CDL General
Knowledge Test

This is the Commercial Vehicle Driver's License Test covering General Knowledge. You will be presented with 40 questions and you must answer 34 questions correctly to pass. There is no time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin. Good luck!

1 / 40

Which two special conditions indicate that you should downshift?

starting up a hill and entering a curve

starting down a hill and entering a curve

starting down a hill and finishing a curve

starting up a hill and finishing a curve

2 / 40

Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way or divided highway?

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

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

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

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

3 / 40

If you double your speed, what will happen to your stopping distance?

it increases by four times

none of these answers are correct answers are correct

it increases by two times

it stays about the same

4 / 40

The act of operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others is known as.

defensive driving

distracted driving

road rage

aggressive driving

5 / 40

Which of the following is NOT a basic step to be taken at a crash scene?

notify authorities

gather the contact information of all the drivers involved

protect the area

care for the injured

6 / 40

If you are transporting cargo, you should inspect the cargo and securing devices:

before the trip, within 50 miles after beginning the trip, and at least every 150 miles or 3 hours

before the trip

within the first 50 miles of driving

during every driving brake on the trip

7 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

the heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

the weight of the cargo changes a truck's height

warning lights are always installed on low bridges and overpasses

an empty van is lower than a loaded one

8 / 40

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

someone might try to pass you on your right

all of these answers are correct

someone might try to pass you on your left

you might damage your leaf springs

9 / 40

If you do become sleepy while driving, you should _____.

turn up the radio

drink caffeinated beverages

roll down the windows

stop to sleep

10 / 40

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

put the gears in neutral

look for an escape ramp or an escape route

pump the brake pedal

downshift

11 / 40

Under which two special conditions should you downshift?

before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

before entering a curve and before going up a hill

before starting down a hill and before going up a hill

if there is an accident and in sudden heavy rain

12 / 40

What are the three types of emergency equipment that you must have with your vehicle?

none of these answers are correct

first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flares

warning devices for parked vehicles, first aid kit, flares

fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses, warning devices for parked vehicles

13 / 40

You are driving a 60 foot truck at 55 MPH, how much space (in seconds) should you keep in front of you?

8 seconds

6 seconds

7 seconds

5 seconds

14 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the axles in place

keep the steering wheel tight

keep the load secure

keep the brake drums from failing

15 / 40

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

drink coffee

take a cold shower

get sleep

do a little exercise

16 / 40

Operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle is known as?

tailgating

defensive driving

aggressive driving

road rage

17 / 40

You should place the starter switch key into your pocket while you are performing the pre-trip inspection because:

someone could start and move the truck

someone could steal the truck

all of these answers are correct

it could damage the starting mechanism

18 / 40

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

stay off the brake pedal

hold the steering wheel firmly

you need to be aware that a tire has failed

engage the brakes hard and immediately

19 / 40

It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas is slippery?

all of these answers are correct

a bridge

a shaded area

wet-looking road

20 / 40

For any flatbed load you must have at least ____ tie downs.

six

two

four

one

21 / 40

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

downshift when you get to the bottom of a hill

downshift before entering a curve

downshift before climbing a hill

downshift before starting down a hill

22 / 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

23 / 40

With the controlled braking method, you _____?

apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels

lightly apply braking pressure

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

repeatedly tap the brakes as fast as you can

24 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the load secure

keep the brake drums from failing

keep the axles in place

keep the steering wheel tight

25 / 40

Two causes of tire fires are ______.

hot brakes and under-inflated tires

under-inflated tires and poor retreads

duals that touch and road debris

under-inflated tires and duals that touch

26 / 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

27 / 40

How often should you check your cargo?

within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip

every 150 miles or every three hours

all of these answers are correct

after every break you take during driving

28 / 40

The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is:

3/8-inch

1/2-inch

1/32-inch

4/32-inch

29 / 40

What are some things you should check on the front of your vehicle when doing the walk-around inspection?

oil, transmission, air compressor, radiator

tires, steering parts, suspension parts, headlights

windshield, wipers, mirrors, hood latches

low beams, high beams, four way flashers, turn signals

30 / 40

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

protect the area

notify authorities

move the victims out of the way immediately

stop any bleeding and keep the victims warm

31 / 40

When using turn signals, which of the following should be avoided?

signal just before you start to make a turn

signal when you want to change lanes

signal before you exit

signal when you are merging into traffic

32 / 40

What action should you take before driving while drowsy?

pull off the road and get some sleep

drink energy drinks

drink a cup of coffee

open your vehicle windows for some fresh air

33 / 40

When accelerating:

do not engage the clutch before you take your foot off the brake

always use the parking brake to slow down

"hammer down" when your wheels start to spin

speed up smoothly and gradually and avoid jerking

34 / 40

Do empty trucks have the best braking?

yes

yes, but only on wet surfaces

yes, but only if the truck is newer than 1998

35 / 40

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

look for vehicles coming into your lane

determine if there are any hills coming up

look for brake lights from slowing vehicles

determine if there are any upcoming traffic lights that might require you to stop

36 / 40

What are some of the important parts in the steering system?

leaf spring, vehicle frame, torque rod

rim, lug nuts, tire

tie rod, spindle, pitman arm

main spring, axle, spring shackle

37 / 40

You downshift automatic transmissions ______.

none of these answers are correct

before going down a hill

at the bottom of a hill

half way down a hill

38 / 40

Tires should should be replaced:

all of these answers are correct

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

when the tread separates

when there are broken valve stems

39 / 40

What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?

federal and state laws require you to inspect your vehicle

to save you money by preventing costly repairs

safety for yourself and other road users

to insure that you will achieve the best gas mileage

40 / 40

Which of the following is a key steering component?

gear box

torque rod

leaf spring

bearing plate

Your score is

The average score is 74%

4.6/5 - (10 votes)

CDL General Knowledge Test

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL General
Knowledge Test