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 four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the West Virginia Commercial Driver’s 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.
15. When making tight maneuvers, it is important for a driver to:
While regular mirror checks should always be part of your driving routine, you should make a particular point of checking the mirrors when changing lanes, turning, merging, or making tight maneuvers.
16. Braking mechanisms are located ____ a brake drum.
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.
17. When the brake pedal is depressed, air brakes work:
After the brake pedal is pushed down in a vehicle with air brakes, it takes a half-second or more for air to flow through the lines and make the brakes work. This contrasts with hydraulic brakes used in cars and light and medium trucks, which instantly begin working when the pedal is pushed.
18. A driver should always:
While driving, you should continually scan the road ahead to spot potential hazards well in advance. Make emergency plans for how to deal with the hazards in the event that they become dangerous.
19. During a trip, which of the following does not need to be checked regularly?
During a trip, you should regularly monitor the instruments, gauges, meters, and mirrors. Check the tires, cargo, and lights for signs of trouble.
20. When completing pre-trip inspections:
Pre-trip inspections should be conducted in the same way every time. This will reinforce the steps, making it less likely that you will forget to inspect something important.
21. If you see lights ahead while driving in fog:
When driving under foggy conditions, lights cannot be taken as a reliable indication of where the road is. The lights may be coming from a vehicle that has pulled off the road.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2024 West Virginia 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
Here are the steps to obtain a Class A CDL license in West Virginia:
1. Obtain a West Virginia CDL handbook from the DMV or download it online.
2. Obtain a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
3. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the knowledge tests for the type of vehicle you wish to operate.
4. Practice operating a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a qualified CDL holder.
5. Pass the skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Submit required documents and fees to obtain your Class A CDL.
It is important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of commercial vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
1. Tractor-trailers or semi-trucks with double or triple trailers
2. Truck and trailer combinations
3. Livestock carriers
4. Flatbeds with oversized loads
5. Tanker trucks carrying liquids or gases
6. Dump trucks with trailers
It is important to note that certain endorsements may be required to operate specific types of vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport. Always check with the West Virginia DMV and federal regulations to ensure you have the necessary endorsements for the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
1. Be at least 18 years of age to obtain a CDL license for intrastate (within West Virginia) driving, and at least 21 years of age to obtain a CDL license for interstate (across state lines) driving.
2. Hold a valid non-commercial driver's license.
3. Obtain a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
4. Pass the knowledge tests for the type of vehicle you wish to operate and obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).
5. Practice operating a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a qualified CDL holder.
6. Pass the skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Submit required documents and fees to obtain your Class A CDL.
In addition to these general requirements, certain endorsements may be required for specific types of commercial vehicles, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport. You will also need to provide proof of West Virginia residency and your Social Security Number when applying for your CDL license.
It is important to note that some employers may have their own age requirements for hiring CDL drivers, and certain endorsements may also have age restrictions. Always check with the West Virginia DMV and federal regulations to ensure you meet all age requirements before applying for a CDL license or endorsement.
1. T - Double/Triple Trailers: Required for drivers who plan to operate multiple trailers.
2. P - Passenger: Required for drivers who plan to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) in a commercial vehicle.
3. N - Tank Vehicle: Required for drivers who plan to transport liquid or gaseous materials in tanks.
4. H - Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who plan to transport hazardous materials.
5. X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: Required for drivers who plan to transport hazardous materials in tanks.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass additional written knowledge tests and meet any additional requirements, such as background checks or specialized training courses. It is important to note that some employers may require specific endorsements, so it's always a good idea to research the requirements for the job you're interested in before pursuing a CDL license or endorsement.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: In this part of the test, you will be required to inspect the vehicle for safety issues and mechanical problems. You will need to identify and explain the parts of the vehicle you are inspecting.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: In this part of the test, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in a controlled environment. You will be asked to perform various maneuvers such as driving forward and backward, shifting gears, turning within a specified area, and stopping at a designated point.
3. On-Road Driving: In this part of the test, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the commercial vehicle on public roads. You will need to follow instructions from the examiner and demonstrate your ability to drive in traffic, change lanes, make turns, perform safe merges and exits from highways or interstates.
To pass the Class A CDL skills test, you must successfully complete each part of the exam with minimal errors. It is important to study and practice thoroughly before taking the exam, as it is a comprehensive test that requires both knowledge and practical skills.
1. Air Brake Restriction: If a driver does not pass the air brake knowledge test or does not complete the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes, they will have an air brake restriction added to their CDL license.
2. Automatic Transmission Restriction: If a driver takes their skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, they will have an automatic transmission restriction added to their CDL license.
3. Intrastate Only Restriction: If a driver operates only within their state's borders, they may have an intrastate only restriction added to their CDL license.
4. Medical Certification: Drivers with certain medical conditions may be required to obtain a medical certification and carry it with them while driving.
5. Passenger Restrictions: Drivers who do not pass the passenger endorsement test or who do not complete the skills test in a passenger vehicle will have a passenger restriction added to their CDL license.
It is important for drivers to understand any restrictions or limitations on their CDL license and comply with them to avoid potential fines or legal issues.
To request accommodations, you should contact the West Virginia DMV directly and provide documentation of your disability and how it affects your ability to take the test. The DMV may also require additional information or documentation from a qualified medical professional. It is important to request accommodations in advance of your scheduled test date in order to allow sufficient time for processing and arranging the necessary accommodations.
If you fail the written test, you must wait at least one business day before you can retake it. If you fail the test three times, you must wait at least 30 days before you can retake it again. If you fail the test six times, you must wait at least 180 days before you can retake it again.
It is important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the written test. Therefore, it is recommended that you study thoroughly and prepare adequately before taking the test to increase your chances of passing on your first attempt and avoid additional fees.