#1 CDL Practice Test General Knowledge for ALL 50 States – 2023 Update
To help you prepare for the CDL General Knowledge test, we have created this practice test consisting of 50 questions. Each question is worth two points for a total of 100 possible points. A passing score is 80%. We have created both a General Knowledge Practice Quiz and a General Knowledge Practice Test.
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 | the legal weight limits. |
B | the weight of the liquid. |
C | neither of these. |
D | both of these. |
Question 2 |
A | fishtailing. |
B | slidetracking. |
C | sidetracking. |
D | offtracking. |
Question 3 |
A | Using a helper when backing up. |
B | Using your CB radio or cell phone to inform others. |
C | Using turn signals, 4-way flashers, headlights, and the horn. |
D | Using hand signals. |
Question 4 |
A | turn wide as you complete the turn |
B | start the turn, then back up to re-position |
C | turn right and drive over the curb |
D | turn wide before you start the turn |
Question 5 |
A | whenever you stop to refuel. |
B | before operating the vehicle. |
C | if any problems occurred the last the time the vehicle was operated. |
D | at least once a week. |
Question 6 |
A | use windshield washer fluid as coolant. |
B | safely remove the radiator cap and add coolant while the engine is hot. |
C | use only water in the cooling system. |
D | check the coolant level of a hot engine. |
Question 7 |
A | three |
B | two |
C | four |
D | one |
Question 8 |
A | exempt from height restrictions. |
B | exempt from weight limit restrictions. |
C | exempt from hazardous materials restrictions. |
D | generally used when freight is carried part way by rail or ship. |
Question 9 |
A | the wheel needs cleaning. |
B | the lug nut is loose. |
C | the lug nut is cheap. |
D | the lug nut needs to be replaced. |
Question 10 |
A | A minimum of two. |
B | A minimum of four. |
C | A minimum of three. |
D | A minimum of one. |
Question 11 |
A | All of these things happen. |
B | Muscle control and coordination are affected. |
C | Judgment and self-control are the first to be affected. |
D | The drinker's brain is increasingly affected. |
Question 12 |
A | Perception distance, response distance, and reaction distance. |
B | Perception distance, slowing distance, and braking distance. |
C | Observation distance, reaction distance, and slowing distance. |
D | Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. |
Question 13 |
A | Use a lower 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 higher gear than you would use to climb the hill. |
D | Use the same gear you would use to climb the hill. |
Question 14 |
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 15 |
A | To prevent others from distracting you. |
B | To see the blind spots you can't see. |
C | To direct traffic away from you. |
D | To watch for steering errors. |
Question 16 |
A | Turn on your 4-way emergency flashers to warn other drivers. |
B | Put your warning devices out within 15 minutes. |
C | Warn other drivers by using your left turn signal lights. |
D | Keep your low beam lights on. |
Question 17 |
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 18 |
A | three inches |
B | two inches |
C | one half inch |
D | one inch |
Question 19 |
A | three times |
B | four times |
C | half |
D | two times |
Question 20 |
A | to ensure safety for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers. |
B | to help ensure the vehicle will make it to your destination. |
C | because it is a requirement for all drivers. |
D | because law enforcement may inspect your vehicle on the road. |
Question 21 |
A | More space than is needed for ideal driving conditions. |
B | One vehicle length for every 10,000 lb. of gross vehicle weight. |
C | The same amount of space you would on a dry road. |
D | The same amount of space you would at night. |
Question 22 |
A | the brake pedal feels firm when you apply pressure. |
B | there is a slight vibration when you press down on the brake pedal. |
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 23 |
A | slap yourself in the face three times. |
B | turn up the radio. |
C | roll down the windows. |
D | stop to sleep. |
Question 24 |
A | Because some of the heaviest liquids don’t need any. |
B | Because it's good to know that information. |
C | Because some liquids expand more than others when they get warm. |
D | Because tank baffles are not always legal with outage. |
Question 25 |
A | drink coffee or other caffeine products to help keep you awake. |
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 | keep your high beams on at all times. |
