Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. How long must the records supporting an Individual Vehicle Distance Record be kept under the IRP and IFTA?

   Correct answer: Four years

   These original records serve to calculate fees and taxes and must be kept for a minimum of four years, and they are subject to audit.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (International Registration Plan)

2. 2. For a first offense of driving a CMV with a BAC of .04% or higher, how long do you lose your CDL?

   Correct answer: At least one year

   A first offense results in loss of the CDL for at least one year.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Alcohol, Leaving the Scene, and Felony)

3. 3. A vehicle needs a Class B CDL when it is a single vehicle rated at 26,001 pounds or more and, if towing, the towed unit weighs no more than what?

   Correct answer: 10,000 pounds

   Class B covers a single heavy vehicle of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing another not over 10,000 pounds GVWR.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (CDL Classifications)

4. 4. Which endorsement requires fingerprinting and a Transportation Security Administration background check?

   Correct answer: The hazardous materials endorsement

   The hazardous materials endorsement requires you to submit fingerprints and pass a TSA background check.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Hazardous Materials Endorsement)

5. 5. In what order must the three segments of the CDL skills test be taken?

   Correct answer: Vehicle inspection, basic control, then on-road

   You must take the vehicle inspection first, then basic vehicle control, then on-road driving, passing each before moving on.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Skills Tests)

6. 6. How long is a CDL lost for a second major disqualifying offense such as a second DUI in a CMV?

   Correct answer: For life

   A second such offense results in loss of the CDL for life.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Alcohol, Leaving the Scene, and Felony)

7. 7. What is the disqualification for a first violation of a railroad-highway grade crossing rule?

   Correct answer: At least 60 days

   A first grade-crossing violation results in loss of the CDL for at least 60 days.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Violations)

8. 8. If you do not take or you fail the air brake portion of the knowledge test, or test in a vehicle without air brakes, what happens?

   Correct answer: You are barred from operating air-brake vehicles

   You receive an 'L' restriction that prohibits you from operating any CMV equipped with air brakes.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Restrictions)

9. 9. If your personal-vehicle license is revoked for alcohol, controlled substance, or felony violations, what happens to your CDL?

   Correct answer: You lose your CDL for one year

   You will lose your CDL for one year, and you may not obtain a hardship license to keep driving a CMV.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Traffic Violations in Your Personal Vehicle)

10. 10. What restriction is placed on your CDL if you take the skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission?

    Correct answer: A restriction against manual-transmission vehicles

    Testing in an automatic-transmission vehicle earns an 'E' restriction, which bars you from driving a CMV with a manual transmission.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Restrictions)

11. 11. Which of these counts as a 'serious traffic violation' for a commercial driver?

    Correct answer: Speeding 15 mph or more over the posted limit

    Serious violations include excessive speeding of 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, erratic lane changes, and following too closely.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Serious Traffic Violations)

12. 12. How long do you lose your CDL for committing two serious traffic violations in a CMV within three years?

    Correct answer: At least 60 days

    Two serious traffic violations within a three-year period result in loss of the CDL for at least 60 days.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Serious Traffic Violations)