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 two, three or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the South Carolina 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.
Number of Question
Passing Score
1. If you are not sure if there is enough space for your vehicle to safely pass under a bridge, you should:
Explanation
If you are not sure that you have enough room to safely fit underneath a bridge or other overhead object, you should slow down and seek an alternate route, if possible.
2. What can change the height of a vehicle?
Explanation
The added weight of a heavy load will make a vehicle sit lower than usual. A vehicle will often be taller when carrying a light load than when carrying a heavy load. If your vehicle fits under an overpass while carrying a full load, it is not guaranteed that it will fit under the same overpass if it is empty.
3. An air compressor governor will stop the compressor from pumping air once the air tanks have an air pressure level of:
Explanation
An air compressor governor will stop the compressor from pumping air once the air tanks are at an air pressure level of 125 psi. This air pressure level is referred to as the "cut-out" level.
4. How much water must be on a road surface for a vehicle to hydroplane?
Explanation
Hydroplaning is an effect in which a vehicle's tires lose traction with the surface of the road and instead glide along a layer of water. There does not have to be much water on the road for this to occur.
5. What color is the low air pressure warning light?
Explanation
A low air pressure warning signal is required in vehicles with air brakes. The warning light is usually red and may be accompanied by a buzzer.
6. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because:
Explanation
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it is both a mental and physical distraction to the driver. In addition to diverting a driver's mental attention away from the road, texting requires a person to remove at least one hand from the vehicle's controls.
7. Talking on a hands-free phone while driving:
Explanation
While speaking on a hands-free phone while driving is less dangerous than speaking on a hand-held phone, it is just as likely to mentally distract a driver. Simply engaging in conversation takes their mental focus away from the task of driving.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2024 South Carolina 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
A Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) in South Carolina allows a driver to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes vehicles with a towing weight of more than 10,000 pounds such as tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, and livestock carriers.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in South Carolina, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old to drive within the state or 21 years old for interstate driving.
2. Hold a valid driver's license.
3. Pass the knowledge tests for the Class A CDL license.
4. Obtain a South Carolina Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing a general knowledge test and any applicable endorsement exams.
5. Complete a driving skills test in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are applying for.
6. Pass a medical examination to ensure that you are physically fit to operate commercial vehicles.
7. Pay the applicable fees.
It is important to note that obtaining a Class A CDL license requires additional training and testing compared to other licenses. It is recommended that individuals interested in obtaining this license attend a certified truck driving school or training program to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in South Carolina, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old to drive within the state or 21 years old for interstate driving.
2. Hold a valid driver's license.
3. Pass the knowledge tests for the Class A CDL license.
4. Obtain a South Carolina Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing a general knowledge test and any applicable endorsement exams.
5. Complete a driving skills test in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are applying for.
6. Pass a medical examination to ensure that you are physically fit to operate commercial vehicles.
7. Pay the applicable fees.
It is important to note that obtaining a Class A CDL license requires additional training and testing compared to other licenses. It is recommended that individuals interested in obtaining this license attend a certified truck driving school or training program to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
With a Class A CDL license in South Carolina, you can operate a combination of vehicles with a gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes:
1. Tractor-trailers: A combination of a truck tractor and one or more trailers.
2. Livestock carriers: A vehicle designed to transport live animals, such as cattle, horses, and sheep.
3. Tanker trucks: A vehicle designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk.
4. Flatbeds: A truck with an open trailer bed used for hauling large or heavy items.
5. Double and triple trailers: A combination of two or three trailers attached to a truck tractor.
6. Heavy haulers: Oversized or overweight loads that require special permits and escorts.
It's important to note that certain endorsements may be required to operate some of these vehicles. For example, a tanker endorsement is required for drivers who operate tanker trucks, and a doubles/triples endorsement is required for drivers who operate double or triple trailers.
1. Tractor-trailers: A combination of a truck tractor and one or more trailers.
2. Livestock carriers: A vehicle designed to transport live animals, such as cattle, horses, and sheep.
3. Tanker trucks: A vehicle designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk.
4. Flatbeds: A truck with an open trailer bed used for hauling large or heavy items.
5. Double and triple trailers: A combination of two or three trailers attached to a truck tractor.
6. Heavy haulers: Oversized or overweight loads that require special permits and escorts.
It's important to note that certain endorsements may be required to operate some of these vehicles. For example, a tanker endorsement is required for drivers who operate tanker trucks, and a doubles/triples endorsement is required for drivers who operate double or triple trailers.
To obtain a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license in South Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state or 21 years old for interstate driving.
2. Valid driver's license: You must hold a valid driver's license.
3. Medical examination: You must pass a medical examination to ensure that you are physically fit to operate commercial vehicles.
4. General knowledge test: You must pass a knowledge test covering general driving rules, safety practices, and traffic signs and signals.
5. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must obtain a South Carolina Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing a general knowledge test and any applicable endorsement exams.
