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