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 or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the South Dakota 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
8. Backing with a trailer is dangerous because:
Explanation
Backing up is always dangerous because it is impossible to see everything that is behind you. Only drive in reverse if it is absolutely necessary.
9. If brakes fail on a long downgrade, the driver should:
Explanation
If your brakes fail on a downgrade, your best option is to use an escape ramp. If no escape ramp is available, it is a good idea to look for a different escape route, such as a side road or open field.
10. Steering wheel play of more than ____ can make steering difficult.
Explanation
A steering wheel should have no more than 10 degrees of play. This is equal to about two inches of movement at the rim of a 20-inch wheel. If there is more play than this, it may be difficult to steer.
11. During a basic vehicle controls skills test exercise, your vehicle's final position should be:
Explanation
You should finish each exercise with your vehicle in the exact position described by the examiner. You can be penalized for failing to complete an exercise exactly in the manner described by the examiner, potentially resulting in failure of the basic control skills test.
12. In cold weather, an alcohol evaporator should be checked and filled:
Explanation
An alcohol evaporator can help prevent ice from building up in an air brake system. In cold weather, the evaporator should be checked and refilled every day.
13. For safety purposes, when should you turn off a retarder?
Explanation
Retarders are mechanisms in some vehicles that help slow a vehicle and reduce the need for braking. However, using a retarder may cause wheels to skid when they have poor traction. Turn off retarders when traveling under wet, snowy, or icy conditions.
14. Service brakes should:
Explanation
Before driving, you should always verify that your service brakes are in good working order. Testing the brakes before a trip allows you to locate any problems before you need to brake while on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license in South Dakota allows you to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed weighs over 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailer combinations, tanker vehicles, and livestock carriers.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in South Dakota:
1. Obtain a South Dakota Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test for the Class A license.
2. Hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
3. Schedule and pass a skills test consisting of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. The skills test must be taken in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are applying for.
4. Submit your application for a Class A CDL license to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.
5. Pay the required fees for your CDL license.
6. Obtain any necessary endorsements for your CDL license, such as hazardous materials or passenger endorsements.
Remember that obtaining a CDL requires a lot of responsibility and safety is always paramount when operating commercial vehicles on public roads.
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in South Dakota:
1. Obtain a South Dakota Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test for the Class A license.
2. Hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
3. Schedule and pass a skills test consisting of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. The skills test must be taken in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are applying for.
4. Submit your application for a Class A CDL license to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.
5. Pay the required fees for your CDL license.
6. Obtain any necessary endorsements for your CDL license, such as hazardous materials or passenger endorsements.
Remember that obtaining a CDL requires a lot of responsibility and safety is always paramount when operating commercial vehicles on public roads.
With a Class A CDL license in South Dakota, you can operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed weighs over 10,000 pounds. This includes the following:
1. Tractor-trailer combinations
2. Truck and trailer combinations
3. Livestock carriers
4. Tanker vehicles
5. Flatbeds
6. Dump trucks
7. Double and triple trailers
It's important to note that with a Class A CDL license, you are also authorized to operate any vehicle that falls under Class B and Class C categories. However, you may need to obtain additional endorsements based on the type of cargo you intend to carry or the passengers you will transport. These endorsements include hazardous materials, passenger transport, and tank vehicle endorsements.
1. Tractor-trailer combinations
2. Truck and trailer combinations
3. Livestock carriers
4. Tanker vehicles
5. Flatbeds
6. Dump trucks
7. Double and triple trailers
It's important to note that with a Class A CDL license, you are also authorized to operate any vehicle that falls under Class B and Class C categories. However, you may need to obtain additional endorsements based on the type of cargo you intend to carry or the passengers you will transport. These endorsements include hazardous materials, passenger transport, and tank vehicle endorsements.
To obtain a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license in South Dakota, you must meet the following requirements:
1. You must be at least 18 years of age to operate a commercial vehicle within the state of South Dakota. However, if you plan to drive interstate, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. You must have a valid South Dakota driver's license.
3. You must pass a vision test and meet the minimum vision requirements.
4. You must obtain a South Dakota Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test for the Class A license.
5. You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
6. You must pass a skills test consisting of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. The skills test must be taken in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are applying for.
7. You must provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or lawful presence in the United States when submitting your application for a Class A CDL license to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
8. You must pay the required fees for your CDL license.
Remember that obtaining a CDL requires significant responsibility, and safety is always paramount when operating commercial vehicles on public roads.
1. You must be at least 18 years of age to operate a commercial vehicle within the state of South Dakota. However, if you plan to drive interstate, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. You must have a valid South Dakota driver's license.
