#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 | neither of these. |
B | the legal weight limits. |
C | both of these. |
D | the weight of the liquid. |
Question 2 |
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 3 |
A | Observation distance, reaction distance, and slowing distance. |
B | Perception distance, slowing distance, and braking distance. |
C | Perception distance, response distance, and reaction distance. |
D | Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. |
Question 4 |
A | the road is wet, icy, or snow covered. |
B | road conditions are excellent. |
C | you are driving on the freeway. |
D | you are driving on hilly, rural roads. |
Question 5 |
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 6 |
A | exempt from hazardous materials restrictions. |
B | exempt from weight limit restrictions. |
C | exempt from height restrictions. |
D | generally used when freight is carried part way by rail or ship. |
Question 7 |
A | four |
B | three |
C | two |
D | one |
Question 8 |
A | A minimum of one. |
B | A minimum of two. |
C | A minimum of four. |
D | A minimum of three. |
Question 9 |
A | the wheel needs cleaning. |
B | the lug nut is cheap. |
C | the lug nut is loose. |
D | the lug nut needs to be replaced. |
Question 10 |
A | eating spicy food in the truck cab |
B | under inflated tires |
C | loose fuel connections |
D | both loose fuel connections and under inflated tires |
Question 11 |
A | One vehicle length for every 10,000 lb. of gross vehicle weight. |
B | The same amount of space you would on a dry road. |
C | More space than is needed for ideal driving conditions. |
D | The same amount of space you would at night. |
Question 12 |
A | the load should not get wet. |
B | the load can shift. |
C | a dry bulk tank should only be filled halfway. |
D | the load can catch fire easily. |
Question 13 |
A | 4/32-inch in every major groove. |
B | 3/32-inch in every major groove. |
C | 2/32-inch in every major groove. |
D | 5/32-inch in every major groove. |
Question 14 |
A | because law enforcement may inspect your vehicle on the road. |
B | to ensure safety for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers. |
C | because it is a requirement for all drivers. |
D | to help ensure the vehicle will make it to your destination. |
Question 15 |
A | before starting down a hill and before entering a curve. |
B | before starting down a hill and before entering a tunnel. |
C | before going up a hill and before entering a curve. |
D | before starting down a hill and before going up a hill. |
Question 16 |
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 17 |
A | Gasoline fire. |
B | None of these fires can be safely extinguished by water. |
C | Grease fire. |
D | Electrical fire. |
Question 18 |
A | The drinker's brain is increasingly affected. |
B | All of these things happen. |
C | Judgment and self-control are the first to be affected. |
D | Muscle control and coordination are affected. |
Question 19 |
A | seven or more. |
B | three or more. |
C | none of these. |
D | five or more. |
Question 20 |
A | Road construction zones. |
B | A stopped transit bus. |
C | All of these are considered a hazard. |
D | Pedestrians and bicyclists. |
Question 21 |
A | rust |
B | burning |
C | leaks |
D | rubbing |
Question 22 |
A | three times |
B | four times |
C | half |
D | two times |
Question 23 |
A | Shorter stopping distance. |
B | It depends on what mood you are in at the time. |
C | The same amount of stopping distance. |
D | Greater stopping distance. |
Question 24 |
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 25 |
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 | 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 26 |
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 27 |
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 | roll down your window so that the fresh air will help keep you awake. |
D | keep your high beams on at all times. |
Question 28 |
A | load is properly secured. |
B | seal is secure. |
C | placard numbers match the seal numbers. |
D | seal is authentic. |
Question 29 |
A | have better traction when stopping than full trucks |
B | have the same stopping distance as full trucks |
C | require greater stopping distance than full trucks |
D | need less space ahead than full trucks |
Question 30 |
A | roll down the windows. |
B | stop to sleep. |
C | turn up the radio. |
D | slap yourself in the face three times. |
Question 31 |
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 32 |
A | three inches |
B | one inch |
C | two inches |
D | one half inch |
Question 33 |
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 34 |
A | mirrors |
B | rear view cameras |
