District of Columbia
CDL Practice Test

Simply because the District of Columbia is the only place in the country that has legal taxation without representation doesn't mean there are no laws at all! Every commercial driver in Washington DC must have a valid commercial driver's license. Typically those licenses will be issued in other jurisdictions but Washington DC can and does issue its own. This online exam will help you practice for the District of Columbia CDL Test. 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. Good luck!

1 / 40

You do not have a hazardous materials endorsement on your commercial driver license. When can you legally haul hazardous materials?

Only when the shipment does not cross state lines.

Never.

Only when the vehicle does not require placards.

Only in the event of a federally declared emergency situation.

2 / 40

What is the movement of the liquid called when the tanks are partially filled?

Crashing

Framing

Knocking

Surging

3 / 40

What are shippers trying to accomplish when they package the material?

Make it easy to identify.

Make it as light as possible.

All of these answers are correct.

Make it easy to open and close.

4 / 40

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

your mirrors

all of these answers are correct

a helper

rear view cameras

5 / 40

With Division 1.2 or 1.3 Explosive B, how close to the travelled part of the roadway can you park?

Minimum of 15 feet

Minimum of 2 feet

Minimum of 5 feet

Minimum of 10 feet

6 / 40

A disruptive passenger:

Is not your responsibility.

Should not be allowed on the bus.

May be thrown off the bus.

Should not be discharged where it would be unsafe for them.

7 / 40

Which seats not securely fastened to the bus are usually allowed?

The driver's seat only.

None of these answers are correct.

Any of the last row seats.

Window seats.

8 / 40

The correct trailer height when coupling the rear trailer is:

when the locking jaws are open around the kingpin

there is 5 inches of space between the lower and upper fifth wheel

slightly lower than the center of the fifth wheel

the kingpin is touching the fifth wheel

9 / 40

Air pressure should build___with a dual air system.

from 85 to 100 psi in 45 seconds

from 60 to 100 psi in 45 seconds

from 50 to 80 psi in 60 seconds

from 70 to 125 psi in 60 seconds

10 / 40

A baffled tanker has:

Bulkheads with holes that allow liquid to flow through it.

Separate compartments inside the trailer.

Balls floating in it to increase the speed of the liquid movement.

No side to side surge.

11 / 40

If there is rust around the nuts, what may it indicate?

There is a leak somewhere.

They need to be changed out.

They are loose.

They are fitted just right.

12 / 40

One reason hauling liquids in tank vehciles require special care is:

Because of the movement of the liquid.

Because of uneven expansion.

Because of strong winds.

Because of the extreme weight.

13 / 40

When inspecting your bus, you must make sure that:

Rider signaling devices are working.

Emergency exit handles are secure.

All of these answers are correct.

Every handhold and railing is secure.

14 / 40

Before backing under the trailer after connecting the air lines you should:

double check to make sure the trailer brakes are off

supply air to the trailer system and then pull the air supply knob out

have a random pedestrian direct your path of travel

take a walk around the vehicle to make sure it is clear of obstructions

15 / 40

How do you test the trailer service brakes?

release air to the spring brakes

apply the hand control and check to see if you feel the trailer brakes come on

test the brakes out while driving at 5 mph

apply pressure to the brake pedal

16 / 40

The best way to describe a dual air brake system is:

there is a primary and secondary system that is 2 separate air brake systems

all of these answers are correct

there are 2 separate air brake systems that have their own hoses, lines etc

there are 2 separate air brake systems that supply air to the trailer if there is one

17 / 40

When does stab braking occur?

when the wheels lock up, release the brakes

apply pressure all the way on the brake pedal

when the wheels start rolling, apply the brakes

all of these answers are correct

18 / 40

Select the true statement about retest markings:

All answers listed.

They must be stamped on the tank.

It shows what type of inspection or test was completed.

Must have a date of the last retest marked.

19 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

an empty van is lower than a loaded one

the weight of the cargo changes a truck's height

athe heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

warning lights are always installed on low bridges and overpasses

20 / 40

Which of the following statements about stopping distances is NOT true?

trucks traveling at higher speeds require greater stopping distances

trucks traveling on ice or snow require greater stopping distances

brakes, tires, springs and shocks are designed to work best when the truck is empty

empty trucks require greater stopping distances because they have less traction

21 / 40

To decide which placards you need, if any, what three things do you need to know?

Packing group numbers, amount being shipped, and amount of all hazardous materials of all classes on your vehicle.

Materials hazard class, location being shipped, and amount of all hazardous materials on your vehicle.

Materials hazard class, amount being shipped, and amount of all hazardous materials of all classes on your vehicle.

Materials hazard class, percentage of total volume, and amount of all hazardous materials on your vehicle.

