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 three or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Mississippi Professional 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.
36. Driving at night is:
Driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day. It is more difficult for drivers to see hazards, the glare of headlights can affect drivers' vision, and there are more fatigued and impaired drivers on the road.
37. During the basic vehicle control skills test:
During the basic vehicle control skills test, a pull-up will be scored any time an applicant stops and pulls forward to gain a better position. Stopping without changing direction will not. An excessive number of pull-ups will count as errors.
38. Alcohol evaporators are:
Some air brake systems include an alcohol evaporator. The evaporator introduces alcohol into the braking system to prevent the formation of ice, which can cause damage.
39. If there is ice on the front of your side mirror:
If your mirrors or wiper blades become icy while you are driving, you can expect the road surface to be icy as well.
40. When inspecting engine compartment belts during the vehicle inspection test:
When checking the engine compartment during the vehicle inspection test, you must check the power steering, water pump, alternator, and air compressor belts. In addition to cracks and frays, you should check the belts for snugness, allowing up to three-quarters of an inch of play at the center of each belt. If any of these items are not belt-driven, you must identify them and ensure that their components are operating properly, are not damaged or leaking, and are mounted securely.
41. If being tailgated while driving a large vehicle, you should do all of the following, except:
If you are being tailgated, avoid making quick changes in speed and open up your following distance. This will make it easier for the tailgater to pass you. Increasing your speed is not a good idea because the driver may continue to tailgate you at the higher speed, only increasing the danger.
42. What should happen if the air pressure in the air brake system tanks falls below 60 psi?
On vehicles with air brakes, a low air pressure warning signal will come on if the pressure in the air tanks falls below 60 psi. On large buses, the signal may activate at 80 to 85 psi.
Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class B CDL in Mississippi, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old (21 years old to operate across state lines or transport hazardous materials).
2. Hold a valid Mississippi driver's license.
3. Obtain a DOT medical certificate by passing a physical exam from a certified medical examiner.
4. Pass the written CDL knowledge test.
5. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), which allows you to practice driving with a qualified CDL holder in the same class of vehicle you are seeking to operate.
6. Complete the required amount of training and pass the skills test in a similar vehicle to the one you will be operating.
7. Pay the required fees and obtain your Class B CDL from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Some examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class B CDL license include:
1. Straight trucks (such as delivery trucks and dump trucks)
2. Buses (such as school buses and city buses)
3. Box trucks
4. Large tow trucks with a trailer
5. Cement mixers
6. Garbage trucks
7. Refrigerated trucks
8. Bucket trucks (such as those used for tree trimming or electrical work)
It's important to note that if you want to operate a vehicle with a trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds, you will need to obtain additional endorsements on your CDL. For example, if you want to operate a tractor-trailer combination, you will need to obtain a Class A CDL license.
1. Be at least 18 years old (21 years old to transport hazardous materials or to operate across state lines).
2. Hold a valid Mississippi driver's license.
3. Obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate by passing a physical exam from a certified medical examiner.
4. Pass the written CDL knowledge test.
5. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), which allows you to practice driving with a qualified CDL holder in the same class of vehicle you are seeking to operate.
6. Complete the required amount of training and pass the skills test in a similar vehicle to the one you will be operating.
7. Pay the required fees and obtain your Class B CDL from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Additionally, you will need to provide proof of your social security number and residency in Mississippi. You will also need to pass a background check and disclose any previous driving convictions or license suspensions.
It's important to note that some employers may have their own age requirements for CDL holders, so it's a good idea to check with potential employers before pursuing a CDL license. Additionally, if you are under the age of 21, you may face some restrictions on the types of cargo and routes you can drive until you reach the age of 21.
Here are the endorsements that may be required for a Class B CDL in Mississippi:
1. Passenger endorsement (P) - required if you will be operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
2. School bus endorsement (S) - required if you will be operating a school bus.
3. Tanker endorsement (N) - required if you will be transporting liquid or gaseous materials in tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. Hazardous materials endorsement (H) - required if you will be transporting hazardous materials in amounts that require placards.
To obtain these endorsements, you must pass additional written tests and meet specific requirements for each endorsement. It's important to note that some endorsements may also require additional background checks and fingerprinting.
1. Pre-trip inspection - Before you begin driving, you will need to demonstrate your knowledge of the vehicle and its components by conducting a pre-trip inspection. You will be asked to point out various parts of the vehicle and explain their function.
2. Basic vehicle control - You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, turning, and shifting gears.
3. On-road driving - You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in real-world driving situations. This may include driving in traffic, changing lanes, turning at intersections, and completing various maneuvers such as parallel parking or backing into a dock.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated on your ability to follow proper procedures for each part of the test and your overall safety performance. You must pass all three parts of the skills test in order to obtain a Class B CDL license.
1. Air brake restriction - If you took the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, your license will be restricted to vehicles without air brakes.
2. Passenger or school bus restriction - If you did not pass the passenger or school bus endorsement knowledge test or skills test, your license will be restricted from operating those types of vehicles.
3. Hazmat endorsement restriction - If you did not pass the hazardous materials endorsement knowledge test or have not completed a background check, your license will be restricted from transporting hazardous materials.
4. Intrastate-only restriction - If you only plan to operate commercial vehicles within the state of Mississippi, your license may be restricted to intrastate-only.
It's important to note that some restrictions and limitations may be temporary and can be removed by passing additional tests or meeting certain requirements. It's also important to follow all restrictions and limitations on your license to avoid penalties or fines.
To request accommodations, you will need to submit a request in writing along with documentation of your disability and how it impacts your ability to take the test. The documentation must be from a qualified professional such as a doctor or psychologist and should include information about your diagnosis, functional limitations, and recommendations for accommodations.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible so that the Mississippi Department of Public Safety has ample time to review your request and make any necessary arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns about requesting accommodations for the Class B CDL written test due to a disability, you should contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for more information.
It's important to note that there is a fee for retaking the test. You will need to pay the fee each time you take the test. Additionally, it's a good idea to review the materials and study before retaking the test, as there is no guarantee that you will pass on subsequent attempts without proper preparation.
If you have any questions or concerns about retaking the Class B CDL written test in Mississippi, you should contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for more information. They can provide you with specific instructions and guidance on how to proceed.