California General Knowledge Practice Test
This is our California General Knowledge Practice Quiz and Practice Test compiled of 50 questions each. Each question is worth two points for a total of 100 possible points. A passing score is 80%.
The General Knowledge Practice Quiz reveals the correct answer during each question to help you study for the actual General Knowledge test. The General Knowledge Practice Test doesn’t reveal the correct answers until the test is over.
The questions and answers are given in random order each time you retake the test. When you are finished testing, simply click on the “Get Results” button to see your test results. Clicking on the blue “List” button will reveal a list of all the questions you answered correctly and incorrectly. To take the test again, just refresh your browser window. It’s that easy.
Press the start button to begin your free General Knowledge Practice Quiz. Good luck!
General Knowledge CDL Practice Quiz
Question 1 |
A | vehicles, traffic signs |
B | tunnels, overpasses |
C | truck stops, gas stations |
D | law enforcement officers, detours |
Question 2 |
A | driving too fast for road conditions. |
B | poorly adjusted brakes. |
C | driving too slow for road conditions. |
D | bad tires. |
Question 3 |
A | Gasoline fire. |
B | Electrical fire. |
C | Grease fire. |
D | None of these fires can be safely extinguished by water. |
Question 4 |
A | Greater stopping distance. |
B | The same amount of stopping distance. |
C | Shorter stopping distance. |
D | It depends on what mood you are in at the time. |
Question 5 |
A | the lug nut needs to be replaced. |
B | the wheel needs cleaning. |
C | the lug nut is cheap. |
D | the lug nut is loose. |
Question 6 |
A | Play in the steering wheel of more than ten degrees (two inches on a 20-inch steering wheel). |
B | Too many vertical stacks. |
C | Play in the steering wheel of more than five degrees. |
D | Oil on the tie rod. |
Question 7 |
A | depends on the service brakes being in adjustment. |
B | is not affected by the condition of the service brakes. |
C | increases when the service brakes are hot. |
D | decreases when the service breaks are hot. |
Question 8 |
A | neither of these. |
B | both of these. |
C | the legal weight limits. |
D | the weight of the liquid. |
Question 9 |
A | to make your vehicle look official. |
B | to warn others of hazardous materials. |
C | to combat terrorism. |
D | to avoid mixing hazmat with food. |
Question 10 |
A | use windshield washer fluid as coolant. |
B | use only water in the cooling system. |
C | safely remove the radiator cap and add coolant while the engine is hot. |
D | check the coolant level of a hot engine. |
Question 11 |
A | before starting down a hill and before entering a curve. |
B | before going up a hill and before entering a curve. |
C | before starting down a hill and before entering a tunnel. |
D | before starting down a hill and before going up a hill. |
Question 12 |
A | sidetracking. |
B | slidetracking. |
C | fishtailing. |
D | offtracking. |
Question 13 |
A | the load should not get wet. |
B | a dry bulk tank should only be filled halfway. |
C | the load can shift. |
D | the load can catch fire easily. |
Question 14 |
A | Because it's good to know that information. |
B | Because some liquids expand more than others when they get warm. |
C | Because tank baffles are not always legal with outage. |
D | Because some of the heaviest liquids don’t need any. |
Question 15 |
A | burning |
B | rubbing |
C | leaks |
D | rust |
Question 16 |
A | A minimum of four. |
B | A minimum of one. |
C | A minimum of two. |
D | A minimum of three. |
Question 17 |
A | under-inflated tires, dual tires that touch |
B | dual tires that touch, hot road surfaces |
C | over-heated brakes, under-inflated tires |
D | poor-quality retreads, under-inflated tires |
Question 18 |
A | one half inch |
B | one inch |
C | two inches |
D | three inches |
Question 19 |
A | Pedestrians and bicyclists. |
B | All of these are considered a hazard. |
C | Road construction zones. |
D | A stopped transit bus. |
Question 20 |
A | turn right and drive over the curb |
B | start the turn, then back up to re-position |
C | turn wide before you start the turn |
D | turn wide as you complete the turn |
Question 21 |
