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 two, three or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Minnesota Commercial Driver’s 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
22. A cardboard box on the road:
Explanation
Any foreign object on the road is potentially dangerous. For example, something seemingly harmless, such as a cardboard box or paper sack, could contain a hard or heavy object that could do serious damage to a vehicle.
23. If you are braking on dry pavement while traveling at 55 mph, how much distance will brake lag add to your overall stopping distance?
Explanation
The total stopping distance for vehicles equipped with air brakes is made up of four factors: perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance. When braking at a speed of 55 mph while driving on dry pavement, the brake lag can add around 32 feet to the vehicle's total stopping distance.
24. In an emergency situation, you should:
Explanation
Stopping is not always the safest option when responding to an emergency while driving. It is usually safer to steer out of the way when attempting to avoid a crash.
25. What is brake lag?
Explanation
Because air takes time to flow through the air lines to the brakes, air brakes cannot begin working instantly. There is often a brake lag of at least one-half of a second between the moment the brake pedal is pressed and the moment the brakes begin to work. On vehicles with hydraulic brakes, the brakes work instantly when the pedal is pressed.
26. Items on a flatbed:
Explanation
On flatbed trailers and trailers without sides, cargo must be tied down to prevent it from shifting or falling off in transit.
27. A ramp's posted speed limit:
Explanation
Posted speed limits on exit and entrance ramps often show speeds that are safe to be driven by cars. However, these speed limits may be too fast for large or heavily-loaded vehicles and CMV drivers will likely need to slow down to a speed below the posted limit.
28. Blocking a load:
Explanation
Blocking and bracing are used to prevent cargo from shifting in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Minnesota allows a driver to operate a single vehicle with a weight of 26,001 or more pounds, or a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 or more pounds. This license is required for drivers who operate vehicles such as buses, delivery trucks, and tractor-trailers.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL license in Minnesota:
1. Obtain a Minnesota Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the knowledge tests for the Class B CDL and any endorsements you may need. You must also pass a vision test and provide your driving record.
2. Hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
3. Schedule and pass the three-part CDL skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
4. Provide a medical examiner's certificate and self-certification form indicating the type of commerce you will be operating in (interstate or intrastate).
5. Pay the required fees and submit your application to the Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
Once you have passed all necessary tests and submitted all required documents, you will be issued a Class B CDL license in Minnesota.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL license in Minnesota:
1. Obtain a Minnesota Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the knowledge tests for the Class B CDL and any endorsements you may need. You must also pass a vision test and provide your driving record.
2. Hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
3. Schedule and pass the three-part CDL skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
4. Provide a medical examiner's certificate and self-certification form indicating the type of commerce you will be operating in (interstate or intrastate).
5. Pay the required fees and submit your application to the Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
Once you have passed all necessary tests and submitted all required documents, you will be issued a Class B CDL license in Minnesota.
With a Class B CDL license in Minnesota, you are authorized to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, or a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 or more pounds, where the towed vehicle(s) weigh(s) less than 10,000 pounds.
Some examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class B CDL license include:
- Straight trucks (such as delivery trucks and dump trucks) that weigh 26,001 or more pounds
- Large passenger buses (such as school buses and city transit buses)
- Segmented buses
- Box trucks with trailers
- Small to mid-sized tractor-trailers (such as those used for local deliveries)
It is important to note that certain endorsements may be required to operate certain types of vehicles, such as passenger or hazardous materials endorsements.
Some examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class B CDL license include:
- Straight trucks (such as delivery trucks and dump trucks) that weigh 26,001 or more pounds
- Large passenger buses (such as school buses and city transit buses)
- Segmented buses
- Box trucks with trailers
- Small to mid-sized tractor-trailers (such as those used for local deliveries)
It is important to note that certain endorsements may be required to operate certain types of vehicles, such as passenger or hazardous materials endorsements.
To obtain a Class B CDL license in Minnesota, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Minnesota, or 21 years old for interstate driving.
2. Hold a valid Minnesota driver's license.
3. Provide proof of your legal presence in the United States.
4. Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and obtain a medical examiner's certificate.
5. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test for the Class B CDL and any applicable endorsements.
6. Hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test.
7. Pass the three-part CDL skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
8. Provide proof of your Social Security number or a valid Social Security waiver.
9. Provide proof of your state and federal driving record for the past 10 years.
10. Pay all applicable fees and complete all required application forms.
Note that additional requirements may apply depending on your specific situation or if you require certain endorsements, such as passenger or hazardous materials endorsements. It is important to carefully review all requirements and prepare accordingly before applying for a Class B CDL license in Minnesota.
