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