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