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