pennsylvania
CDL Practice Test

Welcome to the Pennsylvania CDL practice test site. CDL rules and regulations covered on these practice tests come from the PA DMV CDL Manual. You can take these practice test questions as many times as you like as you attempt to obtain your PA CDL. 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 stop all skids?

quickly turn the steering wheel side to side

accelerate and countersteer

use controlled or stab braking

restore traction back to the tires

2 / 40

Which of the following are possible causes of tire fires?

improperly loaded cargo and dual tires that touch

loose fuel connections or under-inflated tires

poor cargo ventilation or short circuits

dual tires that touch and under-inflated tires

3 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to large combination vehicles taking longer to stop.

they take the same amount of time to stop when empty or loaded

they take longer to stop when loaded down

they take longer to stop than bobtail tractors

they take longer to stop when they are empty

4 / 40

What placards, if any, do you need if your load includes 20 pounds of Division 2.3 gas and 1,001 pounds of flammable gas?

Poison 23 and dangerous.

Poison 23 and flammable gas 21.

Just dangerous placards are required.

None, you cannot load these materials together.

5 / 40

Start by___when coupling.

coupling the converter hook to the pintle tongue of the first trailer

backing the converter dolly under the second trailer

having the second trailer against the dock

coupling the tractor to the second trailer

6 / 40

Select the true statement:

None of the answers listed.

A "bobtail" tractor will take longer to stop than a combination vehicle that is fully loaded down to the maximum weight.

Wait as long as possible to brake when driving a heavy vehicle.

Lighter vehicles requiring more braking power to stop compared to heavier vehicles.

7 / 40

What is always required before loading, driving, or unloading a tanker?

Clean the vehicle

An inspection

Registration of driving plan

Shift into park

8 / 40

Select the step that comes first:

connect the air supply lines

shift into reverse

lower the landing gear

apply a firm pressure to the trailer brakes

9 / 40

What are spring brakes?

they are large springs that are held closed by air pressure if the air pressure is increased the brakes are applied

none of the answers listed

they are powerful springs that are restrained by air pressure when the air pressure is removed, the brakes are applied

they are big springs with air pressure in them if the air pressure decreases, the brakes are applied

10 / 40

When must a driver’s inspection report be completed?

At the end of each shift.

Before driving your bus.

All of these answers are correct.

Only if defects are found.

11 / 40

When is it acceptable for non-hazardous materials to be described by hazard class words or identification numbers?

For hazards not described in the hazmat manual

Never

During an emergency

Always

12 / 40

When should you not use the parking brakes?

when the brakes are hot

while on a steep hill

while in hot weather

when air pressure is low

13 / 40

What are the dividers that are inside tankers that have an opening at the bottom and top?

Baffles

Bulkmets

Layers

Taffles

14 / 40

Which of the following statements about "Radioactive" labels is true?

Black iii indicates the highest level of radioactivity.

White i indicates the highest level of radioactivity.

Yellow ii indicates the highest level of radioactivity.

Yellow iii indicates the highest level of radioactivity.

15 / 40

When conducting a pre-trip inspection, the most important item to verify is _____.

that the registration is in the cup holder

that the radio transmits a signal

that there are no leaks in the air brake system

that the tire tread is sufficient for the expected driving conditions

16 / 40

When driving on a clear night with the vehicle lights on, your speed should be such that you can stop within _____.

the distance you can see ahead of you

the distance you will travel in 10 seconds time

the length of half a football field

2 times the length of your vehicle

17 / 40

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

stop any bleeding and keep the victims warm

notify authorities

move the victims out of the way immediately

protect the area

18 / 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 1/4 mile for open highway driving

about 1 block for city driving

about 12-15 seconds

about 5 car lengths on the highway

19 / 40

Select the true statement about tractor protection valve:

if the air supply drops to a certain level it will automatically close itself

it is closed by the parking brakes

it provides the air supply to the brake system

all of these answers are correct

20 / 40

How do you determine if slack adjusters need to be adjusted?

release the parking brakes and service brakes

pull out the automatic slack adjustment control knob

activiate the parking brake and service brake

release the parking brakes and activate the service brakes

21 / 40

Select the vehicle that off-tracks the most.

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 45-foot long trailer

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 32-foot long trailer

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 52-foot long trailer

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 40-foot long trailer

22 / 40

What action should you take if there is no phone available and you discover your hazardous materials shipment leaking at a rest stop?

Keep driving, slowly and cautiously, until you reach a phone.

Send someone for help with all the necessary information.

Keep driving for help as quickly as possible.

Leave your truck parked with emergency lights on and walk for help.

23 / 40

What does the amount of liquid allowed in the tank depend on?

The legally allowed weight limits.

All answers listed.

Whether and how much the liquid will expand during the trip.

The size of the tank.

24 / 40

What is the purpose of a baffle?