6. Driving skills test: You must complete a driving skills test in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are applying for. The driving skills test will include a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.
7. Background check: You will need to pass a background check, which includes a review of your driving record and criminal history.
8. Fees: You will need to pay the applicable fees when you apply for your CDL license.
It's important to note that obtaining a Class A CDL license requires additional training and testing compared to other licenses. It is recommended that individuals interested in obtaining this license attend a certified truck driving school or training program to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state or 21 years old for interstate driving.
2. Valid driver's license: You must hold a valid driver's license.
3. Medical examination: You must pass a medical examination to ensure that you are physically fit to operate commercial vehicles.
4. General knowledge test: You must pass a knowledge test covering general driving rules, safety practices, and traffic signs and signals.
5. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must obtain a South Carolina Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing a general knowledge test and any applicable endorsement exams.
6. Driving skills test: You must complete a driving skills test in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are applying for. The driving skills test will include a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.
7. Background check: You will need to pass a background check, which includes a review of your driving record and criminal history.
8. Fees: You will need to pay the applicable fees when you apply for your CDL license.
It's important to note that obtaining a Class A CDL license requires additional training and testing compared to other licenses. It is recommended that individuals interested in obtaining this license attend a certified truck driving school or training program to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
In South Carolina, the minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is 18 years old for intrastate (within the state) operation and 21 years old for interstate (between states) operation. However, if you are under the age of 21, you will be restricted to driving within the state and cannot transport hazardous materials or operate vehicles that are equipped with air brakes.
It's important to note that even if you meet the age requirements, you must also meet other requirements such as passing a medical exam, completing a skills test, and passing a knowledge test to obtain a Class A CDL license. Additionally, certain endorsements may require additional testing or training.
It's important to note that even if you meet the age requirements, you must also meet other requirements such as passing a medical exam, completing a skills test, and passing a knowledge test to obtain a Class A CDL license. Additionally, certain endorsements may require additional testing or training.
Yes, you may need endorsements in addition to your Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) to operate certain types of vehicles or transport certain types of cargo. The following are some of the endorsements that you may need:
1. Hazardous materials (H): Required if you want to transport hazardous materials that require placarding under Department of Transportation regulations.
2. Tank vehicles (N): Required if you want to operate a vehicle that transports liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
3. Double/triple trailers (T): Required if you want to operate a combination of two or three trailers.
4. Passenger (P): Required if you want to transport passengers for hire, such as a bus or van.
5. School bus (S): Required if you want to operate a school bus.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test specific to the endorsement and meet any additional requirements, such as completing a skills test or obtaining a background check. It's important to note that some endorsements have additional age requirements, such as the Hazardous Materials endorsement which requires you to be at least 21 years old.
1. Hazardous materials (H): Required if you want to transport hazardous materials that require placarding under Department of Transportation regulations.
2. Tank vehicles (N): Required if you want to operate a vehicle that transports liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
3. Double/triple trailers (T): Required if you want to operate a combination of two or three trailers.
4. Passenger (P): Required if you want to transport passengers for hire, such as a bus or van.
5. School bus (S): Required if you want to operate a school bus.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written test specific to the endorsement and meet any additional requirements, such as completing a skills test or obtaining a background check. It's important to note that some endorsements have additional age requirements, such as the Hazardous Materials endorsement which requires you to be at least 21 years old.
The Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) skills test is a three-part test that evaluates your ability to operate a combination vehicle safely. The three parts of the test are:
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be asked to conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle and identify any mechanical issues or safety hazards. You must show the examiner that you know how to check all of the vehicle's safety features, such as brakes, suspension, tires, lights, and coupling devices.
2. Basic control skills: You will be asked to perform a series of maneuvers that test your ability to control the vehicle in tight spaces. These maneuvers may include straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
3. Road test: You will be asked to drive the vehicle on public roads and demonstrate your ability to handle normal traffic situations such as turning, merging, changing lanes, and stopping at intersections. The examiner will evaluate your ability to observe traffic laws and safely operate the vehicle.
It's important to note that the Class A CDL skills test is a rigorous evaluation of your driving skills and knowledge of safety regulations. You must pass all three parts of the test in order to obtain a Class A CDL license.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be asked to conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle and identify any mechanical issues or safety hazards. You must show the examiner that you know how to check all of the vehicle's safety features, such as brakes, suspension, tires, lights, and coupling devices.
2. Basic control skills: You will be asked to perform a series of maneuvers that test your ability to control the vehicle in tight spaces. These maneuvers may include straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
3. Road test: You will be asked to drive the vehicle on public roads and demonstrate your ability to handle normal traffic situations such as turning, merging, changing lanes, and stopping at intersections. The examiner will evaluate your ability to observe traffic laws and safely operate the vehicle.
It's important to note that the Class A CDL skills test is a rigorous evaluation of your driving skills and knowledge of safety regulations. You must pass all three parts of the test in order to obtain a Class A CDL license.
