texas
CDL Practice Test

As you prepare to obtain your CDL in Texas, you can use this site as a guide for practicing common test questions. Rules and regulations covered on these practice tests for a CDL are based on questions from the Texas TxDPS CDL manual. You can take these practice tests as often as you like on your computer or mobile device, and all the tests on this site are 100% free. 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 factor that is known to cause brakes to fail or fade. (more than one answer may be correct, but select only one)

excessive heat from extensive use

when using the engine brake more than the brakes

tire retread that is mismatched

brakes that are not aligned properly

2 / 40

Never refuel your bus:

With any of the windows open.

In a closed building with passengers on board.

With a higher grade of fuel.

Without a static chain.

3 / 40

Select what you should not do when coupling the glad hands.

make sure to match the colors or check the tags before connecting

press the seals together at a 90 degree angle

clean the couplers before connecting them

cross the air supply lines to test for leaks

4 / 40

This gauge has a governor cut-off.

Air gauge

The ammeter gauge

Oil pressure gauge

The coolant temperature gauge

5 / 40

Off-tracking happens when going around a corner and:

the rear wheels follow a different pathway than that of the front wheels

the front part of the trailer pulls to the right

the rear wheels follow the front wheels in a straight path

the rear part of the trailer goes into the shoulder

6 / 40

Why should you cover cargo?

all of these answers are correct

to protect your cargo from bad weather

because many states require it

to protect individuals from any spilled cargo

7 / 40

If there is no traffic light or attendant, how far from the draw of a drawbridge must you stop?

5 feet

100 feet

50 feet

30 feet

8 / 40

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

Electric/air lines

The lockjaw

Mud flaps

Tires

9 / 40

Do you need to stop before a railroad crossing if you are hauling 100 pounds of Division 4.3 materials?

Yes

Only if the arm is down telling vehicles to stop

Impossible to tell without more information

10 / 40

A tank vehicle:

Is a vehicle that can transport liquid.

Is a vehicle that can transport bulk fertilizer.

Is a vehicle that can transport liquified gasses.

All answers listed.

11 / 40

On a bus, you may sometimes haul small-arms ammunition, emergency shipments of drugs, or hospital supplies. The total weight of all such hazardous materials must not be greater than:

100 pounds

250 pounds

300 pounds

500 pounds

12 / 40

This item should not be rusted, bent, or damaged and centered over evenly spaced tires and dual wheels.

Spacers

Frame

Fifth wheel

Lug bolts

13 / 40

Select the false statement about suspension:

Check for shifted, missing, or cracked leaf springs.

Check to make sure torsion bars and/or arms are lubricated.

Check for distorted or broken coil springs.

Check for broken or cracked spring hangers.

14 / 40

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

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

None of the answers listed.

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

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

15 / 40

What might happen if a trailer is too high when you try to couple?

the queen pin may fall off

the trailer may tip to the side

all answers listed

it may not correctly couple

16 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to stopping distance and speed:

All answers listed.

You require 4 times as much stopping distance when driving at 40 mph compared to 20 mph.

A wet road will double the stopping distance at any speed.

Larger / heavier vehicles generally take longer to stop.

17 / 40

What do you need to do to supply air to the air tanks of the second trailer?

none of the answers listed

open the shut off valve at the back of both trailers

close the shut off valves at the back of each trailer

open up the shutt off valves on the rear of the first trailer and close the shut off valve at the back of the second trailer

18 / 40

Select how you can tell if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system:

the vehicle is manufactured after 1998

the vehicle is manufactured after 2005

the vehicle is manufactured after 1990

the vehicle is manufactured after 2001

19 / 40

A driver that hauls hazardous materials must attend training every:

3 years

None of these answers are correct

1 year

2 years

20 / 40

Tires should should be replaced:

when the tread separates

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

all of these answers are correct

when there are broken valve stems

21 / 40

When should air tanks be drained?

at the end of each working day

they don't need to be drained

at every restroom break stop

every 7 days

22 / 40

If you are stopped on an incline, how can you start moving without rolling back?

shift to neutral

aggressively pump the accelerator

fully engage the clutch

apply the parking brake

23 / 40

If you are driving a 100-foot truck with double trailers at 30 mph in dry conditions, how many seconds of space should there be between your truck and other vehicles?

