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