1. Be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Minnesota, or 21 years old for interstate driving.
2. Hold a valid Minnesota driver's license.
3. Provide proof of your legal presence in the United States.
4. Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and obtain a medical examiner's certificate.
5. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test for the Class B CDL and any applicable endorsements.
6. Hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test.
7. Pass the three-part CDL skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
8. Provide proof of your Social Security number or a valid Social Security waiver.
9. Provide proof of your state and federal driving record for the past 10 years.
10. Pay all applicable fees and complete all required application forms.
Note that additional requirements may apply depending on your specific situation or if you require certain endorsements, such as passenger or hazardous materials endorsements. It is important to carefully review all requirements and prepare accordingly before applying for a Class B CDL license in Minnesota.
The minimum age requirement for a Class B CDL license in Minnesota is 18 years old to drive within the state. However, for interstate driving (driving across state lines), you must be at least 21 years old.
It is important to note that some employers may have their own age requirements for certain positions, and some endorsements (such as hazardous materials) may also have age restrictions. It's a good idea to check with potential employers or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) for specific age requirements for your driving goals.
It is important to note that some employers may have their own age requirements for certain positions, and some endorsements (such as hazardous materials) may also have age restrictions. It's a good idea to check with potential employers or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) for specific age requirements for your driving goals.
The endorsements required for a Class B CDL license depend on the type of vehicle you plan to operate and the cargo you plan to carry. In general, the following endorsements are available for a Class B CDL:
1. Passenger endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to operate a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
2. School Bus endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to operate a school bus.
3. Tanker endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to transport liquid or gaseous materials in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to transport hazardous materials (as defined by federal law) or any amount of select agents or toxins.
5. Double/Triple trailer endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to operate double/triple trailers.
Note that you must pass additional written tests and meet other requirements to obtain these endorsements. It's important to carefully review all requirements and prepare accordingly before applying for a CDL endorsement.
1. Passenger endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to operate a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
2. School Bus endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to operate a school bus.
3. Tanker endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to transport liquid or gaseous materials in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to transport hazardous materials (as defined by federal law) or any amount of select agents or toxins.
5. Double/Triple trailer endorsement: Required for drivers who plan to operate double/triple trailers.
Note that you must pass additional written tests and meet other requirements to obtain these endorsements. It's important to carefully review all requirements and prepare accordingly before applying for a CDL endorsement.
The Class B CDL skills test is designed to evaluate your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely and effectively. The test consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be asked to inspect your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you are checking for. This includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, horn, mirrors, and other important components of the vehicle.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to handle the commercial vehicle in a controlled environment. This includes performing maneuvers such as straight line backing, offset backing, parallel parking, and alley docking.
3. On-road driving: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to drive the commercial vehicle on public roads safely and effectively. This includes making turns, changing lanes, merging onto highways, and other common driving maneuvers.
To pass the skills test, you must demonstrate that you can operate the commercial vehicle safely and effectively in all three parts of the test. You can find more detailed information about the skills test on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) website.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be asked to inspect your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you are checking for. This includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, horn, mirrors, and other important components of the vehicle.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to handle the commercial vehicle in a controlled environment. This includes performing maneuvers such as straight line backing, offset backing, parallel parking, and alley docking.
3. On-road driving: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to drive the commercial vehicle on public roads safely and effectively. This includes making turns, changing lanes, merging onto highways, and other common driving maneuvers.
To pass the skills test, you must demonstrate that you can operate the commercial vehicle safely and effectively in all three parts of the test. You can find more detailed information about the skills test on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) website.
Yes, drivers with a Class B CDL license are subject to certain restrictions and limitations. Here are a few important ones to be aware of:
1. Vehicle weight: With a Class B CDL, you are authorized to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. However, you are not authorized to tow a trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds.
2. Passenger restrictions: If you have a Class B CDL with a passenger endorsement, you are allowed to transport more than 16 passengers, including the driver. However, you are not allowed to transport hazardous materials or operate double/triple trailers.
3. Time restrictions: If you are under the age of 21, your CDL will be restricted to intrastate driving only. Additionally, if you have a HazMat endorsement, you will be subject to background checks and other requirements that may limit your driving privileges.
It's important to understand the restrictions and limitations that apply to your CDL license to ensure that you are operating within the law and complying with all regulations.