22 / 40

Where are shut-off valves located?

at the front of the trailer

at the back of the trailer

either at the front or the back of the trailer

at the front and back of the trailer

23 / 40

What is the best way to prevent brakes form overheating while drive down a steep grade?

use countersteering practices

drive at a speed of 5 mph below your safe speed

use the stab braking method

use the trailer brakes only

24 / 40

The sliding mechanism and locking device for a tandem axle on trailers is:

Apron

Metal frame

Suspension system

Locking pins/tandem release arm

25 / 40

Why should you use chocks when parking a trailer without spring brakes?

the trailer wheels are free to turn as there will be no service brakes should the air supply in the trailer air tank leak

to prevent someone from stealing the vehicle

to prevent a runaway trailer

the trailer wheels are free to turn as there will be no emergency brakes should the air supply in the trailer air tank leak

26 / 40

When should the trailer hand valve be used?

to test the trailer brakes

when parked in a service lot

when driving at highway speeds

all answers listed

27 / 40

The object that doesn't get checked at the side of the trailer is the:

Electrical/air connections

The frame

The landing gear

The locking pins/tandem release arm

28 / 40

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

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

before the trip

29 / 40

Drivers who transport route controlled radioactive materials must carry a dated certificate of radioactive materials training. This training must have ocurred within the last:

3 years

2 years

1 years

4 years

30 / 40

What is the normal operating range for a truck's oil pressure?

This is engine-specific

40-60 psi

30-75 psi

20-30 psi

31 / 40

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

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

look at your path

use mirrors on both sides

use a helper

32 / 40

The floor liner for explosives may not:

Contain steel or iron.

Contain cracks or holes.

Contain nails or screws.

Contain any of these materials.

33 / 40

When arriving at the destination announce:

The location.

All of these answers are correct.

The reason for stopping.

The next departure time.

34 / 40

Which of the following will confirm that you are driving with anti-lock brakes?

Red indicator lamp on the brake cylinder.

The certification on the driver side door.

The bus operators manual.

Yellow abs malfunction lamp on the instrument panel will light when you start the engine.

35 / 40

Always try to back toward the driver's side because

it's more comfortable for turning your neck

all of these answers are correct

your truck will naturally pull toward the driver's side

you can see better, watching the vehicle rear out the side window

36 / 40

When does your vehicle's single brake system need an adjustment?

when the pressure builds from 85 to 100 psi in less than 1 minute

when the governor stops between 75-90 psi

if the pressure builds from 50 to 75 psi in less than 3 minutes

if the compressor cuts out at between 70 and 90 psi

37 / 40

Do you need to stop before a railroad crossing if you are hauling 100 pounds of Division 4.3 Dangerous When Wet material?

Only in populated areas

Yes

Only if you have more than 1,001 pounds of it

38 / 40

To prevent a roll over a driver can 1) keep the cargo as low to the ground as possible and 2) _____.

have the fifth wheel's free play as tight as possible

have the brakes properly adjusted

drive while intoxicated

take turns slowly

39 / 40

When should you avoid using the parking brake?

while on an incline

when the air pressure is low

whenever you park

when the brakes are hot

40 / 40

After coupling with a trailer, what position should the front trailer supports be in before driving away?

in the fully raised position with the crank handle secured to its bracket

raised half way with the crank handle stored in the cab

none of the answers listed

raised to the top and then taken 3 cranks down and the crank handle stored in its bracket

Your score is

The average score is 0%

5/5 - (1 vote)

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How To Get A District of Columbia Commercial Drivers License

In the District of Columbia, there are classifications of motor vehicles that may only be driven by those with a current commercial drivers license. Additionally, there are four classes of endorsements, including school bus, passenger and tanker. Any vehicle with a gross weight rating over 26,000 pounds is considered commercial in the District of Columbia.

Additional endorsements also include:

Hazardous Materials
Double/Triple Trailer
Tanker
Passenger
School Bus

Requirements to Obtain a District of Columbia CDL:

Have a valid non-commercial driver license
Meet identity, residency, and good driving history eligibility qualifications
Take the applicable CDL knowledge tests
Get a CDL learner permit
Pass the CDL road skills test

A Commercial Driver in Washington DC is held to a higher standard than drivers of typical passenger or other non-commerical vehicles. CDL holders must pass both written tests as well as a practical / skills test. You may practice for the written test using our online CDL test tool above. Upon successful completion, of the official Washington DC CDL skills test, you will be a fully licensed driver and ready to take to the open road!

Hit the Open Road

District of Columbia CDL License Test Tips

You think you're ready? Hold on there, Turbo! Check out these CDL Test Tips before you go zipping to the DMV for your exam!

You must have your CDL learner permit for at least 30 days prior to scheduling your road skills test.
Make an appointment on the DC Online Road Test Appointment Scheduler. Make sure to have your driver license number handy...you'll need it.
On your test day, arrive 15 minutes early. You will need to bring a CDL licensed driver aged 21 or older and this person must hold the CDL class and endorsements you are testing for.

You'll need to bring a few other things with you as well.

valid CDL learner permit
valid NCDL
DOT medical certification card
an appropriate vehicle in which to complete your CDL test
current registration and insurance for the vehicle

If you fail the CDL test you must wait three calendar days before attempting it again. If you fail a second time, you cannot re-test for ninety days!

Additional Information

Information on the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles

The District of Columbia CDL certifying agency is responsible for testing and certifying all commercial drivers. To get more information contact them via:

Website: https://dmv.dc.gov/service/obtain-commercial-driver-license
Phone: 202.673.6813
Email: [email protected]

Additional Washington DC CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to learn more about helpful topics related to the District of Columbia CDL testing program or other CDL-related topics.

District of Columbia CDL Practice Test

District of Columbia Drivers Test

District of Columbia Motorcycle Test

District of Columbia CDL Test

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A District of Columbia Commercial Drivers License

Hit the Open Road

District of Columbia CDL License Test Tips

Additional Information

Information on the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles

Additional Washington DC CDL Helpful Links

District of Columbia
CDL Practice Test