Knowledge Test Class A
This license is required for driving any legal combination of vehicles, with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of a trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds To receive this license, applicants must pass a 50-question test. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has three possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Rhode Island Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Combination, Doubles and Hazardous Materials. Endorsements that may be used with a Class A CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
8. During the driving test, the examiner will be scoring you on:
During the on-road driving test, the examiner will be scoring you on specific driving maneuvers, as well as your general driving behavior.
9. To change lanes, you should:
Always change lanes slowly and smoothly. If you did not see drivers who are already using the lane you wish to occupy, this will give them a chance to get out of your way or honk their horns to alert you. Always signal when changing lanes.
10. While driving a CMV:
While driving a CMV, you may not make voice calls if you need to hold your phone or press more than one button to do so. Additionally, you may not send or read text messages while driving.
11. When driving on packed snow, you should reduce your speed by:
Reduce your speed when traveling on surfaces that provide reduced traction. Reduce your speed by one-half or more when traveling on packed snow.
12. When near a railroad crossing:
You should never assume that you will hear an approaching train. The train operator may fail to sound the horn, or the use of a train's horn may be prohibited in a specific area. Even if the train does sound its horn, noise from inside your own vehicle may prevent you from hearing the train until it is dangerously close.
13. If asked by a law enforcement officer to take a test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC):
Most states have an Implied Consent Law, which means that by driving a vehicle on the state's roads, you have agreed to undergo a drug or alcohol test if a police officer asks you to do so. If you refuse to submit to a test, you will lose your operating privileges. Make sure you are aware of the laws for every state in which you drive.
14. In hot weather, spots on the pavement where tar is bleeding:
Tar in road pavement often rises to the surface of the road, or "bleeds," in very hot weather. Watch for such areas because they can be very slippery.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2024 Rhode Island DMV exam.
99.2% of people who use the cheat sheet pass the FIRST TIME
Alexa shares with us how she went in for her Class A permit and decided to get her Hazmat endorsement as a bonus!
Mark shares his feedback on his Class A CDL Cheat Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Class A CDL in Rhode Island, you must:
1. Obtain a Rhode Island CDL learner's permit by passing the general knowledge written test and any additional endorsement tests required for the type of vehicle you plan to drive.
2. Hold the learner's permit for at least 14 days before taking the road skills test.
3. Pass a pre-trip inspection test, basic control skills test, and road skills test in a Class A vehicle.
4. Provide proof of residency, identity, and Social Security number.
5. Pass a vision test and medical examination.
6. Pay the required fees.
It is important to note that there are additional endorsement tests that may be required for specific types of Class A vehicles, such as double/triple trailers or hazardous materials transportation.
1. Tractor-trailers: These are combination vehicles that consist of a tractor (also known as the cab or the power unit) and one or more trailers.
2. Tanker trucks: These are vehicles that transport liquid or gas in bulk, such as fuel, milk, or chemicals.
3. Livestock carriers: These are vehicles that transport live animals, such as cattle, sheep, or horses.
4. Flatbed trucks: These are vehicles with an open flat platform for carrying cargo.
5. Refrigerated trucks: These are vehicles that transport perishable goods, such as food or medicine, in a temperature-controlled environment.
6. Dump trucks: These are vehicles with an open-box bed that can be raised to dump the contents.
It is important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of Class A vehicles, such as double/triple trailers or hazardous materials transportation.
1. Be at least 18 years old to operate within Rhode Island, or 21 years old for interstate driving.
2. Hold a valid Rhode Island driver's license.
3. Provide proof of residency, identity, and Social Security number.
4. Pass a vision test and medical examination to ensure you meet the physical requirements for driving a commercial vehicle.
5. Obtain a CDL learner's permit by passing the general knowledge written test and any additional endorsement tests required for the type of vehicle you plan to drive.
6. Hold the learner's permit for at least 14 days before taking the road skills test.
7. Pass a pre-trip inspection test, basic control skills test, and road skills test in a Class A vehicle.
8. Pay the required fees.
It is important to note that additional endorsement tests may be required for certain types of Class A vehicles, such as double/triple trailers or hazardous materials transportation.
It is important to note that even if you meet the age requirement, you must also meet other requirements such as passing a vision test and medical examination, obtaining a CDL learner's permit, passing the required tests, and paying the necessary fees.
The following are the endorsements that you can obtain:
1. T-Double/Triple Trailers: This endorsement is required if you plan to operate a combination of two or three trailers.
2. P-Passenger: This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers.
3. N-Tank Vehicles: This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a vehicle that transports liquid or gas in a tank.
4. H-Hazardous Materials: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport hazardous materials.
5. X-Hazardous Materials and Tank Vehicles: This endorsement combines the Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials endorsements.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass additional knowledge and skills tests specific to the type of vehicle or cargo.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: In this part of the test, you will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle to demonstrate your knowledge of the vehicle's components and your ability to identify any potential safety hazards.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: In this part of the test, you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in a controlled testing area. You will be evaluated on your ability to perform maneuvers such as straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley docking.
3. Road Test: In this part of the test, you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads. You will be evaluated on your ability to perform tasks such as merging onto highways, changing lanes, making turns, and driving in traffic.
To pass the Class A CDL skills test, you must successfully complete each part of the test without committing any critical errors or accumulating too many points for minor errors. It is important to note that you must have a valid CDL learner's permit and have completed a certain amount of training before taking the skills test.
1. Intrastate Only: This restriction limits the driver to operating a commercial vehicle only within the state of Rhode Island.
2. Air Brake Restriction: This restriction limits the driver to operating vehicles without air brakes.
3. No Full Air Brake Equipped CMV: This restriction limits the driver from operating a commercial vehicle with a full air brake system.
4. Lifting Restriction: This restriction limits the driver from operating a commercial vehicle that requires lifting of more than 50 pounds.
5. Automatic Transmission Only: This restriction limits the driver from operating a commercial vehicle with a manual transmission.
It is important to note that these restrictions and limitations may vary depending on individual circumstances and reasons for the restriction or limitation. It is also important for drivers to adhere to these restrictions and limitations as failure to do so may result in penalties, fines, or even suspension or revocation of their CDL license.
However, if you have difficulty reading or speaking English, you may bring an interpreter with you to the DMV. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and not have any vested interest in the outcome of the test. The interpreter will be required to sign a statement affirming that he or she will accurately translate the questions and answers on the written test and will not assist the applicant in any way.
It is important to note that if you need an interpreter for the written test, you must make arrangements for one before arriving at the DMV. The DMV may not be able to provide an interpreter on-site.
To request accommodations for the CDL written test, you must contact the DMV's Office of Adaptive Services. The office will work with you to determine what accommodations are necessary and reasonable based on your disability. Some examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended time to complete the test, a reader or scribe, or an alternative format for the test.
It is important to note that you must provide documentation of your disability and how it affects your ability to take the CDL written test. The documentation should come from a qualified professional, such as a doctor or psychologist. The DMV will review your request and documentation and determine what accommodations are appropriate.
It is recommended that you make your request for accommodations as early as possible to allow for enough time to process your request and make arrangements for the test.
When you fail the written test, the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will provide you with a report that indicates which questions you answered incorrectly. This report can help you identify areas where you need to study more before retaking the test.
You can retake the written test as many times as needed until you pass. However, there are fees associated with each attempt, so it is important to be properly prepared before taking the test.
If you fail the written test three times, you will need to complete a CDL refresher course before being allowed to take the test again. This course must be approved by the DMV and will cover topics related to commercial driving and safety.
It is important to note that passing the written test is just one step in obtaining a Class A CDL. You will also need to pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test before being issued a CDL.