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

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

look for vehicles coming into your lane

determine if there are any hills coming up

look for brake lights from slowing vehicles

2 / 40

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

get sleep

take a cold shower

drink coffee

do a little exercise

3 / 40

In safe driving, what does communicating mean?

using a cb radio to let others know your intentions

using hand signals

all of these answers are correct

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

4 / 40

What is the reason that placards are used?

so hazmat is not mixed with food

it is the law

communicate the risk

to prevent terrorism

5 / 40

When backing your vehicle, which of the following is NOT recommended

use the lowest reverse gear

back towards the right side

back and turn towards the driver's side

back as slow as possible

6 / 40

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

hold the brake down for 5 seconds and listen for leaks

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

all of these answers are correct

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

7 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the steering wheel tight

keep the brake drums from failing

keep the axles in place

keep the load secure

8 / 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

9 / 40

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

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

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

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

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

10 / 40

You are driving a 40 foot truck at 35 MPH, how much space (in seconds) should you keep in front of you?

4 seconds

5 seconds

3 seconds

6 seconds

11 / 40

To maintain alertness during the trip, drivers should:

schedule trips during the daytime hours

get 8-9 hours of sleep

all of these answers are correct

avoid medications that cause drowsiness

12 / 40

How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with ABS?

check if your vehicle was manufactured after march 1, 1998 (they are required to have the panel light)

all of these answers are correct

check for yellow abs malfunction lamps on the instrument panel

look for wheel speed sensor wires that are coming from the rear of your brakes

13 / 40

When driving in very hot temperatures, you should:

let your tires cool down (remain stopped) if they are too hot to touch

check your tires every 2 hours or every 100 miles

insure that you have enough antifreeze in the system

all of these answers are correct

14 / 40

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

to insure that you will achieve the best gas mileage

safety for yourself and other road users

to save you money by preventing costly repairs

federal and state laws require you to inspect your vehicle

15 / 40

What is the first thing to do if your vehicle catches fire while driving?

open the door and jump out of the vehicle

find a service station to pull into

pull off the road and park in an open area

open the hood and let the flames die down

16 / 40

The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is:

4/32-inch

1/32-inch

1/2-inch

3/8-inch

17 / 40

What is NOT one of the four skill areas that operating a commercial vehicle requires?

steering

first aid certification

safely backing

accelerating

18 / 40

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

someone might try to pass you on your right

you might damage your leaf springs

all of these answers are correct

someone might try to pass you on your left

19 / 40

Tires should should be replaced:

when the tread separates

when there are broken valve stems

all of these answers are correct

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

20 / 40

Which of the following is NOT a part of the steering system?

main spring

steering knuckle

tie rod

hydraulic fluid reservoir

21 / 40

While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?

emergency flashers

low beams

high beams

novelty lights

22 / 40

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

recognizing possible overloads

inspecting the cargo

ensuring the freshness of sealed cargo

making sure that cargo is properly secured

23 / 40

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

defensive driving

tailgating

road rage

aggressive driving

24 / 40

How often should you check your cargo?

within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip

every 150 miles or every three hours

after every break you take during driving

all of these answers are correct

25 / 40

How should you know when to shift?

road speed and wind speed

every 3 to 5 seconds or engine speed

engine speed and the shift indicator light

engine speed and road speed

26 / 40

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

downshift before entering a curve

downshift before climbing a hill

downshift before starting down a hill

downshift when you get to the bottom of a hill

27 / 40

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

2/32

4/32

3/32

1/32

28 / 40

When backing, what is the best method to use to avoid blind spots?

use mirrors on both sides

look at your path

back towards the driver's side, where you can see better

use a helper

29 / 40

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

before the trip

during every driving brake on the trip

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

within the first 50 miles of driving

30 / 40

Which of the following factors is NOT used to determine your safe speed when going down a long steep downgrade?

total weight of the vehicle and cargo

weather

time of day

length and steepness of grade

31 / 40

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

7 seconds

8 seconds

5 seconds

6 seconds

32 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

warning lights are always installed on low bridges and overpasses

the heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

the weight of the cargo changes a truck's height

an empty van is lower than a loaded one

33 / 40

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

downshift before entering a curve

downshift before starting down a hill

downshift before climbing a hill

downshift when you get to the bottom of a hill

34 / 40

Wet brakes can cause _____.

pulling to one side or the other

all of these answers are correct

brakes to apply unevenly

lack of braking power

35 / 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

aggressive driving

defensive driving

36 / 40

You downshift automatic transmissions ______.

none of these answers are correct

half way down a hill

before going down a hill

at the bottom of a hill

37 / 40

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

if a tire blows, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly

antilock braking systems (ABS) only activate when wheels are about to lock

you can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop

stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency

38 / 40

What can you do at an accident site to help avoid another accident?

put out warning devices so people don't run into the accident site

have a drink to calm your nerves

stay in your vehicle and do nothing until help arrives

leave your vehicle, do nothing, and get to higher ground

39 / 40

You should check your tires every ____ or every ____ when driving in very hot weather.

5 hours, 250 miles

1 hour, 50 miles

3 hours, 200 miles

2 hours, 100 miles

40 / 40

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

warning devices for parked vehicles, first aid kit, flares

none of these answers are correct

first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flares

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

Your score is

The average score is 80%

4.5/5 - (8 votes)

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CDL General
Knowledge Test