CDL General Knowledge Questions and Answers
1.When you are in a 60 foot vehicle, how much space should you
maintain in front of you at highway speeds (Answer) Seven seconds
2.What is the first thing to do if your vehicle catches fire while driving
(Answer) Pull off the road and park in an open area
3.The best way to put out a fire is to (Answer) Stand upwind and spray
the base of the fire
4.What are some causes of vehicle fires (3) (Answer) * Spilled fuel
Short circuits
- Driver smoking
5.Safe drivers must maintain space around their vehicles for the
following reasons (3) (Answer) * In case you must stop suddenly - In case there are cars following too closely
- In case there is an obstacle in the road.
6.Hydroplaning can occur when you drive through water or slush. If you
experience hydroplaning you should (Answer) Release the accelerator
and push in the clutch
7.When making a right hand turn, you should always (Answer) Keep the
rear of your vehicle close to the curb
8.A front wheel skid is usually caused by (3) (Answer) * Driving too fast
for conditions
- Lack of tread on the front tires
*Cargo improperly loaded
9.Driving at night is more dangerous because of the following (3)
(Answer) * Most people are less alert at night due to fatigue - Headlights often cause glare which can blind drivers
*There are more drunk drivers at night
10.How often should you check your cargo (3) (Answer) * Within 25 miles
after begin- ning a trip
*After you have driven for three hours
*After you take a break
11.An engine retarder is designed to (Answer) Slow the vehicle down
without using brakes
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CDL Practice Test (General Knowledge)
Questions and Answers
1.How long should the mud flaps on a truck and trailer be (Answer) Long
enough to reach within 8 in of the roadway
2.If you’re driving in town, how far will your recommended 12-15
second planning ahead measure in distance (Answer) about a single
block
3.A bridge formula restricts the axle weight for axles which…: are
closer together
4.How soon should oil pressure rise to a normal level after starting
the engine (Answer) within seconds
- If starting from a standstill on a hill, what’s the best way to get moving
(Answer) –
partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake
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6.Driving on a highway, it is recommended that you monitor a quarter of
a mile ahead. At highway speeds, this equates to… (Answer) 12-15 sec
7.Descending a long downgrade, which of these will help you if you
have brake difficulties (Answer) -escape ramp
-a turn going uphill
-an open field
(all of the
above)
8.If you are tested and found to have a blood alcohol concentration below
0.04% but above 0.0, what will happen (Answer) You will be taken out of
service for 24 hrs
9.Federal, State, and local regulations concerning cargo weight,
secure- ment, and cover vary widely. Which should you obey (Answer)
all of them
10.What are two of the most common causes of tire fires (Answer) Underinflation and duals that touch
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CDL Exam Questions and Answers
1.What’s the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection (Answer)Safety
2.What things should you check during a trip (Answer) instruments, air
pressure gauges, temperature gauges, pressure gauges, voltmeter,
mirrors, tires, cargo
3.Name some key steering system parts (Answer) gear box, tie rods,
steering column
4.Name some suspension system defects (Answer) 1/4 or more of
leaves in spring assembly are broken; any leaf is missing; spring
hangers that allow movement of axle from proper position; leaking
shock absorbers
5.What 3 kinds of emergency equipment must you have (Answer) spare
electrical fuses, 3 red reflective triangles, properly charged & rated
fire extinguisher
6.What is the minimum tread depth for front tires (Answer) 4/32″
7.What is minimum tread depth for other tires (Answer) 2/32″
8.Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during
the walk-around inspection (Answer) condition of: front axle, steering
system, windshield; lights & reflectors; parking, clearance &
identification lights clean, operating & proper color; reflectors clean &
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proper color; right front turn signal clean, operating & proper color
9.What should wheel bearing seals be checked for (Answer) That they’re
not leaking
10.How many red reflective triangles should you carry (Answer) 3
11.How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks (Answer) Pump brake
pedal 3X, then apply firm pressure to pedal & hold for 5 seconds. The
pedal shouldn’t move. It it does, there may be a leak or other
problem.
12.Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip
inspec- tion (Answer) To ensure that no one can start or move the
vehicle while you’re performing your inspection.
13.Why should you back toward the driver’s side (Answer) So you can
see better. Backing toward the right side is very dangerous because
you can’t see as well. If you back & turn toward driver’s side, you can
watch the rear of your vehicle by looking out the side windows.
14.If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back
(Answer) Partly engage the clutch before taking foot off the brake. Put
on parking brake whenever necessary to keep from rolling back.
Release parking brake only when you have applied enough engine
power to keep from rolling back. Speed up slowly & gradually so
vehicle doesn’t jerk.
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CDL Class A License Questions and Answers
1.What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection
(Answer) Saftey for yourself and for other road users.
