CDL GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TEST – 03

This free CDL general knowledge 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 03

1 / 30

In some states and areas, the speed limit for trucks and buses is up to how much lower than that for cars on the same road?

10 mph

15 mph

20 mph

5 mph

2 / 30

The risk of crashes is doubled if a driver is distracted for just...?

1 1/2 seconds

Half a second

One second

Two seconds

3 / 30

The safest way to avoid becoming distracted by a cell phone is...?

Only use it with a hands-free kit

Never use it

Only have short conversations

Only use it in light traffic

4 / 30

You are more likely to hit a roadside object such as a sign or tree limb if you drive...?

To the left of your lane

In the center of your lane

In the center of the road

Near the edge of the pavement

5 / 30

If someone is coming towards you at night with very bright lights on, you should look...?

Down at the right side of the road

Up at the roof of your vehicle

Down at the centerline

Down into your lap

6 / 30

When heading onto an off-ramp or on-ramp, you should cut your speed...?

Before exiting the curved part

Before joining the next road

Before you reach the curved part

Half way around the curved part

7 / 30

Which of these activities can distract you from your driving?

Smoking

Using a navigation system

All of them

Adjusting your air-conditioning

8 / 30

Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as...?

35 mph

25 mph

45 mph

30 mph

9 / 30

You must not drive at night at a speed which means you can't stop within the distance you can see in your headlights. With full beam headlights, that will be a maximum distance of...?

400 feet

600 feet

700 feet

500 feet

10 / 30

Tests have shown that trucks with a high center of gravity can roll over on curves when traveling...?

20 mph over the speed limit

At the speed limit

10 mph over the speed limit

15 mph over the speed limit

11 / 30

When coming up on another vehicle or approaching one coming in the opposite direction at night, you should dip your lights before they get within...?

700 feet

200 feet

500 feet

300 feet

12 / 30

Which of these is the only reliable way to get rid of fatigue?

Stop and sleep

Drink caffeinated beverages

Open your cab windows

Turn up your radio

13 / 30

Which of these areas is likely to freeze first when the temperature is close to 32°F?

Bridges

Underpasses

Tollbooth entrances

Open highways

14 / 30

Which of these types of music is recommended to help you be a less aggressive driver?

Hard rock

Heavy metal

Easy listening

Rap

15 / 30

If another vehicle is tailgating you, what should you do to reduce the chances of the crash?

Accelerate away from them

Slow down quickly

Increase your following distance

Flash your brake lights

16 / 30

The principal way you should control your speed on downgrades is to...?

Use your normal brakes

Weave from side to side

Use your emergency brakes

Use engine braking

17 / 30

A heavy vehicle will need the longest stopping distance when it is...?

Empty

Three quarters loaded

Half loaded

Fully loaded

18 / 30

On a wet road, you should reduce your speed by...?

One third

One eighth

One half

One quarter

19 / 30

At speeds below 40 mph, you should allow a second of space ahead for every...?

20 feet of vehicle length

5 feet of vehicle and

10 feet of vehicle length

15 feet of vehicle length

20 / 30

At which of these points in a rainstorm will the road be most slippery?

Just before the rain stops

Just after the rain starts

One hour after the rain starts

20 minutes after the rain starts

21 / 30

When you are driving a 60 foot truck at speeds over 40 mph, you should allow following distance of...?

Six seconds

Four seconds

Five seconds

Seven seconds

22 / 30

When carrying a heavy load, you should be particularly wary of getting stuck on...?

Overpasses

Pedestrian crossings

Suburban roads

Railroad crossings

23 / 30

Looking out for hazards and planning what to do should they turn into emergencies is what is called driving...?

Timidly

Passively

Defensively

Aggressively

24 / 30

If you triple your speed from 20 to 60 miles an hour, you increase your braking distance by...?

Nine times

Three times

Five times

Seven times

25 / 30

When faced with an aggressive driver, you should...?

Try to block them

Try to get out of their way

Try to speed away from them

Try to challenge them

26 / 30

You see a pedestrian about to cross the road looking straight to your vehicle. You should assume...?

They will find somewhere else to cross

They have seen you

They won't cross until you pass

They haven't seen you

27 / 30

Which of these factors can influence whether or not you are able to make the posted clearance on a bridge or underpass?

Resurfacing

All of them

The size of your load

Packed snow

28 / 30

If you have to swing out to make a right-hand turn, you should do so by taking up...?

Any of these depending on circumstances

The center of the intersection

The left-hand lane of the road you are turning into

The left-hand lane of the road you are leaving

29 / 30

At 80 mph, the force of your impact if you strike a person or vehicle will be how much greater than if you were traveling at 20 mph?

12 times

8 times

16 times

4 times

30 / 30

You should be especially wary of tourists, as they can be confused as to direction. A good clue to a tourist is...?

Brightly colored cars

Rooftop luggage

Slow speed

Aggressive driving

Your score is

Who is Eligible to Receive A CDL?

Now that you know the requirements that you will need in order to get a CDL, let’s learn more about the eligibility to get one. This will better help you determine if getting a CDL is possible for you.

• You must be 18 years of age to obtain a CDL for in-state driving. If your job requires you to drive out of state, you must be at least 21. Additionally, if you are going to haul hazardous materials, you will also need to be 21.
• You must have no prior criminal convictions that may disqualify you such as certain felonies.

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.