CDL Basic Control Skills Exam Practice

CDL Basic Control Skills Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the first step before performing the Basic Control Skills test?
• Start driving immediately
• Conduct a pre-trip inspection
• Test the horn
• Shift to reverse

Rationale: Conducting a pre-trip inspection ensures the vehicle is safe

and functional before any driving maneuvers.

2. When backing a straight truck in a straight line, you should:

• Keep your head down and look only at mirrors
• Turn the steering wheel constantly
• Look over your right shoulder and keep the vehicle straight
• Use only the rearview mirror 1 / 4

Rationale: Looking over your shoulder provides better visibility for

keeping the vehicle straight while backing.

• In the offset backing exercise, what is the proper steering technique?
• Turn sharply at the start
• Keep wheels straight
• Use small, controlled steering adjustments
• Turn the wheel constantly

Rationale: Small adjustments prevent oversteering and allow precise

control in tight spaces.

• How should you position your vehicle when beginning the alley dock

exercise?

• At an angle to the curb
• Parallel to the docking area with a clear starting point
• Anywhere in the lane
• At the far end of the area

Rationale: Starting parallel ensures proper alignment and control

when maneuvering into the dock.

• During the serpentine exercise, what is the key to maintaining control?
• Speed up in turns
• Use smooth steering and maintain a safe speed
• Keep brakes pressed
• Use sudden steering inputs 2 / 4

Rationale: Smooth steering prevents loss of control while navigating

tight turns.

• What is the primary purpose of the Basic Control Skills test?
• Test fuel efficiency
• Evaluate the driver’s ability to maneuver the vehicle precisely
• Check license validity
• Test highway driving skills

Rationale: The test focuses on low-speed vehicle handling and

control in tight spaces.

• If you need to correct a backing maneuver, what is the best approach?
• Reverse quickly
• Turn wheels sharply without stopping
• Stop and realign slowly before continuing
• Continue and hope for the best

Rationale: Stopping and realigning prevents collisions and ensures

control.

• How should you control speed during the cone weave exercise?
• Maximum acceleration
• Constant high speed
• Slow and steady
• Stop frequently

Rationale: Slow, steady speed allows precise steering and prevents

hitting cones. 3 / 4

9. When performing the offset backing exercise, mirrors alone:

• Are sufficient for all visibility
• Should be supplemented by looking over your shoulder
• Can replace head checks
• Are unnecessary

Rationale: Mirrors have blind spots; head checks ensure full visibility.

• During the straight-line backing exercise, what common mistake

should be avoided?

• Using brakes
• Oversteering
• Checking mirrors
• Using clutch

Rationale: Oversteering can cause the vehicle to leave the

designated path.

• What is the recommended hand position on the steering wheel

for low-speed maneuvers?

• 10 and 2 o’clock
• 12 o’clock only
• 9 and 3 o’clock
• One hand only

Rationale: 9 and 3 o’clock allows smooth, controlled steering for

precise movements.

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