CDL COMBINATION PRACTICE TEST ALABAMA

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Drivers who want to drive combination vehicles must pass the combination vehicles test. The Alabama CDL combination test consists of 20 questions, and you'll need at least 16 correct answers to pass (80%). The test covers the combination vehicles section of the Alabama CDL Manual. Take this practice test now to prepare for the actual AL CDL combination test!
1. You are checking the tractor-trailer connection to make sure it is safe and secure. The landing gear should be:
fully lowered.
fully raised.
raised slightly off the ground.
None of the above.
2. The best way to test the trailer service brakes is to:
pull forward quickly, then apply the trailer brakes with your hand control.
put the handbrake on when there are no vehicles around you.
accelerate to the maximum possible speed, then apply the trailer brakes fully.
None of the above.
3. The use of brakes on a steep downgrade is:
dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs.
much more effective than the engine braking effect.
a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.
the main braking factor.
4. When you inspect the coupling, make sure there is ______ between the upper and lower fifth wheel.
enough space
about 1 inch
no space
about 1/2 inch
5. In your mirror, you see a car approaching from the rear. The next time you check your mirror, you don't see the car. If you wish to change lanes, you should:
ease into the other lane slowly so the other car can get out of the way.
assume the car left the roadway and change lanes as normal.
wait until you are sure the car isn't in your blind spot.
None of the above.
6. The emergency air line:
controls the emergency brakes on combination vehicles.
causes the tractor protection valve to close when the emergency line loses pressure.
supplies air to the trailer air tanks.
All of the above.
7. If loose or missing, _______ may cause movement between the frame and fifth wheel assembly.
mounting bolts
safety chains
electric connectors
locking pins
8. To unlock the fifth wheel, pull the release handle to the _______ position.
closed
neutral
sixth
open
9. Empty trucks:
may have poor traction.
require shorter stopping distances than fully-loaded trucks.
have better traction than fully-loaded trucks.
None of the above.
10. When going down grades, you should:
shift up.
downshift to a lower gear.
rely solely on engine braking to reduce your speed.
put the transmission in Neutral.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Make sure you've got all you need when applying. Ensure you bring the following documents to fulfill the necessary requirements:

  • Proof of identity, such as a passport or a certified birth certificate
  • Proof of Social Security Number
  • Proof of residency (at least two documents)
  • Proof of school enrollment (if you are younger than 19)

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will also need a valid passport and a proof of your legal presence in the U.S.

To obtain a class D driver's license in Alabama, teens must follow the three steps of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) system. Here are the age requirements:
  • For a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old.
  • For a restricted license, you must be 16 years old or older.
  • For an unrestricted or regular license, you must be at least 17 years old. However, individuals aged 17 must hold a restricted license for at least six months before applying for a regular license. If you are 18 years old or older, you may apply for a driver’s license immediately (the road skills exam is required).

Individuals who are 18 or older, those aged 17 or older with valid licenses for six months or more, individuals 16 or older who are married and the head of the household, and emancipated individuals are exempt from the GDL program.




After completing a pre-application online for your first license or permit, you can check where the nearest Alabama DMV office is located and its business hours. Call the office or go in person to take your knowledge test.

Alabama provides the option to take the DMV written test in several foreign languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese. For those who are hearing impaired, exams are offered also in American Sign Language at certain driver license offices.

The DMV written test test is based on the Alabama Driver's Manual. Focus on road signs, safe driving practices and road rules. Take our free practice tests to prepare for the test, or sign up for DMV Premium to unlock more resources and prepare for your exam faster!
After passing the required examination, new drivers receive a driver's license with the 'Y' restriction. This allows them to drive accompanied by a driver aged 21 or older or a certified driving instructor seated beside them. For drivers who are 16 years old or 17 with a license of less than 6 months, specific restrictions apply:
  • No more than 1 non-family passenger, excluding parents, guardians, or supervising licensed drivers at least 21 years old.
  • No driving between 12 midnight and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or under certain exceptions like work, school events, religious events, or emergencies.
  • It is unlawful to use handheld communication devices while driving.

Upon passing the road test, a regular license is issued, and the 'Y' restriction is removed.


In Alabama, the learner's license is valid for four years, with the option to renew it once. This waiting period ensures you have ample time to gain valuable driving experience and feel confident before the road exam.

AL CDL Combination Test

Number of questions: 20
Correct answers to pass:16
Passing score:80%
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