Yes, there are restrictions and limitations that apply to drivers with a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license. The following are some of the most common restrictions:
1. Air brakes restriction: If you take the CDL skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will receive an "L" restriction on your license. This means you are not authorized to operate a vehicle with air brakes.
2. Automatic transmission restriction: If you take the CDL skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will receive an "E" restriction on your license. This means you are not authorized to operate a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate only restriction: If you do not meet the federal medical requirements for interstate driving, you may receive an "O" restriction on your license. This means you are only authorized to operate a commercial vehicle within your state of residence.
4. Hazmat endorsement restriction: If you have a hazmat endorsement on your CDL, you may be subject to additional restrictions, such as background checks and security clearances.
5. Passenger endorsement restriction: If you have a passenger endorsement on your CDL, there may be restrictions on the number of passengers you can transport and the types of vehicles you can operate.
It's important to understand the restrictions and limitations that apply to your Class A CDL license in order to avoid violating any regulations and risking suspension or revocation of your license.
1. Air brakes restriction: If you take the CDL skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will receive an "L" restriction on your license. This means you are not authorized to operate a vehicle with air brakes.
2. Automatic transmission restriction: If you take the CDL skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will receive an "E" restriction on your license. This means you are not authorized to operate a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate only restriction: If you do not meet the federal medical requirements for interstate driving, you may receive an "O" restriction on your license. This means you are only authorized to operate a commercial vehicle within your state of residence.
4. Hazmat endorsement restriction: If you have a hazmat endorsement on your CDL, you may be subject to additional restrictions, such as background checks and security clearances.
5. Passenger endorsement restriction: If you have a passenger endorsement on your CDL, there may be restrictions on the number of passengers you can transport and the types of vehicles you can operate.
It's important to understand the restrictions and limitations that apply to your Class A CDL license in order to avoid violating any regulations and risking suspension or revocation of your license.
No, in South Carolina, the Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test must be taken in English. This is because all CDL drivers must be able to read and speak English sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.
If you are not proficient in English, you may need to bring an interpreter with you to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to help you understand the test questions and instructions. However, the interpreter must be approved by the DMV and will be required to take an oath of confidentiality before being allowed to interpret for you during the test.
It's important to note that even if you take the written test in a language other than English, you will still need to demonstrate your ability to read and understand English during the pre-trip inspection and road skills tests.
If you are not proficient in English, you may need to bring an interpreter with you to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to help you understand the test questions and instructions. However, the interpreter must be approved by the DMV and will be required to take an oath of confidentiality before being allowed to interpret for you during the test.
It's important to note that even if you take the written test in a language other than English, you will still need to demonstrate your ability to read and understand English during the pre-trip inspection and road skills tests.
Yes, if you have a disability that requires accommodations for the Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test, you can request accommodations through the South Carolina DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).
To request accommodations, you will need to fill out a Request for Accommodation Form and submit it to the DMV along with documentation of your disability. The request form is available on the DMV website or can be obtained at any DMV office.
Some examples of accommodations that may be available for the written test include:
- Extended testing time
- Large print or Braille test materials
- Audio or oral administration of the test
- Use of a scribe or calculator
The DMV will review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your disability and the nature of the test. It's important to submit your request for accommodations well in advance of your scheduled test date to allow time for processing and approval.
To request accommodations, you will need to fill out a Request for Accommodation Form and submit it to the DMV along with documentation of your disability. The request form is available on the DMV website or can be obtained at any DMV office.
Some examples of accommodations that may be available for the written test include:
- Extended testing time
- Large print or Braille test materials
- Audio or oral administration of the test
- Use of a scribe or calculator
The DMV will review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your disability and the nature of the test. It's important to submit your request for accommodations well in advance of your scheduled test date to allow time for processing and approval.
If you fail the Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test in South Carolina, you will be allowed to retake the test. However, you will need to wait at least one business day before retaking the exam.
You will need to pay a fee each time you retake the written test. The fee amount may vary, so it's best to check with the South Carolina DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) for the current fee.
It's important to note that there is a limit to how many times you can take the written test in a certain period of time. If you fail the test three times within a 12-month period, you will need to wait at least six months before taking the test again.
To help ensure success on your next attempt, it's recommended that you review the South Carolina CDL Manual and practice taking practice tests before retaking the exam. Additionally, consider seeking out resources such as CDL training programs or tutors to help you prepare for the exam.
You will need to pay a fee each time you retake the written test. The fee amount may vary, so it's best to check with the South Carolina DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) for the current fee.
It's important to note that there is a limit to how many times you can take the written test in a certain period of time. If you fail the test three times within a 12-month period, you will need to wait at least six months before taking the test again.
To help ensure success on your next attempt, it's recommended that you review the South Carolina CDL Manual and practice taking practice tests before retaking the exam. Additionally, consider seeking out resources such as CDL training programs or tutors to help you prepare for the exam.
