CDL GENERAL KNOWLEDGE PRACTICE TEST – 01

This CDL general knowledge practice test will examine your knowledge of general trucking, safe transportation of cargo, safe driving, and the correct way to perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection. In order to receive your CDL, it is required that you pass the state’s official CDL General Knowledge exam.

General Knowledges Test 01

1 / 30

Before starting the engine on a manual vehicle you should make sure your gearshift is in...?

First

Fifth

Reverse

Neutral

2 / 30

Air pressure for your brakes should build from 50 to 90 psi within what time?

Two minutes

Three minutes

Four minutes

One minute

3 / 30

What is the proper color at the front of a vehicle for parking, clearance and identification lights?

Blue

White

Amber

Red

4 / 30

If a yellow light on the left rear of the trailer stays on when you switch the engine on, this means...?

The ABS is not working properly

The spring brakes are not working properly

The spring brakes are working properly

The ABS is working properly

5 / 30

When you are on the road, you must fasten your seatbelt...?

In urban areas

Before you reach a freeway

During the hours of darkness

At all times

6 / 30

Wheels or rims are unsafe if they have been welded...?

In any area

Near the hub

On the spokes

On the edge of the rim

7 / 30

What paperwork should you check before beginning your pretrip inspection?

The vehicle registration

Your own license documents

The last vehicle inspection report

The vehicle insurance documents

8 / 30

After your first in trip inspection of the securement of your cargo, you must make regular additional inspections...?

Every 150 miles

Every 250 miles

Every 150 miles or three hours, whichever comes first

Every three hours

9 / 30

On a 20 inch steering wheel, there should not be more than how much play?

3 inches

1 inch

2 inches

4 inches

10 / 30

The second step of a pretrip inspection should be to check...?

The driver's cab

The air brakes

The cargo

The engine compartment

11 / 30

If your vehicle has hydraulic brakes, you should pump the brake pedal three times and then apply firm pressure for five seconds. The pedal should...?

Push back slightly

Stay in place

Drop to the floor

Drop slightly

12 / 30

If lock nuts on your wheels have streaks of rust, this may indicate...?

Looseness

Over tightness

They are about to break

They are at the right tension

13 / 30

All tires other than the front tires of a commercial vehicle must have a minimum tread depth of...?

3/32 of an inch

1/32 of an inch

4/32 of an inch

2/32 of an inch

14 / 30

The most important reason for inspecting your vehicle before traveling is...?

To ensure you can make your journey as quickly as possible

None of these

Safety

To avoid fines

15 / 30

Every major groove on the front tires of a commercial vehicle must have a tread depth of at least?

4/32 of an inch

5/32 of an inch

2/32 of an inch

3/32 of an inch

16 / 30

Which of these is permitted for use on the front wheels of the bus?

Recapped tires

None of them

Regrooved tires

Retreaded tires

17 / 30

As part of your safety equipment, your vehicle should have how many red reflective triangles?

One

Two

Three

Four

18 / 30

Which of these senses should be used during a trip to check for problems?

All of them

Hearing

Vision

Smell

19 / 30

What is the main problem which a broken exhaust system can cause?

It can reduce acceleration

It can lead to fines

It can reduce fuel efficiency

It can poison the driver

20 / 30

To check the stopping action of your service brakes, you should test them at about...?

10 mph

2 mph

15 mph

5 mph

21 / 30

Why should you look under your vehicle at the beginning of your pretrip inspection?

To check parts numbers

For leaks

For loose gravel

To see if it's been raining

22 / 30

When checking the steering system, it must be tested...?

By grabbing it

By looking at it

By listening to it

By smelling it

23 / 30

Front facing turn signals must be what color?

Amber or white

White or blue

Red or white

Red or amber

24 / 30

Side marker reflectors which are not at the rear of the vehicle must be what color?

Blue

Amber

White

Red

25 / 30

As you check your signal lights, you should...?

Wipe each one clean

Tick each one off on a list

Do all of these things

Tap the bulb of each one

26 / 30

Rear turn signals should be which of these colors?

Amber

Red

Yellow

Any of them

27 / 30

Side marker lights must be what color at the rear of the vehicle?

Red

Amber

White

Blue

28 / 30

A vehicle must be placed out of service if what fraction of the leaves in any spring assembly on the suspension are broken?

1/4

1/5

1/3

1/2

29 / 30

If your oil pressure is below the indicated limit, you should...?

Stop immediately

Note it on your report

Top it up at the end of the day

Top it up at your next stop

30 / 30

If you are transporting a cargo you must inspect its securement within what distance of starting a trip?

50 miles

100 miles

75 miles

25 miles

Your score is

Why Take This CDL General Knowledge Practice Test?

You will be required to take a written knowledge test (try our CDL general knowledge practice test). Once you pass this test, you will be required to drive with another CDL licensed driver and practice driving on the road for at least 14 days.

The cost of getting your CDL will vary depending on the state you live in. On average, obtaining a learner’s permit will cost around $25. To get your full CDL license, fees will range from $50 to $200. While this might seem like a lot of money, the income you will receive in the future will make it worth the money.

There are three types of CDL classes that determine the type of vehicle you may drive and how much you may tow. A Class A CDL class allows you to operate a vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 if the vehicle you tow weighs more than 10,000 and a Class B CDL allows you to operate a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or operate any vehicle towing another vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 GVWR. With a Class C CDL, you can operate a Class C vehicle that transports hazardous materials.