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