Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

11 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 roadside inspector places your vehicle 'out of service.' What does that mean?

   Correct answer: The vehicle must not be driven until the problem is corrected

   An out-of-service order means the vehicle (or driver) has a serious safety violation and may not be driven until it is corrected. Ignoring an out-of-service order brings heavy fines and disqualification.

   Source: Florida CDL Handbook — Disqualifications and Penalties

2. 2. What can happen to a CDL holder who repeatedly texts or uses a handheld phone while driving a CMV?

   Correct answer: Fines and, after multiple offenses, disqualification of the CDL

   Federal rules treat texting and handheld phone use as serious violations. They carry fines for the driver and the employer, and two or more offenses within a set period lead to disqualification of the CDL.

   Source: Florida CDL Handbook — Disqualifications and Penalties

3. 3. For a first offense of driving a CMV with a BAC of 0.04 or more, a driver is typically disqualified for:

   Correct answer: At least one year

   A first major offense such as DUI generally disqualifies a CDL holder for at least one year (longer if carrying hazardous materials). A second major offense can mean a lifetime disqualification.

   Source: Florida CDL Handbook — Disqualifications and Penalties

4. 4. Which rule applies to CDL holders?

   Correct answer: You may hold only one license and must report convictions to your employer

   You may hold only one driver license, and you must notify your employer of most traffic convictions. Holding multiple licenses or hiding convictions can lead to penalties.

   Source: Florida CDL Handbook — Commercial Driver License

5. 5. Before a person can obtain a first Class A or Class B CDL, federal rules require them to complete:

   Correct answer: Entry-Level Driver Training from an FMCSA-registered training provider

   Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) must be completed with a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before a driver takes the skills test for a first Class A or B CDL.

   Source: Florida CDL Handbook — Commercial Driver License

6. 6. Which of the following is a major offense that can disqualify a CDL holder?

   Correct answer: Leaving the scene of an accident involving your vehicle

   Leaving the scene of a crash involving your CMV is a major offense, along with DUI, refusing a required test, and using a CMV to commit a felony. Each carries at least a one-year disqualification.

   Source: Florida CDL Handbook — Disqualifications and Penalties

7. 7. Using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony involving controlled substances can lead to:

   Correct answer: A lifetime CDL disqualification

   Using a CMV to commit a felony is a major offense; if it involves manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing controlled substances, it brings a lifetime disqualification with no reinstatement.

   Source: Florida CDL Handbook — Disqualifications and Penalties

8. 8. Besides weight, a CDL is also required to drive a vehicle designed to carry:

   Correct answer: 16 or more people, including the driver

   A CDL is required for vehicles built to carry 16 or more people (including the driver), and for vehicles carrying placarded hazardous materials, regardless of weight.

   Source: Florida CDL Handbook — Commercial Driver License

9. 9. What is true about driving a commercial vehicle while your CDL is suspended, revoked, or canceled?

   Correct answer: It is a major offense that brings further disqualification

   Driving a CMV with a suspended, revoked, or canceled CDL — or after being disqualified — is itself a major offense that leads to further disqualification. Never drive a CMV without a valid CDL.

   Source: Florida CDL Handbook — Disqualifications and Penalties

10. 10. Besides a first CDL, when else is Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) required?

    Correct answer: When upgrading Class B to Class A, or getting a passenger, school bus, or hazmat endorsement

    ELDT also applies when a driver upgrades from Class B to Class A and when first obtaining a passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement. It must come from a registered training provider.

    Source: Florida CDL Handbook — Commercial Driver License

11. 11. A CDL is generally required to drive a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of at least:

    Correct answer: 26,001 pounds

    A CDL is required for vehicles rated at 26,001 pounds or more, among other cases. Classes A, B, and C cover different weight and towing combinations.

    Source: Florida CDL Handbook — Commercial Driver License