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