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Any driver, regardless of the vehicle Class, who wants to haul hazardous materials, must add an “H” endorsement to their CDL. In order to obtain the Hazmat endorsement drivers are required to pass a Transportation Security Administration background check and a knowledge test. The Iowa hazmat test consists of 30 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 24 questions (80%). The IA CDL hazmat test covers the information found in the Iowa CDL Manual. Study the chapter covering hazardous materials to learn how to recognize, handle, and transport Hazmat, then take this practice test to prepare for your exam!
1.
When driving on slippery surfaces, a lack of spray from other vehicles indicates that:
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the pavement is dry.
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ice has formed on the road.
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there is no ice on the road surface.
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2.
What should you do if you doubt you have safe space to pass under a low bridge?
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If no warnings are posted, assume there is enough clearance under the bridge and proceed slowly.
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Go slowly, and take another route if you are not sure you can make it.
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Increase the weight of your vehicle to clearing under the bridge.
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3.
While crossing railroad tracks, you should:
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shift up.
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not shift gears.
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shift down.
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4.
Who must mark and label the hazardous materials?
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The carrier
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The shipper
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The driver
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5.
When you use your mirrors while driving on the road, you should:
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check them quickly.
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only use the driver's side mirror.
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avoid checking them regularly.
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6.
When your drive wheels have poor traction, you should:
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turn the retarder off.
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turn the retarder on.
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only use the retarder on the front wheels.
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7.
Passive railroad crossings:
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have at least one traffic control device.
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do not have traffic control devices.
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should never be crossed using a CMV.
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8.
What is the main difference between portable tanks and cargo tanks?
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Portable tanks are not permanently attached to a vehicle.
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The product is loaded or unloaded while the portable tanks are off the vehicle.
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All of the above.
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9.
Most heavy vehicles require ________ change gears.
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double shifting
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single clutching
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double clutching
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10.
You are inspecting your vehicle during a trip. What should you do?
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Check critical items such as tires, brakes, and lights.
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Use your senses to check for problems.
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All of the above.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you are under 18, you must follow the Iowa Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program. Here are the three phases of the program and the corresponding ages:
- Instruction permit? you must be 14 years old. After holding the permit for six months without traffic violation, you can also apply for a minor school license at 14 ½ years old. This special permit is optional and allows you to drive to school or to school activities within a 50-mile distance from your home.
- Intermediate license ? you must be 16 years old and have held an instruction permit for 12 months.
- Full license ? you must be at least 17 and have held an intermediate license for 12 months. Alternatively, you can directly obtain a class C driver's license at 18.
You have two options:
- You can schedule an appointment to take the exam at a service center. Simply locate the nearest Iowa DMV branch and choose your preferred date and time.
- If you are a minor between 14 and 17, you can take the knowledge test at a participating school/agency or at home using an electronic device connected to the internet. Once your parent completes and submits the application to Proctor Knowledge Exam Form, you’ll receive an email with instructions for proceeding. After successfully passing the exam, make an appointment to obtain the permit.
You can schedule an appointment for either option on the Iowa Department of Transportation website.
When applying for a driver’s license for the first time, you must bring the following documents:
- Proof of identity, date of birth, and lawful status (e.g, U.S. passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization). If your legal name differs from your identity document, provide proof of the change, such as a certified marriage certificate, court order documents, or ID card.
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN).
- Two proofs of Iowa residency and current residential address (e.g, Iowa voter registration card, utility bill, credit card statement…). If you are under 18 and unmarried, your parent/guardian must sign the Written Consent form to establish your residence. Additionally, provide a second printed document displaying your current name and current Iowa residential address, such as a report card or medical form.
You can use the online checklist provided by the Iowa DOT to ensure you have all the required documents.
The DMV written test in Iowa is not exclusively provided in English but is offered in various languages, including Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hmong, Italian, Korean, Laotian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If you need an interpreter for a language not provided, you have to schedule an appointment.
To get ready for the DMV written test, start by reading the Iowa Driver License Manual. This manual has all the info you need to study for the exam: traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices. Then, check what you've learned with our free practice tests!
For new drivers in Iowa, various restrictions apply:
Instruction Permit
- You cannot drive alone and you must be accompanied by a driver education instructor, a licensed parent/guardian, a licensed member of your family who is at least 21, or a licensed adult who is at least 25 (with parental permission if you are a minor).
Minor School License
- You can't drive alone, except for school activities between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Intermediate License
- You cannot drive alone between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless a parent/guardian completes a Waiver of Intermediate Driver’s License Hour Restriction form.
- For the first six months, you cannot transport more than one minor without supervision, except for siblings.
The instruction permit is valid for four years. During this period, complete the 20 hours of supervised driving and after holding the permit for 12 months and maintaining a clean driving record for 6 months, you can apply for the intermediate license.
If you fail your DMV written test in Iowa, you have to wait at least one business day before retaking it. Before trying again, focus on the sections of the manual you have overlooked and consider signing up for DMV Premium to access additional practice tests!