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