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