3. You must pass a vision test and meet the minimum vision requirements.
4. You must obtain a South Dakota Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test for the Class A license.
5. You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
6. You must pass a skills test consisting of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. The skills test must be taken in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are applying for.
7. You must provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or lawful presence in the United States when submitting your application for a Class A CDL license to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
8. You must pay the required fees for your CDL license.
Remember that obtaining a CDL requires significant responsibility, and safety is always paramount when operating commercial vehicles on public roads.
The minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL license in South Dakota is 18 years old. However, this age limit is only applicable for drivers who will be operating commercial vehicles within the state of South Dakota. If a driver wishes to drive interstate, they must be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines. Additionally, drivers under the age of 21 are prohibited from carrying hazardous materials or operating vehicles that are used for interstate commerce. It's important to note that some employers may have their own age restrictions or requirements for drivers, so it's always a good idea to check with the employer before applying for a CDL job.
Yes, depending on the type of cargo you plan to transport and the type of vehicle you will be driving, you may need to obtain additional endorsements to your Class A CDL license. The following are some of the endorsements that may be required:
1. Hazmat Endorsement (H): Required for drivers who will be transporting hazardous materials.
2. Tanker Endorsement (N): Required for drivers operating vehicles that carry liquid or gaseous materials in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
3. Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement (T): Required for drivers who will be operating vehicles with two or three trailers attached.
4. Passenger Endorsement (P): Required for drivers who will be operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
5. School Bus Endorsement (S): Required for drivers who will be operating school buses designed to transport passengers.
To obtain these endorsements, you must pass additional knowledge tests and, in some cases, skills tests related to the specific type of endorsement you are seeking. Additionally, some endorsements may also require a background check and fingerprinting. It's important to note that endorsement requirements vary by state and by employer, so it's always a good idea to check with your state's Department of Public Safety and/or your employer before applying for a job that requires a CDL endorsement.
1. Hazmat Endorsement (H): Required for drivers who will be transporting hazardous materials.
2. Tanker Endorsement (N): Required for drivers operating vehicles that carry liquid or gaseous materials in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
3. Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement (T): Required for drivers who will be operating vehicles with two or three trailers attached.
4. Passenger Endorsement (P): Required for drivers who will be operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
5. School Bus Endorsement (S): Required for drivers who will be operating school buses designed to transport passengers.
To obtain these endorsements, you must pass additional knowledge tests and, in some cases, skills tests related to the specific type of endorsement you are seeking. Additionally, some endorsements may also require a background check and fingerprinting. It's important to note that endorsement requirements vary by state and by employer, so it's always a good idea to check with your state's Department of Public Safety and/or your employer before applying for a job that requires a CDL endorsement.
The Class A CDL skills test is designed to evaluate your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. The skills test consists of three parts:
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be required to complete a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe and roadworthy. During the inspection, you will be asked to identify and explain the function of various parts and components of the vehicle.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, including backing up, turning, and parking. You will also be asked to perform a straight line backing maneuver and a 90-degree alley dock backing maneuver.
3. On-Road Driving: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads. You will be evaluated on your ability to follow traffic laws, maintain proper lane position, use turn signals and mirrors correctly, and adjust your driving based on road conditions.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated by a certified examiner who will score you based on your performance in each part of the test. To pass the skills test, you must receive a passing score in each section of the test. It's important to note that the skills test requirements may vary by state, so it's always a good idea to check with your state's Department of Public Safety for specific information on their CDL skills test requirements.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be required to complete a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe and roadworthy. During the inspection, you will be asked to identify and explain the function of various parts and components of the vehicle.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, including backing up, turning, and parking. You will also be asked to perform a straight line backing maneuver and a 90-degree alley dock backing maneuver.
3. On-Road Driving: You will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads. You will be evaluated on your ability to follow traffic laws, maintain proper lane position, use turn signals and mirrors correctly, and adjust your driving based on road conditions.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated by a certified examiner who will score you based on your performance in each part of the test. To pass the skills test, you must receive a passing score in each section of the test. It's important to note that the skills test requirements may vary by state, so it's always a good idea to check with your state's Department of Public Safety for specific information on their CDL skills test requirements.
Yes, there are restrictions or limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL license. These restrictions are designed to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users. Here are some of the common restrictions on Class A CDLs:
1. Air Brakes Restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will receive an “L” restriction on your license, which means you are not authorized to operate vehicles with air brakes.
2. Automatic Transmission Restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will receive an “E” restriction on your license, which means you are not authorized to operate vehicles with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you only plan to operate commercial vehicles within your state, you may receive an “O” restriction on your license, which means you are not authorized to operate commercial vehicles across state lines.