A | Judgment and self-control are the first to be affected. |
B | The drinker's brain is increasingly affected. |
C | Muscle control and coordination are affected. |
D | All of these things happen. |
Question 22 |
A | Load cargo weight evenly over all the axles. |
B | Load cargo toward the rear of the truck for easier unloading. |
C | Load more weight over the drive axle for better traction. |
D | Load more cargo toward the front of the truck for a full load. |
Question 23 |
A | two |
B | one |
C | four |
D | three |
Question 24 |
A | To see the blind spots you can't see. |
B | To direct traffic away from you. |
C | To prevent others from distracting you. |
D | To watch for steering errors. |
Question 25 |
A | Put your warning devices out within 15 minutes. |
B | Warn other drivers by using your left turn signal lights. |
C | Turn on your 4-way emergency flashers to warn other drivers. |
D | Keep your low beam lights on. |
Question 26 |
A | there is ice and snow, to prevent skidding. |
B | testing the trailer brakes after hooking up to a trailer. |
C | it is absolutely necessary. |
D | you will be parked for a short time. |
Question 27 |
A | seal is secure. |
B | load is properly secured. |
C | seal is authentic. |
D | placard numbers match the seal numbers. |
Question 28 |
A | 4/32-inch in every major groove. |
B | 2/32-inch in every major groove. |
C | 3/32-inch in every major groove. |
D | 5/32-inch in every major groove. |
Question 29 |
A | at least once a week. |
B | if any problems occurred the last the time the vehicle was operated. |
C | before operating the vehicle. |
D | whenever you stop to refuel. |
Question 30 |
A | you want to avoid doing something all of a sudden. |
B | it is a federal law. |
C | you want to have time to act before it turns into an emergency. |
D | you want to have a plan to communicate the risk. |
Question 31 |
A | there is a slight vibration when you press down on the brake pedal. |
B | you have to push harder and harder to get the same stopping power on a downgrade. |
C | the brake pedal feels firm when you apply pressure. |
D | you release pressure on the brake pedal and speed increases. |
Question 32 |
A | you are driving on the freeway. |
B | the road is wet, icy, or snow covered. |
C | you are driving on hilly, rural roads. |
D | road conditions are excellent. |
Question 33 |
A | check to make sure that the brakes are properly balanced. |
B | downshift into the turn. |
C | keep two hands firmly planted on the steering wheel at all times. |
D | keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible. |
Question 34 |
A | rolled down windows |
B | mirrors |
C | sunglasses |
D | rear view cameras |
Question 35 |
A | half |
B | three times |
C | two times |
D | four times |
Question 36 |
A | Perception distance, response distance, and reaction distance. |
B | Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. |
C | Observation distance, reaction distance, and slowing distance. |
D | Perception distance, slowing distance, and braking distance. |
Question 37 |
A | seven or more. |
B | five or more. |
C | none of these. |
D | three or more. |
Question 38 |
A | eating spicy food in the truck cab |
B | both loose fuel connections and under inflated tires |
C | loose fuel connections |
D | under inflated tires |
Question 39 |
A | Using a helper when backing up. |
B | Using turn signals, 4-way flashers, headlights, and the horn. |
C | Using your CB radio or cell phone to inform others. |
D | Using hand signals. |
Question 40 |
A | roll down the windows. |
B | stop to sleep. |
C | turn up the radio. |
D | slap yourself in the face three times. |
Question 41 |
A | because it is a requirement for all drivers. |
B | because law enforcement may inspect your vehicle on the road. |
C | to ensure safety for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers. |
D | to help ensure the vehicle will make it to your destination. |
Question 42 |
A | exempt from height restrictions. |
B | generally used when freight is carried part way by rail or ship. |
C | exempt from hazardous materials restrictions. |
D | exempt from weight limit restrictions. |
Question 43 |
A | the trailer is out of brake adjustment. |
B | the trailer is being hauled at high speed. |
C | the trailer is fully loaded or very heavy. |
