CDL Practice Tests: Introduction Section

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Question #29 (1 of 10)

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If you have any detectable amount of alcohol under .04% in your system, what will happen?

  • You will be arrested and charged with a DUI
  • You will be out-of-service for 30 days
  • You will be fined a minimum of $500
  • You will be put out-of-service for 24 hours
You will be put out-of-service for 24 hours if you have any detectable amount of alcohol under .04%.
Let me be clear about this......your company will almost certainly fire you and your chances of driving a commercial vehicle again are very slim. Do not take any chances!
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Question #20 (2 of 10)

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What will happen if you are required to have a ”certified” medical status and fail to provide and keep up-to-date your medical examiner’s certificate?

  • The federal government will issue a fine and prevent you from driving for two years
  • You will be limited to driving dry van or reefers only
  • You become ”not-certified” and may lose your CDL.
  • You must retake the road test
If you are required to have a ”certified” medical status and fail to provide and keep up-to-date your medical examiner’s certificate you become ”not-certified” and may lose your CDL.
Keeping your medical card up to date is critical. If you do not maintain a current DOT medical card, they will downgrade your license from a CDL to a regular Class D license.
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Question #10 (3 of 10)

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You must have a CDL to operate:

  • All the answers are correct
  • A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
  • Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
  • A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

You must have a CDL to operate:

  • Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
  • A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
  • Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. Federal regulations through the Department of Homeland Security require a background check and fingerprinting for the Hazardous Materials endorsement. Contact your local department of driver licensing for more information.
There is a fourth type of vehicle not included in this question, which is, "Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73"
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Question #15 (4 of 10)

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Drivers of tank vehicles who haul hazardous materials or waste in amounts requiring placards must add which endorsement to their CDL?

  • Y Endorsement
  • X Endorsement
  • HM Endorsement
  • CV Endorsement
Combination Hazardous Materials and Tank Vehicle (X). Drivers of tank vehicles who haul hazardous materials or waste in amounts requiring placards must add an X endorsement to their CDL, showing that they have passed the special knowledge examinations for both tank vehicles and hazardous materials.
To be honest, I'm not sure why they created the X endorsement. It's simply a combination of both Hazmat and Tanker endorsements.
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Question #30 (5 of 10)

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How long will you lose your CDL if you have committed two serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV?

  • A minimum of 2 years
  • A minimum of 1 year
  • At least 60 days
  • At least 90 days
You will lose your CDL for at least 60 days if you have committed two serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV.
Remember that these violations can add up quickly when you're driving 100,000 miles or more each year. Be patient and think long-term. Be safe, be conservative, and protect that license!
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Question #28 (6 of 10)

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If you drive a commercial vehicle and your blood alcohol concentration is .04% or higher you will lose your CDL for how long?

  • For life
  • A Maximum of 2 years
  • At least 6 months
  • At least 1 year

You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first offense for:

  • Driving a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration is .04% or higher.
  • Driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol. Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing.
  • Driving a CMV while under the influence of a controlled substance.
  • Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV.
  • Committing a felony involving the use of a CMV.
  • Driving a CMV when the CDL is suspended.
  • Causing a fatality through negligent operation of a CMV.
Again, never mess with alcohol or illegal drugs while driving a commercial vehicle. The responsibility you have as a professional driver is enormous.
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Question #18 (7 of 10)

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Almost all Class A tractor-trailers have air brakes. If you take your driving skills test in a vehicle with hydraulic brakes, which limitation will you have on your CDL?

  • (M) - No Class A passenger vehicle
  • (L) - No full air brake equipped CMV
  • (K) - Intrastate only
  • (O) - No tractor-trailer CMV
(L) - No Air brake equipped CMV: If an applicant does not take or fails the air brake component of the knowledge test, or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes, the State must indicate on the CLP or CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any type of air brakes. For the purposes of the skills test and the restriction, air brakes include any braking system operating fully or partially on the air brake principle.
Be aware that you must test in a truck that has air brakes if you want to drive a commercial vehicle with air brakes.
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Question #13 (8 of 10)

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Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds falls in which class:

  • Class A Combination Vehicles
  • Class D Towable Vehicles
  • Class C Light Vehicles
  • Class B Heavy Straight Vehicles
  • Class B Heavy Straight Vehicles. Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds.
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Question #26 (9 of 10)

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It is illegal to operate a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is:

  • 1% or more
  • .04% or more
  • .08% or more
  • Measurable in any way (.01% or greater)
It is illegal to operate a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .04% or more
The quickest way to destroy your driving career permanently is to get a DUI or fail a drug test. We consider that career suicide in trucking. There is no tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in this industry, so please do not make this critical mistake!
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Question #22 (10 of 10)

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Intrastate commerce is when you drive a CMV:

