Vermont CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 18 years old

Vermont issues a CDL at age 18 for intrastate (within-Vermont) commerce. You must be at least 21 to operate a commercial motor vehicle between Vermont and another state (interstate commerce).

Correct answer: 21 years old

Interstate commercial driving requires you to be at least 21. Age 18 covers only intrastate (within-Vermont) operation and holding a Commercial Learner’s Permit.

Correct answer: Hold a valid Vermont Class D Operator’s License and pass the knowledge tests for the class you are applying for

You must be at least 18, hold a valid Vermont Class D Operator’s License, and pass the knowledge tests for the class of license you are applying for to qualify for a Commercial Learner’s Permit.

Correct answer: A person who holds a valid CDL for the type of vehicle driven, seated beside you (or in the first row behind you on vehicles built for more than 15 passengers)

A CLP holder driving on public highways must be accompanied by a person who holds a valid CDL for the type of vehicle (including any endorsements). That person sits beside the driver, or — on a vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers — directly behind or in the first row behind the driver.

Correct answer: Valid one year from the date of issue; no renewals — to get another CLP you must retake the knowledge tests

A Vermont CLP is valid for one year from the date of issue and no renewals are allowed (23 V.S.A. § 4108). To obtain another CLP after it expires, you must retake the knowledge tests.

Correct answer: 14 days

You must acquire and hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit for a minimum of 14 days before you can take the skills test and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License.

Correct answer: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

ELDT is required for a first-time Class A or Class B CDL, for upgrading to a higher class, and for a first-time school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement. ELDT must be completed before you can take the CDL skills exam.

Correct answer: Before taking the endorsement knowledge exam

Unlike other endorsements, an applicant for a hazardous materials (H) endorsement must complete ELDT before taking the endorsement knowledge exam. Hazmat also requires a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check.

Correct answer: Prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle that is transporting hazardous materials

A CLP holder is prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle that is transporting hazardous materials, and — with a Tank Vehicle Endorsement — may only operate an empty tank vehicle that has been purged of any hazardous residue.

Correct answer: Your Vermont Class D Operator’s License along with the Commercial Learner’s Permit

You must carry your Vermont Class D Operator’s License along with your Commercial Learner’s Permit. The CLP is not valid on its own.

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.

Correct answer: Only when a doctor has said the drug will not affect your ability to drive safely

Possession and use of a drug given by a doctor is permitted only if the doctor informs you it will not affect safe driving. Pay attention to warning labels and doctor’s orders about possible effects.

Correct answer: An ordinary cold pill or cold medicine

Many medicines can make you sleepy; the most common is an ordinary cold pill. Such medicines carry a label warning against operating vehicles or machinery. If you must drive with a cold, you are better off suffering the cold than the effects of the medicine.