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