1. Vehicle weight: With a Class B CDL, you are authorized to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. However, you are not authorized to tow a trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds.
2. Passenger restrictions: If you have a Class B CDL with a passenger endorsement, you are allowed to transport more than 16 passengers, including the driver. However, you are not allowed to transport hazardous materials or operate double/triple trailers.
3. Time restrictions: If you are under the age of 21, your CDL will be restricted to intrastate driving only. Additionally, if you have a HazMat endorsement, you will be subject to background checks and other requirements that may limit your driving privileges.
It's important to understand the restrictions and limitations that apply to your CDL license to ensure that you are operating within the law and complying with all regulations.
Yes, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers the Class B CDL written test in several languages other than English, including Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. This is to ensure that all applicants have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations related to commercial driving.
To request a non-English version of the Class B CDL written test, you must contact the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services Division and indicate your language preference. The DPS will then provide you with study materials and schedule a test appointment at a location where your preferred language is available.
It's important to note that while the written test may be available in a non-English language, all other aspects of the CDL testing process (such as the skills test) will be conducted in English. Additionally, you may be required to demonstrate your ability to read and understand English road signs and other important information during the testing process.
To request a non-English version of the Class B CDL written test, you must contact the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services Division and indicate your language preference. The DPS will then provide you with study materials and schedule a test appointment at a location where your preferred language is available.
It's important to note that while the written test may be available in a non-English language, all other aspects of the CDL testing process (such as the skills test) will be conducted in English. Additionally, you may be required to demonstrate your ability to read and understand English road signs and other important information during the testing process.
Yes, if you have a disability that requires accommodations to take the Class B CDL written test, you can request them from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver and Vehicle Services Division.
To request accommodations, you will need to complete and submit a Request for Accommodation of Disability form, which is available on the DPS website. The form requires you to provide information about your disability, the type of accommodation you are requesting, and any supporting documentation that may be necessary.
Some examples of accommodations that may be available include extended time to complete the test, a separate testing room with reduced distractions, or the use of assistive technology such as a screen reader or magnifier.
Once your request is received, the DPS will review it and determine if the requested accommodations are appropriate and reasonable. You will be notified of the decision and provided with instructions on how to schedule your test with the approved accommodations.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance of the scheduled test date to provide sufficient time for review and approval.
To request accommodations, you will need to complete and submit a Request for Accommodation of Disability form, which is available on the DPS website. The form requires you to provide information about your disability, the type of accommodation you are requesting, and any supporting documentation that may be necessary.
Some examples of accommodations that may be available include extended time to complete the test, a separate testing room with reduced distractions, or the use of assistive technology such as a screen reader or magnifier.
Once your request is received, the DPS will review it and determine if the requested accommodations are appropriate and reasonable. You will be notified of the decision and provided with instructions on how to schedule your test with the approved accommodations.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance of the scheduled test date to provide sufficient time for review and approval.
If you fail the Class B CDL written test, you may retake it, but there are some restrictions on how soon you can retake it.
In Minnesota, you are allowed to take the Class B CDL written test up to two times in a single day. If you fail the test on your first attempt, you can retake it immediately. However, if you fail the test a second time, you must wait at least one day before taking it again.
If you fail the test three times, you will be required to wait at least 14 days before taking it again. Additionally, you will be required to pay a retesting fee each time you retake the test.
It's important to note that while there is no limit to the number of times you can take the Class B CDL written test, if you fail it four times within a 12-month period, you will be required to wait one year from the date of your last failed attempt before taking it again.
To improve your chances of passing the Class B CDL written test, it's recommended that you study thoroughly using the official Minnesota Commercial Driver's Manual and any other study materials provided by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS).
In Minnesota, you are allowed to take the Class B CDL written test up to two times in a single day. If you fail the test on your first attempt, you can retake it immediately. However, if you fail the test a second time, you must wait at least one day before taking it again.
If you fail the test three times, you will be required to wait at least 14 days before taking it again. Additionally, you will be required to pay a retesting fee each time you retake the test.
It's important to note that while there is no limit to the number of times you can take the Class B CDL written test, if you fail it four times within a 12-month period, you will be required to wait one year from the date of your last failed attempt before taking it again.
To improve your chances of passing the Class B CDL written test, it's recommended that you study thoroughly using the official Minnesota Commercial Driver's Manual and any other study materials provided by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS).
