california
CDL Practice Test

This site is designed to help aspiring commercial drivers practice for their State of California Department of Motor Vehicles CDL test. You can take these free California CDL practice tests as many times as you would like. Questions on these tests come from the various commercial driver license topics that are represented in the California CDL handbook. 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

Which of the following statements about special danger of loading and unloading is true?

Students should be told not to use the handrails when exiting the bus due to the possibility of causing a clothing hang up.

Students should be told to leave any dropped objects and move to the point of safety out of danger and get the driver's attention to retrieve the object.

Students should be told to pick up any dropped objects as long as it is not under the bus.

Students should be told to remain seated while the bus is in motion.

2 / 40

A driver that hauls hazardous materials must attend training every:

3 years

None of these answers are correct

1 year

2 years

3 / 40

Select the true statement about convex ("spot") mirrors.

you do not need to look at them as often as flat mirrors

they make things look farther away and smaller than they actually are

they are against the law in the majority of states

they make things closer and larger than they really are

4 / 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

5 / 40

A hazard class that uses transport indexes to determine the amount that can be loaded in a single vehicle is _____.

Class 3 flammable liquids

Class 7 radioactive materials

Class 6 poisons

Class 1 explosives

6 / 40

Which of these statements about signaling is correct?

Signaling is a warning, not a request.

Leave your signal on long after you've changed lanes.

Signal your intentions early and continuously.

Signal to others that it is safe to pass your bus.

7 / 40

Why is the proper adjustment and use of all mirrors so vital to the safe operation of the school bus?

In order to see if small vehicles are driving in the bus blind spots.

In order to observe the danger zones around the bus and look for the students, traffic, and other objects in this area.

In order to clear up blind spots around the bus.

In order to observe the danger zones around the bus.

8 / 40

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

All of these answers are correct.

Be secured when the bus is being driven.

Always have a red door light turned on.

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

9 / 40

Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?

engage the brakes hard and immediately

you need to be aware that a tire has failed

hold the steering wheel firmly

stay off the brake pedal

10 / 40

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

if there is any missing or damaged parts

all answers listed

if it is properly greased

if the jaws are open

11 / 40

______is a device that connects the service and emergency air lines between the tractor and trailer.

Top off valves

Glad hands

Relay knife

Service lines

12 / 40

What is the reason that placards are used?

communicate the risk

so hazmat is not mixed with food

it is the law

to prevent terrorism

13 / 40

The walls that separate compartments inside the tanks and having openings at the top and bottom are called:

Layers

Baffles

Bulktears

Free walls

14 / 40

What is a common cause of tire fires?

all of these answers are correct

underinflated tires

cold tires

overinflated tires

15 / 40

When must a driver’s inspection report be completed?

Before driving your bus.

Only if defects are found.

At the end of each shift.

All of these answers are correct.

16 / 40

The designation RQ identifies the material's:

Regulatory quantity

Reportable quantity

Reference quotient

Regulatory quotient

17 / 40

What is the benefit of ABS?

it provides an added layer of safety for truck drivers

all of these answers are correct

it decreases your stopping distance

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

18 / 40

This item should be firmly attached the to frame, be solid, and clear of objects:

The locking jaw

The catwalk

The lock pins

None of these answers are correct answers are correct

19 / 40

Secure baggage and freight in ways that avoid damage and:

Protect riders from injury if carry-ons fall or shift.

Allow the driver to move freely and easily.

All of these answers are correct.

Allow riders to exit by any window or door in an emergency.

20 / 40

Which of the following is not a prohibited practice on the bus:

Refueling in a closed building with riders on board.

Fueling your bus with riders on board if about to run out of fuel.

Towing a disabled bus with riders aboard when getting off would be a safe option.

Talking with riders while driving.

21 / 40

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

downshift before starting down a hill

downshift when you get to the bottom of a hill

downshift before entering a curve

downshift before climbing a hill

22 / 40

How should the trailer be lined up when preparing to back the tractor up?

directly in front of the trailer

directly behind the trailer

about 12 degrees to the left

about 12 degrees to the right

23 / 40

You must be alert for road hazards so that:

You can help impaired drivers.

Law enforcement personnel can be called.

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

Accident reports will be accurate.

24 / 40

Before pulling away, make sure the landing gear of the trailer is:

Down and that the handle is secured.

Raised and that the handle is hanging free.

Raised and that the handle is secured.

Down and that the handle is hanging free.

25 / 40

You should brake on a long steep downgrade hill as a supplement to the braking effects of the engine

when the GVCW is above 20,000 lbs

yes

when the vehicle is runaway

26 / 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?

Poison 23 and dangerous.

Just dangerous placards are required.

Poison 23 and flammable gas 21.

None, you cannot load these materials together.

27 / 40

You should check____when loading the small tanks of a cargo tank with bulkheads.

the fuel to air ratio

none of the answers listed

the expansion rate

the weight distribution

28 / 40

How do you check the power steering fluid?

Via indicator light on the dashboard.

