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

As the driver of a bus, how can you best avoid hindering other traffic on the highway?

By staying in the right lane if you can.

By never passing.

By passing only the slowest vehicles.

By driving faster than the other traffic.

2 / 40

Which two special conditions indicate that you should downshift?

starting down a hill and entering a curve

starting up a hill and finishing a curve

starting down a hill and finishing a curve

starting up a hill and entering a curve

3 / 40

A safe haven is:

A place to stay once you have reported your company for illegal activity.

A place where it is safe to dump any kind of hazardous materials.

The slang term for the last stop at the end of your driving day when carrying hazardous materials.

A place that has been approved to park unattended vehicles carrying explosives.

4 / 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

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

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

5 / 40

Which of the following is NOT a part of the steering system?

steering knuckle

tie rod

hydraulic fluid reservoir

main spring

6 / 40

Select when you should use the parking brake:

each time you leave your vehicle for any amount of time

when in residential areas

with rare exception, every time you leave your vehicle

when you are leaving your vehicle for more than an hour

7 / 40

Select the true statement about empty trucks:

empty trailers are easier to stop because there is not cargo shifting

they have poor traction due to wheel lockup and bouncing

they have a smaller stopping distance than full trailers

empty trucks stop in the same distance as a fully loaded truck

8 / 40

Check that the parking brake will hold by____when the parking brake is engaged and the trailer brakes released if not a combination vehicle.

while in neutral increase the rpm to 1500

all answers listed

shifting down to a low gear and trying to pull forward gently

shift up into a high gear and let off the clutch quickly

9 / 40

Select the true statement about emergency brakes:

all of these answers are correct

they are required to be held on by a mechanical force

they are required on all commercial vehicles

they are required to be activated the loss of air pressure

10 / 40

In what position should the shut off valves on a the rear of the front trailer be in on a set of double trailers?

in a closed position

in an open position

in a halfway open position

in a 1/3 way open position

11 / 40

How should the hand valve be used?

only when accompanied by the foot brake

only when the trailer is loaded to its maximum weight

only when accompanied by the service brakes

to test the trailer brakes

12 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to empty trucks:

they are easier to stop because there isn't cargo shifting in the trailer

they may have poor traction due to bouncing and wheel lockup

they require a shorter stopping distance than a fully loaded trailer

none of the answers listed

13 / 40

Select the true statement about converter dollies:

they usually do not have spring brakes

they typically require a glad hand converter

all answers listed

because of their small size they have little braking power

14 / 40

How should you inspect a converter dolly?

as if it is a trailer

as if it is cargo

as if it is an engine

as if it is an axle with a fifth wheel

15 / 40

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

fully engage the clutch

aggressively pump the accelerator

apply the parking brake

shift to neutral

16 / 40

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

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.

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

The bus abs warning light is on.

17 / 40

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

true

only in ideal conditions

false

only in bad weather

18 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to when a bulk tank vehicle stops at an intersection on a slippery surface:

The movement of the liquid may push the truck into the intersection.

The trailer may slide into the oncoming traffic.

The trailer may slide to the side due to the rocking motion.

The liquid may leak out of the tank.

19 / 40

Where are shut off valves located on trailers that are doubles or triples?

on emergency and service air lines

on service air lines

on emergency air lines

on parking brake lines

20 / 40

What are the three hazard classes should NOT be loaded into a trailer that has a heater air conditioner unit?

Class 1 explosives, class 8 corrosives, and division 5 oxidizers.

Class 1 explosives, class 3 flammable liquids, and division 21 flammable gas.

Class 2 explosives, class 3 flammable solids, and division 21 inhalation hazard.

None of these answers are correct.

21 / 40

The best way to go into a curve is to decrease your speed going into the curve and then ____going through it.

slightly accelerate

shift down 2 gears

ride the brake

none of the answers listed

22 / 40

When transporting explosives you may not park:

Near an open fire.

Within 5 feet of the traveled part of the road.

Within 300 feet of a tunnel.

All of these answers are correct.

23 / 40

What are some of the important parts in the steering system?

leaf spring, vehicle frame, torque rod

rim, lug nuts, tire

main spring, axle, spring shackle

tie rod, spindle, pitman arm

24 / 40

At what pressure is the safety valve in the air compressor tank set to open?

125 psi

100 psi

150 psi

225 psi

25 / 40

You should adjust all the outside left and right side convex mirrors to see:

The children's exit path out of the main bus door.

The entire area to the rear of the mirror along the side of the bus.

200 feet behind the bus.

The right and left front tires touching the ground.

26 / 40

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

The legally allowed weight limits.

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

The size of the tank.

All answers listed.

27 / 40

Before pulling away, make sure the landing gear of the trailer is:

Down and that the handle is secured.

Raised and that the handle is secured.

Down and that the handle is hanging free.

Raised and that the handle is hanging free.

28 / 40

The gauge that needs to come up to normal levels after starting the engine within a few seconds is _____.

oil temperature

oil pressure

blood pressure

air brake pressure

29 / 40

You should decrease to a safe speed before entering a curve and then_____through it.

accelerate

ride the brakes

pump the brakes

shift down 2 gears

30 / 40

You should___when driving down a long steep hill.

repeatedly pump the brake pedal

begin braking once the vehicle is 10 mph above safe speed

use the engine brakes only

release the brake once the vehicle is traveling 5 mph below the safe speed

31 / 40

This gauge will indicate if the generator or alternator is charging:

Oil pressure

Voltmeter/ammeter

Coolant

Gas tank

32 / 40

At 55 miles-per-hour it takes about 6 seconds to stop a fully loaded truck and the braking distance is:

about the length of a football field or 100 yards

about 1/4 mile

about two truck lengths

about two car lengths

33 / 40

You should keep a minimum of ____between another vehicle and the double trailer with 100 ft truck driving at 30 mph.

8 seconds

15 seconds

10 seconds

13 seconds

34 / 40

When stopped on a divided highway where should your reflectors be placed?

30 feet, 100 feet, and 150 feet toward the approaching traffic

20 feet, 150 feet, and 300 feet toward the approaching traffic

15 feet, 75 feet, and 150 feet toward the approaching traffic

10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic

35 / 40

When inspecting your bus, you must make sure that:

Emergency exit handles are secure.

Every handhold and railing is secure.

Rider signaling devices are working.

All of these answers are correct.

36 / 40

How should the pintle hook be when backing a dolly under the second trailer?

in a halfway open position

in the unlatched position

removed from the dolly

in the latched position

37 / 40

Which of the following answers lists the three types of emergency equipment you must have on your bus?

Hydraulic jack, fire extinguisher, signal flares.

Emergency reflectors, fire extinguisher, signal flares and tire repair kit.

Repair kit, spare electric fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers), and fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers), and emergency reflectors.

38 / 40

You can be sure air is supplied to the second trailer by:

watch the air gauge for a drop of 30 psi

you should get out and listen for air flowing through the lines

going to the rear of the second trailer and open the emergency line shut off

while driving at 10 mph apply the hand valve you should stop at the same in the same distance as a single trailer driving at 5 mph

39 / 40

What does the amount of liquid you can carry depend on?

The vehicle's horsepower rating.

The outage of the liquid.

The material the baffles are made from.

The center of gravity.

40 / 40

You need to raise the landing gear just to the height of where it clears the pavement before driving.

only in raining conditions

false

only in ideal conditions

true

Your score is

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