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