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. Test questions come from the Commercial Driver Guide. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has three possible answer choices. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Combination Vehicles, Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving. Endorsements that may be used with a Class A CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, Doubles/Triples, HazMat, Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
Number of Question
Passing Score
8. Using the brakes creates heat. If too much heat is produced:
Explanation
Brakes are designed to take a lot of heat, but drivers should not rely solely on the brakes to slow their vehicle. Brakes may fade and lose their ability to slow down the vehicle if they become too hot, so drivers should also rely on the engine braking effect.
9. When pulled over to the side of the road, you should:
Explanation
When stopped on the side of the road, be sure to turn on your vehicle's four-way emergency flashers, especially during times of lowered visibility. Place warning devices within 10 minutes of being stopped.
10. As part of a pre-trip inspection, you should look for all of the following, except:
Explanation
When inspecting your tires, verify that there is tread depth of at least 4/32 of an inch in every major groove on the front tires and tread depth of at least 2/32 of an inch in grooves on the other tires. Be sure that your tires are not too worn, are not cracked, have proper air pressure, and are all equally sized.
11. Cargo with a high center of gravity:
Explanation
Cargo with a high center of gravity makes a vehicle more likely to tip over than cargo with a low center of gravity. For this reason, it is important that the weight of cargo be distributed as low as possible.
12. Which of the following is not a sign of tire failure?
Explanation
If you experience tire failure, you may hear the loud "bang" sound of a blowout or feel a heavy thumping or vibration in your vehicle. If steering begins to feel heavy, or if the rear of your vehicle begins to fishtail, you should stop to check your tires.
13. An empty truck:
Explanation
Empty trucks require longer stopping distances than full trucks because they have less traction available.
14. Watching the road ahead of you:
Explanation
Always watch for hazards on the road ahead. Doing this will allow you time to react to hazards before meeting them.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is a type of license that allows a driver to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, including the weight of the vehicle being towed. This license is required for drivers who operate vehicles such as tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, and livestock carriers. In Washington State, obtaining a Class A CDL requires passing a series of tests and meeting certain requirements set by the Department of Licensing.
With a Class A CDL license in Washington, you can operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes:
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Livestock carriers
- Tanker trucks
- Flatbed trucks with attached trailers
- Large buses with trailers
It's important to note that you may be required to obtain additional endorsements or certifications to operate certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials (HazMat) or passenger-carrying vehicles.
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Livestock carriers
- Tanker trucks
- Flatbed trucks with attached trailers
- Large buses with trailers
It's important to note that you may be required to obtain additional endorsements or certifications to operate certain types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials (HazMat) or passenger-carrying vehicles.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in Washington, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age for interstate driving)
2. Possess a valid Washington State driver's license
3. Obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification that you are physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle
4. Pass a series of written knowledge tests covering general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles
5. Obtain a learner's permit by passing a vision test and paying the required fees
6. Complete behind-the-wheel training with a qualified instructor or take a CDL training course.
7. Pass a skills test that includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test
It's important to note that additional endorsements or certifications may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger-carrying vehicles.
1. Be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age for interstate driving)
2. Possess a valid Washington State driver's license
3. Obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification that you are physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle
4. Pass a series of written knowledge tests covering general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles
5. Obtain a learner's permit by passing a vision test and paying the required fees
6. Complete behind-the-wheel training with a qualified instructor or take a CDL training course.
7. Pass a skills test that includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test
It's important to note that additional endorsements or certifications may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger-carrying vehicles.
The minimum age requirement to obtain a Class A CDL license in Washington is 18 years old. However, if you plan to operate a commercial motor vehicle across state lines (interstate commerce), you must be at least 21 years old. Additionally, some employers may require their drivers to be at least 21 years old regardless of the type of driving they will be doing.
Yes, you may need endorsements for a Class A CDL license depending on the type of vehicle you will be operating or the type of cargo you will be hauling.
