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