Alcohol & Drugs

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. Under the implied consent law, what have you agreed to by signing your Maryland license application?

   Correct answer: To submit to a chemical test of blood or breath if an officer suspects impaired driving

   By signing the license application you agree in advance to a blood and breath analysis whenever an officer suspects impaired driving.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.22: Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving

2. 2. At what blood alcohol concentration will a driver be disqualified for one year (first offense) while operating a CMV?

   Correct answer: 0.04% or more

   A BAC of 0.04% or higher while driving a CMV disqualifies you for one year on a first offense — three years if the vehicle was placarded for hazmat.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 1.4: Disqualifications

3. 3. As of late 2024, what happens to a driver whose Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status is 'prohibited'?

   Correct answer: They lose or are denied a CDL or CLP until they complete the return-to-duty process

   A 'prohibited' Clearinghouse status now results in losing or being denied a CDL or CLP; the driver must finish the return-to-duty process to become eligible again.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.22: Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving

4. 4. For a CDL holder, a BAC of 0.08% or more results in what, regardless of the vehicle being driven?

   Correct answer: A one-year CMV disqualification for a first offense

   A BAC of 0.08% or more while holding a CDL, in any vehicle, means a one-year disqualification for a first offense and life for a second.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 1.4: Disqualifications

5. 5. If a first alcohol offense occurs while operating a CMV placarded for hazardous materials, how long is the disqualification?

   Correct answer: Three years

   A first alcohol offense in a placarded hazmat vehicle carries a three-year disqualification instead of the usual one year.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 1.4: Disqualifications

6. 6. What is the consequence of refusing to submit to a chemical test as a CDL holder (first offense)?

   Correct answer: Disqualification from driving a CMV for one year

   Refusing the test disqualifies you for one year on a first offense and for life on a second.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 1.4: Disqualifications

7. 7. How should you handle prescription or over-the-counter medicines before driving?

   Correct answer: Read the label for warnings against driving or operating machinery

   Some medicines impair driving; check labels for warnings not to drive, since driving impaired by them can lead to criminal charges.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.22: Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving

8. 8. Why can you not judge your own BAC simply by counting your drinks?

   Correct answer: Many factors like weight, body fat, food, and fatigue change how alcohol affects you

   Weight, body fat, how recently and how much you ate, tiredness, mood, and medications all influence how alcohol affects your body.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.22: Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving

9. 9. In Maryland, a driver is considered to be driving under the influence at what BAC?

   Correct answer: 0.08 or higher

   Maryland treats a BAC of 0.08 or above as driving under the influence, though any amount of alcohol can impair your driving.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.22: Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving

10. 10. What is the effect of illegal drugs and some prescription medications on driving ability?

    Correct answer: They can impair alertness, concentration, coordination, and reaction time

    Controlled substances can severely reduce your alertness, focus, coordination, and reaction time, and make judging distance difficult.

    Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.22: Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving

11. 11. For a driver under 21, what is the law on drinking alcohol?

    Correct answer: It is illegal, and being caught after drinking can lead to suspension or revocation

    If you are under 21 it is against the law to drink alcohol at all; being stopped after drinking can suspend or revoke your license.

    Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.22: Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving

12. 12. What happens if a BAC test shows a detectable amount of alcohol below 0.04% in a CMV driver?

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

    Any detectable alcohol under 0.04% puts a CMV driver out of service for 24 hours.

    Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 1.4: Disqualifications