Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

9 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. How many driver licenses may a commercial driver legally hold?

   Correct answer: Only one

   You may hold only one license. Having more than one is illegal and can lead to disqualification.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — One License Rule

2. 2. Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is generally required before a person can:

   Correct answer: Get a first Class A or B CDL, upgrade a CDL, or obtain certain endorsements

   ELDT must be completed before obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading an existing CDL, or getting a first school bus, passenger, or hazardous materials endorsement.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Entry-Level Driver Training

3. 3. A first conviction for driving a commercial vehicle under the influence disqualifies the driver for at least:

   Correct answer: At least one year (three years if hauling hazardous materials)

   A first major offense such as DUI disqualifies you from driving a CMV for at least one year (three years if you were hauling placarded hazardous materials). A second major offense means a lifetime disqualification.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Disqualifications

4. 4. If a vehicle or driver is placed 'out of service' at an inspection, it means:

   Correct answer: The driver or vehicle may not continue until the problem is corrected

   An out-of-service order means the vehicle cannot be driven, or the driver cannot drive, until the problem is corrected. Violating the order brings heavy penalties.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Out-of-Service Rules

5. 5. A driver operating a commercial vehicle is considered driving under the influence at a blood alcohol concentration of:

   Correct answer: 0.04 or higher

   The limit for driving a commercial vehicle is a BAC of 0.04 or higher, half the 0.08 limit for regular drivers. A first offense disqualifies the CDL for at least one year.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Alcohol and Disqualification

6. 6. What can happen to a commercial driver who texts or uses a hand-held phone while driving?

   Correct answer: They can be fined and, for repeat offenses, lose their CDL

   Texting and hand-held phone use while driving a CMV are banned nationwide. They are serious traffic violations that can bring fines and, for repeat offenses, disqualification of the CDL.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Distracted Driving Penalties

7. 7. A commercial driver license (CDL) is generally required to drive a vehicle that:

   Correct answer: Is rated at 26,001 pounds or more, carries 16 or more people including the driver, or hauls placarded hazardous materials

   A CDL is required for vehicles rated at 26,001 pounds or more, vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver, or any size vehicle carrying placarded hazardous materials.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Commercial Driver License Requirements

8. 8. Which of the following will disqualify a driver from operating a commercial vehicle?

   Correct answer: Leaving the scene of an accident or using the vehicle to commit a felony

   Driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, and using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony are all disqualifying offenses, as is driving a CMV with a suspended CDL.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Disqualifications

9. 9. Which of these counts as a 'serious traffic violation' that can disqualify a CDL holder if repeated?

   Correct answer: Speeding 15 mph or more over the limit

   Serious violations include excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the limit), reckless driving, following too closely, improper lane changes, and texting while driving. Two within three years bring a disqualification.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Serious Traffic Violations