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