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