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