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

Select the true statement in regards to an application pressure gauge:

when accelerating it releases air

it prevents the brakes from failing

it is connected to the generator

it shows how much air pressure you are applying to the brakes

2 / 40

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

The landing gear

Electrical/air connections

The frame

The locking pins/tandem release arm

3 / 40

Where are the two main places where the hazardous material identification number appears?

On the package and on paperwork at the shipping point of origin.

On the shipping papers and on a secret document in the driver's wallet.

On the shipping papers and on the package.

On the package and on paperwork at the shipping destination.

4 / 40

Which of the following statements about special danger of loading and unloading is true?

Students should be told to leave any dropped objects and move to the point of safety out of danger and get the driver's attention to retrieve the object.

Students should be told not to use the handrails when exiting the bus due to the possibility of causing a clothing hang up.

Students should be told to pick up any dropped objects as long as it is not under the bus.

Students should be told to remain seated while the bus is in motion.

5 / 40

The trailer should be lowered so that _____.

you are able to use the landing gear to make adjustments

the tractor comes in contact with the nose of the trailer

the trailer is high above the fifth wheel

it is slightly raised when the tractor is backed under it

6 / 40

Air tanks need to be drained:

air tanks should absolutely never be drained

to prevent water and oil from building up in the tank

to keep the tanks cold when not in use

to keep the tanks warm when not in use

7 / 40

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

that the tire tread is sufficient for the expected driving conditions

that the registration is in the cup holder

that the radio transmits a signal

that there are no leaks in the air brake system

8 / 40

Select the statement that best describes what the trailer air supply control does:

when pushed in it supplies the tractor with air and when pulled out it supplies the trailer with air

when pushed in it supplies the trailer with air and when you pull it out it shuts off the air supply and puts on the trailer emergency brakes

when pulled out it supplies the trailer with air and when pushed in it shuts off the air and puts on the trailer emergency brakes

when pushed it it supplies the trailer with air and when pulled out it supplies the tractor with air

9 / 40

Which of these statements about signaling is correct?

Signaling is a warning, not a request.

Leave your signal on long after you've changed lanes.

Signal to others that it is safe to pass your bus.

Signal your intentions early and continuously.

10 / 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)

tire retread that is mismatched

brakes that are not aligned properly

when using the engine brake more than the brakes

excessive heat from extensive use

11 / 40

You are checking the_______when looking at the dipstick to see if the lubrication is at the safe operating range or above the refill line.

washer fluid level

coolant level

battery fluid level

oil level

12 / 40

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

have a drink to calm your nerves

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

stay in your vehicle and do nothing until help arrives

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

13 / 40

What method should be used to test that the air is flowing to all the trailers?

listen for air flow after opening the shutoff valves at the rear of the last trailer

pump the brakes with the windows down

only a certified mechanic can check for this

check the pressure indicator dial on the final trailer

14 / 40

You must carry a gas mask with you when transporting:

Poison

Flammable materials

Chlorine

Liquid gas

15 / 40

The most important hand signal you should agree on with a helper is:

“go”

“faster”

“stop”

“turn up the music”

16 / 40

At around____the governor allows the air compressor to start pumping again:

225 psi

125 psi

175 psi

100 psi

17 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to the center of gravity for tanks:

The vehicle can turn over even when driving at the posted speed limit for curves.

None of the answers listed.

The center of gravity is generally lower than with other large trucks.

The vehicle can handle higher speeds around curves than other large trucks.

18 / 40

The blind spot behind the bus could extend to how many feet?

100 feet

300 feet

400 feet

200 feet

19 / 40

"Outages" is the word to describe the amount of space required for liquids to expand in as they warm.

False, it's when the vehicle air braking system fails in some way

False, it's when the vehicle power system fails in some way

True

False, it's when the vehicle engine fails in some way

20 / 40

Your vehicle is going down a long hill and your brakes begin to fail. What should you do?

pump the brake pedal

look for an escape ramp or an escape route

put the gears in neutral

downshift

21 / 40

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

Any of the last row seats.

Window seats.

None of these answers are correct.

The driver's seat only.

22 / 40

You don't want to use wheel chocks when hooking a combination to a second trailer with no spring brakes. What should you do?

none of the answers listed

use a portable generator to supply brake pressure

make sure the trailer will not roll away when coupling

supply air to the trailer air system via the tractor and then disconnect the emergency line

23 / 40

When driving tank vehicles you should:

Maintain the posted speed limit as you enter the curve.

