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

When must a driver’s inspection report be completed?

Only if defects are found.

At the end of each shift.

Before driving your bus.

All of these answers are correct.

2 / 40

The trailer height is correct for connecting a converter dolly to a second trailer when:

the trailer will slightly lower when the converter dolly backed under it

the trailer will slightly rise when the converter dolly is backed under it

the kingpin is resting behind the fifth wheel

the top of the kingpin lines up with the locking jaws

3 / 40

You should activate hazard lights within approximately how many feet before railroad crossing?

300 feet

200 feet

400 feet

250 feet

4 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to the center of gravity for tanks:

The center of gravity is generally lower than with other large trucks.

The vehicle can turn over even when driving at the posted speed limit for curves.

None of the answers listed.

The vehicle can handle higher speeds around curves than other large trucks.

5 / 40

How do you check the air compressor governor "cut in" and "cut out" pressures?

monitor the air pressure gauge

decrease the tank pressure by stepping on and off the brake

run the engine at a fast idle

all of these answers are correct

6 / 40

This component should be checked that it is solid, securely bolted to the tracture frame, and clear of objects.

The catwalk

The platform

The locking kingpin

The fifth wheel

7 / 40

In the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel, this object should have no missing pins or be loose when fully engaged.

Pintle hook

Rock jaw

Locking pins

Kingpin

8 / 40

How do you hook a combination to a second trailer without spring brakes and without using wheel chocks?

disconnect the air supply lines after supplying air to the trailer air system via the tractor

have the trailer electric cord to a generator so it can supply braking power

make sure the trailer won't roll when coupling

go ahead and couple it

9 / 40

When transporting hazardous waste, you must:

All of these answers are correct.

Have the word "waste" before the name of the material on the bills.

Carry a uniform hazardous waste manifest in the truck.

Sign a uniform hazardous waste manifest.

10 / 40

Bus drivers must have a commercial driver license if they drive a vehicle designed to seat more than:

10 or more persons, including the driver.

16 or more persons, including the driver.

15 or more persons, including the driver.

20 or more persons, excluding the driver.

11 / 40

A placard is required for a combustible liquid at?

Any amount

100 gallons

110 gallons

1,001 pounds or more

12 / 40

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

you might damage your leaf springs

all of these answers are correct

someone might try to pass you on your right

someone might try to pass you on your left

13 / 40

What kind of surge occurs with baffles?

Bottom to top

Circular

Back to front

Side to side

14 / 40

You need to be extra careful when driving smooth bore tanks:

When hauling food or milk products.

When stopping or starting.

All answers listed.

When unloading or loading.

15 / 40

What can side to side surge cause?

A spontaneous combustion.

A roll over.

An increase in speed.

An engine system failure.

16 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to unhooking the pintle hook while the converter dolly is still under the trailer.

this is not recommended as it could could cause damage to the pintle hook

this is not recommended because it may result in injury

this is recommended as it is standard procedure

this is recommended because it keeps the trailer from tipping over

17 / 40

Liquid surge affects the handling of a tanker by:

Allowing you to stop faster.

Moving the truck in the direction of liquid flow.

Decreasing the wind drag.

Allowing you to take tighter turns.

18 / 40

What does the drain valve for air tanks remove?

oil and dirt

oil and water

water and air

air and oil

19 / 40

Bus drivers must have a CDL if they drive a vehicle:

Designed to seat more than 16 or more persons, including the driver.

That is designed to carry more than nine passengers.

That has air brakes.

That has a gross weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds.

20 / 40

When approaching railroad tracks, stop your bus:

Only if you have manual transmission, then proceed with flashers on.

5-10 feet before railroad tracks.

On the tracks so you can see if the train is coming.

15 and 50 feet before railroad crossings.

21 / 40

A trailer is at the right height to have the tractor backed up to it when:

the fifth wheel will not come in contact with the kingpin

it'll raise slightly when the tractor is backed up under it

the top of the kingpin is even with the bottom of the fifth wheel

the kingpin is about 1 1/5 inches above the fifth wheel

22 / 40

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

inspecting the cargo

ensuring the freshness of sealed cargo

making sure that cargo is properly secured

recognizing possible overloads

23 / 40

The compressor is connected to the engine via _____?

lines

r-belt

v-belt or gears

stag gears

24 / 40

Select the best description of a baffle tank:

It is one large tank.

They are divided and have holes for liquid to flow through controlling surge.

None of the answers listed.

They are tanks divided down into multiple smaller tanks.

25 / 40

Class A explosives must not be transported in a combination vehicle if the vehicle includes:

A placarded cargo tank.

A 200 inch wheelbase trailer.

Two or more trailers.

None of these answers are correct.

26 / 40

A minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch is required for:

Donut tires.

Parking axle tires.

Non-steer axle tires.

Driving axle tires.

27 / 40

When inspecting the ______you are making sure that the lines and hoses are not chafed, cut, pinched, or dragged against tractor parts.

lifts/door/ties

mud flaps

electric/air lines

air brake lines

28 / 40

Your bus is disabled. With riders aboard, the bus may be towed or pushed to a safe place only:

By another bus with its four-way flashers on.

If the distance is less than 500 yards.

If getting off the bus would be more risky for the riders.

By a 27,000 lbs gvwr or larger tow truck.

29 / 40

Commerical vehicles typically have this type of brake.

drum brakes

rectangle brakes

stab brakes

S-Cam brakes

30 / 40

Select the vehicle that off-tracks the most.

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 45-foot long trailer

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 40-foot long trailer

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 52-foot long trailer

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 32-foot long trailer

31 / 40

How do you make sure the trailer height is correct before coupling?

visually check that they are level height wise

visually check that the rear trailer is lower than the fifth wheel so that the trailer raises slightly when the dolly is pushed under it

visually check that the lead trailer is higher than the fifth wheel so that the trailer will lower when the dolly is pushed under it

you do not need to do a visual check

32 / 40

What should you hear when you have the hand valve on and are testing the trailer brakes by opening the service air line at the back of the trailer?

the service brakes more to a fully applied position

the emergency line valve to release air

air leaving the open valve

the engine brake to kick on

33 / 40

What kind of surge can occur in a tank with baffles?

Back to front

All answers listed

Bottom to top

Side to side

34 / 40

The direction of liquid movement not prevented by baffles is:

None of the answers listed.

Side to side.

Bottom to top.

Back to front.

35 / 40

Cargo tanks ____.

are tanks that the military uses to transport hazardous materials

are large drums used to contain hazmat that is loaded on a trailer

are large drums temporarily attached to a vehicle

are bulk packagings permanently attached to a vehicle

36 / 40

The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is:

3/8-inch

1/2-inch

1/32-inch

4/32-inch

37 / 40

This object should not be spliced, cut, chafed, or worn through to allow steel braid to show.

Mud flaps

Tires

The lockjaw

Electric/air lines

38 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to a converter dolly:

it is a connecting device consisting of one axle which disconnects a semitrailer combination vehicle converting it into two separate trailers

it is a coupling device with one or two axles and a fifth wheel with which a semitrailer can be coupled to the rear of a tractor-trailer combination forming a double bottom rig

it is a coupling device with only two axles and a sixth wheel to which a semitrailer can be coupled to the rear of a tractor-trailer combination forming a double bottom rig

none of the answers listed

39 / 40

Which trailer is most likely to tip over due to the crack the whip effect?

the last trailer of a double

the heaviest trailer

the last trailer of a triple

the first trailer of a triples

40 / 40

What is the most important reason for doing a school bus inspection?

To give the mechanic something to do.

For safety required by federal, state, and local laws.

To assist the school principal with their report.

To check for flat tires.

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