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

Under which two special conditions should you downshift?

before starting down a hill and before going up a hill

before entering a curve and before going up a hill

if there is an accident and in sudden heavy rain

before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

2 / 40

The act of operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others is known as.

road rage

defensive driving

aggressive driving

distracted driving

3 / 40

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

move the victims out of the way immediately

stop any bleeding and keep the victims warm

notify authorities

protect the area

4 / 40

Signs of distracted drivers include:

individuals listening to music too loudly

drivers having conversations with passengers

individuals driving at a consistent speed above the speed limit

vehicles exiting the roadway

5 / 40

The average person requires how many hours of sleep per 24 hour period?

6 or 7

8 or 9

7 or 8

5 or 6

6 / 40

How should you know when to shift?

engine speed and road speed

every 3 to 5 seconds or engine speed

engine speed and the shift indicator light

road speed and wind speed

7 / 40

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

seating defects

tire problems

steering system defects

bad brake drums or shoes

8 / 40

Which of the following are some suspension system defects?

broken leaves in leaf spring

cracked or broken spring hangers

all of these answers are correct

leaking shock absorbers

9 / 40

You should place the starter switch key into your pocket while you are performing the pre-trip inspection because:

someone could start and move the truck

someone could steal the truck

it could damage the starting mechanism

all of these answers are correct

10 / 40

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

look at your path

use a helper

use mirrors on both sides

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

11 / 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

look for brake lights from slowing vehicles

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

determine if there are any hills coming up

12 / 40

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate reason to flash your braking lights?

to alert drivers behind you that there are hazards ahead

to warn drivers behind you when you need to slow down

to warn vehicles approaching you from behind that you are driving slowly

to signal to tailgaters that they are too close to your vehicle

13 / 40

What is a common cause of tire fires?

overinflated tires

all of these answers are correct

cold tires

underinflated tires

14 / 40

The two main things to look ahead for while driving are _____.

traffic and road conditions

fire and flooding

bridges and tunnels

truck stops and police

15 / 40

To transport cargo safely, which of these are you NOT responsible for?

ensuring the freshness of sealed cargo

making sure that cargo is properly secured

recognizing possible overloads

inspecting the cargo

16 / 40

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined as:

a vehicle with a gross weight over 26,001 lbs

a vehicle transporting hazardous materials

all of these answers are correct

a vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers

17 / 40

What can you do at an accident site to help avoid another accident?

have a drink to calm your nerves

stay in your vehicle and do nothing until help arrives

leave your vehicle, do nothing, and get to higher ground

put out warning devices so people don't run into the accident site

18 / 40

To maintain alertness during the trip, drivers should:

get 8-9 hours of sleep

avoid medications that cause drowsiness

schedule trips during the daytime hours

all of these answers are correct

19 / 40

The minimum tread depth for tires other than the front tires is ____.

3/32

4/32

2/32

1/32

20 / 40

If you do become sleepy while driving, you should _____.

drink caffeinated beverages

roll down the windows

turn up the radio

stop to sleep

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

What is the correct number of red reflective triangles that you should carry?

seven

five

one

three

23 / 40

How often should you check your cargo?

all of these answers are correct

every 150 miles or every three hours

after every break you take during driving

within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip

24 / 40

In safe driving, what does communicating mean?

all of these answers are correct

using a cb radio to let others know your intentions

using hand signals

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

25 / 40

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

length and steepness of grade

total weight of the vehicle and cargo

weather

time of day

26 / 40

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

downshift before entering a curve

downshift before starting down a hill

downshift before climbing a hill

downshift when you get to the bottom of a hill

27 / 40

Do empty trucks have the best braking?

yes

yes, but only on wet surfaces

yes, but only if the truck is newer than 1998

28 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the load secure

keep the steering wheel tight

keep the brake drums from failing

keep the axles in place

29 / 40

Which of the following is NOT a part of the steering system?

hydraulic fluid reservoir

tie rod

main spring

steering knuckle

30 / 40

If you double your speed, what will happen to your stopping distance?

none of these answers are correct answers are correct

it stays about the same

it increases by four times

it increases by two times

31 / 40

Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way or divided highway?

10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic

50 feet, 100 feet, and 150 feet toward approaching traffic

100 feet, 200 feet, and 300 feet toward approaching traffic

20 feet, 50 feet, and 100 feet toward approaching traffic

32 / 40

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined as:

a vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers

a vehicle transporting hazardous materials

a vehicle with a gross weight over 26,001 lbs

all of these answers are correct

33 / 40

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

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

before the trip

within the first 50 miles of driving

during every driving brake on the trip

34 / 40

With the controlled braking method, you _____?

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

repeatedly tap the brakes as fast as you can

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

35 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

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

athe heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

36 / 40

The manual says you should look _____ ahead while driving.

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

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

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

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

37 / 40

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

antilock braking systems (ABS) only activate when wheels are about to lock

you can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop

if a tire blows, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly

stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency

38 / 40

If you are drowsy, you should _____ before you drive.

get sleep

drink coffee

do a little exercise

take a cold shower

39 / 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

about 100 feet in front of your vehicle

within ten feet of the front or rear corners

on the other side of a divided highway

40 / 40

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

downshift before starting down a hill

downshift before entering a curve

downshift when you get to the bottom of a hill

downshift before climbing a hill

Your score is

The average score is 67%

4.6/5 - (10 votes)

CDL General Knowledge Test

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CDL General
Knowledge Test