The following are the common endorsements for a Class A CDL license:
1. Hazmat endorsement (H) - This endorsement is required if you will be transporting hazardous materials.
2. Tanker endorsement (N) - This endorsement is required if you will be transporting liquids or gases in bulk containers.
3. Doubles/triples endorsement (T) - This endorsement is required if you will be operating double or triple trailers.
4. Passenger endorsement (P) - This endorsement is required if you will be operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
5. School bus endorsement (S) - This endorsement is required if you will be operating a school bus.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test specific to that endorsement and sometimes a skills test as well.
The following are the common endorsements for a Class A CDL license:
1. Hazmat endorsement (H) - This endorsement is required if you will be transporting hazardous materials.
2. Tanker endorsement (N) - This endorsement is required if you will be transporting liquids or gases in bulk containers.
3. Doubles/triples endorsement (T) - This endorsement is required if you will be operating double or triple trailers.
4. Passenger endorsement (P) - This endorsement is required if you will be operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
5. School bus endorsement (S) - This endorsement is required if you will be operating a school bus.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test specific to that endorsement and sometimes a skills test as well.
The Class A CDL skills test is designed to evaluate your ability to safely operate a Class A commercial motor vehicle and includes three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle to ensure it is safe to operate. You will be tested on your ability to identify and explain any potential safety hazards or defects.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be tested on your ability to perform basic maneuvers such as backing up, turning, and parking in a designated area. You will be evaluated on your control of the vehicle and your ability to follow traffic laws and signals.
3. On-road driving: You will be evaluated on your ability to safely operate the commercial motor vehicle in traffic, including merging, changing lanes, turning at intersections, and responding to traffic signals. The examiner will also assess your ability to make safe decisions in various driving situations.
The skills test must be taken in a vehicle that is representative of the type of commercial motor vehicle you will be driving with your Class A CDL license. It is important to practice and prepare for the skills test by studying the Washington State Commercial Driver Guide, obtaining proper training from a CDL training school or program, and practicing with a qualified instructor or mentor.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be required to perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle to ensure it is safe to operate. You will be tested on your ability to identify and explain any potential safety hazards or defects.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be tested on your ability to perform basic maneuvers such as backing up, turning, and parking in a designated area. You will be evaluated on your control of the vehicle and your ability to follow traffic laws and signals.
3. On-road driving: You will be evaluated on your ability to safely operate the commercial motor vehicle in traffic, including merging, changing lanes, turning at intersections, and responding to traffic signals. The examiner will also assess your ability to make safe decisions in various driving situations.
The skills test must be taken in a vehicle that is representative of the type of commercial motor vehicle you will be driving with your Class A CDL license. It is important to practice and prepare for the skills test by studying the Washington State Commercial Driver Guide, obtaining proper training from a CDL training school or program, and practicing with a qualified instructor or mentor.
Yes, there are restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL license. These restrictions may vary depending on your age, driving experience, endorsements, and medical qualifications.
The following are the common restrictions and limitations for Class A CDL drivers:
1. Age restrictions: If you are under 21 years old, you are not allowed to operate a commercial motor vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Endorsement restrictions: If you do not have the required endorsements for a specific type of vehicle or cargo, you are not allowed to operate that vehicle or transport that cargo.
3. Medical qualifications: If you have certain medical conditions or take certain medications, you may be required to obtain a medical waiver or restriction on your CDL license.
4. Vehicle-specific restrictions: Some commercial motor vehicles may have specific restrictions or requirements based on their size, weight, or other factors. For example, some vehicles may require additional training or special permits.
5. Time-of-day restrictions: Some states may have time-of-day restrictions on certain types of commercial motor vehicles based on traffic patterns and safety concerns.
It is important to review the Washington State Commercial Driver Guide and any additional state or federal regulations to ensure compliance with all restrictions and limitations that apply to your Class A CDL license.
