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