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

With the controlled braking method, you _____?

lightly apply braking pressure

repeatedly tap the brakes as fast as you can

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

2 / 40

To maintain alertness during the trip, drivers should:

all of these answers are correct

schedule trips during the daytime hours

avoid medications that cause drowsiness

get 8-9 hours of sleep

3 / 40

It is important for driving safety to always be looking ahead. Which of the following is NOT a recommended time/distance that you should be looking ahead?

about 12-15 seconds

about one block for city driving

about 5 car lengths on the highway

about 1/4 mile for open highway driving

4 / 40

In safe driving, what does communicating mean?

all of these answers are correct

using hand signals

using a cb radio to let others know your intentions

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

5 / 40

Tires should should be replaced:

when the tread separates

all of these answers are correct

when there are broken valve stems

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

6 / 40

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

time of day

total weight of the vehicle and cargo

length and steepness of grade

weather

7 / 40

When accelerating:

always use the parking brake to slow down

"hammer down" when your wheels start to spin

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

speed up smoothly and gradually and avoid jerking

8 / 40

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

15 feet, 75 feet, and 150 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

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

9 / 40

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

back towards the right side

back and turn towards the driver's side

use the lowest reverse gear

back as slow as possible

10 / 40

Signs of distracted drivers include:

vehicles exiting the roadway

individuals listening to music too loudly

drivers having conversations with passengers

individuals driving at a consistent speed above the speed limit

11 / 40

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

it increases by two times

none of these answers are correct answers are correct

it stays about the same

it increases by four times

12 / 40

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

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

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

13 / 40

Which of the following are some suspension system defects?

broken leaves in leaf spring

leaking shock absorbers

all of these answers are correct

cracked or broken spring hangers

14 / 40

Two causes of tire fires are ______.

duals that touch and road debris

under-inflated tires and duals that touch

hot brakes and under-inflated tires

under-inflated tires and poor retreads

15 / 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

16 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

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

athe heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

17 / 40

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

aggressive driving

tailgating

road rage

defensive driving

18 / 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

19 / 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

20 / 40

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

notify authorities

move the victims out of the way immediately

protect the area

stop any bleeding and keep the victims warm

21 / 40

Which of the following is the most important reason for doing a pre-trip inspection?

safety for yourself and other road users

to make sure the vehicle will make your destination

to make sure nothing has been stolen from the vehicle

because other drivers do it

22 / 40

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate reason to flash your braking lights?

to signal to tailgaters that they are too close to your vehicle

to warn drivers behind you when you need to slow down

to alert drivers behind you that there are hazards ahead

to warn vehicles approaching you from behind that you are driving slowly

23 / 40

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

5 hours, 250 miles

3 hours, 200 miles

2 hours, 100 miles

1 hour, 50 miles

24 / 40

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

care for the injured

gather the contact information of all the drivers involved

notify authorities

protect the area

25 / 40

Which of the following are possible causes of tire fires?

improperly loaded cargo and dual tires that touch

dual tires that touch and under-inflated tires

poor cargo ventilation or short circuits

loose fuel connections or under-inflated tires

26 / 40

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

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

you will need it to open the side box

you will need it to inspect the trailer

so you don't lose it

27 / 40

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

a helper

all of these answers are correct

your mirrors

rear view cameras

28 / 40

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

downshift before starting down a hill

downshift before entering a curve

downshift before climbing a hill

downshift when you get to the bottom of a hill

29 / 40

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

two

four

one

six

30 / 40

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

bridges and tunnels

traffic and road conditions

fire and flooding

truck stops and police

31 / 40

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

steering

first aid certification

safely backing

accelerating

32 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the axles in place

keep the steering wheel tight

keep the load secure

keep the brake drums from failing

33 / 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

look for brake lights from slowing vehicles

determine if there are any hills coming up

34 / 40

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

open the hood and let the flames die down

pull off the road and park in an open area

find a service station to pull into

open the door and jump out of the vehicle

35 / 40

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

within the first 50 miles of driving

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

before the trip

36 / 40

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

have a drink to calm your nerves

stay in your vehicle and do nothing until help arrives

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

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

37 / 40

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

a bridge

wet-looking road

a shaded area

all of these answers are correct

38 / 40

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

tie rod

main spring

hydraulic fluid reservoir

steering knuckle

39 / 40

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

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

warning devices for parked vehicles, first aid kit, flares

first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flares

none of these answers are correct

40 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the brake drums from failing

keep the axles in place

keep the steering wheel tight

keep the load secure

Your score is

The average score is 62%

4.6/5 - (10 votes)

CDL General Knowledge Test

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CDL General
Knowledge Test