Free General Knowledge CDL practice questions

Sample questions from this test

1. A single vehicle needs a CDL when its GVWR is at least:
   1. 10,001 lb
   2. 16,000 lb
   3. 26,001 lb
   4. 33,000 lb
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   26,001 lb

   Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or more needs a CDL.

2. In the basic vehicle control test, you will be asked to:
   1. Drive on the freeway at top speed
   2. Inspect the engine
   3. Recite the hours-of-service rules
   4. Move the vehicle forward, backward and turn it within a marked area
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   Move the vehicle forward, backward and turn it within a marked area

   Basic control tests moving forward, backing and turning inside an area marked with lanes, cones or barriers.

3. If your license is suspended, revoked or canceled, you must tell your employer within:
   1. 1 hour
   2. 2 business days
   3. 10 days
   4. 30 days
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   2 business days

   Notify your employer within two business days of a suspension, revocation, cancellation or disqualification.

4. Coolant and engine oil temperature gauges should:
   1. Read maximum right away
   2. Stay at zero
   3. Jump up and down
   4. Begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range
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   Begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range

   Temperatures should rise gradually to normal.

5. Why should you speed up smoothly and gradually?
   1. It keeps the brakes cool
   2. It makes the turn signals work
   3. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage, such as to the trailer coupling
   4. It is required only on downgrades
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   Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage, such as to the trailer coupling

   Jerky starts can damage the vehicle; when pulling a trailer, rough acceleration can damage the coupling.

6. On a two-lane, two-way road, where do you place the warning devices?
   1. All three behind the vehicle at 10, 100 and 200 feet
   2. Two in front and one behind at 50 feet
   3. Only one, 500 feet behind
   4. Within 10 feet of a corner, 100 feet behind, and 100 feet ahead
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   Within 10 feet of a corner, 100 feet behind, and 100 feet ahead

   On two-way or undivided roads, mark the corner and place one 100 feet behind and one 100 feet ahead.

7. A sign on a downgrade shows “Maximum Safe Speed 35.” What should you do?
   1. Never exceed 35 mph
   2. Go up to 10 mph over if the road is dry
   3. Ignore it if your load is light
   4. Treat it as the minimum speed
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   Never exceed 35 mph

   Never exceed a posted speed limit or Maximum Safe Speed sign.

8. When driving through a work zone, how can you warn drivers behind you?
   1. Flash your high beams at them
   2. Sound your horn continuously
   3. Turn on your interior cab light
   4. Use your four-way flashers or brake lights
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   Use your four-way flashers or brake lights

   Drive slowly near work zones and use four-way flashers or brake lights to warn the drivers behind you.

9. Which is part of a good plan to prevent distractions?
   1. Assume nothing distracting will happen
   2. Start complex or emotional talks with passengers to stay awake
   3. Turn on all communication devices so you do not miss calls
   4. Expect distractions to occur and talk through possible situations before driving
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   Expect distractions to occur and talk through possible situations before driving

   Assess distractions, make a preventive plan, expect distractions, and discuss possible scenarios before you drive.

10. On long trips, about how often should you take a break?
    1. Every 50 miles or 30 minutes
    2. Every 100 miles or 2 hours
    3. Every 300 miles or 6 hours
    4. Only when you need fuel
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    Every 100 miles or 2 hours

    On long trips, stop for a break roughly every 2 hours or 100 miles.

11. Carbon monoxide from an exhaust leak will first make you:
    1. Hungry
    2. Cold
    3. Sleepy
    4. More alert
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    Sleepy

    Carbon monoxide gas causes sleepiness, and in large enough amounts it can kill you.

12. When should you shift into a low gear for a long downgrade?
    1. Before you start down the grade
    2. Halfway down
    3. When the brakes start to smell
    4. At the bottom
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    Before you start down the grade

    Get into low gear before starting down. Once speed builds you may not be able to downshift at all.

13. In an ABS, what lowers brake pressure when a wheel is about to lock?
    1. The electronic control unit (ECU)
    2. The driver's foot
    3. The slack adjuster
    4. The air compressor governor
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    The electronic control unit (ECU)

    Sensors detect possible lockup, and the ECU reduces brake pressure to prevent it.

14. When using an extinguisher, you should get as close to the fire as possible.
    1. True
    2. False
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    False

    False. Stay as far away from the fire as possible, stand upwind, and let the wind carry the agent to the fire.

15. Which hazard class includes pesticides and arsenic?
    1. Class 9
    2. Class 5
    3. Class 3
    4. Class 6 – Poisons
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    Class 6 – Poisons

    Class 6 is poisons, such as pesticides and arsenic.