D | the trailer is empty or lightly loaded. |
Question 44 |
A | Pump the brake pedal 5 times; push the pedal firmly 3 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
B | Push the brake pedal firmly 5 seconds; listen for leaks. |
C | Move forward slowly and push firmly on the brake pedal. |
D | Pump the brake pedal 3 times; push the pedal firmly 5 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
Question 45 |
A | Shift the truck into neutral and coast down the hill to save gas. |
B | Use a lower gear than you would use to climb the hill. |
C | Use a higher gear than you would use to climb the hill. |
D | Use the same gear you would use to climb the hill. |
Question 46 |
A | drink coffee or other caffeine products to help keep you awake. |
B | make sure you are driving slow enough so you can stop within the range of your headlights in case of an emergency. |
C | roll down your window so that the fresh air will help keep you awake. |
D | keep your high beams on at all times. |
Question 47 |
A | Nothing, because the posted speed limit for the offramp is usually 10 miles per hour below the safe speed limit for the offramp. |
B | Turn on your four-way flashers as you approach the offramp. |
C | Downshift after you are in the curve. |
D | Slow to a safe speed before the curve. |
Question 48 |
A | require greater stopping distance than full trucks |
B | need less space ahead than full trucks |
C | have the same stopping distance as full trucks |
D | have better traction when stopping than full trucks |
Question 49 |
A | the end of the kingpin is at waist level. |
B | it will be raised slightly when the tractor is backed under it. |
C | the end of the kingpin is even with the top of the fifth wheel. |
D | the kingpin is about 1¼ inches above the fifth wheel. |
Question 50 |
A | The same amount of space you would on a dry road. |
B | More space than is needed for ideal driving conditions. |
C | The same amount of space you would at night. |
D | One vehicle length for every 10,000 lb. of gross vehicle weight. |
← | List | → |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 |
36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 |
41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 |
46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 |
End |
Remember, the General Knowledge Practice Test doesn’t reveal the correct answers until the test is over. The questions and answers are given in random order each time you retake the test. When you are finished testing, simply click on the “Get Results” button to see your test results. Clicking on the blue “List” button will reveal a list of all the questions you answered correctly and incorrectly. To take the test again, just refresh your browser window.
Press the start button to begin your free General Knowledge Practice Test. Good luck!
General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
Question 1 |
A | you want to have time to act before it turns into an emergency. |
B | you want to have a plan to communicate the risk. |
C | you want to avoid doing something all of a sudden. |
D | it is a federal law. |
Question 2 |
A | check to make sure that the brakes are properly balanced. |
B | downshift into the turn. |
C | keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible. |
D | keep two hands firmly planted on the steering wheel at all times. |
Question 3 |
A | dual tires that touch, hot road surfaces |
B | over-heated brakes, under-inflated tires |
C | poor-quality retreads, under-inflated tires |
D | under-inflated tires, dual tires that touch |
Question 4 |
A | the trailer is empty or lightly loaded. |
B | the trailer is fully loaded or very heavy. |
C | the trailer is being hauled at high speed. |
D | the trailer is out of brake adjustment. |
Question 5 |
A | 3/32-inch in every major groove. |
B | 5/32-inch in every major groove. |
C | 4/32-inch in every major groove. |
D | 2/32-inch in every major groove. |
Question 6 |
A | at least once a week. |
B | if any problems occurred the last the time the vehicle was operated. |
C | whenever you stop to refuel. |
D | before operating the vehicle. |
Question 7 |
A | It depends on what mood you are in at the time. |
B | Greater stopping distance. |
C | Shorter stopping distance. |
