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