CDL General Knowledge Graded A+
CDL Requirements
1. Who Must Have a CDL?
- Operate a vehicle with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) more than 26,000 lbs.
- Trailers with a GVWR more than 10,000 lbs if the gross combination weight rating exceeds 26,000 lbs.
- Transport more than 15 persons, including the driver.
- Operate vehicles that require hazardous materials placards.
2. Licensing Regulations:
- Can you hold more than one license? No. Violations can lead to fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment.
- Notification of Traffic Violations: Employers must be notified of convictions within 30 days (except for
parking violations).
3. Driving History:
- Provide all driving jobs held for the past 10 years when applying for a CDL.
4. Penalties for Violations:
- Fine for driving without a CDL: Up to $5,000 or jail.
- First-time offenses leading to CDL loss can include:
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) under the influence.
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV.
- Using a CMV to commit a felony.
- Refusing a sobriety test while driving a CMV.
- Causing death through negligent or criminal operation of a CMV.
- Driving a CMV while your CDL is revoked, suspended, canceled, or disqualified.
- If the offense occurs while driving a placarded vehicle for hazardous materials, the loss is 3 years.
5. Life-time CDL Loss:
, - A second offense for using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances results in
lifetime loss.
6. CDL Suspension Periods:
- 60-day loss: 2 serious traffic violations or 1 violation at a railroad crossing within 3 years involving a
CMV.
- 120-day loss: 3 serious traffic violations or 2 violations at a railroad crossing within 3 years.
- 1-year loss: 3 violations at railroad crossings within 3 years.
Serious Traffic Violations Include
- Excessive speeding (over 15 mph).
- Reckless driving.
- Improper or erratic lane changes.
- Following too closely.
- Fatal traffic accidents.
- Driving a CMV without a CDL or without the CDL in possession.
Alcohol & Drug-Related Regulations
- BAC Limit for CMVs: .04% or more is illegal; loss of CDL for one year on the first offense, lifetime on the
second.
- If BAC is below .04% but detectable, the driver can be placed out of service for 24 hours.
Vehicle & Safety Checks
1. Tire Tread Depth:
- Minimum of 4/32" on front tires, 2/32" on other tires.
2. Tire Compatibility:
- Radial and bias-ply tires cannot be mixed.
- Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires cannot be used on the front wheels of a bus.
CDL Requirements
1. Who Must Have a CDL?
- Operate a vehicle with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) more than 26,000 lbs.
- Trailers with a GVWR more than 10,000 lbs if the gross combination weight rating exceeds 26,000 lbs.
- Transport more than 15 persons, including the driver.
- Operate vehicles that require hazardous materials placards.
2. Licensing Regulations:
- Can you hold more than one license? No. Violations can lead to fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment.
- Notification of Traffic Violations: Employers must be notified of convictions within 30 days (except for
parking violations).
3. Driving History:
- Provide all driving jobs held for the past 10 years when applying for a CDL.
4. Penalties for Violations:
- Fine for driving without a CDL: Up to $5,000 or jail.
- First-time offenses leading to CDL loss can include:
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) under the influence.
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV.
- Using a CMV to commit a felony.
- Refusing a sobriety test while driving a CMV.
- Causing death through negligent or criminal operation of a CMV.
- Driving a CMV while your CDL is revoked, suspended, canceled, or disqualified.
- If the offense occurs while driving a placarded vehicle for hazardous materials, the loss is 3 years.
5. Life-time CDL Loss:
, - A second offense for using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances results in
lifetime loss.
6. CDL Suspension Periods:
- 60-day loss: 2 serious traffic violations or 1 violation at a railroad crossing within 3 years involving a
CMV.
- 120-day loss: 3 serious traffic violations or 2 violations at a railroad crossing within 3 years.
- 1-year loss: 3 violations at railroad crossings within 3 years.
Serious Traffic Violations Include
- Excessive speeding (over 15 mph).
- Reckless driving.
- Improper or erratic lane changes.
- Following too closely.
- Fatal traffic accidents.
- Driving a CMV without a CDL or without the CDL in possession.
Alcohol & Drug-Related Regulations
- BAC Limit for CMVs: .04% or more is illegal; loss of CDL for one year on the first offense, lifetime on the
second.
- If BAC is below .04% but detectable, the driver can be placed out of service for 24 hours.
Vehicle & Safety Checks
1. Tire Tread Depth:
- Minimum of 4/32" on front tires, 2/32" on other tires.
2. Tire Compatibility:
- Radial and bias-ply tires cannot be mixed.
- Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires cannot be used on the front wheels of a bus.
