Is this Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material specific to Hawaii?

Yes. The knowledge test content is federal (49 CFR 383), so the questions apply in Hawaii, and this page adds Hawaii details: where you test (Hawaii county driver licensing offices), which Hawaii industries use this license, and the Hawaii corridors the examples are drawn from.

Where do I take the Class B to Class A Upgrade Program knowledge test in Hawaii?

Knowledge tests are given by Hawaii county driver licensing offices. Bring your Hawaii driver license, proof of residency, and your medical certificate; most Hawaii offices require an appointment for CDL testing.

How long do I have to study the Hawaii Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material?

Access lasts 120 days from purchase, which is enough to study, take the practice tests, and pass at Hawaii county driver licensing offices with time to spare. Retakes in Hawaii are allowed after a short wait, so a second attempt is covered too.

Hawaii Class B to Class A Upgrade Program

Overview

Upgrade prep for Class B CDL holders moving to Class A, including combination vehicles, coupling, air brakes, and HOS theory.

Class B to Class A Upgrade Program for Hawaii CDL Applicants

Hawaii's CDL drivers support island freight, military installations, and the tourism supply chain on limited road networks. With inter-island freight, tourism supply chain, military logistics driving much of the freight in Hawaii, the Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material below is the part of the Hawaii CDL that those employers screen for first.

The Hawaii Class B to A upgrade: Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes knowledge tests at Hawaii county driver licensing offices, then a Class A skills test. Since February 2022, ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training must also be logged with an FMCSA-registered provider before Hawaii county driver licensing offices will schedule the test.

Where Hawaii drivers use this

Almost every Class A and Class B vehicle in Hawaii; skip this test and your CDL carries an L restriction
Inter-island freight: event, production, and resort supply freight
Military logistics: defense and government logistics contractors
Agriculture and food import: refrigerated (reefer) loads of produce and food moving to distribution centers and out of state
Inter-island freight: event and production freight moving between venues

Most Hawaii CDL work runs the H-1, H-2, H-3 corridors and the Honolulu area, so the examples in the practice questions lean on the vehicles and loads you will see there.

Testing, appointments, and fees are handled by Hawaii county driver licensing offices. See the Hawaii CDL classes and Hawaii endorsements pages for the full licensing picture.

Common Hawaii questions

Is this Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material specific to Hawaii?: Yes. The knowledge test content is federal (49 CFR 383), so the questions apply in Hawaii, and this page adds Hawaii details: where you test (Hawaii county driver licensing offices), which Hawaii industries use this license, and the Hawaii corridors the examples are drawn from.
Where do I take the Class B to Class A Upgrade Program knowledge test in Hawaii?: Knowledge tests are given by Hawaii county driver licensing offices. Bring your Hawaii driver license, proof of residency, and your medical certificate; most Hawaii offices require an appointment for CDL testing.
How long do I have to study the Hawaii Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material?: Access lasts 120 days from purchase, which is enough to study, take the practice tests, and pass at Hawaii county driver licensing offices with time to spare. Retakes in Hawaii are allowed after a short wait, so a second attempt is covered too.

When Is This Useful?

Helps drivers expand from heavy single vehicles into tractor-trailers and other combination vehicle work.

Who Is This For?

Current Class B CDL holders who need Class A authority for new job duties or equipment assignments.

Topics Covered

Combination Vehicle Dynamics

Upgrading from Class B to Class A means operating vehicles with fundamentally different handling. Off-tracking, rearward amplification, and trailer swing all require new driving habits. The Combination Vehicles written test focuses on these differences compared to single heavy vehicles.

Coupling and Uncoupling Procedure

Correctly connecting a tractor to a trailer is a critical Class A skill tested both on the written exam and during the skills test. This module covers the exact coupling sequence that examiners expect to observe during the pre-trip exercise.

Air Line Connections

Class A combination vehicles use service and emergency air lines between the tractor and trailer that Class B drivers have not typically operated. You will learn how to connect them correctly, perform pressure checks, and identify warning signs of failure.

Trailer and Coupling Inspection

Adding a trailer to your pre-trip inspection means covering the coupling area, fifth wheel, air connections, trailer brakes, and landing gear in sequence. The Class A skills test expects you to demonstrate all of these additional inspection points.

Class A Test Readiness

The Class A upgrade requires passing the Combination Vehicles written knowledge test plus completing a new skills test on a Class A vehicle. This section prepares you for the content differences, scoring criteria, and what Class A evaluators assess differently from Class B.

Class B to Class A Upgrade Program

$37.95

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What's Included:

Combination Vehicles
Air Brakes
Class B to A Upgrade Theory