Connecticut CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 18 years old

Connecticut issues a CLP at age 18 for intrastate (within-Connecticut) driving. You must be at least 21 to drive a CMV across state lines, to haul hazardous materials, or to drive a school bus.

Correct answer: Driving a CMV interstate, hauling hazardous materials, or driving a school bus

Age 18 covers intrastate (in-state) commercial driving, but interstate operation, a hazardous-materials endorsement, and driving a school bus all require you to be at least 21.

Correct answer: Completed Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT), registered with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and self-certified your type of driving

Connecticut requires new CDL applicants to complete ELDT with a registered training provider, register with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and self-certify the type of commercial driving they will do — all before testing for a CLP.

Correct answer: $16

The general knowledge test costs $16. Each endorsement knowledge test (such as air brakes or combination) is an additional $5.

Correct answer: $20

Once you pass the required knowledge tests, there is a $20 fee for issuance of the commercial learner’s permit. The knowledge-test and skills-test fees are separate and paid earlier.

Correct answer: One year from issuance — if you do not obtain a CDL before it expires, you must retake all the knowledge tests

A Connecticut CLP is valid for one year from the date of issuance. If you do not obtain your CDL within that year, the permit expires and you must retake and pass all the required knowledge tests to get a new one.

Correct answer: 40

You need 40 of 50 correct — the federal 80% passing standard. Every CDL knowledge test, in every state, uses the same 80% pass mark.

Correct answer: 26,001 pounds or more

A CDL is required for any single vehicle rated 26,001 lbs GVWR or more, a qualifying combination, a vehicle designed for 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or any vehicle requiring hazardous-material placards.

Correct answer: Gross combination weight rating of 26,001 lbs or more, where the towed unit(s) exceed 10,000 lbs GVWR

Class A covers a combination with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more provided the towed vehicle(s) exceed 10,000 lbs GVWR. Because a Class A license includes the skills for Classes B and C, a Class A holder may also drive those vehicles.

Correct answer: English and Spanish only

The general CDL knowledge test and its related endorsement tests are offered in English and Spanish only. The hazmat and school-bus endorsement tests are English only, and — by federal law — no interpreter may assist you on any of these tests.

Correct answer: For some people, one drink is all it takes to show signs of impairment

All drivers are affected by drinking alcohol. For some people, one drink is all it takes to show signs of impairment — alcohol impairs judgment, vision, coordination, and reaction time.

Correct answer: Judgment, vision, coordination, and reaction time

Alcohol impairs muscle coordination, reaction time, depth perception, and night vision, and it affects the parts of the brain that control judgment and self-control — all of which are needed for safe driving.

Correct answer: How much alcohol you drink, how fast you drink it, and your body weight

BAC is determined by the amount of alcohol you drink (more means higher BAC), how fast you drink (faster means higher BAC), and your weight (a smaller person reaches the same BAC with less alcohol).

Correct answer: A 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor

A 12-ounce glass of 5% beer, a 5-ounce glass of 12% wine, and a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor all contain the same amount of alcohol. It makes no difference which one you drink.

Correct answer: 0.04 — half the 0.08 limit that applies to non-commercial drivers

Federal law makes operating a CMV at a BAC of 0.04 or greater a disqualifying offense — half the 0.08 limit for non-commercial driving. Commercial drivers are held to a stricter standard.

Correct answer: The driver is placed out of service immediately for 24 hours

Federal rules prohibit any measured alcohol concentration (or detected presence of alcohol) while on duty or operating a CMV. A driver found in violation is placed out of service immediately for 24 hours.

Correct answer: Disqualification of the CDL for 1 year (3 years if carrying placarded hazardous materials)

A first major offense — including operating a CMV at 0.04 BAC or greater — disqualifies the driver for 1 year, or 3 years if the vehicle was carrying placarded hazardous materials. A second major offense means a lifetime disqualification.

Correct answer: Half as much — 0.04

The commercial limit of 0.04 is half the 0.08 limit that applies to non-commercial drivers. Because a CMV is larger and harder to control, commercial drivers are held to a stricter alcohol standard.

Correct answer: No — except alcohol that is manifested and transported as part of a shipment, or used by bus passengers

A driver may not be on duty or operate a CMV while possessing beer, wine, or distilled spirits. The only exceptions are alcohol manifested and transported as part of a shipment, or alcohol possessed or used by bus passengers.

Correct answer: Stay away from illegal drugs — the law prohibits being under the influence of any controlled substance while driving

Laws prohibit possession or use of many drugs while on duty and being under the influence of any controlled substance, amphetamines, narcotics, or other unsafe substance. Stay away from illegal drugs entirely.