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 take the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, your CDL will carry a restriction meaning:

   Correct answer: no operating a CMV with a manual transmission

   Passing the skills test in an automatic-transmission vehicle results in an 'E' restriction, which means no manual-transmission CMV.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Restrictions

2. 2. A Class B CDL is required for any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of:

   Correct answer: 26,001 pounds or more

   Class B covers any single vehicle rated 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing a unit not over 10,000 pounds.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Who Must Apply

3. 3. A Class A CDL is required for a combination rated 26,001 pounds or more when the towed unit(s) exceed:

   Correct answer: 10,000 pounds

   Class A applies to combinations rated 26,001 pounds or more where the towed vehicle(s) are over 10,000 pounds GVWR.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Who Must Apply

4. 4. After the CDL permit is issued, how long must you hold it before taking a skills test?

   Correct answer: 14 days

   You must hold the permit for 14 days before a skills test can be administered.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, How to Apply for a CDL

5. 5. Before receiving a hazardous materials endorsement, an applicant must:

   Correct answer: pass a background check and be fingerprinted

   The TSA and DOT require a background check and fingerprinting before a driver receives the hazardous materials endorsement.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1.3 Hazardous Materials Background Check

6. 6. To pass each CDL knowledge test, what share of the questions must you answer correctly?

   Correct answer: 80 percent

   You must correctly answer 80 percent of the questions on each test in order to pass.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, What's on the Knowledge Test

7. 7. Which of the following is defined as a serious traffic violation?

   Correct answer: Speeding 15 mph or more over the limit

   Serious violations include excessive speeding of 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, erratic lane changes, and following too closely.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1.3 Serious Traffic Violations

8. 8. A person who knowingly falsifies information to obtain a CDL will be disqualified for at least:

   Correct answer: 60 consecutive days

   Knowingly falsifying required information or certification for a CDL brings disqualification for at least 60 consecutive days.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, What Offenses Could Result in Disqualification

9. 9. How many questions are on the CDL general knowledge test?

   Correct answer: 50

   The general knowledge test has 50 questions covering vehicle operation, cargo handling, and inspection.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, What's on the Knowledge Test

10. 10. Committing two serious traffic violations within three years in a CMV results in loss of the CDL for at least:

    Correct answer: 60 days

    Two serious traffic violations within three years cost your CDL for at least 60 days; three within three years bring at least 120 days.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1.3 Serious Traffic Violations

11. 11. A driver who does not pass the air brake portion of the knowledge test receives a restriction that:

    Correct answer: prohibits operating a CMV with air brakes

    Failing or skipping the air brake test, or testing in a non-air-brake vehicle, results in an 'L' restriction that bars air-brake CMVs.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, Restrictions

12. 12. A CDL instruction permit issued in Kentucky is valid for:

    Correct answer: six months

    A CDL instruction permit is valid for six months, and it must be held 14 days before a skills test.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, How to Apply for a CDL