Minnesota CDL Practice Test

A truck-trailer combination is rated at 28,900 pounds, with an 11,300-pound-GVWR trailer. Which CDL class covers it?

1. AClass A because the combination reaches 26,001 pounds and the towed vehicle is above 10,000 poundsCorrect
2. BClass B because a single trailer can never make a Class A combination
3. CClass C because the trailer rating is below the combination rating
4. DNo CDL because neither unit alone has a 26,001-pound rating

Why: Class A because the combination reaches 26,001 pounds and the towed vehicle is above 10,000 pounds follows from the operating principle here. Class A covers a combination rated at least 26,001 pounds when the towed vehicle or vehicles have a gross vehicle weight rating above 10,000 pounds.

A delivery truck's flat mirror leaves a blind strip beside the cargo body. How should the driver use the convex mirror fitted below it?

1. AUse the convex view to monitor a wider area while remembering that vehicles appear smaller and farther awayCorrect
2. BJudge exact following distance from the convex view because it shows true size
3. CAim the convex mirror only at the truck's own rear tire and ignore adjacent traffic
4. DReplace all direct observation with the convex image during lane changes

Why: Use the convex view to monitor a wider area while remembering that vehicles appear smaller and farther away follows from the operating principle here. Mirror checks should be brief, and convex mirrors require judgment because they make objects appear smaller and farther away than they are.

Warehouse employees load and tie down every pallet while the driver waits in the cab. Who remains accountable for safe cargo before departure?

1. AThe driver, who must be satisfied that the load is properly distributed and securedCorrect
2. BOnly the forklift operator because that person touched the freight
3. CThe consignee, but only after the truck arrives
4. DNobody aboard the vehicle when a sealed trailer is involved

Why: The driver, who must be satisfied that the load is properly distributed and secured follows from the operating principle here. Even when another person loads the vehicle, the driver remains responsible for inspection, overload and balance recognition, securement, clear visibility, and access to emergency equipment.

The previous bus inspection report lists a broken seat frame. What must the next driver confirm before signing the report?

1. AA passenger agreed not to sit in the damaged seat
2. BThe report is more than one day old and can therefore be ignored
3. CThe defect was repaired, or the carrier certified that immediate repair was unnecessaryCorrect
4. DThe bus completed one trip after the defect was found

Why: The defect was repaired, or the carrier certified that immediate repair was unnecessary follows from the operating principle here. A bus driver signs the previous driver's inspection report only after listed defects have been certified as repaired or certified as not requiring repair.

A trailer is loaded with heavy rolls stacked high along its left wall. Which correction most directly reduces rollover risk?

1. AConcentrate the entire load at the rear doors above the floor
2. BLeave the load in place and compensate by steering more sharply
3. CMove the heavy cargo lower, nearer the center, and distribute its weight across the vehicleCorrect
4. DAdd more weight high on the right wall without lowering either side

Why: Move the heavy cargo lower, nearer the center, and distribute its weight across the vehicle follows from the operating principle here. Combination cargo should be kept low, centered, and distributed because a high or side-biased center of gravity increases rollover risk.

A shipper offers a leaking hazardous-material package with incomplete preparation. What responsibility remains with the accepting driver?

1. ACover the leak with a placard and omit the shipping papers
2. BLoad it near the cab so the driver can ignore preparation defects
3. CReject the package, then maintain proper papers and placards and transport only a compliant shipment safelyCorrect
4. DAccept it because all package responsibility ends with the shipper

Why: Reject the package, then maintain proper papers and placards and transport only a compliant shipment safely follows from the operating principle here. The hazardous-material driver rejects leaking or improperly prepared packages, maintains required placards and papers, and transports the shipment safely after shipper and carrier checks.