Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

10 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. Federal rules require a commercial driver to be able to read and speak English well enough to:

   Correct answer: Understand traffic signs, answer officials, and complete reports and records

   A driver must understand highway signs and signals, talk with the public and respond to officials, and make entries on reports and records. This is a federal driver-qualification requirement.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Driver Qualifications

2. 2. For Entry-Level Driver Training to count toward a first Class A CDL, it must:

   Correct answer: Come from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and cover theory and behind-the-wheel training

   The training must be given by a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and it must include both classroom (theory) instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Only a registered provider can certify that you finished.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Entry-Level Driver Training

3. 3. For a first conviction of driving a commercial vehicle under the influence, a driver is disqualified for at least:

   Correct answer: One year

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

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Disqualifications

4. 4. Under the federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules, training from an approved provider is required before you:

   Correct answer: Get your first Class A or B CDL, upgrade a class, or add certain endorsements

   You must complete ELDT before getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading your CDL class, or adding certain endorsements. The training must come from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Entry-Level Driver Training

5. 5. If an inspector places your vehicle 'out of service,' you may:

   Correct answer: Not drive it until the listed problems have been fixed

   An out-of-service order means the vehicle has a serious defect. You may not drive it until the listed problems are repaired, and driving it anyway brings heavy penalties.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Out-of-Service Orders

6. 6. Under federal rules, a commercial driver may hold:

   Correct answer: Only one driver's license

   You may hold only one driver's license. Carrying licenses from more than one state is illegal and is used to hide violations, so it carries serious penalties.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — One License Rule

7. 7. Two serious traffic violations in separate incidents within three years will disqualify a CDL holder for at least:

   Correct answer: 60 days

   Two serious violations (such as speeding 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, or following too closely) within three years means at least a 60-day disqualification; three within three years means at least 120 days.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Serious Traffic Violations

8. 8. Which of the following generally requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate?

   Correct answer: A vehicle with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more

   A CDL is required for a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, one designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver, or one carrying placarded hazardous materials.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — When a CDL Is Required

9. 9. Which of these is a major offense that can disqualify a CDL holder?

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

   Major offenses include driving under the influence, refusing a required test, leaving the scene of a crash, using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony, and driving a CMV with a suspended CDL.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Disqualifications

10. 10. A commercial driver convicted more than once of using a hand-held phone while driving can face:

    Correct answer: Disqualification of the CDL, in addition to fines

    Repeated hand-held phone or texting convictions count as serious violations and can lead to disqualification of the CDL, on top of fines. Employers who allow or require the behavior can also be penalized.

    Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Distracted Driving