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