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