Sample 1 · Classification Permits And RestrictionsA Colorado applicant will drive a 27,500-pound combination whose trailer is rated at 12,000 pounds. Which CDL class does that weight pattern require?
- AClass ACorrect
- BClass B
- CClass C
- DNo commercial license
Why: A Class A combination has a gross combination weight rating of at least 26,001 pounds and a towed-unit gross vehicle weight rating above 10,000 pounds. Therefore, the proposed supported response is "Class A".
Sample 2 · Seeing Communication Speed And SpaceOn an open Colorado highway, about how far ahead should a commercial driver scan to maintain the recommended 12-to-15-second view?
- AAbout one-quarter mileCorrect
- BOnly to the vehicle immediately ahead
- CAbout one truck length
- DExactly 50 feet
Why: A commercial driver should look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead, which is about one city block at lower speed or a quarter mile on a highway. Therefore, the proposed supported response is "About one-quarter mile".
Sample 3 · Cargo SafetyWarehouse employees load and seal freight before a driver arrives. Who retains responsibility for the vehicle's cargo safety duties?
- AThe commercial driverCorrect
- BOnly the warehouse supervisor
- COnly the person who signed the bill of lading
- DThe customer receiving the load
Why: The driver remains responsible for inspecting cargo, recognizing overloads or poor balance, and ensuring securement even when another person loaded the vehicle. Therefore, the proposed supported response is "The commercial driver".
Sample 4 · Passenger SafetyA Colorado applicant plans to operate an air-brake-equipped passenger bus. Which manual sections support the required knowledge preparation?
- ASection 8 only
- BSections 7 and 9 only
- CSections 2, 4, and 5Correct
- DSections 1 and 3 only
Why: A bus driver needs a passenger endorsement and knowledge of Sections 2 and 4; a bus with air brakes also requires the Section 5 air-brake knowledge component. Therefore, the proposed supported response is "Sections 2, 4, and 5".
Sample 5 · Combination VehiclesCompared with an empty combination, how much greater does the manual say a fully loaded rig's rollover likelihood can be in a crash?
- AExactly the same
- BOne-half as great
- CAbout ten times greaterCorrect
- DAbout two percent greater
Why: Fully loaded combination vehicles are about ten times more likely than empty rigs to roll over in a crash, so steering and speed changes must be controlled. Therefore, the proposed supported response is "About ten times greater".
Sample 6 · Hazmat And School BusHow must one required hazard placard be displayed around a cargo vehicle?
- AOnly on the rear bumper
- BInside the windshield and nowhere else
- COn the front, rear, and both sides with four identical placardsCorrect
- DOnly on the driver's door
Why: A placarded vehicle must display at least four identical placards, positioned on the front, rear, and both sides and readable from each direction. Therefore, the proposed supported response is "On the front, rear, and both sides with four identical placards".