CDL General
Knowledge Test

This is the Commercial Vehicle Driver's License Test covering General Knowledge. You will be presented with 40 questions and you must answer 34 questions correctly to pass. There is no time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin. Good luck!

1 / 40

When backing, what is the best method to use to avoid blind spots?

use mirrors on both sides

use a helper

look at your path

back towards the driver's side, where you can see better

2 / 40

Which of the following is the most important reason for doing a pre-trip inspection?

safety for yourself and other road users

to make sure nothing has been stolen from the vehicle

to make sure the vehicle will make your destination

because other drivers do it

3 / 40

With the controlled braking method, you _____?

lightly apply braking pressure

apply the brakes all the way until the wheels lock up, release the brakes and apply them again when the wheels start to roll again

apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels

repeatedly tap the brakes as fast as you can

4 / 40

What are some things you should check on the front of your vehicle when doing the walk-around inspection?

windshield, wipers, mirrors, hood latches

oil, transmission, air compressor, radiator

low beams, high beams, four way flashers, turn signals

tires, steering parts, suspension parts, headlights

5 / 40

For any flatbed load you must have at least ____ tie downs.

four

two

six

one

6 / 40

The manual says you should look _____ ahead while driving.

15 to 20 seconds, at highway speeds, about a half of a mile

12 to 15 seconds, at highway speeds, about a quarter of a mile

5 to 8 seconds, at highway speeds, about an eighth of a mile

9 to 12 seconds, at highway speeds, about a quarter of a mile

7 / 40

Your vehicle is going down a long hill and your brakes begin to fail. What should you do?

downshift

put the gears in neutral

pump the brake pedal

look for an escape ramp or an escape route

8 / 40

Which of the following would NOT be part of a standard vehicle inspection?

bad brake drums or shoes

seating defects

tire problems

steering system defects

9 / 40

The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is:

4/32-inch

1/2-inch

3/8-inch

1/32-inch

10 / 40

For what reason do you keep the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?

so you don't lose it

you will need it to inspect the trailer

so no one moves the vehicle while you are inspecting underneath it

you will need it to open the side box

11 / 40

The most important hand signal you should agree on with a helper is:

“faster”

“stop”

“turn up the music”

“go”

12 / 40

Which of the following factors is NOT used to determine your safe speed when going down a long steep downgrade?

time of day

weather

length and steepness of grade

total weight of the vehicle and cargo

13 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

athe heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

the weight of the cargo changes a truck's height

warning lights are always installed on low bridges and overpasses

an empty van is lower than a loaded one

14 / 40

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined as:

all of these answers are correct

a vehicle with a gross weight over 26,001 lbs

a vehicle transporting hazardous materials

a vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers

15 / 40

When driving in very hot temperatures, you should:

all of these answers are correct

check your tires every 2 hours or every 100 miles

insure that you have enough antifreeze in the system

let your tires cool down (remain stopped) if they are too hot to touch

16 / 40

If you must stop on the shoulder of the road, you should place warning devices at all of the following places except...

about 100 feet behind your vehicle

within ten feet of the front or rear corners

on the other side of a divided highway

about 100 feet in front of your vehicle

17 / 40

It is important for driving safety to always be looking ahead. Which of the following is NOT a recommended time/distance that you should be looking ahead?

about 5 car lengths on the highway

about one block for city driving

about 1/4 mile for open highway driving

about 12-15 seconds

18 / 40

If you are transporting cargo, you should inspect the cargo and securing devices:

during every driving brake on the trip

within the first 50 miles of driving

before the trip

before the trip, within 50 miles after beginning the trip, and at least every 150 miles or 3 hours

19 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

warning lights are always installed on low bridges and overpasses

the heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

an empty van is lower than a loaded one

the weight of the cargo changes a truck's height

20 / 40

In safe driving, what does communicating mean?

using hand signals

letting others know you are there by using turn signals, four way flashers, and horn

using a cb radio to let others know your intentions

all of these answers are correct

21 / 40

Which two special conditions indicate that you should downshift?

starting up a hill and finishing a curve

starting down a hill and finishing a curve

starting down a hill and entering a curve

starting up a hill and entering a curve

22 / 40

How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with ABS?

look for wheel speed sensor wires that are coming from the rear of your brakes

all of these answers are correct

check for yellow abs malfunction lamps on the instrument panel

check if your vehicle was manufactured after march 1, 1998 (they are required to have the panel light)

23 / 40

Which of the following should you do when confronted by an aggressive driver?

if you can safely do it, call the police from a cell phone

avoid eye contact

all of these answers are correct

ignore rude gestures and refuse to react negatively

24 / 40

Which of the following is NOT an important reason to look far ahead when you are driving?

look for vehicles coming into your lane

determine if there are any hills coming up

determine if there are any upcoming traffic lights that might require you to stop

look for brake lights from slowing vehicles

25 / 40

Before transporting a sealed load, you must check:

all of these answers are correct

a picture of whatever is inside

that you don't exceed gross weight and axle weight limits

a small sample of whatever is inside

26 / 40

What is a common cause of tire fires?

cold tires

overinflated tires

underinflated tires

all of these answers are correct

27 / 40

You are driving a 60 foot truck at 55 MPH, how much space (in seconds) should you keep in front of you?

8 seconds

7 seconds

6 seconds

5 seconds

28 / 40

Under which two special conditions should you downshift?

if there is an accident and in sudden heavy rain

before starting down a hill and before going up a hill

before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

before entering a curve and before going up a hill

29 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the axles in place

keep the brake drums from failing

keep the load secure

keep the steering wheel tight

30 / 40

While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?

novelty lights

emergency flashers

high beams

low beams

31 / 40

Shifting into a lower gear and removing your foot off of the accelerator to slow your vehicle is known as?

engine braking

double clutching

brake fade

anti-lock braking

32 / 40

When accelerating:

always use the parking brake to slow down

"hammer down" when your wheels start to spin

do not engage the clutch before you take your foot off the brake

speed up smoothly and gradually and avoid jerking

33 / 40

In the event of an accident you should remember to do the following EXCEPT:

stop any bleeding and keep the victims warm

protect the area

move the victims out of the way immediately

notify authorities

34 / 40

What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?

someone might try to pass you on your right

you might damage your leaf springs

someone might try to pass you on your left

all of these answers are correct

35 / 40

How should you know when to shift?

every 3 to 5 seconds or engine speed

engine speed and the shift indicator light

road speed and wind speed

engine speed and road speed

36 / 40

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

downshift before entering a curve

downshift when you get to the bottom of a hill

downshift before climbing a hill

downshift before starting down a hill

37 / 40

What action should you take before driving while drowsy?

open your vehicle windows for some fresh air

drink energy drinks

drink a cup of coffee

pull off the road and get some sleep

38 / 40

What is the first thing to do if your vehicle catches fire while driving?

open the door and jump out of the vehicle

pull off the road and park in an open area

find a service station to pull into

open the hood and let the flames die down

39 / 40

How often should you check your cargo?

every 150 miles or every three hours

all of these answers are correct

within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip

after every break you take during driving

40 / 40

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined as:

a vehicle transporting hazardous materials

a vehicle with a gross weight over 26,001 lbs

a vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers

all of these answers are correct

Your score is

The average score is 0%

4.6/5 - (10 votes)

CDL General Knowledge Test

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL General
Knowledge Test