C | sunglasses |
D | rolled down windows |
Question 35 |
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 36 |
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 37 |
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 38 |
A | law enforcement officers, detours |
B | tunnels, overpasses |
C | truck stops, gas stations |
D | vehicles, traffic signs |
Question 39 |
A | under-inflated tires, dual tires that touch |
B | poor-quality retreads, under-inflated tires |
C | dual tires that touch, hot road surfaces |
D | over-heated brakes, under-inflated tires |
Question 40 |
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 41 |
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 | downshift into the turn. |
D | keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible. |
Question 42 |
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 43 |
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 44 |
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 45 |
A | Using a helper when backing up. |
B | Using your CB radio or cell phone to inform others. |
C | Using turn signals, 4-way flashers, headlights, and the horn. |
D | Using hand signals. |
Question 46 |
A | safely remove the radiator cap and add coolant while the engine is hot. |
B | use only water in the cooling system. |
C | use windshield washer fluid as coolant. |
D | check the coolant level of a hot engine. |
Question 47 |
A | Play in the steering wheel of more than ten degrees (two inches on a 20-inch steering wheel). |
B | Oil on the tie rod. |
C | Play in the steering wheel of more than five degrees. |
D | Too many vertical stacks. |
Question 48 |
A | fishtailing. |
B | sidetracking. |
C | slidetracking. |
D | offtracking. |
Question 49 |
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 50 |
A | driving too fast for road conditions. |
B | bad tires. |
C | poorly adjusted brakes. |
D | driving too slow for road conditions. |
← | 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 | 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 2 |
A | you want to have a plan to communicate the risk. |
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 | it is a federal law. |
Question 3 |
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 4 |
A | rear view cameras |
B | rolled down windows |
C | mirrors |
D | sunglasses |
Question 5 |
A | It depends on what mood you are in at the time. |
B | Greater stopping distance. |
C | The same amount of stopping distance. |
D | Shorter stopping distance. |
Question 6 |
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 7 |
A | driving too slow for road conditions. |
B | driving too fast for road conditions. |
C | poorly adjusted brakes. |
D | bad tires. |
Question 8 |
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 9 |
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 10 |
A | there is a slight vibration when you press down on the brake pedal. |
B | you have to push harder and harder to get the same stopping power on a downgrade. |
C | the brake pedal feels firm when you apply pressure. |
D | you release pressure on the brake pedal and speed increases. |
Question 11 |
A | A minimum of four. |
B | A minimum of three. |
C | A minimum of one. |
D | A minimum of two. |
Question 12 |
A | Road construction zones. |
B | A stopped transit bus. |
C | All of these are considered a hazard. |
D | Pedestrians and bicyclists. |
Question 13 |
A | one half inch |
B | one inch |
C | three inches |
D | two inches |
Question 14 |
A | if any problems occurred the last the time the vehicle was operated. |
B | whenever you stop to refuel. |
C | before operating the vehicle. |
D | at least once a week. |
Question 15 |
A | keep your high beams on at all times. |
B | roll down your window so that the fresh air will help keep you awake. |
C | drink coffee or other caffeine products to help keep you awake. |
D | make sure you are driving slow enough so you can stop within the range of your headlights in case of an emergency. |
Question 16 |
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 | downshift into the turn. |
D | check to make sure that the brakes are properly balanced. |
Question 17 |
A | 5/32-inch in every major groove. |
B | 2/32-inch in every major groove. |
C | 4/32-inch in every major groove. |
D | 3/32-inch in every major groove. |
Question 18 |
A | half |
B | two times |
C | three times |
D | four times |
Question 19 |
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 20 |
A | vehicles, traffic signs |
B | truck stops, gas stations |
C | law enforcement officers, detours |
D | tunnels, overpasses |
Question 21 |
A | Because it's good to know that information. |
B | Because some liquids expand more than others when they get warm. |
