pennsylvania
CDL Practice Test

Welcome to the Pennsylvania CDL practice test site. CDL rules and regulations covered on these practice tests come from the PA DMV CDL Manual. You can take these practice test questions as many times as you like as you attempt to obtain your PA CDL. You will be presented with 40 questions and you must answer 34 questions correctly to pass. There is a 50-minute time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin.

1 / 40

Select the statement that is not part of the air-brake system:

parking brake system

emergency brake system

clutch brake system

service brake system

2 / 40

What placards, if any, do you need if your load includes 20 pounds of Division 2.3 gas and 1,001 pounds of flammable gas?

Just dangerous placards are required.

Poison 23 and dangerous.

Poison 23 and flammable gas 21.

None, you cannot load these materials together.

3 / 40

When a substance in the materials table is written in italics it means :

It is a foreign substance.

It is not the proper shipping name only those in roman type above it are proper shipping names.

The substance is for international transport.

It is the proper shipping name.

4 / 40

When is it acceptable for non-hazardous materials to be described by hazard class words or identification numbers?

Always

For hazards not described in the hazmat manual

Never

During an emergency

5 / 40

What kind of surge occurs with baffles?

Side to side

Bottom to top

Back to front

Circular

6 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the steering wheel tight

keep the axles in place

keep the brake drums from failing

keep the load secure

7 / 40

What method should be used to test that the air is flowing to all the trailers?

only a certified mechanic can check for this

pump the brakes with the windows down

listen for air flow after opening the shutoff valves at the rear of the last trailer

check the pressure indicator dial on the final trailer

8 / 40

On the Hazardous Materials Table, column 1 shows:

What materials can be loaded together.

How much of the material can be put in a vehicle without placarding.

How to ship an item.

To what shipping mode the information on that line applies.

9 / 40

If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?

6 seconds

4 seconds

7 seconds

3 seconds

10 / 40

Before transporting a sealed load, you must check:

a small sample of whatever is inside

a picture of whatever is inside

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

all of these answers are correct

11 / 40

You should check the_____when loading small tanks equipped with bulkheads.

percentage of water

expansion rate

fuel to air ratio

distribution of the weight

12 / 40

How far away are you required to park from a bridge, tunnel, or building if you are carrying Division 1.2 or 1.3 materials?

At least 300 feet

At least 400 feet

At least 600 feet

At least 500 feet

13 / 40

Select whether the following statement is true or false: Front wheel brakes are good to use in all conditions.

only in ideal conditions

only in bad weather

false

true

14 / 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

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

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

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

15 / 40

How often should you check the tires on a placarded trailer that has dual tires?

Each time you stop.

Once every 100 miles.

Start of each day and every time you stop.

Once every three hours.

16 / 40

Select the statement that tells you how you can check the low pressure warning signal.

Turn the electrical power on and apply pressure on and off the brake pedal to increase air tank pressure. The low air pressure warning signal must come on before the pressure increases to more than 60 psi in the air tank.

Turn the electrical power off and apply pressure on and off the brake pedal to decrease air tank pressure. The low air pressure warning signal must come on before the pressure drops to less than 30 psi in the air tank.

Turn the electrical power on and apply pressure on and off the brake pedal to decrease the air tank pressure. The low air pressure warning signal must come on before the pressure drops to less than 60 psi in the air tank.

The low pressure warning signal is only testable by the factory.

17 / 40

At the end of each shift you should:

Report any damage.

Inspect your bus.

Report any defects.

All of these answers are correct.

18 / 40

Select the part that is not a part of the drum brake:

safety valve

brake drum

axle

slack adjuster

19 / 40

What will occur if you cross the connect the air lines?

nothing will occur, it'll funciton as normal

there will not be air going to the trailer brakes

the tractor brakes will lock up

the tractor will not be able to move

20 / 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

time of day

weather

21 / 40

At what "cut out" level does the governor stop pumping air?

75 psi

150 psi

100 psi

125 psi

22 / 40

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

put the gears in neutral

pump the brake pedal

downshift

look for an escape ramp or an escape route

23 / 40

Select the true statement about speed and stopping distance.

None of these answers are correct.

Tank surge will decrease your stopping distance.

You need two times the stopping distance when driving at 40 mph compared to 20 mph.

When the road is wet it will double your stopping distance.

24 / 40

You should_____to uncouple the converter dolly.

lower the landing gear, disconnect the safety chain, and chock the wheels

disconnect the safey chains, lower the landing gear, and chock the wheels

chock the wheels, lower the landing gear, and disconnect the safey chains

chock the wheels, disconnect the safety chains, and then lower the landing gear

25 / 40

Select the true statement about slack adjusters:

they should move a minimum of 2 inches from the push rod attachment

they should only be adjusted by a mechanic that is certified in slack adjusters

they do not ever need to be adjusted

they can be adjusted automatically or manually

26 / 40

If your bus is equipped with an emergency exit door, it must:

Always have a red door light turned on.

Not have any signs, stickers, or markings near it.

