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. A Class A commercial driver's license is required to operate what kind of vehicle?

   Correct answer: A combination over 26,001 lbs GCWR towing a unit over 10,000 lbs

   Class A applies to combination rigs rated at 26,001 pounds GCWR or higher, as long as what is being towed has a GVWR over 10,000 pounds.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Classifications)

2. 2. What is the penalty for a second major offense, such as a second DUI in a CMV?

   Correct answer: Loss of your CDL for life

   A second major offense, such as a second DUI in a CMV, results in permanent loss of your CDL.

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

3. 3. A Class B CDL is required to operate which of the following?

   Correct answer: A single vehicle over 26,001 lbs GVWR, or towing under 10,000 lbs

   Class B covers a single vehicle rated 26,001 pounds GVWR or above, or one of those towing a unit of no more than 10,000 pounds.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Classifications)

4. 4. What does an 'L' restriction on a CDL mean?

   Correct answer: The driver is limited to vehicles without air brakes

   An L restriction confines the holder to driving vehicles that are not fitted with air brakes.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Endorsements/Restrictions)

5. 5. Which endorsement is required to drive a vehicle displaying hazardous materials placards?

   Correct answer: The H endorsement

   You need the H endorsement — and must be 21 or older — before driving any vehicle that displays hazardous materials placards.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Endorsements/Restrictions)

6. 6. At what gross weight rating does a single vehicle require a CDL?

   Correct answer: 26,001 pounds or more

   Any single vehicle whose gross vehicle weight rating is 26,001 pounds or higher requires a CDL.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction

7. 7. Which endorsement is required to drive a bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver?

   Correct answer: The P endorsement

   The P (passenger) endorsement is required for a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver; the S endorsement is for school buses (11 or more).

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Endorsements/Restrictions)

8. 8. How long will you lose your CDL for a first violation of an out-of-service order?

   Correct answer: At least 90 days

   A first out-of-service order violation costs you your CDL for no less than 90 days.

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

9. 9. In what order must the three CDL skills tests be completed?

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

   You must pass the skills tests sequentially — first the vehicle inspection, next basic control of the vehicle, and finally the on-road drive.

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

10. 10. You need a tank endorsement to carry a liquid or gas in a permanently mounted cargo tank of at least what rated size?

    Correct answer: 119 gallons or more

    The endorsement applies to a permanently mounted cargo tank with a rating of 119 gallons or greater, or to a portable tank rated for 1,000 gallons or greater.

    Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Commercial Driver License Tests)

11. 11. How long will you lose your CDL for committing two serious traffic violations in a CMV within a three-year period?

    Correct answer: At least 60 days

    Two serious traffic violations in a CMV inside any three-year span cost you your CDL for a minimum of 60 days.

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

12. 12. Which endorsement is required to pull double and triple trailers?

    Correct answer: The T endorsement

    The T endorsement is required to drive double and triple trailers; the N endorsement is for tank vehicles.

    Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Endorsements/Restrictions)