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