new york
CDL Practice Test

Welcome to the CDL practice test site for New York State. Our test questions are designed to prepare you for the questions you’ll see on the New York State DMV CDL Test. The questions on these practice tests cover topics from the NYS CDL manual. You can take these New York CDL practice tests as many times as you need to, and the tests are free to take. 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.

1 / 40

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

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 4 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

2 / 40

If the hazardous materials are classified as FORBIDDEN you should:

Remove the placards from the trailer.

Refuse the load.

Place the materials in the front of the trailer.

Take special caution in transporting the material.

3 / 40

A driver of a tank vehicle should take curves, off ramps, and on ramps at a speed lower than the posted speed limit.

True but only in rainy conditions

True

False

True but only in ideal conditions

4 / 40

Make sure that____when the front trailer supports are up and the trailer is resting on the tractor.

the safety latch is in the open position

there is enough clearance between the lower and upper fifth wheel

the kingpin has been removed

there is enough clearance between the landing gear and the tractor frame

5 / 40

The purpose for the emergency air line is:

to supply air to the trailer air tanks and, on combination vehicles, controls the emergency brakes

supply air to the trailer air tanks and on combination vehicles, controls the service brakes

supply air to the tractor air tanks and on combination vehicles controls the emergency brakes

none of the answers listed

6 / 40

You downshift automatic transmissions ______.

at the bottom of a hill

none of these answers are correct

before going down a hill

half way down a hill

7 / 40

Select the reason as to why you should not use the trailer hand valve while driving.

it should not be used on dry roads due to road conditions

it releases too much air from the system

it could cause the trailer to skid

the trailer brakes will not be evenly applied

8 / 40

Anti-lock brakes:

Are not available in mosst busses.

Keep your wheels from locking during hard brake application.

Work only when you activate in-cab switch.

Lengthen stopping distance.

9 / 40

The direction of liquid movement not prevented by baffles is:

Bottom to top.

Side to side.

Back to front.

None of the answers listed.

10 / 40

Who is responsible for packaging, labeling, and preparing the hazardous material shipping papers for a common carrier?

The carrier

Your spouse

The driver

The shipper

11 / 40

You do not have to stop at railroad crossings, but must slow down and carefully check for other vehicles:

At crossings marked as "exempt" or "abandoned".

All of these answers are correct.

If a traffic signal is green.

Where a policeman or flagman is directing traffic.

12 / 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 5 feet

Minimum of 10 feet

Minimum of 2 feet

13 / 40

What is the standee line?

A line at the back of the bus where passengers must stand before exiting.

A 2 inch line on the floor that all passengers must stay behind.

A 2 inch line down the aisle to help keep passenger traffic flowing.

A line around each seat to help each passenger have a little personal space.

14 / 40

Select the factor that is known to cause brakes to fail or fade. (more than one answer may be correct, but select only one)

when using the engine brake more than the brakes

excessive heat from extensive use

tire retread that is mismatched

brakes that are not aligned properly

15 / 40

What is the earliest way to notice a trailer skid?

you can see it in your mirrors

you can feel a jerk in the back of the tractor

you can feel it pulling your steering wheel

you can hear the tires squealing

16 / 40

The most dangerous time during the school bus ride is:

When loading and unloading students.

When the students become unruly on the bus.

On long bus journeys.

Crossing railway crossing.

17 / 40

You should_____when an emergency requires you to quickly stop your tanker.

keep a firm pressure on the brake pedal

use stab or controlled braking

turn off the abs and brace for impact

use the emergency brakes only

18 / 40

Select whether the following statement is true or false: Front wheel brakes are good to use in all conditions.

false

only in bad weather

true

only in ideal conditions

19 / 40

You may use DANGEROUS placards instead of separate placards for each Table 2 hazard class when:

You have not loaded 2,205 pounds or more of any table 2 hazard class material at any one place (you must use the specific placard for this material).

You have 1,001 pounds or more of two or more table 2 hazard classes, requiring different placards.

Both of these conditions must be met.

The correct answer is not listed.

20 / 40

Select the true statement:

wait to brake heavy vehicles for as long as you can

a bobtail tractor will take longer to stop than a combination vehicle that is loaded to the max

you should always ride the brakes

light vehicles require more braking power than heavier vehicles

21 / 40

This gauge has a governor cut-off.

The coolant temperature gauge

The ammeter gauge

Oil pressure gauge

Air gauge

22 / 40

When would a drive-wheel skid result in a jackknife when pulling doubles?

when the trailer pushes the towed vehicle sideways

when the tractor spins around

when the trailer slides to the right into the shoulder

when the tractor brakes lock up

23 / 40

What do you do first during step 3 of starting the engine and inspecting the inside of the cab?

Start the engine after getting in the cab.

Listen for any unsual noises after starting the engine.

Shift the gear to neutral.

