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