This article contains information pertaining to Class A CDL licenses, including what they are, what their purposes are, and how to obtain them.
What is a Class A CDL?
A Class A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) as defined by The Department of Motor Vehicles is a license “required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, to include a towed vehicle that is HEAVIER than 10,000 lbs.”
These types of vehicles include flatbeds, tractor trailers, livestock carrier vehicles, tanker vehicles and any truck or trailer combination. In order to seek a career in transportation, a CDL A must be obtained before any of these vehicles are legally driven and operated on the road.
Four Steps to Earning Your Class A License
The CDL A is an important standard to ensure safety and efficiency while operating heavy vehicles.
There are a few CDL requirements needed in order to gain a CDL A, including multiple tests that challenge a driver’s knowledge on topics that include general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, and pre-trip inspections.
All of these topics come together to make up the four-part CDL A test, and must be passed in order to seek a professional career driving vehicles weighing over 10,0000 lbs. Simply click on any of the tabs below to learn more about that specific step in the process of earning your license.
Step 1 – Pass the General Knowledge Exam
The General Knowledge Exam is the first step in CDL requirements to get your Class A CDL. This exam has three sections covering general knowledge learned from the CDL handbook, including introduction, driving safety, and cargo.
The general knowledge portion of the exam focuses heavily on safe practices to institute when driving, as mandated by Federal CDL requirements. The exam asks questions on backing up your trailer, seeing while you drive, communicating, difficult road conditions, turns and managing space.
This section will include information on each subcategory, and knowledge to study from for the exam.
Backing Up Your Trailer
A driver’s last resort should be backing up, but when necessary it is important to understand the correct procedures in having to do so. Always back to your left, turn the wheel in the opposite direction you intend to reverse in, and use your mirrors to guide your path.
Seeing While You Drive
Every action takes extra time because of the length of the trailer of which you are hauling. Do your best to look at least 12-15 seconds ahead of you to mark changes in topography, traffic, speed, and difficult road conditions.
Communicating
Always use signals to let other drivers know what your intentions are. Put them on well before an action, and make sure other drivers are able to see them clearly with enough time to react. If a hazard is ahead, flash your brake lights to let other drivers know, hopefully to slow them down in case of an emergency. If passing pedestrians or cyclists, safely use your horn to alert them of your presence. If ever stopped on the side of the road, use reflective triangles to mark your presence, waiting no longer than ten minutes after initially stopping.
Managing Space
Driving such a big object requires an incredibly longer amount of stopping time than other vehicles. Make sure to use the second rule when stopping, adding 1 second for every 10 feet of space in front, and when going over 40 mph, add an extra second. Hazardous driving conditions such as rain or snow effect this, so be sure that when in these conditions to add extra time as necessary in order to safely slow down.
Difficult Road Conditions
Driving conditions change daily, and especially during seasonal periods as well. During the summer, hot road conditions can cause tar to rise to the surface and make the road slippery. When driving in fog, use fog lights and drive cautiously, using hazard lights as well. If driving in a mountainous area, drive in low gear, before descending down a hill. Also go into low gear when driving through a puddle, being careful to slowly apply pressure to the brakes until they are dry and warmed again.
Turns
When turning left, you should have reached the intersection before making the turn. When there is more than one turn lane, you must always use the outside turn lane. When turning right, swing wide and stay as close to the curb as possible so other drivers cannot pass on the right.
Step 2 – Pass the Air Brakes Test
This step pertains to the air brakes system in a CDL Class A vehicle. The outline below details the components of the air brake system and includes knowledge on how to operate the system safely and effectively per CDL requirements. These parts contain information on the components of the air brake system, operating the air brakes, dual air brake system, and other considerations when using the air brake system.
Air Brake System
There are multiple components making up the air brake system. The air compressor pumps air into storage tanks, while the governor manages when the compressor pumps air into tanks designated for storage. The tanks hold compressed air to be applied during braking, while drains dispose of water or oil in the bottom of the tank. An alcohol evaporator reduces the risk of ice by putting alcohol into the air system. A safety valve is set to automatically open at a set PSI to relieve pressure in the system. The brake pedal, when pressed, engages the system and the brakes. Foundation brakes are used at each wheel, normally S-cam but can also be wedge or disc. Supply pressure gauges tell the pressure of each tank, while an application pressure gauge displays the pressure used being applied to brakes. A stop light switch turns brake lights on when the brakes are applied. A front brake limiting valve may be used on vehicles made before 1975, and when set to “slippery” cut standard air pressure in half on the front brakes. Spring brakes are used when the emergency and parking brake systems are applied. Parking brake controls are used to engage these systems. Dual air brake systems are generally used on most newer vehicles, in which two entirely independent air brake systems are used to stop the vehicle, yet are still engaged by the same controls.
Operating the Air Brakes
Typical operation of the air brake system is similar to other braking systems. When using the air brake system in an emergency setting, there are two methods to use to brake effectively. The first is controlled braking, in which the brakes are applied as hard as possible without locking. The second is stab braking, meaning pushing the brake pedal down hard enough to lock the wheels, repeatedly engaging and releasing in order to stop efficiently.
Other Considerations
When using the air brake system, it is important to remember that there is a slight lag when compared to a typical braking system, due to the extra time needed for air to pass through the lines. It is important to consider this when braking. If ever a low pressure light appears, pull over immediately, as a leak in the system might be present. Finally, always engage the emergency or parking brake when parked, unless in extreme conditions, whereas wheel chocks are the best method for parking.
Step 3 – Pass the Combination Vehicles Test
This portion of the CDL requirements involves passing a test concerning driving a combination vehicle, or a vehicle with an attachment behind it. It includes rollover risk, braking, backing up, corners, combination vehicle care, and the method to couple and uncouple a combination vehicle.
Rollover Risk
When driving a combination vehicle, the risk of rolling over increases exponentially. Keeping cargo close to the ground aids in decreasing that risk, as well as gentle steering when making movements. Quick movements can cause a whip-like reaction, causing the momentum to roll the vehicle over.
Braking
It is important to always brake earlier than necessary when driving a combination vehicle. Empty trucks take longer to stop than a fully loaded vehicle, and also are at greater risk of jackknifing. Always remain aware of surroundings, and maintain visuals on your trailer through mirrors. If it can be seen, it most likely might be skidding.
Backing Up
Back slowly using both mirrors, and if possible use a helper to guide you. Pull forward if necessary correction is needed.
Corners
Always turn wide when taking corners. Longer combination vehicles typically go “off-track”, meaning the rear wheels do not follow the path of the front.
Combination Vehicle Care
This involves inspection and awareness of the combination vehicle’s condition. Test the air brake systems, brake lights, trailer couplings and anything else at risk during travel.
Coupling and Uncoupling
This portion tests the knowledge of procedures used to connect and disconnect attachments between cab and trailer. The steps can be viewed at Union Test Prep’s website, a resource intended to be used for exam prep.
Step 4 – Pass the Pre-Trip Inspection
This portion of the exam gauges driver knowledge about the inspection of combination vehicles per CDL requirements. These include air brake system, engine compartment, coupling system, wheels, suspension, and anything else at risk.
A Final Word on CDL Requirements
When attempting to pass the CDL requirements for a Class A license, it is important to remember that some states have varying requirements that differ from other states. Check with your local state CDL exam requirements to see what may be different on the exam. All in all, most of the content covered in this article will prepare you to pass the CDL exam. It is important to study, due to the risks involved with Class A vehicles and operating them safely.
