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. If you commit your first out-of-service order violation, how long is your CDL lost?

   Correct answer: At least 90 days

   A first out-of-service order violation costs at least 90 days; a second within ten years costs at least one year, and a third or more at least three years.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Violation of Out-of-Service Orders)

2. 2. If your privilege to drive your personal vehicle is revoked for alcohol, controlled substance, or felony violations, what happens to your CDL?

   Correct answer: You lose your CDL for one year

   Such a revocation of your personal-vehicle privilege for alcohol, drug, or felony violations causes you to lose your CDL for one year.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Traffic Violations in Your Personal Vehicle)

3. 3. A CDL applicant is disqualified after how many convictions for holding a mobile phone or texting while driving a CMV?

   Correct answer: Two or more convictions

   Two or more convictions of a state law on hand-held phone use or texting while driving a CMV lead to disqualification — 60 days for the second offense and 120 days for three or more within three years.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Cell/Mobile Phones)

4. 4. What may happen to an employer who lets a driver operate a CMV while the driver's CDL is suspended or revoked?

   Correct answer: The employer may be fined up to $5,000 or jailed

   An employer who allows such driving, or lets a driver hold more than one license, may be fined up to $5,000 or jailed.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other CDL Rules)

5. 5. A minimum size is required for a bus driver to need a CDL and passenger endorsement. What is it?

   Correct answer: Designed to seat 16 or more, including the driver

   Any driver operating a vehicle built to carry 16 or more occupants, the driver included, needs a CDL carrying a passenger endorsement.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 4: Transporting Passengers Safely (Introduction)

6. 6. What counts as 'excessive speeding' among the serious traffic violations for a CDL holder?

   Correct answer: Exceeding the posted limit by 15 mph or greater

   As a serious violation, excessive speeding means exceeding the posted limit by 15 mph or greater.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Serious Traffic Violations)

7. 7. Which of the following is listed as a serious traffic violation for a CDL holder?

   Correct answer: Following another vehicle too closely

   The list of serious violations covers reckless driving, erratic or improper lane changes, tailgating, and operating a CMV without the correct class of CDL or endorsements.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Serious Traffic Violations)

8. 8. What penalty applies when someone uses a commercial vehicle in a felony that involves controlled substances?

   Correct answer: Loss of the CDL for life

   Using a commercial motor vehicle to commit a felony involving controlled substances results in loss of the CDL for life.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Commission of a Felony)

9. 9. The three segments of the CDL skills test must be taken in which order?

   Correct answer: Vehicle inspection, basic control, then on-road driving

   The skills test is taken in order — vehicle inspection first, then basic vehicle control, then the on-road driving test — and you must pass each before moving on.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Skills Tests)

10. 10. During the CDL vehicle inspection test, what must an applicant do for each item being inspected?

    Correct answer: Point to or touch and name it, and explain what and why

    The applicant must point to or touch and name each item, then explain to the examiner what they would inspect and why.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Skills Tests)

11. 11. What can happen if you drive a vehicle that requires placards without holding a hazardous materials endorsement?

    Correct answer: It is a crime; expect a citation and to be barred from driving on

    Operating a placarded vehicle without the hazmat endorsement is a crime; expect a citation and to be barred from taking the truck any farther.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Lists of Regulated Products)

12. 12. May you obtain a 'hardship' license to drive a CMV if your personal vehicle license is suspended?

    Correct answer: No, a hardship CDL is not allowed in that case

    When your personal-vehicle driving privilege is suspended, canceled, or revoked, no hardship license may be issued to let you drive a commercial vehicle.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Traffic Violations in Your Personal Vehicle)