It allows you to haul loads that are mixed.

It controls the surge of liquid forward and backwards.

It stops side to side surging.

It makes it easier to clean the tanker out.

25 / 40

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

Both of these conditions must be met.

The correct answer is not listed.

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

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).

26 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the brake drums from failing

keep the axles in place

keep the steering wheel tight

keep the load secure

27 / 40

Rods, connecting links, and arms from the steering box to the wheel are a part of the:

Power steering fluid

CB radio

Braking system

Steering linkage

28 / 40

This item does not need to be checked during the cab check.

The defroster/heater

The windshield wipers and fluid levels

The air conditioning

The horn

29 / 40

What product is typically carried in a liquid tank trailer without baffles?

Fertilizer.

Fuel.

Hydrogen peroxide.

Food or milk products.

30 / 40

Air brake systems should not lose air faster than____when testing for air leakage rates in combination vehicles before applying the brake pedal.

5 psi a minute

3 psi a minute

2 psi a minute

6 psi a minute

31 / 40

Which trailer is most likely to turn over when you make a sudden turn while pulling doubles?

trailers will never turn over

there is an even chance for either trailer

the rear trailer is twice as likely

the front trailer is twice as likely

32 / 40

The reason a bulk liquid tanker is hard to handle is:

Because the cargo has a low center of gravity.

Because the cargo has a high center of gravity.

Because of the high friction point.

Because the cargo has a high density.

33 / 40

When should you check your mirrors for a lane change?

All of these answers are correct.

Right after starting the lane change.

After completing the lane change.

Before and after signaling the change.

34 / 40

Which of the following is a reason to evacuate the school bus?

The bus is stalled on a rail road track, but there is no train in sight.

The bus abs warning light is on.

A child set off a stink bomb inside the bus.

The bus is stalled on a shoulder of a 4-lane divided highway and it is getting hot inside.

35 / 40

Select the true statement:

wait to brake heavy vehicles for as long as you can

you should always ride the brakes

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

light vehicles require more braking power than heavier vehicles

36 / 40

There are 2 reasons as to why hauling liquids take special care. One reason is the ___center of gravity.

long

narrow

high

low

37 / 40

There must not be more than_____for engine compartment belts.

1/2 inch of play at the center of the belt

1/4 inch of play at the ends of the belt

1/2 inch of play at the end of the belts

3/4 inch of play at the center of the belt

38 / 40

On a drawbridge, you do not need to stop, but must slow down and make sure it's safe, when:

Both of these answers are correct.

The bridge has an attendant or traffic officer who controls traffic whenever the bridge opens.

There is a traffic light showing green.

None of these answers are correct.

39 / 40

The cause of almost half of all truck driver deaths are:

a result of excessive speed

a result of changing lanes too frequently

a result of rollover

a result of following behind too closely

40 / 40

Anti-lock brakes:

Keep your wheels from locking during hard brake application.

Are not available in mosst busses.

Work only when you activate in-cab switch.

Lengthen stopping distance.

Your score is

The average score is 0%

5/5 - (1 vote)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A pennsylvania Commercial Drivers License

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

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

Pennsylvania CDL applicants must be medically certified that they are physically fit enough to operate a commercial vehicle and pass a vision test. Pennsylvania applicants must get assistance with the forms from a qualified CDL physician and submit the following documents:

(Form MCSA-5875) Medical Examination Report Form
(Form MCSA-5876) Medical Examiner’s Certificate

Applicants who receive a CDL must keep their Medical Examiner’s Certificate with them at all times while they are operating a commercial vehicle.

Drivers who have had their licenses revoked, suspended, denied or canceled are not eligible for a CDL in Pennsylvania. Applicants can be disqualified for having multiple licenses.

Pennsylvania CDL Endorsements

H – Hazmat Vehicles
N – Tank Vehicles
P – Passenger Vehicles
S – School Bus
T – Double or Triple Trailer
X – Combination Tank Vehicles and Hazmat Vehicles

Hit the Open Road

pennsylvania CDL License Test Tips

All Pennsylvania CDL applicants must pass the general knowledge test prior to taking the skills test. To pass the Pennsylvania test, applicants must score 80 percent or higher. Applicants who require additional endorsements must pass additional tests and pay the required fees. The Pennsylvania skills test can be taken 15 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 and current military members can apply to have the skills exam waived if they meet the requirements.

To qualify for a waiver, applicants must:

Be active duty military personnel.
Operate a commercial vehicle as part of their military duties.
Have been discharged from the military within the past 12 months.
Submit an Application for CDL Skills Test Waiver.

Additional Information

Information on the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles

The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles administers CDL license regulations in Pennsylvania. To get more information contact them via:

Website: https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Commercial-Driver/Pages/default.aspx

Phone: 717.412.5300

Additional Pennsylvania CDL Helpful Links

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

pennsylvania CDL Practice Test