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

Always try to back toward the driver's side because

it's more comfortable for turning your neck

all of these answers are correct

your truck will naturally pull toward the driver's side

you can see better, watching the vehicle rear out the side window

2 / 40

You should turn off your engine when loading flammable liquid unless:

You are a non-smoker.

The material does not need a placard.

You are loading at night and need the headlights.

You need the engine to run the pump.

3 / 40

Do converter dollies have spring brakes?

none of the answers listed

yes

some do

4 / 40

Select the statement that describes how you could damage the landing gear.

have the trailer kingpin centered over the fifth wheel

back under the trailer in a straight path

back under the trailer at an angle

have the tractor and trailer aligned

5 / 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.

6 / 40

You need to be extra careful when driving smooth bore tanks:

When stopping or starting.

All answers listed.

When hauling food or milk products.

When unloading or loading.

7 / 40

Select when you should use the parking brake:

when in residential areas

each time you leave your vehicle for any amount of time

with rare exception, every time you leave your vehicle

when you are leaving your vehicle for more than an hour

8 / 40

What is the reason that placards are used?

communicate the risk

so hazmat is not mixed with food

it is the law

to prevent terrorism

9 / 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.

Keep driving for help as quickly as possible.

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

Send someone for help with all the necessary information.

10 / 40

It is important to know the outage required for the liquids you carry because:

Some of the denser liquids don't need any.

Tank baffles may not always be permitted with outage.

None of these answers are correct.

Some liquids will expand more than others when warm.

11 / 40

What is the first thing to do if your vehicle catches fire while driving?

pull off the road and park in an open area

open the door and jump out of the vehicle

open the hood and let the flames die down

find a service station to pull into

12 / 40

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined as:

a vehicle with a gross weight over 26,001 lbs

all of these answers are correct

a vehicle transporting hazardous materials

a vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers

13 / 40

If the hazardous materials are classified as FORBIDDEN you should:

Refuse the load.

Take special caution in transporting the material.

Place the materials in the front of the trailer.

Remove the placards from the trailer.

14 / 40

Which of the following is a necessary qualification for non-bulk packaging?

All of these answers are necessary qualifications.

Maximum water capacity of 454 kg or less if used as a receptacle for gases.

Maximum net mass of 400 kg, or less than 450 l if used as a receptacle for a solid.

A maximum capacity of 450 l or less if it is used as a receptacle for liquids.

15 / 40

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

Voltmeter/ammeter

Oil pressure

Gas tank

Coolant

16 / 40

A placard is required for a combustible liquid at?

1,001 pounds or more

Any amount

110 gallons

100 gallons

17 / 40

If there is not a sight glass to check the oil level you are required to look for leaks around the _____.

transmission

brake pads

wheel rims

axle seals/hub oil

18 / 40

The compressor is connected to the engine via _____?

lines

v-belt or gears

stag gears

r-belt

19 / 40

Which of the following is a clue another driver is impaired:

All of these answers are correct.

Exiting the interstate when there's no gas station visible.

Stopping at a green light, or waiting too long at a stop.

Open window in warm weather.

20 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to as why you should make sure the fifth wheel plate is greased as recommended:

To decease heat and noise.

To prevent any steering problems.

To make sure the electrical connections are good.

To make sure that uncoupling easier.

21 / 40

Select the true statement about dual air brake systems:

they are required to have two warning alarms

they have one set of controls for two air brake systems

they have a single set of air tanks and hoses

they require less time to build up air pressure

22 / 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.

23 / 40

The crack-the-whip effect is more likely to cause the front trailer to tip over.

there is an equal chance for trailers to tip

trailers never tip

true

false

24 / 40

When approaching railroad tracks, stop your bus:

5-10 feet before railroad tracks.

Only if you have manual transmission, then proceed with flashers on.

15 and 50 feet before railroad crossings.

On the tracks so you can see if the train is coming.

25 / 40

Select the vehicle that off-tracks the most.

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

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

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

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

26 / 40

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

200 feet behind the bus.

The right and left front tires touching the ground.

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

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

27 / 40

Select the action that is not recommended when driving on slippery roads:

keep other drivers out of your side space

none of the answers listed

use a speed retarder or engine brake

use a light pressure with the the brake and accelerator pedals

28 / 40

This object is required to be checked for damage, that it's secure, and strong enough to handle any cargo.

The platform

The fifth wheel

The header board

The apron

29 / 40

You should be in the proper gear before going down a hill because:

it builds up the air pressure in the air tanks

brakes may fail or fade from excessive heat due to relying on them too much and not using the engine brake effect

water may build up in the air tanks if you do not rely on the engine brake

it helps control your speed better

30 / 40

In Column 1 the symbol "I" means:

International transportation.

International restrictions.

Invalid substance.

Iodine.

31 / 40

What is a passive railway crossing?

The type of crossing where you can pass the tracks without stopping.

The type of crossing on which the driver does not have to stop.

The type of crossing with no cross buck sign.

The type of crossing, which does not have any type of traffic control device.

32 / 40

Do not tow or push a disabled bus with riders aboard the vehicle, unless:

Bus is on a drawbridge.

You are also a class a tow truck driver.

Getting off the bus would be unsafe.

Your employer tells you to.

33 / 40

Surge affects the handling of a tanker by:

Allowing you to take tighter turns.

None of the answers listed.

Moving the truck in the direction the liquid flows in.

Increasing the wind drag.

34 / 40

Which is more likely to tip over due to the crack the whip effect?

the last trailer of a double

any trailer

a fully loaded trailer behind the tractor

the last trailer of a triple

35 / 40

What is the purpose of the supply pressure gauge?

to inform you if there is too little air in the tank

to inform you about how hot the air in the tank is

to inform you of how much air is in the tank

all of these answers are correct

36 / 40

The most stable tanker shape is:

Round

Elliptical

Cylindrical

Square

37 / 40

How do you check the power steering fluid?

Via indicator light on the dashboard.

Undo the oil fill cap and check the level.

Via the power steering fluid dipstick.

By looking through the reservoir sight glass.

38 / 40

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

Driving axle tires.

Parking axle tires.

Donut tires.

Non-steer axle tires.

39 / 40

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

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.

All of these answers are correct.

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

40 / 40

It takes special care to drive tankers with liquid in them because:

The high center of gravity of the load.

The baffles create odd rocking motions.

The low center of gravity of the load.

The movement of the liquid even when the truck is stopped.

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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

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A texas Commercial Drivers License

Hit the Open Road

texas CDL License Test Tips

Additional Information

Information on the Texas Department of Public Safety

Additional Texas CDL Helpful Links

texas
CDL Practice Test