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.
29. 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.
30. When using a fire extinguisher on a fire, you should:
When using a fire extinguisher, you should stand as far away from the fire as possible. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, not at the flames. If you are not sure which kind of extinguisher should be used on a fire, particularly a hazardous materials fire, you should wait for the firefighters to arrive and allow them to extinguish it.
31. Bridges usually:
Bridges usually freeze before the rest of the road. You should be especially careful when crossing bridges if the temperature is near the freezing point.
32. If a vehicle has a vehicle inspection report, the driver:
For the first step of a vehicle inspection, you should review the last inspection report on your vehicle, if there is one. The carrier should have repaired any problems noted on the report.
33. When loading a trailer, you should:
A load of cargo must be properly balanced. Placing too much weight over an axle can damage the axle and make it more difficult for you to steer. Placing too little weight over an axle can cause poor traction, also leading to difficult handling.
34. Emergency equipment, such as a fire extinguisher, is:
All commercial motor vehicles are required to be equipped with the proper emergency equipment. This may include spare electrical fuses; three red reflective triangles, six fuses, or three liquid burning flares; and at least one properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.
35. To prevent fatigue while driving, you should:
A hot, poorly-ventilated area can make a person sleepy. Opening a window, opening a vent, or using the air conditioning can help keep the cab cool and reduce the risk of fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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 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.
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).