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 four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Indiana 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.
8. If using air tanks with manually operated drains, how often should you drain the tanks?
In an air brake system with manually operated drains, the tanks should be drained at the end of each day of driving.
9. When you need to brake, how can you warn drivers behind you?
To warn drivers behind you that you are about to slow down, it may be a good idea to first lightly tap your brake pedal a few times to make the brake lights flash.
10. When you must travel down a grade, when should you switch into a lower gear?
Before starting down a hill, you should shift into a lower gear. This will help get your vehicle to a speed that you can control without having to use your brakes too much.
11. When approaching a vehicle for a pre-trip inspection, a driver should look under the vehicle:
When approaching your vehicle to conduct an inspection, you should look underneath it to make sure there are no fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks on the ground. Leaks can indicate unsafe defects on a vehicle.
12. The brake pedal is part of which braking system?
The service brake system applies and releases the brakes when a driver presses the brake pedal while driving normally.
13. Emergency brakes:
All trucks, truck tractors, and buses must be equipped with emergency brakes and parking brakes. These brakes must be held by mechanical force.
14. Why are roads particularly slippery right after it begins to rain?
Roads are often at their most slippery when rain is just beginning to fall. This is because water mixes with oil and grease on the road to create a slick surface. As rain continues, the oil and grease will wash away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL in Indiana:
1. Obtain a learner's permit: To begin the process, you must first obtain a learner's permit by passing a written exam. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or legal presence.
2. Practice driving: Once you have your learner's permit, you can begin practicing driving with a qualified driver who holds a valid Class B CDL license.
3. Pass the skills test: After you have practiced driving, you will need to pass a skills test which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
4. Provide necessary documents: You will also need to provide additional documents such as medical certification and proof of residency.
5. Pay the necessary fees: There are fees associated with obtaining a Class B CDL license which varies depending on the type of license and endorsements that you require.
6. Maintain your license: Once you have obtained your Class B CDL license, you will need to maintain it by adhering to all traffic laws and regulations and ensuring that your medical certification is up-to-date.
It's important to note that there may be additional requirements or variations in the process depending on your specific situation. It's always best to check with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles for specific information and guidance.
1. Single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
2. Combination vehicles with a total weight of less than 26,001 pounds, which includes a towed unit with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less
Examples of vehicles that can be operated with a Class B CDL license include straight trucks, large buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks.
It's important to note that if you wish to operate a vehicle that requires additional endorsements, such as a bus or tanker truck, you will need to obtain those endorsements in addition to your Class B CDL license.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B CDL license. However, if you plan to transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Hold a valid driver's license: You must hold a valid driver's license from the state where you reside.
3. Obtain a learner's permit: Before applying for a Class B CDL, you must first obtain a learner's permit by passing a written exam.
4. Pass vision and medical exams: You must pass a vision exam and provide proof of medical certification that confirms that you are physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
5. Complete knowledge and skills tests: You must pass both the knowledge (written) test and the skills (driving) test for the Class B CDL license.
6. Provide necessary documentation: You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or legal presence, as well as any other documentation required by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
7. Pay the necessary fees: There are fees associated with obtaining a Class B CDL license which vary depending on the type of license and endorsements that you require.
It's important to note that if you have any driving violations or criminal records, it may affect your ability to obtain a Class B CDL license or certain endorsements. It's always best to check with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles for specific information and guidance.
1. Passenger (P) endorsement: If you plan to drive a commercial vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, you will need a Passenger endorsement.
2. School Bus (S) endorsement: If you plan to drive a school bus, you will need a School Bus endorsement.
3. Tank (N) endorsement: If you plan to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more or multiple smaller containers with an aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, you will need a Tank endorsement.
4. Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement: If you plan to transport hazardous materials, you will need a Hazardous Materials endorsement.
5. Combination Tank/Hazardous Materials (X) endorsement: If you plan to transport both hazardous materials and liquids or gases in bulk containers, you will need a Combination Tank/Hazardous Materials endorsement.
Note that some endorsements may require additional testing beyond the standard knowledge and skills tests required for the Class B CDL license. It's always best to check with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles for specific requirements and guidance on obtaining endorsements for your Class B CDL license.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: This part of the test evaluates your ability to inspect your vehicle to ensure it is safe to operate. You will be asked to inspect various components of the vehicle, such as the brakes, tires, lights, and steering.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: This part of the test evaluates your ability to control the vehicle in different situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking. You will be asked to perform maneuvers such as straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
3. Road Test: This part of the test evaluates your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads. You will be asked to drive in various traffic situations, such as making turns, changing lanes, and navigating intersections.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated on your ability to operate the vehicle safely and effectively. You must demonstrate proper use of mirrors and signals, obey traffic laws and signals, and maintain proper speed and position on the road.
It's important to note that the skills test may vary slightly depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate and any endorsements you may need. It's always a good idea to check with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles for specific information on the Class B CDL skills test requirements.
1. Vehicle Weight Limitations: Drivers with a Class B CDL are allowed to operate vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, but they are not allowed to tow more than 10,000 pounds.
2. Passenger Limitations: Drivers with a Class B CDL may transport up to 16 passengers (including the driver) in a commercial vehicle.
3. Endorsements: As I mentioned earlier, drivers with a Class B CDL may need additional endorsements to operate certain types of commercial vehicles or transport certain types of cargo.
4. Time Restrictions: In Indiana, drivers under the age of 21 who hold a Class B CDL are prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle outside the state and are limited to intrastate driving only.
5. Medical Requirements: All CDL holders, including those with a Class B license, must meet certain medical requirements to maintain their license. They must pass a medical examination and provide proof of their physical fitness on a regular basis.
It's important for drivers with a Class B CDL to be aware of these restrictions and limitations and follow them accordingly to avoid any legal issues or safety concerns on the road.
However, if you require language assistance to take the test, you may bring a translator with you to help you understand the instructions and questions. The translator must be fluent in both English and the language spoken by the CDL applicant.
It's important to note that the translator cannot assist with answering the questions or provide any coaching during the test. Their role is strictly limited to translating instructions and questions.
If you have any concerns about taking the Class B CDL written test in English, you can contact the Indiana BMV for more information on language assistance options.
To request accommodations, you need to complete and submit the Request for Accommodations form to the Indiana BMV. The form requires you to provide information about your disability and the specific accommodations you need to take the test.
Some examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a separate testing room, a sign language interpreter or assistive technology.
Once your request is received and reviewed by the BMV, they will determine if the accommodations are reasonable and appropriate. If approved, they will contact you to make arrangements for the test.
It's important to note that you should submit your request for accommodations as early as possible so that the BMV has adequate time to review and make arrangements for your accommodations.
If you fail the test, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will provide you with a score report that shows the areas where you need to improve. This can help you focus your study efforts before retaking the test.
It's important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the Class B CDL written test. You will need to pay this fee each time you take the test, regardless of whether you pass or fail.
Before retaking the test, make sure to review the Indiana CDL Manual and practice answering questions similar to those on the actual test. You can also consider taking a CDL prep course or using online study resources to help improve your knowledge and increase your chances of passing on your next attempt.