  • Between two points within a state, even if you cross into another state during the trip
  • Within one state
  • From one state to another
  • From the United States into Canada or Mexico.
Intrastate commerce is when you drive a CMV within a State and you do not meet any of the descriptions for interstate commerce.
Interstate travel means you have left your home state during the trip. If you stay within your home state, it's considered intrastate. Take your time and read the questions and answers carefully so you don't get the two mixed up.
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About The Introduction Section Of The CDL Exam

The Introdction portion of the CDL manual will be on the General Knowledge portion of the CDL permit written exam. It will cover quite a few topics including:
  • Drivers who must obtain a CDL
  • Driver's license classifications
  • CDL endorsement types and requirements
  • The skills and driving tests required for your CDL
  • Documentation required for obtaining your CDL
  • DOT medical requirements
  • Commercial motor vehicle driving disqualifications
  • Regulations regarding electronic devices like GPS and radar detectors
  • Vehicle size limitations
  • Vehicle registration requirements

Important Parts To Study For The Introdction Section

Drivers Who Must Obtain A CDL

Any driver of the following vehicles must possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL):

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR)** of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)* of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

Definitions

GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating - Value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a single vehicle or combination of vehicles.

GCWR - Gross Combination Weight Rating - Value specified by the manufacturer as the GVWR of the power unit plus the GVWR of the towed unit or units.

Drivers Exempt from Obtaining a CDL

Under state and federal law, certain drivers are not subject to the requirements of the CDL program. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has determined that these exemptions will not diminish the safe operation of commercial vehicles on the highways. However, these drivers are still required to possess the proper class license for the vehicle they are operating.

The following vehicle operators are not required to obtain a CDL:

  • Farm Vehicle/Equipment Operators - This exemption covers farming operations (as noted below) and does not apply to commercial grain haulers or other types of non-farm use. This exemption only applies when farm vehicles are:
    • Controlled and operated by a farmer, the farmer’s family or an employee
    • Used to transport farm products, equipment or supplies to or from a farm (including nurseries and aquacultures)
    • Used within 150 air miles of the farm
    • Not used in the operations of a common or contract carrier or for other commercial purposes
  • Emergency Equipment/Vehicle Operators - Because most emergency organizations have extensive initial training and retraining requirements for their equipment operators, states waives CDL requirements for operators of emergency equipment when responding to or returning from an emergency necessary to preserve life and property.
  • Military Vehicle Operators - Active duty military personnel operating military vehicles for military purposes.
  • Recreational Vehicle Operators - Recreational vehicle operators, when using the vehicle primarily for personal use.

Driver License Classifications (CDL and NON-CDL)

  • Class A - Combination vehicles - GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds providing the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Class B - Single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Class C - Single vehicle with a GVWR of at least 16,001 pounds but less than 26,001 pounds.
  • Class D - Single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 16,001 pounds.

Do I Need a DOT Medical Card?

Yes, if you will:

  • Operate a commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise (private or for hire).
  • Operate a passenger carrying vehicle designed to transport eight or more passengers, including the driver.
  • Operate any vehicle transporting hazardous materials of a quantity that would require placarding.

In addition, commercial vehicle drivers must:

  • Maintain and have in their possession a file that contains their written exam verification, driving exam verification and other records.
  • Be at least age 21 to drive a commercial motor vehicle involved in interstate commerce or transport passengers.
  • Be at least age 18 to obtain a CLP/CDL and/or to transport hazardous materials intrastate (within the state).
  • Certify that they do not have more than one driver’s license and that their driving privileges are not suspended, revoked, canceled or disqualified.
  • Certify that they meet the medical requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations or that they are not subject to the regulations.

Offenses Which Lead To CDL Revocation

There is a long list of offenses which can lead to the suspension or permanent revocation of your CDL. We won't list all of the specifics but we'll give you a rundown:

  • Alcohol And Drug Related Offenses Including
    • DUI/DWI
    • Failing a drug test
    • Refusal to take an alcohol or drug test
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • The use of a CMV or non-CMV in the commission of any felony involving manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a controlled substance
  • Any driver providing fraudulent documentation for the issuance of a CDL
  • Operating a commercial motor vehicle in violation of regulations pertaining to railroad-highway grade crossings
  • Serious Traffic Violations Including:
    • Excessive speeding
    • Reckless driving
    • Invalid CDL
    • Following too closely
    • Improper lane usage
  • Conviction involving a fatal accident
  • Violation of out-of-service orders

Distracted Driving Laws

Drivers who are in a crash resulting from distracted driving may face criminal penalties and jail time.

The law prohibits the use of hand-held cellphones, texting or using other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free devices or Bluetooth technology is allowed for persons over age 18. Even using hands-free technology is considered a distraction while driving and can be dangerous. If you must make a phone call, even with hands-free technology, it is recommended that you pull off to the side of the road before making the call.

Drivers are exempt from using a cellphone or text messaging while driving only when:

  • Reporting an emergency situation.
  • Using the device hands-free or in voice-activated mode.
  • Parked on the shoulder of a highway.
  • Stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.

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