District of Columbia
CDL Practice Test

Simply because the District of Columbia is the only place in the country that has legal taxation without representation doesn't mean there are no laws at all! Every commercial driver in Washington DC must have a valid commercial driver's license. Typically those licenses will be issued in other jurisdictions but Washington DC can and does issue its own. This online exam will help you practice for the District of Columbia CDL Test. 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. Good luck!

1 / 40

The best way to describe a dual air brake system is:

there are 2 separate air brake systems that have their own hoses, lines etc

all of these answers are correct

there is a primary and secondary system that is 2 separate air brake systems

there are 2 separate air brake systems that supply air to the trailer if there is one

2 / 40

For emergency braking when driving a double trailer and having to use your brakes to avoid a collision is to:

use just the trailer brakes

use the engine brake

use stab or controlled braking

apply a firm pressure to the brake pedal and don’t let off

3 / 40

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

do a little exercise

drink coffee

take a cold shower

get sleep

4 / 40

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

avoid eye contact

ignore rude gestures and refuse to react negatively

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

all of these answers are correct

5 / 40

Why should you cover cargo?

all of these answers are correct

to protect your cargo from bad weather

because many states require it

to protect individuals from any spilled cargo

6 / 40

One reason hauling liquids in tank vehciles require special care is:

Because of uneven expansion.

Because of the movement of the liquid.

Because of strong winds.

Because of the extreme weight.

7 / 40

When transporting both hazardous and non hazardous materials, your bills must:

Identify the materials by the letter x or rq in the hm column.

Describe the hazardous materials first.

Have the hazardous materials highlighted.

Any one of the above.

8 / 40

A safe haven is ______.

an approved place for parking unattended vehicles loaded with explosive materials

an approved place for parking unattended vehicles loaded with radioactive materials

an approved place for parking attended vehicles loaded with flammable materials

an approved place for parking unattended vehicles loaded with corrosive materials

9 / 40

There must not be more than_____for engine compartment belts.

1/4 inch of play at the ends of the belt

1/2 inch of play at the center of the belt

3/4 inch of play at the center of the belt

1/2 inch of play at the end of the belts

10 / 40

When there is a hazardous materials emergency. You should:

Prevent smoking and keep open flames away.

Keep people away and warn them of the danger.

Contact emergency authorities.

All of these answers are correct.

11 / 40

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

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

look for vehicles coming into your lane

12 / 40

If students must cross the street, when they get off the bus, which statement is true?

The student should wait to cross the street until the bus continues on its route.

For crossing, students should make eye contact with the bus driver and wait for the driver's signal that it is safe to proceed.

If the bus is equipped with the crossing gate, the danger of running over the child is eliminated.

When the driver signals that it is safe to proceed, the students must run across the street to reduce the exposure to danger.

13 / 40

Which of the following types of emergency equipment must you have on your bus?

Spare electric fuses, fire extinguisher, and accident reporting kit.

Reflectors, fire extinguisher, and accident reporting kit.

Fire extinguisher, spare electric fuses, and reflectors.

Hydraulic jack, fire extinguisher, and signal flares.

14 / 40

What are shippers trying to accomplish when they package the material?

All of these answers are correct.

Make it easy to open and close.

Make it easy to identify.

Make it as light as possible.

15 / 40

You should expect____when backing a tractor under a trailer.

the trailer landing gear to be fully extended

the trailer to lift slightly

the end of the kingpin to be level with the top of the fifth wheel

the trailer to be completely still

16 / 40

For Division 1.1 or 1.2 Explosives A, should the floor liner required be stainless steel?

Yes

Never use a floor liner for any explosive class

Any type of floor liner is sufficient

17 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to if a glad hand on the blue air line is missing a seal.

there may be a service line air leak

there may be an emergency line air leak

you should remove one from the red air line to use as a temporary replacement

it is not a big problem

18 / 40

This object should be clean with no obstructions, illegal stickers or damage to the glass.

The lighting indicators

The side mirrors

The windshield

The headlights

19 / 40

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

Mud flaps

The lockjaw

Electric/air lines

Tires

20 / 40

Start by___when coupling.

backing the converter dolly under the second trailer

having the second trailer against the dock

coupling the tractor to the second trailer

coupling the converter hook to the pintle tongue of the first trailer

21 / 40

Before backing under the trailer you should______when coupling a tractor and trailer with air lines already connected.

press down on the brake pedal twice

supply air to the trailer system and then pull the air supply knob out

have the trailer brakes off

all answers listed

22 / 40

Which of the following types of cargo must never be carried on a bus with passengers?

Emergency hospital supplies

Small arms ammunition (orm-d)

Tear gas

Emergency drug shipments

23 / 40

In what position should the shut off valves on a the rear of the front trailer be in on a set of double trailers?

in a halfway open position

in a closed position

in a 1/3 way open position

in an open position

24 / 40

How should the pintle hook be when backing a dolly under the second trailer?

in a halfway open position

in the unlatched position

removed from the dolly

in the latched position

25 / 40

Which seats must have a seat belt:

The driver's seat.

Women and children seats.

All of these answers are correct.

Senior citizen seats.

26 / 40

Some hazardous materials may not be loaded together with other hazardous materials. The prohibited combinations are listed in the:

Segregation and separation chart.

List of hazardous materials and reportable quantities.

Hazardous materials table.

Hazardous waste manifest.

27 / 40

An "A/W" the first column of the hazardous materials table means:

There is no restrictions with this material if shipped by water only.

This material has no restrictions when shipped by air and/or water.