C | Because some of the heaviest liquids don’t need any. |
D | Because tank baffles are not always legal with outage. |
Question 22 |
A | before starting down a hill and before entering a tunnel. |
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 going up a hill. |
Question 23 |
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 24 |
A | offtracking. |
B | fishtailing. |
C | slidetracking. |
D | sidetracking. |
Question 25 |
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 26 |
A | Electrical fire. |
B | Gasoline fire. |
C | None of these fires can be safely extinguished by water. |
D | Grease fire. |
Question 27 |
A | both of these. |
B | the weight of the liquid. |
C | neither of these. |
D | the legal weight limits. |
Question 28 |
A | exempt from weight limit restrictions. |
B | exempt from height restrictions. |
C | exempt from hazardous materials restrictions. |
D | generally used when freight is carried part way by rail or ship. |
Question 29 |
A | rubbing |
B | burning |
C | leaks |
D | rust |
Question 30 |
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 31 |
A | Keep your low beam lights on. |
B | Turn on your 4-way emergency flashers to warn other drivers. |
C | Put your warning devices out within 15 minutes. |
D | Warn other drivers by using your left turn signal lights. |
Question 32 |
A | Perception distance, slowing distance, and braking distance. |
B | Perception distance, response distance, and reaction distance. |
C | Observation distance, reaction distance, and slowing distance. |
D | Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. |
Question 33 |
A | the kingpin is about 1¼ inches above the fifth wheel. |
B | it will be raised slightly when the tractor is backed under it. |
C | the end of the kingpin is at waist level. |
D | the end of the kingpin is even with the top of the fifth wheel. |
Question 34 |
A | decreases when the service breaks are hot. |
B | is not affected by the condition of the service brakes. |
C | depends on the service brakes being in adjustment. |
D | increases when the service brakes are hot. |
Question 35 |
A | require greater stopping distance than full trucks |
B | have the same stopping distance as full trucks |
C | need less space ahead than full trucks |
D | have better traction when stopping than full trucks |
Question 36 |
A | Play in the steering wheel of more than five degrees. |
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 | Too many vertical stacks. |
Question 37 |
A | the lug nut is cheap. |
B | the lug nut is loose. |
C | the wheel needs cleaning. |
D | the lug nut needs to be replaced. |
Question 38 |
A | Push the brake pedal firmly 5 seconds; listen for leaks. |
B | Pump the brake pedal 3 times; push the pedal firmly 5 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
C | Pump the brake pedal 5 times; push the pedal firmly 3 seconds; the pedal should not move. |
D | Move forward slowly and push firmly on the brake pedal. |
Question 39 |
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 40 |
A | The drinker's brain is increasingly affected. |
B | Muscle control and coordination are affected. |
C | Judgment and self-control are the first to be affected. |
D | All of these things happen. |
Question 41 |
A | three |
B | four |
C | two |
D | one |
Question 42 |
A | placard numbers match the seal numbers. |
B | seal is authentic. |
C | seal is secure. |
D | load is properly secured. |
Question 43 |
A | Shift the truck into neutral and coast down the hill to save gas. |
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 | Use a lower gear than you would use to climb the hill. |
Question 44 |
A | overinflated tires |
B | underinflated tires |
C | both loose fuel connections and under inflated tires |
D | loose fuel connections |
Question 45 |
A | the load can shift. |
B | the load should not get wet. |
C | a dry bulk tank should only be filled halfway. |
D | the load can catch fire easily. |
Question 46 |
A | The same amount of space you would at night. |
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 on a dry road. |
Question 47 |
A | the trailer is empty or lightly loaded. |
B | the trailer is being hauled at high speed. |
C | the trailer is fully loaded or very heavy. |
D | the trailer is out of brake adjustment. |
Question 48 |
A | turn up the radio. |
B | roll down the windows. |
C | slap yourself in the face three times. |
D | stop to sleep. |
Question 49 |
A | three or more. |
B | none of these. |
C | seven or more. |
D | five or more. |
Question 50 |
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 |
← | 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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