Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Three serious traffic violations in a CMV within a three-year period results in what disqualification?

   Correct answer: At least 120 days

   Three serious traffic violations while operating a CMV within three years cost the CDL for at least 120 days.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Other Offenses)

2. 2. For a second conviction of hand-held mobile phone use while operating a CMV within three years, what is the disqualification?

   Correct answer: 60 days

   Disqualification for hand-held phone use is 60 days for the second offense within three years and 120 days for three or more within three years.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Hand-held Mobile Telephone)

3. 3. Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV you were driving is a first disqualifying offense that costs the CDL for at least how long?

   Correct answer: One year

   Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV you were driving is a listed first disqualifying offense, costing the CDL for at least one year.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Commercial License Disqualifications)

4. 4. How often may an applicant attempt each CDL knowledge test?

   Correct answer: Once per day

   You may attempt each knowledge test once per day.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Knowledge Tests)

5. 5. Three or more railroad grade crossing violations in a three-year period disqualify a driver for how long?

   Correct answer: One year

   Three or more railroad grade crossing violations from separate incidents in three years disqualify the driver for one year.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Railroad Grade Crossing Violation)

6. 6. A second disqualifying offense, such as a second DUI in a CMV, results in what CDL penalty?

   Correct answer: Loss of the CDL for life

   A second disqualifying offense results in losing your CDL privileges for life.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Commercial License Disqualifications)

7. 7. How much steering wheel play is enough to make a vehicle hard to steer and should be reported as a defect?

   Correct answer: More than 10 degrees of play

   More than 10 degrees of steering wheel play, about two inches of movement at the rim of a 20-inch wheel, can make it hard to steer.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Steering System Defects)

8. 8. A commercial learner's permit must be held for at least how many days before the CDL road test may be taken?

   Correct answer: 14 calendar days

   The CLP must be held for 14 calendar days from the date of application before you can take the CDL road tests.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Commercial Driver's License Tests)

9. 9. Unless tested in a vehicle with air brakes, what restriction will be placed on the CDL?

   Correct answer: A restriction to vehicles without air brakes

   Unless the CMV used for testing has air brakes, you are restricted to driving vehicles without air brakes, even if you passed the air brake knowledge test.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Commercial Driver's License Classes)

10. 10. Which license class covers a single-unit vehicle rated over 26,000 pounds GVWR that does not tow a heavy trailer?

    Correct answer: Class B

    Class B is a single-unit vehicle over 26,000 pounds GVWR; Class A is for combinations, and Class C is for smaller vehicles with certain endorsements.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Commercial Driver's License Classes)

11. 11. How long do you have after becoming a Minnesota resident to transfer a CDL from your previous home state?

    Correct answer: 30 days

    You have up to 30 days after becoming a Minnesota resident to transfer your previous home-state CDL to a Minnesota CDL.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Fees for Commercial Driver's License)

12. 12. When must a driver mention the main inspection points to get credit during the CDL vehicle inspection test?

    Correct answer: You must point out and explain each item to get credit

    During the vehicle inspection you must point out each item and explain what problems to look for, mentioning the main listed points to get credit.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Part A (Vehicle Inspection)