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