D | The same amount of stopping distance. |
Question 8 |
A | One vehicle length for every 10,000 lb. of gross vehicle weight. |
B | More space than is needed for ideal driving conditions. |
C | The same amount of space you would at night. |
D | The same amount of space you would on a dry road. |
Question 9 |
A | To see the blind spots you can't see. |
B | To prevent others from distracting you. |
C | To direct traffic away from you. |
D | To watch for steering errors. |
Question 10 |
A | both loose fuel connections and under inflated tires |
B | overinflated tires |
C | underinflated tires |
D | loose fuel connections |
Question 11 |
A | Using hand signals. |
B | Using turn signals, 4-way flashers, headlights, and the horn. |
C | Using a helper when backing up. |
D | Using your CB radio or cell phone to inform others. |
Question 12 |
A | four times |
B | three times |
C | half |
D | two times |
Question 13 |
A | three |
B | two |
C | one |
D | four |
Question 14 |
A | a dry bulk tank should only be filled halfway. |
B | the load can catch fire easily. |
C | the load can shift. |
D | the load should not get wet. |
Question 15 |
A | placard numbers match the seal numbers. |
B | load is properly secured. |
C | seal is secure. |
D | seal is authentic. |
Question 16 |
A | Road construction zones. |
B | Pedestrians and bicyclists. |
C | A stopped transit bus. |
D | All of these are considered a hazard. |
Question 17 |
A | keep your high beams on at all times. |
B | roll down your window so that the fresh air will help keep you awake. |
C | make sure you are driving slow enough so you can stop within the range of your headlights in case of an emergency. |
D | drink coffee or other caffeine products to help keep you awake. |
Question 18 |
A | offtracking. |
B | slidetracking. |
C | sidetracking. |
D | fishtailing. |
Question 19 |
A | Pump the brake pedal 3 times; push the pedal firmly 5 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
B | Push the brake pedal firmly 5 seconds; listen for leaks. |
C | Pump the brake pedal 5 times; push the pedal firmly 3 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
D | Move forward slowly and push firmly on the brake pedal. |
Question 20 |
A | the weight of the liquid. |
B | both of these. |
C | neither of these. |
D | the legal weight limits. |
Question 21 |
A | to help ensure the vehicle will make it to your destination. |
B | to ensure safety for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers. |
C | because it is a requirement for all drivers. |
D | because law enforcement may inspect your vehicle on the road. |
Question 22 |
A | Slow to a safe speed before the curve. |
B | Nothing, because the posted speed limit for the offramp is usually 10 miles per hour below the safe speed limit for the offramp. |
C | Downshift after you are in the curve. |
D | Turn on your four-way flashers as you approach the offramp. |
Question 23 |
A | Observation distance, reaction distance, and slowing distance. |
B | Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. |
C | Perception distance, slowing distance, and braking distance. |
D | Perception distance, response distance, and reaction distance. |
Question 24 |
A | safely remove the radiator cap and add coolant while the engine is hot. |
B | use only water in the cooling system. |
C | check the coolant level of a hot engine. |
D | use windshield washer fluid as coolant. |
Question 25 |
A | you are driving on the freeway. |
B | road conditions are excellent. |
C | you are driving on hilly, rural roads. |
D | the road is wet, icy, or snow covered. |
Question 26 |
A | Keep your low beam lights on. |
B | Put your warning devices out within 15 minutes. |
C | Turn on your 4-way emergency flashers to warn other drivers. |
D | Warn other drivers by using your left turn signal lights. |
Question 27 |
A | Use a higher gear than you would use to climb the hill. |
B | Shift the truck into neutral and coast down the hill to save gas. |
C | Use a lower gear than you would use to climb the hill. |
D | Use the same gear you would use to climb the hill. |
Question 28 |
A | Because it's good to know that information. |
B | Because some of the heaviest liquids don’t need any. |
C | Because some liquids expand more than others when they get warm. |
