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

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined as:

a vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers

all of these answers are correct

a vehicle with a gross weight over 26,001 lbs

a vehicle transporting hazardous materials

2 / 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

all of these answers are correct

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

3 / 40

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

you might damage your leaf springs

someone might try to pass you on your right

someone might try to pass you on your left

all of these answers are correct

4 / 40

How often should you check your cargo?

after every break you take during driving

within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip

every 150 miles or every three hours

all of these answers are correct

5 / 40

The average person requires how many hours of sleep per 24 hour period?

5 or 6

6 or 7

8 or 9

7 or 8

6 / 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

it could damage the starting mechanism

all of these answers are correct

someone could steal the truck

7 / 40

What is a common cause of tire fires?

all of these answers are correct

overinflated tires

cold tires

underinflated tires

8 / 40

At 55 miles-per-hour it takes about 6 seconds to stop a fully loaded truck and the braking distance is:

about two car lengths

about two truck lengths

about the length of a football field or 100 yards

about 1/4 mile

9 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the steering wheel tight

keep the axles in place

keep the load secure

keep the brake drums from failing

10 / 40

The method for testing hydraulic brakes for leaks is to _____.

all of these answers are correct

pump the brake pedal three times and apply firm pressure for 5 seconds the pedal should not move

hold the brake down for 5 seconds and listen for leaks

pump the brake pedal five times and apply firm pressure for 3 seconds the pedal should not move

11 / 40

The minimum tread depth for tires other than the front tires is ____.

4/32

3/32

1/32

2/32

12 / 40

With the controlled braking method, you _____?

lightly apply braking pressure

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

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

13 / 40

What is the best way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?

all of these answers are correct

rear view cameras

your mirrors

a helper

14 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

athe heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

warning lights are always installed on low bridges and overpasses

the weight of the cargo changes a truck's height

an empty van is lower than a loaded one

15 / 40

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

before the trip

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

during every driving brake on the trip

within the first 50 miles of driving

16 / 40

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

downshift before climbing a hill

downshift before starting down a hill

downshift when you get to the bottom of a hill

downshift before entering a curve

17 / 40

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

windshield, wipers, mirrors, hood latches

oil, transmission, air compressor, radiator

tires, steering parts, suspension parts, headlights

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

18 / 40

The manual says you should look _____ ahead while driving.

5 to 8 seconds, at highway speeds, about an eighth of a mile

15 to 20 seconds, at highway speeds, about a half of a mile

9 to 12 seconds, at highway speeds, about a quarter of a mile

12 to 15 seconds, at highway speeds, about a quarter of a mile

19 / 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 there are broken valve stems

when the tread separates

20 / 40

The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is:

1/2-inch

1/32-inch

4/32-inch

3/8-inch

21 / 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.

road rage

distracted driving

defensive driving

aggressive driving

22 / 40

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

notify authorities

protect the area

move the victims out of the way immediately

stop any bleeding and keep the victims warm

23 / 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 starting down a hill

downshift before climbing a hill

24 / 40

Do empty trucks have the best braking?

yes, but only if the truck is newer than 1998

yes, but only on wet surfaces

yes

25 / 40

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

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

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

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

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

26 / 40

Why should you cover cargo?

to protect your cargo from bad weather

all of these answers are correct

to protect individuals from any spilled cargo

because many states require it

27 / 40

Which two special conditions indicate that you should downshift?

starting down a hill and finishing a curve

starting up a hill and finishing a curve

starting down a hill and entering a curve

starting up a hill and entering a curve

28 / 40

Shifting into a lower gear and removing your foot off of the accelerator to slow your vehicle is known as?

engine braking

double clutching

brake fade

anti-lock braking

29 / 40

In the event of a tire failure you should...

pump the brakes until you come to a stop

accelerate quickly until you find a place to pull over

stay off the brake and hold the steering wheel firmly

disengage the clutch so you are in neutral gear

30 / 40

Under which two special conditions should you downshift?

before starting down a hill and before going up a hill

before entering a curve and before going up a hill

if there is an accident and in sudden heavy rain

before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

31 / 40

If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?

7 seconds

6 seconds

4 seconds

3 seconds

32 / 40

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

four

one

two

six

33 / 40

What is the reason that placards are used?

to prevent terrorism

it is the law

communicate the risk

so hazmat is not mixed with food

34 / 40

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

6 seconds

5 seconds

7 seconds

8 seconds

35 / 40

The two main things to look ahead for while driving are _____.

bridges and tunnels

fire and flooding

truck stops and police

traffic and road conditions

36 / 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

37 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the brake drums from failing

keep the steering wheel tight

keep the load secure

keep the axles in place

38 / 40

What is the correct number of red reflective triangles that you should carry?

three

five

seven

one

39 / 40

What action should you take before driving while drowsy?

drink a cup of coffee

pull off the road and get some sleep

drink energy drinks

open your vehicle windows for some fresh air

40 / 40

What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?

text a friend and tell them to text you back in ten seconds and see how long that seemed to take compared to how far you traveled

get 1/4 closer to the car in front of you, then back off again multiply how long this took you by four for following distance

use the stopwatch on your phone to try to determine how long before you reach a mile marker after the car in front of you appeared to reach it

wait until a vehicle passes a shadow or landmark, then count the seconds until you pass it

Your score is

The average score is 76%

4.6/5 - (10 votes)

CDL General Knowledge Test

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CDL General
Knowledge Test