Question 26 |
A | Load cargo toward the rear of the truck for easier unloading. |
B | Load more cargo toward the front of the truck for a full load. |
C | Load cargo weight evenly over all the axles. |
D | Load more weight over the drive axle for better traction. |
Question 27 |
A | you are driving on hilly, rural roads. |
B | you are driving on the freeway. |
C | road conditions are excellent. |
D | the road is wet, icy, or snow covered. |
Question 28 |
A | the trailer is being hauled at high speed. |
B | the trailer is empty or lightly loaded. |
C | the trailer is out of brake adjustment. |
D | the trailer is fully loaded or very heavy. |
Question 29 |
A | Downshift after you are in the curve. |
B | Turn on your four-way flashers as you approach the offramp. |
C | Slow to a safe speed before the curve. |
D | Nothing, because the posted speed limit for the offramp is usually 10 miles per hour below the safe speed limit for the offramp. |
Question 30 |
A | seven or more. |
B | none of these. |
C | three or more. |
D | five or more. |
Question 31 |
A | testing the trailer brakes after hooking up to a trailer. |
B | it is absolutely necessary. |
C | you will be parked for a short time. |
D | there is ice and snow, to prevent skidding. |
Question 32 |
A | decreases when the service breaks are hot. |
B | increases when the service brakes are hot. |
C | depends on the service brakes being in adjustment. |
D | is not affected by the condition of the service brakes. |
Question 33 |
A | A stopped transit bus. |
B | Pedestrians and bicyclists. |
C | Road construction zones. |
D | All of these are considered a hazard. |
Question 34 |
A | before starting down a hill and before entering a tunnel. |
B | before starting down a hill and before entering a curve. |
C | before starting down a hill and before going up a hill. |
D | before going up a hill and before entering a curve. |
Question 35 |
A | truck stops, gas stations |
B | vehicles, traffic signs |
C | tunnels, overpasses |
D | law enforcement officers, detours |
Question 36 |
A | Too many vertical stacks. |
B | Play in the steering wheel of more than five degrees. |
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 37 |
A | under inflated tires |
B | loose fuel connections |
C | both loose fuel connections and under inflated tires |
D | eating spicy food in the truck cab |
Question 38 |
A | Gasoline fire. |
B | Grease fire. |
C | Electrical fire. |
D | None of these fires can be safely extinguished by water. |
Question 39 |
A | the kingpin is about 1¼ inches above the fifth wheel. |
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 end of the kingpin is at waist level. |
Question 40 |
A | mirrors |
B | rolled down windows |
C | sunglasses |
D | rear view cameras |
Question 41 |
A | you want to have time to act before it turns into an emergency. |
B | you want to avoid doing something all of a sudden. |
C | it is a federal law. |
D | you want to have a plan to communicate the risk. |
Question 42 |
A | to warn others of hazardous materials. |
B | to make your vehicle look official. |
C | to avoid mixing hazmat with food. |
D | to combat terrorism. |
Question 43 |
A | dual tires that touch, hot road surfaces |
B | poor-quality retreads, under-inflated tires |
C | under-inflated tires, dual tires that touch |
D | over-heated brakes, under-inflated tires |
Question 44 |
A | keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible. |
B | keep two hands firmly planted on the steering wheel at all times. |
C | check to make sure that the brakes are properly balanced. |
D | downshift into the turn. |
Question 45 |
A | have better traction when stopping than full trucks |
B | need less space ahead than full trucks |
C | require greater stopping distance than full trucks |
D | have the same stopping distance as full trucks |
Question 46 |
A | driving too slow for road conditions. |
B | bad tires. |
C | poorly adjusted brakes. |
D | driving too fast for road conditions. |
Question 47 |
A | 3/32-inch in every major groove. |
B | 2/32-inch in every major groove. |
C | 5/32-inch in every major groove. |
D | 4/32-inch in every major groove. |
Question 48 |
A | seal is authentic. |
B | seal is secure. |
C | load is properly secured. |
D | placard numbers match the seal numbers. |
Question 49 |
A | burning |
B | rubbing |
C | rust |
D | leaks |
Question 50 |
A | Push the brake pedal firmly 5 seconds; listen for leaks. |
B | Move forward slowly and push firmly on the brake pedal. |
C | Pump the brake pedal 3 times; push the pedal firmly 5 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