D | Because tank baffles are not always legal with outage. |
Question 29 |
A | three inches |
B | two inches |
C | one inch |
D | one half inch |
Question 30 |
A | bad tires. |
B | poorly adjusted brakes. |
C | driving too fast for road conditions. |
D | driving too slow for road conditions. |
Question 31 |
A | to make your vehicle look official. |
B | to combat terrorism. |
C | to avoid mixing hazmat with food. |
D | to warn others of hazardous materials. |
Question 32 |
A | None of these fires can be safely extinguished by water. |
B | Electrical fire. |
C | Grease fire. |
D | Gasoline fire. |
Question 33 |
A | Load cargo weight evenly over all the axles. |
B | Load cargo toward the rear of the truck for easier unloading. |
C | Load more cargo toward the front of the truck for a full load. |
D | Load more weight over the drive axle for better traction. |
Question 34 |
A | rubbing |
B | leaks |
C | burning |
D | rust |
Question 35 |
A | Play in the steering wheel of more than five degrees. |
B | Too many vertical stacks. |
C | Play in the steering wheel of more than ten degrees (two inches on a 20-inch steering wheel). |
D | Oil on the tie rod. |
Question 36 |
A | The drinker's brain is increasingly affected. |
B | Muscle control and coordination are affected. |
C | Judgment and self-control are the first to be affected. |
D | All of these things happen. |
Question 37 |
A | turn wide as you complete the turn |
B | turn wide before you start the turn |
C | turn right and drive over the curb |
D | start the turn, then back up to re-position |
Question 38 |
A | slap yourself in the face three times. |
B | turn up the radio. |
C | stop to sleep. |
D | roll down the windows. |
Question 39 |
A | truck stops, gas stations |
B | tunnels, overpasses |
C | vehicles, traffic signs |
D | law enforcement officers, detours |
Question 40 |
A | seven or more. |
B | three or more. |
C | none of these. |
D | five or more. |
Question 41 |
A | before starting down a hill and before going up a hill. |
B | before starting down a hill and before entering a tunnel. |
C | before starting down a hill and before entering a curve. |
D | before going up a hill and before entering a curve. |
Question 42 |
A | A minimum of four. |
B | A minimum of three. |
C | A minimum of one. |
D | A minimum of two. |
Question 43 |
A | the end of the kingpin is at waist level. |
B | it will be raised slightly when the tractor is backed under it. |
C | the end of the kingpin is even with the top of the fifth wheel. |
D | the kingpin is about 1¼ inches above the fifth wheel. |
Question 44 |
A | there is a slight vibration when you press down on the brake pedal. |
B | the brake pedal feels firm when you apply pressure. |
C | you release pressure on the brake pedal and speed increases. |
D | you have to push harder and harder to get the same stopping power on a downgrade. |
Question 45 |
A | increases when the service brakes are hot. |
B | is not affected by the condition of the service brakes. |
C | decreases when the service breaks are hot. |
D | depends on the service brakes being in adjustment. |
Question 46 |
A | there is ice and snow, to prevent skidding. |
B | testing the trailer brakes after hooking up to a trailer. |
C | you will be parked for a short time. |
D | it is absolutely necessary. |
Question 47 |
A | sunglasses |
B | mirrors |
C | rolled down windows |
D | rear view cameras |
Question 48 |
A | generally used when freight is carried part way by rail or ship. |
B | exempt from hazardous materials restrictions. |
C | exempt from weight limit restrictions. |
D | exempt from height restrictions. |
Question 49 |
A | have the same stopping distance as full trucks |
B | have better traction when stopping than full trucks |
C | need less space ahead than full trucks |
D | require greater stopping distance than full trucks |
Question 50 |
A | the lug nut is cheap. |
B | the lug nut needs to be replaced. |
C | the lug nut is loose. |
D | the wheel needs cleaning. |
← | List | → |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 |
36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 |
41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 |
46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 |
End |
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