It is ok to ship this material by air only.

This material is only restricted when shipped by air and/or water.

28 / 40

What should you check for when inspecting a converter dolly?

all answers listed

that the safety chains are secured to the trailer

that the spare tire is secured if there is one

that the converter dolly air tank drain valve is in the closed position

29 / 40

What color and shape is the trailer air supply control?

it is a square knob that is red

it is a square knob that is yellow

it is an 8-sided knob that is red

it is a triangle-shaped knob that is red

30 / 40

You should_____when the low pressure warning is activated:

maintain highway speed and keep an eye on your air pressure gauge

wait until the air brakes kick in automatically

pump the brake pedal to come to a stop immediately

come to a safe stop while you still have control of the brakes

31 / 40

What handling effect should you expect when your tank has baffles?

The surge will be slower than a tank without baffles.

There will not be as much front to back surge compared to a tank without baffles.

There will not be as much side to side surge compared to a tank without baffles.

There is no difference in handling when you have baffles.

32 / 40

Which trailer should be the first one after the tractor?

the trailer that weighs the most

the trailer that is the shortest in length

the trailer that weighs the least

none of the answers listed

33 / 40

At a railroad crossing, the bus is required to stop at the stop line. If there is no clearly marked stop line, what is the required minimum and maximum stopping distance?

No closer than 15 feet and no further than 30 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

No closer than 10 feet and no further than 60 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

No closer than 15 feet and no further than 50 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

No closer than 10 feet and no further than 40 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

34 / 40

Check that the parking brake will hold by____when the parking brake is engaged and the trailer brakes released if not a combination vehicle.

while in neutral increase the rpm to 1500

shift up into a high gear and let off the clutch quickly

all answers listed

shifting down to a low gear and trying to pull forward gently

35 / 40

Select the correct setup for shut-off valves:

the front and back shut-off valves are closed

the front shut-off valves are closed and the rear trailer valves are open

the rear shut-off valves are closed and the front trailer valves are open

the front and back shut-off valves are open

36 / 40

Play of the steering wheel should not exceed:

30 degrees

15 degrees

10 degrees

5 degrees

37 / 40

If you are required to stop at railroad crossings, you must:

Proceed only when you are sure no train is coming.

Stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail.

All of these answers are correct.

Remember to never shift gears while crossing tracks.

38 / 40

Anti-lock brakes:

Keep your wheels from locking during hard brake application.

Lengthen stopping distance.

Are not available in mosst busses.

Work only when you activate in-cab switch.

39 / 40

Select the two things that are important in preventing a rollover:

maintaining properly inflated tires and an even load on the trailer

drive slowly around turns and keep the center of gravity of the cargo as high as possible

drive slowly around turns and keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible

the length and weight of the vehicle

40 / 40

____is the most common type of foundation brakes used by heavy vehicles.

S-Cam drum

None of the answers listed

Rectangle brakes

Wedge drum

Your score is

The average score is 0%

5/5 - (1 vote)

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How To Get A District of Columbia Commercial Drivers License

In the District of Columbia, there are classifications of motor vehicles that may only be driven by those with a current commercial drivers license. Additionally, there are four classes of endorsements, including school bus, passenger and tanker. Any vehicle with a gross weight rating over 26,000 pounds is considered commercial in the District of Columbia.

Additional endorsements also include:

Hazardous Materials
Double/Triple Trailer
Tanker
Passenger
School Bus

Requirements to Obtain a District of Columbia CDL:

Have a valid non-commercial driver license
Meet identity, residency, and good driving history eligibility qualifications
Take the applicable CDL knowledge tests
Get a CDL learner permit
Pass the CDL road skills test

A Commercial Driver in Washington DC is held to a higher standard than drivers of typical passenger or other non-commerical vehicles. CDL holders must pass both written tests as well as a practical / skills test. You may practice for the written test using our online CDL test tool above. Upon successful completion, of the official Washington DC CDL skills test, you will be a fully licensed driver and ready to take to the open road!

Hit the Open Road

District of Columbia CDL License Test Tips

You think you're ready? Hold on there, Turbo! Check out these CDL Test Tips before you go zipping to the DMV for your exam!

You must have your CDL learner permit for at least 30 days prior to scheduling your road skills test.
Make an appointment on the DC Online Road Test Appointment Scheduler. Make sure to have your driver license number handy...you'll need it.
On your test day, arrive 15 minutes early. You will need to bring a CDL licensed driver aged 21 or older and this person must hold the CDL class and endorsements you are testing for.

You'll need to bring a few other things with you as well.

valid CDL learner permit
valid NCDL
DOT medical certification card
an appropriate vehicle in which to complete your CDL test
current registration and insurance for the vehicle

If you fail the CDL test you must wait three calendar days before attempting it again. If you fail a second time, you cannot re-test for ninety days!

Additional Information

Information on the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles

The District of Columbia CDL certifying agency is responsible for testing and certifying all commercial drivers. To get more information contact them via:

Website: https://dmv.dc.gov/service/obtain-commercial-driver-license
Phone: 202.673.6813
Email: [email protected]

Additional Washington DC CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to learn more about helpful topics related to the District of Columbia CDL testing program or other CDL-related topics.

District of Columbia CDL Practice Test

District of Columbia Drivers Test

District of Columbia Motorcycle Test

District of Columbia CDL Test

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A District of Columbia Commercial Drivers License

Hit the Open Road

District of Columbia CDL License Test Tips

Additional Information

Information on the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles

Additional Washington DC CDL Helpful Links

District of Columbia
CDL Practice Test