By looking through the reservoir sight glass.

Via the power steering fluid dipstick.

Undo the oil fill cap and check the level.

29 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to the liquid inside of a bulk tank causing a tank truck to roll sideways.

It can occur even with baffles inside that slow the flow.

It can occur even when driving at the posted speed limit.

All answers listed.

It can occur when driving through a curve.

30 / 40

Which contains more alcohol: a 12-ounce glass of 5% beer, a 5-ounce glass of 12% wine or a 1 1/2-ounce shot of 80 proof liquor?

12-ounce glass of 5% beer

1 1/2-ounce shot of 80 proof liquor

they all contain the same amount of alcohol

5-ounce glass of 12% wine

31 / 40

Which of the following statements about loading and unloading cargo tanks is false?

The person attending the tanker must have a clear view of it.

The person in attendance must be within 50 ft of the tanker.

The person in attendance must be authorized and able to move the vehicle.

The person in attendance must be aware of the danger.

32 / 40

To inspect the______you should pump the pedal 3 times and hold it down for 5 seconds while making sure the pedal doesn't move during those 5 seconds.

air brakes

engine brakes

hydraulic brakes

parking brakes

33 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to managing the space to the sides:

high wind gusts will not cause any issues for doubles or triples

you should always keep your vehicle to the right side of the lane

you should try to avoid driving next to others when possible

you should drive down the center of both lanes over the pavement markings

34 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to brake drums:

Hold the brake linings and shoes.

They are bolted to the wheels.

All of these answers are correct.

They are located at both ends of the axles of the vehicle.

35 / 40

What are spring brakes?

they are big springs with air pressure in them if the air pressure decreases, the brakes are applied

they are large springs that are held closed by air pressure if the air pressure is increased the brakes are applied

none of the answers listed

they are powerful springs that are restrained by air pressure when the air pressure is removed, the brakes are applied

36 / 40

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

The interlock releases when you close the rear door.

All of these answers are correct.

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

Select the true statement about empty trucks:

they have poor traction due to wheel lockup and bouncing

they have a smaller stopping distance than full trailers

empty trucks stop in the same distance as a fully loaded truck

empty trailers are easier to stop because there is not cargo shifting

38 / 40

With the controlled braking method, you _____?

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

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

39 / 40

What type fire extinguisher is required in the power unit of a placarded vehicle?

Any of these are acceptable.

A ul rating of 5 b/c or above.

A ul rating of 15 abc.

A ul rating of 10 b/c or above.

40 / 40

Where are shut-off valves located?

at the front and back of the trailer

at the front of the trailer

at the back of the trailer

either at the front or the back of the trailer

Your score is

The average score is 60%

5/5 - (2 votes)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A california Commercial Drivers License

Residents of California may apply for their CDL at the age of 18 years old. These residents may only drive within the California state borders and are not eligible for driving hazmat vehicles. Residents over the age of 21 are eligible for interstate commerce and may receive their Hazmat Certification. All residents must undergo a medical examination by an approved Medical Examiner. The examiner will provide the individual with a Medical Examiner’s Certificate that will show their physical ability to be eligible to operate a commercial vehicle.

Any drivers who falls into the following categories are disqualified from receiving their commercial driver’s license.

Convicted of driving a commercial vehicle impaired in the past two years.
Having multiple driver’s license.
Having a revoked, denied, canceled, or suspended driver’s license.
Being disqualified from obtaining CDL driving privileges in another state.

Applicants for a California CDL must complete a vision test at the time of their application, along with one or more knowledge tests and a practical skills test.

Endorsements
S – School Bus
N – Tank
P – Passenger
H – Hazardous Materials
X – Hazmat and Tank Combination
P – Passenger Vehicle

Hit the Open Road

California CDL License Test Tips

Knowledge tests are required to be passed by all California residents seeking a commercial driver’s license. Class A applicants are required to complete a 70 question assessment regarding both general commercial driving knowledge and combination driving. Class B and C applicants are required to pass a 50 question assessment about general commercial driving knowledge. Those seeking endorsements or the removal of the Air Brake restriction will have to take additional knowledge tests. Each endorsement has a 20 to 30 question assessment based on the topic of the endorsement. All knowledge tests must be passed for the resident to receive their CDL. A passing score is receiving an 80 percent or higher on the assessment. Each applicant is responsible for showcasing their ability to operate a commercial vehicle as part of the CDL skills test. There are three main parts to this test which include the on-road test, pre-trip inspection, and basic control skills test. Applicants must pass all three parts to receive their commercial driver’s license.

Additional Information

Information on the California Department of Motor Vehicles

The State of California Department of Motor Vehicles regulates the certifying and testing of commercial drivers in the California. To get more information contact them via:

Website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/commercial/commercial

Phone: 800.777.0133

Additional California CDL Helpful Links

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

california CDL Practice Test

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A california Commercial Drivers License

Hit the Open Road

California CDL License Test Tips

Additional Information

Information on the California Department of Motor Vehicles

Additional California CDL Helpful Links

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