New Hampshire CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 18 years old

To get a New Hampshire Commercial Driver Learner Permit you must be at least 18 years of age, hold a valid NH driver license, have a valid medical card on file, submit a completed CDL application, pay the fees, and pass all applicable knowledge exams.

Correct answer: A valid medical card (medical certificate)

A valid medical card must be on file with the DMV before a CDL learner permit is issued. Entry-Level Driver Training and the skills test come later — the skills test can only be scheduled after you hold the permit and have completed ELDT.

Correct answer: US citizens, permanent residents, and H2A / H2B / E2 visa holders

New Hampshire issues a CDL permit or license only to US citizens, permanent residents, and H2A, H2B, or E2 visa holders. Permanent residents and visa holders may be asked to bring additional documents.

Correct answer: 21 years old

New Hampshire issues the CDL permit at 18, which allows intrastate (in-state) driving. Federal law (49 CFR 391.11) requires a driver to be at least 21 to operate a CMV in interstate commerce or to haul hazardous materials.

Correct answer: Before the skills (road) test can be scheduled

ELDT must be completed before you can schedule the skills test — the skills test is only scheduled once you hold a valid CDL permit and have finished ELDT. You may take the knowledge test first; passing it earns the permit, but it is not a substitute for ELDT.

Correct answer: A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 pounds

A CDL is required for a vehicle over 26,000 lbs GVWR, a combination over 26,000 lbs with a trailer over 10,000 lbs, a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or any vehicle hauling placardable hazardous materials.

Correct answer: A person age 25 or older who holds a CDL for the type of vehicle, seated immediately next to you

A CDL learner permit holder may drive a commercial motor vehicle only when accompanied by a person 25 or older who holds a CDL for that type of vehicle, occupying the seat immediately next to the permit holder. For a school bus or motor coach, the CDL holder sits directly behind or in the first row behind the driver.

Correct answer: 180 days, renewable one time if the knowledge exams were passed within the past year

A NH CDL learner permit is valid for 180 days and may be renewed one time, as long as the required knowledge examinations were passed within the past one-year period. If the exams were taken more than a year ago, you must retake them to renew.

Correct answer: No sooner than 14 days from the date the permit was issued

Once all applicable knowledge exams are passed, the road examination may be scheduled no sooner than fourteen (14) days from the issuance of the CDL learner permit — the federal minimum permit-hold period.

Correct answer: 5 calendar days

CDL applicants who fail a knowledge test must wait five (5) calendar days before retesting. (Operator and motorcycle applicants wait ten days — CDL applicants get the shorter five-day window.)

Correct answer: Obscure your view ahead or to the sides, or block your access to emergency equipment

You are responsible for knowing your cargo is secured so it does not obscure your view ahead or to the sides and does not restrict your access to emergency equipment.

Correct answer: The maximum Gross Vehicle Weight specified by the manufacturer for a single vehicle plus its load

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight the manufacturer specifies for a single vehicle plus its load. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the actual total weight of the vehicle plus its load.

Correct answer: The maximum Gross Combination Weight specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum Gross Combination Weight the manufacturer specifies for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load. It sets the safe upper limit for a tractor-trailer combination.

Correct answer: The weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles

Axle weight is the weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles. States set maximum axle weights, often by a bridge formula that allows less weight for axles that are closer together.

Correct answer: GCW is the actual total weight of the power unit, trailers, and cargo; GCWR is the manufacturer’s maximum for that combination

Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is the actual total weight of a powered unit plus trailer(s) plus cargo. Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum GCW the manufacturer allows for that specific combination — the safe ceiling.

Correct answer: A rollover — the vehicle is more likely to tip over, especially in curves or a swerve

A high center of gravity (cargo piled high or heavy cargo on top) means you are more likely to tip over. It is most dangerous in curves or if you must swerve. Distribute cargo so it is as low as possible.

Correct answer: Put the heaviest parts of the cargo under the lightest parts

It is very important to distribute cargo so it is as low as possible — put the heaviest parts of the cargo under the lightest parts to keep the center of gravity low and reduce the chance of rollover.

Correct answer: Poor traction — the drive wheels may spin easily, and in bad weather the truck may not keep going

Too little weight on the driving axles can cause poor traction; the drive wheels may spin easily and in bad weather the truck may not be able to keep going. Too much weight on the steering axle, by contrast, causes hard steering.

Correct answer: At least one tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo

Cargo should have at least one tiedown for each ten feet of cargo. Make sure you have enough tiedowns to meet this need for the length of your load.

Correct answer: At least two tiedowns

No matter how small the cargo, it should have at least two tiedowns. The tiedowns must be of the proper type and strength and be attached to the vehicle correctly.