4. Medical Certification Restriction: You may receive a “V” restriction on your license if you do not meet the medical certification requirements for driving a commercial vehicle.
It's important to note that restrictions may vary by state and by employer, so it's always a good idea to check with your state's Department of Public Safety and/or your employer for specific information on any restrictions that may apply to your Class A CDL license.
1. Air Brakes Restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will receive an “L” restriction on your license, which means you are not authorized to operate vehicles with air brakes.
2. Automatic Transmission Restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will receive an “E” restriction on your license, which means you are not authorized to operate vehicles with a manual transmission.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If you only plan to operate commercial vehicles within your state, you may receive an “O” restriction on your license, which means you are not authorized to operate commercial vehicles across state lines.
4. Medical Certification Restriction: You may receive a “V” restriction on your license if you do not meet the medical certification requirements for driving a commercial vehicle.
It's important to note that restrictions may vary by state and by employer, so it's always a good idea to check with your state's Department of Public Safety and/or your employer for specific information on any restrictions that may apply to your Class A CDL license.
In South Dakota, the Class A CDL written test is only available in English. According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, all CDL exams are administered in English to ensure that all drivers are able to understand important safety and operational information.
However, if you have difficulty with English language proficiency, you may request an interpreter to assist you during the exam. The interpreter must be fluent in both English and the language requested by the applicant. The interpreter may not provide answers or coaching during the exam but can only assist with translating exam questions and answers.
It's important to note that South Dakota requires all CDL applicants to have a good command of the English language, as it is the universal language used in the transportation industry. The ability to understand and communicate in English is essential for safe driving and effective communication with law enforcement, other drivers, and dispatchers.
However, if you have difficulty with English language proficiency, you may request an interpreter to assist you during the exam. The interpreter must be fluent in both English and the language requested by the applicant. The interpreter may not provide answers or coaching during the exam but can only assist with translating exam questions and answers.
It's important to note that South Dakota requires all CDL applicants to have a good command of the English language, as it is the universal language used in the transportation industry. The ability to understand and communicate in English is essential for safe driving and effective communication with law enforcement, other drivers, and dispatchers.
Yes, you may request accommodations for the Class A CDL written test if you have a disability that affects your ability to take the test under standard conditions. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
To request accommodations, you will need to submit a Request for Accommodation form to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. The form should be accompanied by documentation of your disability and a description of the accommodation(s) needed. The department will review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your disability and the requirements of the CDL exam.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a private testing room, assistive technology, or a reader or sign language interpreter.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance of the exam date, and that the department may require additional information or documentation before approving an accommodation request. If you have any questions about requesting accommodations for the Class A CDL written test, you should contact the South Dakota Department of Public Safety's Driver Licensing Program.
To request accommodations, you will need to submit a Request for Accommodation form to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. The form should be accompanied by documentation of your disability and a description of the accommodation(s) needed. The department will review your request and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your disability and the requirements of the CDL exam.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a private testing room, assistive technology, or a reader or sign language interpreter.
It's important to note that requests for accommodations must be made in advance of the exam date, and that the department may require additional information or documentation before approving an accommodation request. If you have any questions about requesting accommodations for the Class A CDL written test, you should contact the South Dakota Department of Public Safety's Driver Licensing Program.
If you fail the Class A CDL written test in South Dakota, you may retake the test. However, you will need to wait at least one business day before taking the test again. There is no limit to the number of times you may retake the test, but you will need to pay the testing fee each time you take it.
It is important to note that if you fail the test three times, you will be required to wait at least 14 days before taking the test again. If you fail the test six times, you will be required to wait at least 30 days before taking it again.
It's a good idea to study and prepare thoroughly before retaking the test. You may want to review the CDL manual and take practice tests to identify areas where you need more study and practice. Additionally, consider seeking assistance from a CDL training school or professional tutor if you continue to struggle with passing the exam.
Remember that passing the written test is just one step in obtaining your CDL license. You will also need to pass a skills and driving test in order to obtain your license.
It is important to note that if you fail the test three times, you will be required to wait at least 14 days before taking the test again. If you fail the test six times, you will be required to wait at least 30 days before taking it again.
It's a good idea to study and prepare thoroughly before retaking the test. You may want to review the CDL manual and take practice tests to identify areas where you need more study and practice. Additionally, consider seeking assistance from a CDL training school or professional tutor if you continue to struggle with passing the exam.
Remember that passing the written test is just one step in obtaining your CDL license. You will also need to pass a skills and driving test in order to obtain your license.
