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 Montana 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. Dry bulk tanks:
Dry bulk tanks require special care when being driven because they have high centers of gravity. Drivers should also be careful because the materials being carried can easily shift in transit, causing a change in the vehicle's handling.
9. To avoid a hazard:
In some emergencies, the best strategy for avoiding a hazard may be to drive onto the shoulder. Most shoulders are strong enough to support the weight of a large vehicle.
10. If driving on a surface with poor traction, a driver should accelerate slowly:
To avoid a loss of control, you should accelerate slowly when driving in poor-traction conditions, such as rain or snow.
11. Steering wheel play should be no more than:
Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees (about two inches of movement at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel) can make it difficult to steer.
12. During the driving test, when encountering a railroad crossing, you should:
During the on-road driving test, do not stop, change gears, pass another vehicle, or change lanes while any part of your vehicle is in a railroad crossing.
13. Braking mechanisms are located inside:
Drum brakes are attached to the wheels and located on the axles of a vehicle. The braking mechanisms that cause the vehicle to stop can be found inside of a drum brake.
14. When transporting a load, the cargo should be inspected:
Cargo and its securing devices must be inspected before starting a trip. After beginning a trip, the driver should check the load and securing devices within the first 50 miles on the road, every three hours or 150 miles traveled, and after every break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL license in Montana:
1. Obtain a Montana Commercial Driver's License Manual from your local Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office or download it from the MVD website.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving), have a valid Montana driver's license, and have no disqualifying criminal offenses.
3. Pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
4. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the general knowledge test and any additional endorsements required for your intended type of driving.
5. Practice driving with your CLP for at least 14 days.
6. Pass the skills test, which includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving portions.
7. Pay the required fees to obtain your Class B CDL license.
Once you have obtained your Class B CDL license in Montana, you must follow all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving, including regular medical examinations and compliance with hours-of-service regulations.
- Straight trucks (such as delivery trucks and dump trucks)
- Large buses (such as school buses and city buses)
- Segmented buses (such as articulated buses)
- Box trucks
- Tow trucks (with some restrictions)
- Utility vehicles (such as bucket trucks and cherry pickers)
However, it's important to note that different endorsements may be required depending on the specific type of vehicle you wish to operate. For example, if you want to drive a school bus or transport hazardous materials, you would need to obtain additional endorsements on your CDL.
1. Be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving).
2. Possess a valid Montana driver's license.
3. Pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
4. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the general knowledge test and any additional endorsements required for your intended type of driving.
5. Practice driving with your CLP for at least 14 days.
6. Pass the skills test, which includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving portions.
7. Pay the required fees to obtain your Class B CDL license.
If you have any disqualifying criminal convictions or drug or alcohol violations, you may be ineligible to obtain a CDL in Montana. Additionally, you may be required to provide additional documentation or meet certain special requirements if you have certain medical conditions or disabilities.
It's important to note that even if you meet the age requirements, you must also meet other eligibility requirements such as passing a medical examination, obtaining a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), and passing the required knowledge and skills tests in order to obtain a Class B CDL license.
The following are some of the endorsements that you may need for a Class B CDL license:
1. Passenger (P) endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
2. School Bus (S) endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a school bus.
3. Tank Vehicles (N) endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
4. Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport hazardous materials that require placards.
5. Combination Tank and Hazardous Materials (X) endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport both hazardous materials and liquids or gases in bulk containers.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a separate knowledge test for each endorsement that you need, in addition to passing the general knowledge test for your CDL license class.
1. Pre-trip inspection: This part of the test evaluates your ability to inspect the vehicle before driving it. You will be asked to identify and explain the various parts of the vehicle, and point out any potential safety hazards or defects.
2. Basic vehicle control: This part of the test evaluates your ability to control the vehicle in a controlled environment, such as a closed course. You will be asked to perform various maneuvers, such as backing up, turning, and parking.
3. On-road test: This part of the test evaluates your ability to drive the vehicle on public roads and highways. You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in various traffic situations, including turns, lane changes, and merging onto highways.
During each part of the skills test, you will be evaluated on your ability to follow proper procedures, use good judgment, and demonstrate safe driving practices. It's important to note that you must pass each part of the skills test in order to obtain your Class B CDL license.
1. Vehicle weight: Drivers with a Class B CDL license are typically only allowed to operate vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
2. Passenger restrictions: If you have a Class B CDL with a passenger (P) endorsement, you are only allowed to transport up to 16 passengers, including the driver.
3. Hazardous materials: If you have a Class B CDL with a hazardous materials (H) endorsement, you must follow specific rules and regulations when transporting hazardous materials.
4. Air brakes: If you have a Class B CDL license but do not have an air brake endorsement, you are not allowed to operate vehicles with air brakes.
5. Time limits: Drivers with a Class B CDL license may be subject to certain time limits or restrictions on how long they can drive in a day or week, depending on the type of cargo they are transporting.
It's important to note that these restrictions and limitations may vary depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of your job or industry. It's always important to stay up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations related to your CDL license class and endorsements.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you may be able to request special accommodations for the written test. This may include additional time to complete the test or the use of an interpreter or translation device. To request special accommodations, you should contact your local MDT office and explain your situation. They will work with you to determine what accommodations are available and appropriate for your needs.
To request accommodations, you should contact your local MDT office and explain your situation. You may be asked to provide documentation from a qualified healthcare professional that verifies your disability and outlines the specific accommodations you need. Some common accommodations for individuals with disabilities include:
- Extended time to complete the test
- Use of a reader or scribe
- Use of assistive technology, such as a screen reader or magnification software
- Special testing conditions, such as a separate testing room or low-distraction environment
The MDT will work with you to determine what accommodations are available and appropriate for your needs. It's important to note that accommodations must be requested in advance of the test date to ensure they can be provided.
According to the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), you must wait at least one day before you can retake the test. If you fail the test three times, you must wait at least 30 days before taking it again. If you fail the test six times, you must wait at least 180 days before taking it again.
It's important to note that each time you take the test, there is a fee that must be paid. The fee for the Class B CDL written test in Montana is $11.
Before retaking the test, it's a good idea to review the material covered on the test and identify any areas where you may need additional study or practice. There are many resources available to help prepare for the CDL written test, including study guides and practice tests. You can find these resources online or through your local MDT office.