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