2.What things should you check during a trip (Answer) 1. Instruments
2.Air Pressure Gauge
3.Temperature Gauges
4.Pressure Gauges
5.Ammeter/Voltmeter
6.Mirrors
7.Tires
8.Carg
o
- Lights
- Name 7 key steering system parts (Answer) 1. Tie Rod
2.Steering Column
3.Gear Box
4.Resevoir
5.Steering Knuckle
6.Draglink
7.Spindle
4.Name some suspension system defects (Answer) – Cracked or Broken
spring hang- ers
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- missing or broken leaves
- leaking shock absorbers
- Air suspension systems broken or leaking
5.What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have (Answer) 1.
Fire extin- gushiers
2.Spare Eletrical fuses
3.Warning devixes for parked vehicles
6.What is the minimum tread depth for front tires and for other tired
(Answer) – 4/32 inch - 2/32 inch
7.Name 7 things you should check on the front of your vehicle during a
walk around inspection (Answer) 1. Front axle
2.Steering System
3.Windsheild
4.Windshield Wipers
5.Wiper Blades
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6.Lights
7.Reflectors
8.What 4 things should wheel bearing seals be check for (Answer) 1. Rips
2.Tears
3.Cracks
4.Leaks
9.How many red reflective triangles should you carry (Answer) 3
10.How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks (Answer) – Check pads
or shoes for brake fluid on them
- check hoses and reservoir
11.Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection (Answer) So there is no risk of the vehicle rolling or being
cracked during the inspection.
12.Why should you back towards the drivers side (Answer) You have a
better line of sight towards the drivers side.
13.If stopped on a hill how can you start moving without rolling back
(Answer) Apply the parking brake or apply the accelerator until you
move forward.
14.When backing, why is it important to use a helper (Answer) A helper
can see things you cannot and help direct your movement.
15.What’s the most important hand signal that you and the helper
should agree on (Answer) STOP!!
16.What are two so special conditions where you should downshift
CDL General Knowledge (Secs. 1, 2, 3, 12, 13)
Questions and Answers
1.Who must have a CDL (Answer) 1. Operate a vehicle with a
GVWR more than 26,000lbs
2.Trailers with a GVWR more than 10,000lbs if the gross comb
weight rating is more than 26,000lbs
3.More than 15 persons including driver
4.Vehicles with hazardous materials placards
2.Can you have more than one license (Answer) No. You can be fined up
to $5,000 or put in jail.
3.How long do you have to notify employer of conviction of a traffic
viola- tion (Answer) 30 days (except parking).
4.How long do you have to notify your vehicle licensing agency of
convic- tions in another jurisdiction (Answer) 30 days (except parking)
5.How much driving history must you give your employer (Answer) All
driving jobs held for the past 10 years. Do this when you apply.
6.What is the fine for driving without a CDL (Answer) Up to $5,000 or jail
7.How first-time offenses will cause the loss of CDL (Answer) All one year
- Driving a CMV under the influence
- Leaving the scene of an accident of your CMV
- Using your CMV to commit a felony
- Refusing sobriety test while driving CMV
- Causing death of other negligent or criminal operation of CMV
- Driving a CMV while CDL is revoked, suspended, canceled or
disqualified - If offense occurs while driving placarded for hazard material it is 3
years
8.When will you lose CDL for life (Answer) Second offense
Using CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances
9.What offenses result in 60-day loss of CDL (Answer) – 2 serious traffic
violations or 1 violation of a law regulating rr crossing within a 3-year
period involving a CMV
10.What offenses result in a 120-day loss of CDL (Answer) 3 serious
traffic violations or 2 violations at rr crossing within a 3-year period
11.What results in 1-year loss of CDL (Answer) 3 violations of a law at rr
crossing within a 3-year period
12.What are considered serious traffic violations (Answer) excessive
speeding (+15mph), reckless driving, improper or erratic lane
changes, following too closely, fatal traffic accidents, driving CMV
without a CDL, driving CMV without CDL in possession.
13.When is it illegal to drive a CMV (Answer) When BAC is .04% or more.
You lose CDL for one year on first offense, life on second. If less than
.04% and detectable then out of service for 24 hours.
14.How much tread depth is needed (Answer) 4/32″ on front tires, 2/32″on other tires.
15.Can radial and bias-ply tires be used together (Answer) No.
16.Can regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires be used on the front
wheels of a bus (Answer) No.
17.What are the signs of a damaged rim (Answer) Rust around wheel
nuts may mean looseness.
Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or
lugs Mismatched, bent, or cracked
lock rings Wheels or rims with
welding reparis.