D | Pump the brake pedal 5 times; push the pedal firmly 3 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
← | 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 | Shorter stopping distance. |
B | It depends on what mood you are in at the time. |
C | The same amount of stopping distance. |
D | Greater stopping distance. |
Question 2 |
A | mirrors |
B | rear view cameras |
C | sunglasses |
D | rolled down windows |
Question 3 |
A | the road is wet, icy, or snow covered. |
B | you are driving on hilly, rural roads. |
C | road conditions are excellent. |
D | you are driving on the freeway. |
Question 4 |
A | underinflated tires |
B | loose fuel connections |
C | both loose fuel connections and under inflated tires |
D | overinflated tires |
Question 5 |
A | Downshift after you are in the curve. |
B | Slow to a safe speed before the curve. |
C | Nothing, because the posted speed limit for the offramp is usually 10 miles per hour below the safe speed limit for the offramp. |
D | Turn on your four-way flashers as you approach the offramp. |
Question 6 |
A | Put your warning devices out within 15 minutes. |
B | Warn other drivers by using your left turn signal lights. |
C | Keep your low beam lights on. |
D | Turn on your 4-way emergency flashers to warn other drivers. |
Question 7 |
A | driving too fast for road conditions. |
B | bad tires. |
C | poorly adjusted brakes. |
D | driving too slow for road conditions. |
Question 8 |
A | To watch for steering errors. |
B | To prevent others from distracting you. |
C | To direct traffic away from you. |
D | To see the blind spots you can't see. |
Question 9 |
A | exempt from hazardous materials restrictions. |
B | generally used when freight is carried part way by rail or ship. |
C | exempt from weight limit restrictions. |
D | exempt from height restrictions. |
Question 10 |
A | one |
B | three |
C | two |
D | four |
Question 11 |
A | Push the brake pedal firmly 5 seconds; listen for leaks. |
B | Move forward slowly and push firmly on the brake pedal. |
C | Pump the brake pedal 5 times; push the pedal firmly 3 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
D | Pump the brake pedal 3 times; push the pedal firmly 5 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
Question 12 |
A | 4/32-inch in every major groove. |
B | 3/32-inch in every major groove. |
C | 5/32-inch in every major groove. |
D | 2/32-inch in every major groove. |
Question 13 |
A | because it is a requirement for all drivers. |
B | to ensure safety for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers. |
C | because law enforcement may inspect your vehicle on the road. |
D | to help ensure the vehicle will make it to your destination. |
Question 14 |
A | More space than is needed for ideal driving conditions. |
B | The same amount of space you would at night. |
C | The same amount of space you would on a dry road. |
D | One vehicle length for every 10,000 lb. of gross vehicle weight. |
Question 15 |
A | over-heated brakes, under-inflated tires |
B | under-inflated tires, dual tires that touch |
C | dual tires that touch, hot road surfaces |
D | poor-quality retreads, under-inflated tires |
Question 16 |
A | Using your CB radio or cell phone to inform others. |
B | Using turn signals, 4-way flashers, headlights, and the horn. |
C | Using a helper when backing up. |
D | Using hand signals. |
Question 17 |
A | four times |
B | three times |
C | two times |
D | half |
Question 18 |
A | to combat terrorism. |
B | to warn others of hazardous materials. |
C | to avoid mixing hazmat with food. |
D | to make your vehicle look official. |
Question 19 |
A | seal is secure. |
B | placard numbers match the seal numbers. |
C | seal is authentic. |
D | load is properly secured. |
Question 20 |
A | offtracking. |
B | slidetracking. |
C | fishtailing. |
D | sidetracking. |
Question 21 |
A | you want to avoid doing something all of a sudden. |
B | you want to have time to act before it turns into an emergency. |
C | you want to have a plan to communicate the risk. |
D | it is a federal law. |
Question 22 |
A | increases when the service brakes are hot. |
B | decreases when the service breaks are hot. |
C | is not affected by the condition of the service brakes. |
D | depends on the service brakes being in adjustment. |
Question 23 |
A | you release pressure on the brake pedal and speed increases. |
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 | there is a slight vibration when you press down on the brake pedal. |
Question 24 |
A | make sure you are driving slow enough so you can stop within the range of your headlights in case of an emergency. |