Make sure the parking brake is activated after getting in the cab.

24 / 40

A leak rate for a straight truck or bus air brake system should not exceed _____psi per minute when the engine is off and the brakes are released.

25 / 40

How do you hook a combination to a second trailer without spring brakes and without using wheel chocks?

have the trailer electric cord to a generator so it can supply braking power

go ahead and couple it

disconnect the air supply lines after supplying air to the trailer air system via the tractor

make sure the trailer won't roll when coupling

26 / 40

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

look for brake lights from slowing vehicles

look for vehicles coming into your lane

determine if there are any hills coming up

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

27 / 40

The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is:

1/32-inch

1/2-inch

3/8-inch

4/32-inch

28 / 40

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

before the trip

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

29 / 40

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

5 seconds

3 seconds

4 seconds

6 seconds

30 / 40

You must carry a gas mask with you when transporting:

Chlorine

Flammable materials

Poison

Liquid gas

31 / 40

When should you not use the parking brakes?

when air pressure is low

when the brakes are hot

while on a steep hill

while in hot weather

32 / 40

What will probably happen if the converter dolly is still under the second trailer and the pintle hook is unhooked?

nothing will happen

the air lines will explode

the dolly tow bar could fly up

the engine brakes will unlock

33 / 40

Select the true statement about what the Air Compressor Governor controls:

it controls when the brakes will be applied

it controls when the warning system is activated

it controls when air is released from the storage tank

it controls when the air compressor pumps air into the storage tanks

34 / 40

This object should not be spliced, cut, chafed, or worn through to allow steel braid to show.

The lockjaw

Electric/air lines

Mud flaps

Tires

35 / 40

What position should the tractor protection control valve be in after coupling?

normal

raised

mid position

lowered

36 / 40

You should check your mirrors while making a lane change:

after you signal your intent to change lanes

all answers listed

after you have completed the lane change

right after you start the lane change

37 / 40

What does it mean when the safety valve releases air?

pressure has passed 150 psi

you need it to have it checked out by a mechanic because something is wrong

there is too much air in the air compressor

all of these answers are correct

38 / 40

Why should you test the tractor protection valve?

all answers listed

to avoid the emergency brakes kicking on due to loss of air

to avoid loss of air from the trailer brakes

to avoid loss of air from the air hose

39 / 40

How do you check the connection after locking the kingpin into the fifth wheel?

pull the tractor at a sharp right to release the trailer brakes

pull the tractor ahead gently with the trailer brakes locked down

pull forward 25 feet, turn to the right, and then to the left

pull forward 25 feet, turn to the left, and then to the right

40 / 40

What is the brake system that applies and releases the brakes when the brake pedal is used?

none of the answers listed

lock brake system

service brake system

engine brake system

Your score is

The average score is 0%

4.6/5 - (5 votes)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A new york Commercial Drivers License

To be eligible for a CDL in New York, applicants must meet the following age eligibility requirements.

Be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle intrastate (within New York only).
Be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle interstate (outside of New York).

To be eligible to drive a commercial vehicle in New York, applicants must provide verification that they are physically capable of operating a commercial vehicle. New York applicants must pass a vision test. All applicants must submit the following documents when they apply for a CDL.

(Form 649-F) Medical Examination Report (must be signed by applicant and physician)
CDL Holder Self-Certification document

Drivers who have had their licenses revoked, suspended, denied or canceled and drivers with multiple licenses in different states are not eligible for a CDL in New York. Available endorsements include:

H – Hazmat Vehicles
M – Metal Coil
N – Tank Vehicles
P – Passenger Vehicles
R – Recreational Vehicles Over 26,000 pounds
S – School Bus
T – Double or Triple Trailer
W – Tow Truck
X – Combination Tank and Hazmat Vehicle

Hit the Open Road

new york CDL License Test Tips

Every New York CDL applicant must pass the general knowledge test prior to taking the skills test. This test consists of 50 questions. To pass the New York test, applicants must score 80 percent or higher. Applicants who require additional endorsements must pass additional tests and pay the required fees. The New York skills test can be taken 14 days after applicants pass the knowledge test. It includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills and on-road driving. Applicants must pass each section.

Military veterans who were discharged within 1 year of the application and current military members can apply to have the skills exam waived if they can show proof of military enlistment or discharge, have operated an equivalent military vehicle in the past two years, possess a valid NY driver’s license, and submit an application for the Military Skills Test Waiver that is signed by the commanding officer.

Additional Information

Information on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

The New York Motor State Department of Motor Vehicles provides administers CDL license requirements in New York. To get more information contact them via:

Website: https://dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers/commercial-driver-licenses

Phone: 518.486.9786

Additional New York CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to access more valuable New York CDL testing resources and to learn more about practice driving tests for the state of New York.

new york CDL Practice Test