24 / 40

Puddles or dripping fluids from the underside of the transmission and engine may indicate:

A leaking line or hose

Problems with the water pump

All of these answers are correct

A leak from the engine

25 / 40

Which two special conditions indicate that you should downshift?

starting up a hill and entering a curve

starting up a hill and finishing a curve

starting down a hill and finishing a curve

starting down a hill and entering a curve

26 / 40

The CDL manual indicates the last step on picking up students at the bus stop is as follows:

Make a final check to confirm all traffic stops before opening the bus door and signaling students to approach.

Activate the amber flashing caution lights to warn vehicles that the bus will stop to load passengers soon.

Place transmission in park or neutral and set parking brake.

Open the service door just enough to activate the alternating red light when traffic is in a safe distance from the bus.

27 / 40

When accelerating:

"hammer down" when your wheels start to spin

speed up smoothly and gradually and avoid jerking

always use the parking brake to slow down

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

28 / 40

Surge affects the handling of a tanker by:

None of the answers listed.

Increasing the wind drag.

Allowing you to take tighter turns.

Moving the truck in the direction the liquid flows in.

29 / 40

Most states require school bus drivers to take a physical examination:

Every 2 years

Twice per year

Annually

Every 3 years

30 / 40

A minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch is required for:

Non-steer axle tires.

Donut tires.

Driving axle tires.

Parking axle tires.

31 / 40

What should you do before you begin to couple?

activate the spring brakes

position the fifth wheel beforehand

inspect the condition of the frame of the tractor

check your path for any hazards

32 / 40

You must not allow riders to stand:

Within two feet of an emergency exit.

Within two feet of any window.

In front of the standee line.

Between the wheel wells.

33 / 40

The minimum tread depth for tires other than the front tires is ____.

1/32

2/32

4/32

3/32

34 / 40

You should line up_____when getting ready to back under the trailer.

for the kingpin to activate on the driver's side first

directly in front of the trailer

about 12 degrees to the left of the trailer

above 12 degrees to the right of the trailer

35 / 40

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

when the tractor brakes lock up

when the tractor spins around

when the trailer slides to the right into the shoulder

when the trailer pushes the towed vehicle sideways

36 / 40

When inspecting your bus, you must make sure that:

Emergency exit handles are secure.

Every handhold and railing is secure.

All of these answers are correct.

Rider signaling devices are working.

37 / 40

You should expect____when backing a tractor under a trailer.

the trailer to be completely still

the trailer landing gear to be fully extended

the trailer to lift slightly

the end of the kingpin to be level with the top of the fifth wheel

38 / 40

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

They need to be changed out.

There is a leak somewhere.

They are fitted just right.

They are loose.

39 / 40

Which of the following is a reason that shippers package material?

All of these answers are correct.

Because it is the shipper's responsibility to determine whether or not a material is hazardous.

Because it is the shipper's responsibility to correctly label the transport vehicle with precautionary placards.

Because it is the shipper's responsibilty to choose the correct packaging for a material classified as "hazardous".

40 / 40

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

There is a traffic light showing green.

None of these answers are correct.

Both of these answers are correct.

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

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The average score is 0%

4/5 - (2 votes)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A texas Commercial Drivers License

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

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

Texas CDL applicants must be medically certified that they are fit enough to operate a commercial vehicle and pass a vision test. Applicants are required to submit the following documents.

(Form CDL-4) Interstate Driver Certification
(Form CDL-5) Intrastate Driver Certification
(Form CDL-10) Certificate of Physical Exemption 49 CFR Part 391/390

Some applicants may be required to submit a Medical Examiner’s Certificate. Drivers who have had their licenses revoked, suspended, denied or canceled are not eligible for a CDL in Texas. Applicants can be disqualified for having multiple licenses.

Texas 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

texas CDL License Test Tips

All Texas CDL applicants must pass the general knowledge test prior to taking the skills test. This test consists of 50 questions. To pass the Texas CDL test, applicants must score 80 percent or higher. Applicants who require additional endorsements must pass additional tests and pay the required fees. The Texas 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 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 currently enlisted in the military and:

Possess a valid Texas driver’s license.
Have at least 2 years of military truck driving experience. The military vehicle must be similar to the commercial motor vehicle.
Have been honorably discharged from the military within the past 12 months.
Submit (Form CDL-ST WVR) Application for Military Skills Test Waiver signed by your commanding officer.

Additional Information

Information on the Texas Department of Public Safety

The Texas Department of Public Safety administers CDL license requirements in Texas. To get more information contact them via:

Website: http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/CommercialLicense.htm

Phone: 512.424.2000

Additional Texas CDL Helpful Links

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

texas CDL Practice Test