B | roll down your window so that the fresh air will help keep you awake. |
C | drink coffee or other caffeine products to help keep you awake. |
D | keep your high beams on at all times. |
Question 25 |
A | stop to sleep. |
B | roll down the windows. |
C | turn up the radio. |
D | slap yourself in the face three times. |
Question 26 |
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 27 |
A | Grease fire. |
B | None of these fires can be safely extinguished by water. |
C | Gasoline fire. |
D | Electrical fire. |
Question 28 |
A | keep two hands firmly planted on the steering wheel at all times. |
B | check to make sure that the brakes are properly balanced. |
C | downshift into the turn. |
D | keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible. |
Question 29 |
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 30 |
A | A minimum of two. |
B | A minimum of one. |
C | A minimum of three. |
D | A minimum of four. |
Question 31 |
A | rust |
B | rubbing |
C | burning |
D | leaks |
Question 32 |
A | start the turn, then back up to re-position |
B | turn wide before you start the turn |
C | turn wide as you complete the turn |
D | turn right and drive over the curb |
Question 33 |
A | the legal weight limits. |
B | the weight of the liquid. |
C | neither of these. |
D | both of these. |
Question 34 |
A | law enforcement officers, detours |
B | truck stops, gas stations |
C | vehicles, traffic signs |
D | tunnels, overpasses |
Question 35 |
A | one half inch |
B | one inch |
C | three inches |
D | two inches |
Question 36 |
A | the trailer is out of brake adjustment. |
B | the trailer is empty or lightly loaded. |
C | the trailer is being hauled at high speed. |
D | the trailer is fully loaded or very heavy. |
Question 37 |
A | the lug nut is loose. |
B | the lug nut is cheap. |
C | the lug nut needs to be replaced. |
D | the wheel needs cleaning. |
Question 38 |
A | A stopped transit bus. |
B | Road construction zones. |
C | All of these are considered a hazard. |
D | Pedestrians and bicyclists. |
Question 39 |
A | Because some of the heaviest liquids don’t need any. |
B | Because some liquids expand more than others when they get warm. |
C | Because it's good to know that information. |
D | Because tank baffles are not always legal with outage. |
Question 40 |
A | before starting down a hill and before entering a tunnel. |
B | before starting down a hill and before entering a curve. |
C | before going up a hill and before entering a curve. |
D | before starting down a hill and before going up a hill. |
Question 41 |
A | it will be raised slightly when the tractor is backed under it. |
B | the kingpin is about 1¼ inches above the fifth wheel. |
C | the end of the kingpin is at waist level. |
D | the end of the kingpin is even with the top of the fifth wheel. |
Question 42 |
A | Judgment and self-control are the first to be affected. |
B | The drinker's brain is increasingly affected. |
C | All of these things happen. |
D | Muscle control and coordination are affected. |
Question 43 |
A | Perception distance, response distance, and reaction distance. |
B | Perception distance, slowing distance, and braking distance. |
C | Observation distance, reaction distance, and slowing distance. |
D | Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. |
Question 44 |
A | it is absolutely necessary. |
B | testing the trailer brakes after hooking up to a trailer. |
C | there is ice and snow, to prevent skidding. |
D | you will be parked for a short time. |
Question 45 |
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 46 |
A | whenever you stop to refuel. |
B | before operating the vehicle. |
C | at least once a week. |
D | if any problems occurred the last the time the vehicle was operated. |
Question 47 |
A | safely remove the radiator cap and add coolant while the engine is hot. |
B | use windshield washer fluid as coolant. |
C | use only water in the cooling system. |
D | check the coolant level of a hot engine. |
Question 48 |
A | three or more. |
B | none of these. |
C | five or more. |
D | seven or more. |
Question 49 |
A | a dry bulk tank should only be filled halfway. |
B | the load should not get wet. |
C | the load can shift. |
D | the load can catch fire easily. |
Question 50 |
A | Use the same gear you would use to climb the hill. |
B | Use a lower gear than you would use to climb the hill. |
C | Shift the truck into neutral and coast down the hill to save gas. |
D | Use a higher gear than you would use to climb the hill. |
← | 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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