alabama
CDL Practice Test

The practice tests below offer CDL practice test questions in all the different topic areas you’ll see on the Alabama CDL test. The CDL tests are free and can be taken as often as you’d like to help you in your preparation for earning an Alabama commercial driver's license. 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 start your Alabama CDL practice test.

1 / 40

What does the air compressor governor control?

when the valve system releases pressure

when the air is taken out of the hoses

when air is pumped into the air tanks

when air pressure is applied to the brakes

2 / 40

A vehicle placarded for Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives:

May not be parked on the cosignee's property.

May never be parked on private property.

May never be left unattended under any condition.

May be left unattended in a safe haven.

3 / 40

When stopped on a divided highway where should your reflectors be placed?

20 feet, 150 feet, and 300 feet toward the approaching traffic

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

30 feet, 100 feet, and 150 feet toward the approaching traffic

15 feet, 75 feet, and 150 feet toward the approaching traffic

4 / 40

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

you will need it to open the side box

you will need it to inspect the trailer

so you don't lose it

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

5 / 40

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

inspecting the cargo

recognizing possible overloads

ensuring the freshness of sealed cargo

making sure that cargo is properly secured

6 / 40

This gauge will indicate if the generator or alternator is charging:

Oil pressure

Coolant

Voltmeter/ammeter

Gas tank

7 / 40

Spring brakes are usually held back by_____during normal driving.

air pressure

clamps

pressure of the spring

heat

8 / 40

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

the last trailer of a double

any trailer

the last trailer of a triple

a fully loaded trailer behind the tractor

9 / 40

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

notify authorities

stop any bleeding and keep the victims warm

protect the area

move the victims out of the way immediately

10 / 40

You should keep a minimum of ____between another vehicle and the double trailer with 100 ft truck driving at 30 mph.

13 seconds

8 seconds

15 seconds

10 seconds

11 / 40

You should check that the _____are secure, caps are on tight, and is not leaking.

cb radio

none of the answers listed

coolant system

fuel tanks

12 / 40

You should____in order to inspect the coupling.

make sure the locking lever is in the open position

make sure to have space between the lower and upper fifth wheel

have the fifth wheel jaws open

if necessary, use a flashlight

13 / 40

If a rider wants to bring a car battery or a can of gasoline or kerosene aboard your bus, you should:

Have the rider pay a second fare.

Not allow the rider to do it.

Instruct the rider to sit next to an open window.

Put the materials in the bus's "safe box".

14 / 40

It takes special care to drive tankers with liquid in them because:

The low center of gravity of the load.

The high center of gravity of the load.

The movement of the liquid even when the truck is stopped.

The baffles create odd rocking motions.

15 / 40

Select the action that is not appropriate when driving on slippery roads:

use a light pressure on the brake and accelerator pedals

use a speed retarder or engine brake

none of the answers listed

avoid having traffic in your side space

16 / 40

What is the standee line?

A line at the back of the bus where passengers must stand before exiting.

A 2 inch line down the aisle to help keep passenger traffic flowing.

A line around each seat to help each passenger have a little personal space.

A 2 inch line on the floor that all passengers must stay behind.

17 / 40

To maintain alertness during the trip, drivers should:

all of these answers are correct

get 8-9 hours of sleep

avoid medications that cause drowsiness

schedule trips during the daytime hours

18 / 40

Why should you know the outage?

Heavier liquids don't require outage.

Liquids expand different amounts.

Just in case you become a contestant in a trivia competition.

Baffles are not always permitted with certain types of liquids.

19 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to stopping distance and speed:

You require 4 times as much stopping distance when driving at 40 mph compared to 20 mph.

A wet road will double the stopping distance at any speed.

All answers listed.

Larger / heavier vehicles generally take longer to stop.

20 / 40

Never refuel your bus:

With a higher grade of fuel.

In a closed building with passengers on board.

With any of the windows open.

Without a static chain.

21 / 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.

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

while in neutral increase the rpm to 1500

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

all answers listed

22 / 40

Take extra caution when driving smooth bore tanks during:

Stops and starts.

All answers listed.

Driving into the wind.

Drive down or up an incline.

23 / 40

Is it mandatory that all vehicles with air brakes have low air pressure warning signals?

for small vehicles only

yes

for large vehicles only

24 / 40

The CDL manual indicates the last step on picking up students at the bus stop is as follows:

Activate the amber flashing caution lights to warn vehicles that the bus will stop to load passengers soon.

Open the service door just enough to activate the alternating red light when traffic is in a safe distance from the bus.

Place transmission in park or neutral and set parking brake.

Make a final check to confirm all traffic stops before opening the bus door and signaling students to approach.

25 / 40

Select the statement that describes smooth bore tanks:

They are 1 large tank.

They are divided with holes from liquid to flow through controlling surge.

They are divided down into smaller tanks.

None of the answers listed.

26 / 40

The interlock system for the brake and accelerator on a transit coach may be used:

To replace the parking brake.

To replace the rear door emergency buzzer.

All of these answers are correct.

