Knowledge Test Class B
This license is required for driving a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds, and a trailer not to exceed 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or a vehicle designed to transport 24 or more people (including the driver). 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), Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving.. Endorsements that may be used with a Class B CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
1. Air tank drains:
In an air brake system, the air storage tanks must be drained to remove accumulated water and compressor oil. Failing to do so can cause damage. Manually operated drains should be used at the end of each day of driving.
2. When steering to avoid a crash, you should:
When turning quickly to avoid colliding with a hazard in the roadway, you should always keep both hands on the steering wheel. You must have a firm grip on the wheel to be able to turn quickly.
3. What is removed when an air tank is drained?
In an air brake system, the air storage tanks are equipped with drains to allow water and compressor oil to be removed. The water and oil can damage the brakes if left to accumulate in the system.
4. Fatigue:
Driving while fatigued is dangerous and increases the risk of a crash. Take precautions before a trip to prevent driving while fatigued.
5. During a written exam:
All electronic devices must be turned off while a written exam is being taken.
6. The service brake system:
Air brakes consists of three separate braking systems: the service brake system, the parking brake system, and the emergency brake system. The service brake system applies and releases the brakes when you use the brake pedal while driving normally.
7. Cargo on flatbed trailers should be:
On flatbed trailers or trailers without sides, cargo must be tied down to prevent it from shifting or falling off in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Obtain a learner's permit: To get started, you'll need to obtain a learner's permit by passing a written exam. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license.
2. Practice driving: Once you have your learner's permit, you can practice driving a Class B vehicle with someone who has a valid Class B license.
3. Complete training: You must complete a CDL training program from an approved school or company. This will include both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
4. Pass the skills test: Once you've completed your training, you'll need to pass a skills test which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
5. Submit application and fees: Finally, submit your application and required fees to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to receive your Class B CDL.
Note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
- Straight trucks (delivery trucks, dump trucks, etc.) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
- Buses (city buses, school buses, etc.) designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
- Combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) with a GCWR of less than 26,001 pounds
Note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B CDL. However, if you plan to transport hazardous materials or operate a vehicle across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Driver's license: You must have a valid driver's license from the state of West Virginia.
3. Medical certification: You must pass a medical examination and hold a valid medical certificate that meets the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
4. Knowledge test: You must pass a written knowledge test that covers topics such as vehicle safety, cargo handling, and driving techniques.
5. Skills test: You must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Training: You must complete a CDL training program from an approved school or company.
7. Fees: You must pay all required fees for obtaining your CDL.
Note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
For example, if you plan to operate a bus with more than 16 passengers, you will need to obtain a Passenger (P) endorsement on your CDL. If you plan to transport hazardous materials, you will need to obtain a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement.
If you plan to operate a Class B vehicle with air brakes, you will need to obtain an Air Brakes (A) endorsement. Additionally, if you plan to tow a trailer with a Class B vehicle that weighs more than 10,000 pounds, you may need to obtain a Combination (X) endorsement.
It's important to note that each endorsement requires additional testing and fees. Be sure to check with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles for specific requirements and regulations.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be asked to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be asked to perform various maneuvers to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle, such as backing up, turning, and parallel parking.
3. On-Road Driving: You will be asked to drive on public roads while the examiner evaluates your ability to safely operate the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and make appropriate driving decisions.
During the test, you will be evaluated on your ability to operate the vehicle safely and effectively. You must pass each part of the test in order to obtain your Class B CDL. It's important to practice each skill and become familiar with your vehicle before taking the test.
1. Vehicle Type: A Class B CDL allows you to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, but the trailer must have a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds.
2. Passengers: If you have a Class B CDL with a Passenger (P) endorsement, you may transport up to 16 passengers (including the driver) in a single vehicle.
3. Hazardous Materials: If you have a Class B CDL with a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, you may transport hazardous materials, but you must comply with additional regulations and restrictions.
4. Air Brakes: If you have a Class B CDL with an Air Brakes (A) endorsement, you may operate vehicles with air brakes.
5. Time Restrictions: Drivers under the age of 21 are not permitted to operate commercial motor vehicles across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required for specific types of vehicles or cargo. It's also important to comply with all federal and state regulations and restrictions when operating a commercial vehicle.
The DMV offers a variety of accommodations, such as a reader, a scribe, extended time, and audio recordings of the test. The type of accommodation provided will depend on your specific needs and the availability of resources at the testing location.
It's important to note that you must still meet all other requirements for obtaining a CDL, such as passing a vision test and meeting medical certification requirements. Additionally, accommodations are not provided for the skills test portion of the CDL exam, as this portion requires physical demonstration of driving skills.
It's important to note that if you fail the written test three times, you will have to wait at least 30 days before taking the test again. Additionally, if you fail the written test six times, you will have to wait at least six months before taking the test again.
To increase your chances of passing the written test, be sure to study and review all of the relevant materials beforehand. The West Virginia DMV provides a CDL manual that covers all of the information that you'll need to know for the written test. Additionally, there are many online resources and practice tests available to help you prepare for the exam.