18.What are the signs of bad brake drums or shoes (Answer)
Cracked drums Shoes with grease or oil
Shoes worn thin, broken, missing
19.What are the signs of a steering system defect (Answer) Steering
wheel play of more than 10 degrees.
20.What are signs of suspension system defects (Answer) Spring
hangers, leaves, shock absorbers, torque rod or arm, u-bolts
21.What are signs of exhaust system defects (Answer) exhaust
pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, vertical stacks,
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CDL Permit Test Questions and Answers
1.What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection
(Answer) To ensure the vehicle is safe to drive and roadworthy.
2.What things should you check during a trip (Answer) Tires, brakes,
lights, connections to trailer, trailer coupling devices, cargo
securement devices(tarps, canvass, or straps)
3.Name some key steering system parts (Answer) Steering wheel,
steering shaft, gear box, hydraulic fluid reservoir, pitman arm, drag
link, steering knuckle, spindle, power steering cylinder, steering arm,
tie rod
4.Name some suspension system defects (Answer) Missing or broken
leaf springs, leaking shock absorbers, broken spring hangers, torque
rod (arm, ubolts, spring hangers, or other axle positioning parts)
cracked or damaged
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5.Name three kinds of emergency equipment you must have (Answer) Fire
extinguish- er, 3 red triangles, spare fuses, flare
6.What is the minimum tread depth for front tires? For other tires (Answer)
4/32″ for front tires, 2/32″ for all others
7.Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during
the walk around inspection (Answer) Condition of axle and steering
system (grab for looseness), condition of the windshield (clean/dirty,
damaged, wiper arms, wiper blades, and lights & reflectors (amber at
front for clearance and reflectors, white or amber for turn signal)
8.What should wheel bearing seals be checked for (Answer) Leaks
9.How many red reflective triangles should you carry (Answer) Three
10.How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks (Answer) Pump three
times, hold brake down for 5 seconds. Brakes should hold, if not there
is a problem.
CDL Test Questions and Answers
- Truck escape ramps:
a. Cannot be used by certain types of heavy vehicles.
b. Are designed to protect vehicles from damage.
c. Should not be used unless you have first tried all other ways to save
your vehicle after brake failure.
d. All of the above.: Correct Answer: Are designed to protect
vehicles from damage. - You are driving a vehicle that could safely be driven at 55 MPH on an
open road. But traffic is now heavy, moving at 35 MPH although the speed
limit
is 55. The safest speed for your vehicle in this situation is most likely: a. 55
MPH
b. 45 MPH
c. 35 MPH
d. 25 MPH: Correct Answer: 35 MPH - Every time you park your vehicle and shut the engine off you should:
a. Leave it in gear (if it has a manual transmission).
b. Apply the parking brake.
c.Turn the steering wheel as far to the left as you can.
d. Do all the above.: Correct Answer: Apply the parking brake.
- Which of these describes how you should use the brake pedal on a
steep downhill grade? a. Release the brake when you are 5 MPH below
your safe speed, then let your speed come back up to your safe speed and
repeat braking again, (bring you speed down 5 MPH below your safe
speed.)
b.With stronger pressure as the vehicle goes downhill.
c. Light steady pressure.
d. Light, pumping action.: Correct Answer: Release the brake when you
are 5 MPH below your safe speed, then let your speed come back up
to your safe speed and repeat braking again, (bring you speed down 5
MPH below your safe speed.) - For an average commercial vehicle, being driven at 55 MPH on dry
pave- ment it will take about to bring the vehicle to a stop. a. The length of
a vehicle.
b. Half the length of a football field.
c.Twice the length of the vehicle.
d.The length of a football field.: Correct Answer: The length of a football
field. - Which of these statements about certain types of cargo is true?
a. Oversize loads can be hauled without special permits during times when
the roads are not busy.
b.When liquids are hauled, the tank should always be loaded totally full.
c. Unstable loads such as hanging meat or livestock require extra caution
on curves.
d. Loads that consist of liquids in bulk do not present vehicle handling
problems because they are usually very heavy.: Correct Answer:
Unstable loads such as hanging meat or livestock require extra
caution on curves. Which of these statements about backing a heavy
vehicle is true? a. Backing is always dangerous.
- Which of these statements about backing a heavy vehicle is true?
a. Backing is always dangerous.
b.You should back and turn toward the driver’s side whenever possible.
c.You should use a helper and communicate with hand signals.
d. All of the above are true.: Correct Answer: Backing is always
dangerous. - When should you wear seat belts?
a. Only in states where it is required by law.
b. Any time you are in a moving vehicle.
c. Only when engaged in interstate commerce.
d. Only when traveling on a highway.: Correct Answer: Any time you
are in a moving vehicle.
The most common cause of serious vehicle skids is: a.