All of these answers are correct.

Be secured when the bus is being driven.

27 / 40

The best way to have control on curves is:

to shift to a lower gear before entering the curve

keep pressure on the brake pedal through the turn

you do not need to do anything different

to decrease to your safe speed before entering the curve and then accelerate through it

28 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to what the fifth wheel should be checked for.

all answers listed

if there is any missing or damaged parts

if the jaws are open

if it is properly greased

29 / 40

Your rig should be parked on__to uncouple double trailers.

a downgrade

grass

level ground

the company's lot

30 / 40

When should you check your mirrors for a lane change?

All of these answers are correct.

Right after starting the lane change.

After completing the lane change.

Before and after signaling the change.

31 / 40

The best way to go into a curve is to decrease your speed going into the curve and then ____going through it.

ride the brake

shift down 2 gears

none of the answers listed

slightly accelerate

32 / 40

When this item is missing or loose, movement may occur between the fifth wheel assembly and the frame.

Locking jaw

Lug nuts

Tandem release arm

Locking pins

33 / 40

Which trailer is more likely to roll over when pulling 3 trailers?

the first trailer

the second trailer

the last trailer

the tractor

34 / 40

When driving tank vehicles you should:

Decrease your speed before entering a curve and then accelerate through it.

Maintain the posted speed limit as you enter the curve.

Come to a stop before entering a curve and then accelerate through it.

None of the answers listed.

35 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

an empty van is lower than a loaded one

the weight of the cargo changes a truck's height

athe heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

warning lights are always installed on low bridges and overpasses

36 / 40

Where are the two main places where the hazardous material identification number appears?

On the shipping papers and on the package.

On the shipping papers and on a secret document in the driver's wallet.

On the package and on paperwork at the shipping point of origin.

On the package and on paperwork at the shipping destination.

37 / 40

When you discharge an unruly passenger, you must choose a place that is:

The next stop.

Off the regular route.

Dark and poorly lighted.

As safe as possible, or the next stop.

38 / 40

If the hazardous materials are classified as FORBIDDEN you should:

Refuse the load.

Take special caution in transporting the material.

Place the materials in the front of the trailer.

Remove the placards from the trailer.

39 / 40

In safe driving, what does communicating mean?

using a cb radio to let others know your intentions

using hand signals

all of these answers are correct

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

40 / 40

What is the benefit of ABS?

it prevents the wheels from locking up during heavy braking or slippery conditions

all of these answers are correct

it decreases your stopping distance

it provides an added layer of safety for truck drivers

Your score is

The average score is 0%

5/5 - (1 vote)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A pennsylvania Commercial Drivers License

To be eligible for a CDL in Pennsylvania, applicants must meet the following age eligibility requirements.

Be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle intrastate (within Pennsylvania only).
Be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle interstate (outside of Pennsylvania).

Pennsylvania CDL applicants must be medically certified that they are physically fit enough to operate a commercial vehicle and pass a vision test. Pennsylvania applicants must get assistance with the forms from a qualified CDL physician and submit the following documents:

(Form MCSA-5875) Medical Examination Report Form
(Form MCSA-5876) Medical Examiner’s Certificate

Applicants who receive a CDL must keep their Medical Examiner’s Certificate with them at all times while they are operating a commercial vehicle.

Drivers who have had their licenses revoked, suspended, denied or canceled are not eligible for a CDL in Pennsylvania. Applicants can be disqualified for having multiple licenses.

Pennsylvania CDL Endorsements

H – Hazmat Vehicles
N – Tank Vehicles
P – Passenger Vehicles
S – School Bus
T – Double or Triple Trailer
X – Combination Tank Vehicles and Hazmat Vehicles

Hit the Open Road

pennsylvania CDL License Test Tips

All Pennsylvania CDL applicants must pass the general knowledge test prior to taking the skills test. To pass the Pennsylvania test, applicants must score 80 percent or higher. Applicants who require additional endorsements must pass additional tests and pay the required fees. The Pennsylvania skills test can be taken 15 days after applicants pass the knowledge test. It includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills and on-road driving. Applicants must pass each section.

Military veterans and current military members can apply to have the skills exam waived if they meet the requirements.

To qualify for a waiver, applicants must:

Be active duty military personnel.
Operate a commercial vehicle as part of their military duties.
Have been discharged from the military within the past 12 months.
Submit an Application for CDL Skills Test Waiver.

Additional Information

Information on the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles

The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles administers CDL license regulations in Pennsylvania. To get more information contact them via:

Website: https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Commercial-Driver/Pages/default.aspx

Phone: 717.412.5300

Additional Pennsylvania CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to access Pennsylvania CDL testing resources and to learn more about practice driving tests for the state of Pennsylvania.

pennsylvania CDL Practice Test

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A pennsylvania Commercial Drivers License

Hit the Open Road

pennsylvania CDL License Test Tips

Additional Information

Information on the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles

Additional Pennsylvania CDL Helpful Links

pennsylvania
CDL Practice Test