#1 CDL Practice Test General Knowledge for ALL 50 States – 2023 Update
To help you prepare for the CDL General Knowledge test, we have created this practice test consisting of 50 questions. Each question is worth two points for a total of 100 possible points. A passing score is 80%. We have created both a General Knowledge Practice Quiz and a General Knowledge Practice Test.
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 | poorly adjusted brakes. |
B | driving too fast for road conditions. |
C | bad tires. |
D | driving too slow for road conditions. |
Question 2 |
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 3 |
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 4 |
A | five or more. |
B | none of these. |
C | three or more. |
D | seven or more. |
Question 5 |
A | load is properly secured. |
B | placard numbers match the seal numbers. |
C | seal is authentic. |
D | seal is secure. |
Question 6 |
A | is not affected by the condition of the service brakes. |
B | decreases when the service breaks are hot. |
C | depends on the service brakes being in adjustment. |
D | increases when the service brakes are hot. |
Question 7 |
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 8 |
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. |
Question 9 |
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 10 |
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 11 |
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 12 |
A | exempt from height restrictions. |
B | exempt from hazardous materials restrictions. |
C | exempt from weight limit restrictions. |
D | generally used when freight is carried part way by rail or ship. |
Question 13 |
A | two inches |
B | one inch |
C | one half inch |
D | three inches |
Question 14 |
A | it is a federal law. |
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 | you want to have a plan to communicate the risk. |
Question 15 |
A | poor-quality retreads, under-inflated tires |
B | over-heated brakes, under-inflated tires |
C | dual tires that touch, hot road surfaces |
D | under-inflated tires, dual tires that touch |
Question 16 |
A | safely remove the radiator cap and add coolant while the engine is hot. |
B | check the coolant level of a hot engine. |
C | use only water in the cooling system. |
D | use windshield washer fluid as coolant. |
Question 17 |
A | to combat terrorism. |
B | to avoid mixing hazmat with food. |
C | to make your vehicle look official. |
D | to warn others of hazardous materials. |
Question 18 |
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 19 |
A | it is absolutely necessary. |
B | there is ice and snow, to prevent skidding. |
C | testing the trailer brakes after hooking up to a trailer. |
D | you will be parked for a short time. |
Question 20 |
A | Push the brake pedal firmly 5 seconds; listen for leaks. |
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 | Pump the brake pedal 3 times; push the pedal firmly 5 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
Question 21 |
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 22 |
A | both of these. |
B | neither of these. |
C | the legal weight limits. |
D | the weight of the liquid. |
Question 23 |
A | rubbing |
B | burning |
C | rust |
D | leaks |
Question 24 |
A | three |
B | four |
C | one |
D | two |
Question 25 |
A | roll down your window so that the fresh air will help keep you awake. |
B | drink coffee or other caffeine products to help keep you awake. |
C | keep your high beams on at all times. |
D | make sure you are driving slow enough so you can stop within the range of your headlights in case of an emergency. |
Question 26 |
A | mirrors |
B | sunglasses |
C | rear view cameras |
D | rolled down windows |
Question 27 |
A | start the turn, then back up to re-position |
B | turn wide before you start the turn |
C | turn right and drive over the curb |
D | turn wide as you complete the turn |
Question 28 |
A | under inflated tires |
B | both loose fuel connections and under inflated tires |
C | loose fuel connections |
D | eating spicy food in the truck cab |
Question 29 |
A | half |
B | two times |
C | four times |
D | three times |
Question 30 |
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 more cargo toward the front of the truck for a full load. |
D | Load cargo weight evenly over all the axles. |
Question 31 |
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 32 |
A | A minimum of two. |
B | A minimum of one. |
C | A minimum of four. |
D | A minimum of three. |
Question 33 |
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 34 |
A | the lug nut is cheap. |
B | the lug nut needs to be replaced. |
C | the wheel needs cleaning. |
D | the lug nut is loose. |
Question 35 |
A | Pedestrians and bicyclists. |
B | A stopped transit bus. |
C | All of these are considered a hazard. |
D | Road construction zones. |
Question 36 |
A | keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible. |
B | downshift into the turn. |
C | check to make sure that the brakes are properly balanced. |
D | keep two hands firmly planted on the steering wheel at all times. |
Question 37 |
A | Play in the steering wheel of more than five degrees. |
B | Too many vertical stacks. |
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 38 |
A | you are driving on hilly, rural roads. |
B | the road is wet, icy, or snow covered. |
C | you are driving on the freeway. |
D | road conditions are excellent. |
Question 39 |
A | the load can shift. |
B | a dry bulk tank should only be filled halfway. |
C | the load should not get wet. |
D | the load can catch fire easily. |
Question 40 |
A | before starting down a hill and before entering a curve. |
B | before starting down a hill and before going up a hill. |
C | before going up a hill and before entering a curve. |
D | before starting down a hill and before entering a tunnel. |
Question 41 |
A | stop to sleep. |
B | turn up the radio. |
C | roll down the windows. |
D | slap yourself in the face three times. |
Question 42 |
A | Using a helper when backing up. |
B | Using turn signals, 4-way flashers, headlights, and the horn. |
C | Using hand signals. |
D | Using your CB radio or cell phone to inform others. |
Question 43 |
A | It depends on what mood you are in at the time. |
B | Shorter stopping distance. |
C | The same amount of stopping distance. |
D | Greater stopping distance. |
Question 44 |
A | truck stops, gas stations |
B | tunnels, overpasses |
C | law enforcement officers, detours |
D | vehicles, traffic signs |
Question 45 |
A | Turn on your 4-way emergency flashers to warn other drivers. |
B | Put your warning devices out within 15 minutes. |
C | Warn other drivers by using your left turn signal lights. |
D | Keep your low beam lights on. |
Question 46 |
A | slidetracking. |
B | sidetracking. |
C | fishtailing. |
D | offtracking. |
Question 47 |
A | Judgment and self-control are the first to be affected. |
B | Muscle control and coordination are affected. |
C | All of these things happen. |
D | The drinker's brain is increasingly affected. |
Question 48 |
A | if any problems occurred the last the time the vehicle was operated. |
B | at least once a week. |
C | before operating the vehicle. |
D | whenever you stop to refuel. |
Question 49 |
A | Electrical fire. |
B | Grease fire. |
C | Gasoline fire. |
D | None of these fires can be safely extinguished by water. |
Question 50 |
A | Observation distance, reaction distance, and slowing distance. |
B | Perception distance, slowing distance, and braking distance. |
C | Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. |
D | Perception distance, response distance, and reaction distance. |
← | 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 | three inches |
B | one half inch |
C | one inch |
D | two inches |
Question 2 |
A | you are driving on hilly, rural roads. |
B | road conditions are excellent. |
C | the road is wet, icy, or snow covered. |
D | you are driving on the freeway. |
Question 3 |
A | offtracking. |
B | slidetracking. |
C | fishtailing. |
D | sidetracking. |
Question 4 |
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 cargo toward the rear of the truck for easier unloading. |
D | Load more weight over the drive axle for better traction. |
Question 5 |
A | Perception distance, response distance, and reaction distance. |
B | Observation distance, reaction distance, and slowing distance. |
C | Perception distance, slowing distance, and braking distance. |
D | Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. |
Question 6 |
A | law enforcement officers, detours |
B | tunnels, overpasses |
C | truck stops, gas stations |
D | vehicles, traffic signs |
Question 7 |
A | at least once a week. |
B | whenever you stop to refuel. |
C | before operating the vehicle. |
D | if any problems occurred the last the time the vehicle was operated. |
Question 8 |
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 9 |
A | four |
B | three |
C | two |
D | one |
Question 10 |
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 11 |
A | the trailer is fully loaded or very heavy. |
B | the trailer is empty or lightly loaded. |
C | the trailer is out of brake adjustment. |
D | the trailer is being hauled at high speed. |
Question 12 |
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 13 |
A | Gasoline fire. |
B | None of these fires can be safely extinguished by water. |
C | Electrical fire. |
D | Grease fire. |
Question 14 |
A | Too many vertical stacks. |
B | Play in the steering wheel of more than ten degrees (two inches on a 20-inch steering wheel). |
C | Play in the steering wheel of more than five degrees. |
D | Oil on the tie rod. |
Question 15 |
A | burning |
B | rust |
C | leaks |
D | rubbing |
Question 16 |
A | to avoid mixing hazmat with food. |
