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