The following are the common restrictions and limitations for Class A CDL drivers:
1. Age restrictions: If you are under 21 years old, you are not allowed to operate a commercial motor vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Endorsement restrictions: If you do not have the required endorsements for a specific type of vehicle or cargo, you are not allowed to operate that vehicle or transport that cargo.
3. Medical qualifications: If you have certain medical conditions or take certain medications, you may be required to obtain a medical waiver or restriction on your CDL license.
4. Vehicle-specific restrictions: Some commercial motor vehicles may have specific restrictions or requirements based on their size, weight, or other factors. For example, some vehicles may require additional training or special permits.
5. Time-of-day restrictions: Some states may have time-of-day restrictions on certain types of commercial motor vehicles based on traffic patterns and safety concerns.
It is important to review the Washington State Commercial Driver Guide and any additional state or federal regulations to ensure compliance with all restrictions and limitations that apply to your Class A CDL license.
Washington State allows the Class A CDL written test to be taken in languages other than English. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) offers the written test in Spanish, Korean, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese.
To take the written test in a language other than English, you must schedule an appointment at a DOL testing center that offers the test in your preferred language. You will need to bring identification documents and pay the required fees for the test.
It is important to note that while you may take the written test in a language other than English, you will still be required to demonstrate proficiency in English for the skills test and for communication with law enforcement and other officials while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
To take the written test in a language other than English, you must schedule an appointment at a DOL testing center that offers the test in your preferred language. You will need to bring identification documents and pay the required fees for the test.
It is important to note that while you may take the written test in a language other than English, you will still be required to demonstrate proficiency in English for the skills test and for communication with law enforcement and other officials while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Yes, if you have a disability that affects your ability to take the Class A CDL written test, you may request accommodations from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
To request accommodations, you must complete and submit the DOL's Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. This form is available on the DOL's website or can be obtained by contacting the DOL.
The form requires you to provide information about your disability and the specific accommodations you are requesting. You may be required to provide medical documentation or other supporting documentation to verify your disability and need for accommodations.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended time for taking the test, a separate testing room, or assistive technology such as a screen reader or magnifier.
Once your request has been received and reviewed, the DOL will notify you of its decision regarding your request for accommodations. If your request is approved, you will be provided with instructions on how to schedule your test with the requested accommodations.
To request accommodations, you must complete and submit the DOL's Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. This form is available on the DOL's website or can be obtained by contacting the DOL.
The form requires you to provide information about your disability and the specific accommodations you are requesting. You may be required to provide medical documentation or other supporting documentation to verify your disability and need for accommodations.
Examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended time for taking the test, a separate testing room, or assistive technology such as a screen reader or magnifier.
Once your request has been received and reviewed, the DOL will notify you of its decision regarding your request for accommodations. If your request is approved, you will be provided with instructions on how to schedule your test with the requested accommodations.
If you fail the Class A CDL written test, you may retake it. However, you must wait at least one day before retaking the test. You may retake the test up to three times within a 90-day period. If you fail the test three times within the 90-day period, you must wait an additional 90 days before attempting to retake the test again.
There is a fee for each attempt at the written test, so it is important to be well-prepared before taking the test. You can study for the Class A CDL written test by reviewing the Washington State Commercial Driver Guide, which is available on the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) website.
If you have difficulty passing the written test, consider seeking additional resources to help you prepare, such as a CDL training program or practice tests. It is important to note that passing the written test is only one step in obtaining your Class A CDL. You will also need to pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills and a road test.
There is a fee for each attempt at the written test, so it is important to be well-prepared before taking the test. You can study for the Class A CDL written test by reviewing the Washington State Commercial Driver Guide, which is available on the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) website.
If you have difficulty passing the written test, consider seeking additional resources to help you prepare, such as a CDL training program or practice tests. It is important to note that passing the written test is only one step in obtaining your Class A CDL. You will also need to pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills and a road test.