B | to warn others of hazardous materials. |
C | to combat terrorism. |
D | to make your vehicle look official. |
Question 17 |
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 18 |
A | stop to sleep. |
B | slap yourself in the face three times. |
C | roll down the windows. |
D | turn up the radio. |
Question 19 |
A | seven or more. |
B | five or more. |
C | three or more. |
D | none of these. |
Question 20 |
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 21 |
A | it will be raised slightly when the tractor is backed under it. |
B | the end of the kingpin is even with the top of the fifth wheel. |
C | the kingpin is about 1¼ inches above the fifth wheel. |
D | the end of the kingpin is at waist level. |
Question 22 |
A | Using hand signals. |
B | Using turn signals, 4-way flashers, headlights, and the horn. |
C | Using your CB radio or cell phone to inform others. |
D | Using a helper when backing up. |
Question 23 |
A | Put your warning devices out within 15 minutes. |
B | Turn on your 4-way emergency flashers to warn other drivers. |
C | Warn other drivers by using your left turn signal lights. |
D | Keep your low beam lights on. |
Question 24 |
A | both loose fuel connections and under inflated tires |
B | underinflated tires |
C | loose fuel connections |
D | overinflated tires |
Question 25 |
A | before starting down a hill and before entering a tunnel. |
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 going up a hill and before entering a curve. |
Question 26 |
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 27 |
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 28 |
A | you have to push harder and harder to get the same stopping power on a downgrade. |
B | there is a slight vibration when you press down on the brake pedal. |
C | the brake pedal feels firm when you apply pressure. |
D | you release pressure on the brake pedal and speed increases. |
Question 29 |
A | the wheel needs cleaning. |
B | the lug nut needs to be replaced. |
C | the lug nut is loose. |
D | the lug nut is cheap. |
Question 30 |
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 31 |
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 32 |
A | there is ice and snow, to prevent skidding. |
B | it is absolutely necessary. |
C | you will be parked for a short time. |
D | testing the trailer brakes after hooking up to a trailer. |
Question 33 |
A | A minimum of four. |
B | A minimum of one. |
C | A minimum of three. |
D | A minimum of two. |
Question 34 |
A | three times |
B | four times |
C | half |
D | two times |
Question 35 |
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 36 |
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 37 |
A | mirrors |
B | rolled down windows |
C | sunglasses |
D | rear view cameras |
Question 38 |
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 39 |
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 40 |
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 41 |
A | the legal weight limits. |
B | the weight of the liquid. |
C | neither of these. |
D | both of these. |
Question 42 |
A | Pedestrians and bicyclists. |
B | Road construction zones. |
C | A stopped transit bus. |
D | All of these are considered a hazard. |
Question 43 |
A | decreases when the service breaks are hot. |
B | depends on the service brakes being in adjustment. |
C | is not affected by the condition of the service brakes. |
D | increases when the service brakes are hot. |
Question 44 |
A | driving too fast for road conditions. |
B | driving too slow for road conditions. |
C | bad tires. |
D | poorly adjusted brakes. |
Question 45 |
A | poor-quality retreads, under-inflated tires |
B | over-heated brakes, under-inflated tires |
C | dual tires that touch, hot road surfaces |
D | under-inflated tires, dual tires that touch |
Question 46 |
A | Push the brake pedal firmly 5 seconds; listen for leaks. |
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 | Pump the brake pedal 5 times; push the pedal firmly 3 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
Question 47 |
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 | Slow to a safe speed before the curve. |
C | Turn on your four-way flashers as you approach the offramp. |
D | Downshift after you are in the curve. |
Question 48 |
A | turn right and drive over the curb |
B | turn wide before you start the turn |
C | turn wide as you complete the turn |
D | start the turn, then back up to re-position |
Question 49 |
A | All of these things happen. |
B | Muscle control and coordination are affected. |
C | The drinker's brain is increasingly affected. |
D | Judgment and self-control are the first to be affected. |
Question 50 |
A | seal is secure. |
B | placard numbers match the seal numbers. |
C | load is properly secured. |
D | seal is authentic. |
← | 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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