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