes it difficult to concentrate in a busy testing room.
To request accommodations, you will need to contact the Hawaii DMV in advance and provide documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations you are requesting. The DMV may require additional information or assessments to determine what accommodations are appropriate.
It's important to note that accommodations must be reasonable and not fundamentally alter the nature of the test. Additionally, you will still need to demonstrate your knowledge of commercial driving regulations and safe driving practices to pass the test and obtain your Class A CDL license.
Yes, if you fail the Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test, you can retake it. However, you will need to wait at least one business day before you can retake the test. You will also need to pay the testing fee again.
If you fail the test multiple times, you may need to wait longer before retaking it. The Hawaii DMV may require you to complete additional training or education before allowing you to retake the test.
It's important to note that passing the written test is only one step in obtaining your Class A CDL license. You will also need to pass a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test. Therefore, it's important to prepare thoroughly for both the written and skills tests to increase your chances of passing and obtaining your license.
If you fail the test multiple times, you may need to wait longer before retaking it. The Hawaii DMV may require you to complete additional training or education before allowing you to retake the test.
It's important to note that passing the written test is only one step in obtaining your Class A CDL license. You will also need to pass a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test. Therefore, it's important to prepare thoroughly for both the written and skills tests to increase your chances of passing and obtaining your license.