Come to a stop before entering a curve and then accelerate through it.

Decrease your speed before entering a curve and then accelerate through it.

None of the answers listed.

24 / 40

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

trucks traveling on ice or snow require greater stopping distances

trucks traveling at higher speeds require greater stopping distances

empty trucks require greater stopping distances because they have less traction

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

25 / 40

You are required to have a tank endorsement when transporting:

Gas or liquid

Passengers

Materials that are hazardous

Bulk fertilizer

26 / 40

The belt that you need to make sure is securely mounted, without frays, and adjusts and latches properly is the:

The seat/safety belt

The power steering belt

The water pump belt

The air compressor belt

27 / 40

The best way to have control on curves is:

to decrease to your safe speed before entering the curve and then accelerate through it

keep pressure on the brake pedal through the turn

to shift to a lower gear before entering the curve

you do not need to do anything different

28 / 40

A vehicle placarded for Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives:

May never be parked on private property.

May never be left unattended under any condition.

May not be parked on the cosignee's property.

May be left unattended in a safe haven.

29 / 40

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

All of these answers are correct.

Make it easy to open and close.

Make it easy to identify.

Make it as light as possible.

30 / 40

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

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

A child set off a stink bomb inside the bus.

The bus abs warning light is on.

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

31 / 40

Select the two reasons as to why special care is needed when driving a tank vehicle:

The danger of surge and the low center of gravity.

The danger of surge and the high center of gravity.

None of the answers listed.

The chance of rollover and of spontaneous combustion.

32 / 40

If you have riders on board, you must never refuel:

In a closed building.

With any window open.

Unless on a scenic tour bus.

At any time.

33 / 40

In what location must you keep your shipping papers which describe any hazardous materials?

In a fire-safe pouch under the driver's seat that you can reach while you are driving.

In a locked glove compartment anytime you are outside of the vehicle.

On the driver's seat anytime you are outside of the vehicle.

In a fire-safe pouch under the passenger seat while you are driving.

34 / 40

Select the statement that best explains the "crack-the-whip" effect.

it is when the trailer is half full with the cargo loaded in the front half of the trailer. When you make a sudden movement of your steering wheel the cargo will forcefully slide towards the back of the trailer which will force the trailer to roll over.

it is when the trailer is half full with the cargo loaded in the rear half of the trailer. When you make a sudden movement of your steering wheel the cargo will forcefully slide towards the back of the trailer which will force the trailer to roll over.

it is when you make a sudden movement of the steering wheel or a quick lane change and the rear trailer tends to swing out. The force of the rear trailer becomes amplified, which will cause it to roll over (rearward amplification).

it is when you make a sudden movement of the steering wheel or a quick lane change and the tractor tends to rock and sway. The velocity of the rearmost trailer forces the tractor to roll over before the trailer.

35 / 40

What handling effect should you expect when your tank has baffles?

The surge will be slower than a tank without baffles.

There will not be as much side to side surge compared to a tank without baffles.

There will not be as much front to back surge compared to a tank without baffles.

There is no difference in handling when you have baffles.

36 / 40

The bus driver must accept responsibility for supervising and controlling students while on the bus route. Who is the person in charge?

The school district superintendent.

Bus driver.

Students on the bus.

Parents of the students on the bus.

37 / 40

What is the reason that placards are used?

communicate the risk

to prevent terrorism

so hazmat is not mixed with food

it is the law

38 / 40

You should check____when loading the small tanks of a cargo tank with bulkheads.

none of the answers listed

the fuel to air ratio

the weight distribution

the expansion rate

39 / 40

What color are all school buses painted?

The individual district decides the exact color.

Florescent yellow.

Orange yellow.

National school bus yellow.

40 / 40

A trailer is at the right height to have the tractor backed up to it when:

it'll raise slightly when the tractor is backed up under it

the top of the kingpin is even with the bottom of the fifth wheel

the kingpin is about 1 1/5 inches above the fifth wheel

the fifth wheel will not come in contact with the kingpin

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

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A pennsylvania Commercial Drivers License

Hit the Open Road

pennsylvania CDL License Test Tips

Additional Information

Information on the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles

Additional Pennsylvania CDL Helpful Links

pennsylvania
CDL Practice Test