As a safety feature when the exit door is open.

27 / 40

Tires should should be replaced:

if the tread depth on your front tires is less than 4/32 deep

all of these answers are correct

when the tread separates

when there are broken valve stems

28 / 40

In safe driving, what does communicating mean?

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

all of these answers are correct

using a cb radio to let others know your intentions

using hand signals

29 / 40

Unless you_____you will feel the effects of a liquid surge.

haul thick liquids

all answers listed

make turns carefully and slowly

gradually come to a stop

30 / 40

The minimum tread depth for steering axle tires is:

4/32 inch

14 mm

2/23 inch

None of the answers listed

31 / 40

When stopping for railroad tracks, you must stop no closer than how many feet before the nearest track?

32 / 40

Select the true statement about slack adjusters:

they do not ever need to be adjusted

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 can be adjusted automatically or manually

33 / 40

You must be alert for road hazards so that:

Law enforcement personnel can be called.

Accident reports will be accurate.

You can help impaired drivers.

You will have time to plan your escape if the hazard becomes an emergency.

34 / 40

The most dangerous time during the school bus ride is:

Crossing railway crossing.

When loading and unloading students.

On long bus journeys.

When the students become unruly on the bus.

35 / 40

The longest crack that brake or disc drums can have is:

None of the answers listed.

1/2 inch across in a straight line.

1/2 the width of the friction area.

Cracks are not permitted.

36 / 40

Urban mass transit coaches may have a brake and accelerator interlock system. Which of the following statements is true?

All of these answers are correct.

The interlock releases when you close the rear door.

Do not use this safety feature in place of the parking brake.

The interlock applies the brakes and holds the throttle in idle position when the rear door is open.

37 / 40

All standing riders must stay:

Within two feet of an emergency exit.

Forward of the rear of the driver's seat.

In front of the standee line.

Behind the standee line.

38 / 40

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined as:

all of these answers are correct

a vehicle transporting hazardous materials

a vehicle with a gross weight over 26,001 lbs

a vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers

39 / 40

What is most likely to occur when the front wheels begin to skid?

You will continue heading in a straight line and moving forward no matter what direction you turn the steering wheel.

The power of the surge will disconnect the tank from the truck.

A roll over will occur.

All answers listed.

40 / 40

The system that needs to be checked for signs of leaks with rust or carbon soot and damage is the _____.

none of the answers listed

fifth wheel

exhaust

air brake system

Your score is

The average score is 0%

5/5 - (4 votes)

CDL Category Practice Tests

How To Get an alabama Commercial Drivers License

Applicants must be of the legal age of 18 or older. Those between the ages of 18 and 21 are only permitted to drive a commercial vehicle within the state of Alabama. Those age 21 and older may drive a commercial vehicle across state borders. Only those aged 21 and older may apply for their hazardous materials endorsement. All applicants must possess a DOT Medical Card.

An applicant’s driving record will be considered when applying for a CDL license. There are specific items in which a driver will be disqualified for a commercial driver’s license. These include:

Any suspension/revocation 36 months before submitting an application.

Any six-point violation or conviction of operating a motor vehicle impaired 24 months prior to submitting an application.
Any current denial, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of driver’s license.
Possessing multiple driver’s licenses from various States.
Not meeting certifications on BFS-103 CDL Certification Form.

Alabama requires all CDL applicants to complete both a knowledge test and a skills test. Alabama offers the following CDL license endorsements:

S – School Bus
T – Double Trailer
P – Passenger
N – Tank Vehicles
H – Hazardous Materials

Hit the Open Road

alabama CDL License Test Tips

The knowledge tests are presented in written form for Class A, B, and C applicants. All classes are required to take a 50 question assessment. Those applying for a Class A CDL will need to complete an additional 20 questions about combination vehicles. Applicants seeking to drive vehicles with air brakes must complete a 25 question air brake assessment. Those seeking any endorsement other than hazardous materials must complete a 20 question assessment that is endorsement specific. Those applying for the hazardous materials endorsement must complete a 30 question knowledge test. All applicants must receive a score of 80 percent or higher on each test to pass.

A skills test is required for all CDL applicants regardless of Class. The School Bus and Passenger Endorsements require a skills test as well. All applicants applying for Air Brakes Certification must use a vehicle that is equipped with air brakes for their skills test. The CDL skills test consists of a vehicle inspection test, basic control skills test, and a driving test. All three test sections must be passed for CDL approval. Failure in any skills test area automatically fails the applicant.

Additional Information

CDL Testing by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency administers the certifying and testing of commercial drivers in the state. To get more information contact them via: Website: https://www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license
Phone: 334.242.4400
Email: [email protected]

Additional Alabama CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to access more valuable Alabama CDL testing resources and to learn more about driving test resources for the state of Alabama.

alabama CDL Practice Test

CDL Category Practice Tests

How To Get an alabama Commercial Drivers License

Hit the Open Road

alabama CDL License Test Tips

Additional Information

CDL Testing by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Additional Alabama CDL Helpful Links

alabama
CDL Practice Test