CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

Instructions:

This practice test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions designed to help you prepare for the CDL General Knowledge test. Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What should you do before entering a curve with a heavy vehicle?

A) Speed up
B) Downshift to a lower gear
C) Apply the brakes firmly throughout the curve
D) Honk your horn

2. How far ahead should you be looking while driving?

A) 5-10 seconds ahead
B) 12-15 seconds ahead
C) 20-25 seconds ahead
D) 30-35 seconds ahead

3. What is the proper procedure for making a right turn with a large vehicle?

A) Start the turn from the right lane
B) Start the turn from the leftmost lane
C) Swing wide into the opposite lane before turning
D) Start the turn from the center lane

4. What should you do if your brakes fail while going downhill?

A) Pump the brakes quickly
B) Shift to a lower gear and use engine braking
C) Turn off the engine
D) Speed up to maintain control

5. When driving in fog, you should use:

A) High beams
B) Low beams
C) Parking lights
D) Hazard lights

6. How often should you check your mirrors while driving?

A) Every 2-3 seconds
B) Every 5-8 seconds
C) Every 12-15 seconds
D) Once every minute

7. What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?

A) 2/32 inch
B) 3/32 inch
C) 4/32 inch
D) 6/32 inch

8. What is the main cause of most skids?

A) Excessive speed
B) Under-inflated tires
C) Poor road conditions
D) Driver error

9. How can you reduce the risk of a rollover?

A) Take curves at high speeds
B) Keep the cargo as low as possible and drive slowly around turns
C) Load the cargo unevenly to balance the vehicle
D) Inflate tires to the maximum pressure

10. What should you do if you experience a tire blowout?

A) Slam on the brakes
B) Grip the steering wheel firmly and stay straight
C) Steer sharply to the side of the road
D) Accelerate to regain control

11. Which of the following is a sign of tire failure?

A) Steering feels heavy
B) The vehicle pulls to one side
C) A loud bang or vibration
D) All of the above

12. When should you downshift your vehicle?

A) Before entering a curve
B) While going up a hill
C) When driving in heavy traffic
D) All of the above

13. What is the best way to prevent a load from shifting during transit?

A) Stack the load as high as possible
B) Use strong tie-downs and secure the load properly
C) Leave space between items
D) Load heavier items on top of lighter ones

14. What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?

A) Apply the brakes firmly
B) Ease off the accelerator and steer straight
C) Steer sharply to the side
D) Speed up to regain control

15. What should you do when merging onto the highway?

A) Enter the highway at the same speed as the traffic
B) Enter the highway at a much lower speed than traffic
C) Stop at the end of the on-ramp until you find a gap
D) Enter the highway at the maximum speed of your vehicle

16. How should you inspect your brakes before starting a trip?

A) Check the brake fluid level
B) Pump the brake pedal three times and apply firm pressure for five seconds
C) Accelerate and then slam on the brakes
D) Look for brake fluid leaks

17. What should you do if you miss your exit on the highway?

A) Stop and back up carefully
B) Make a U-turn if possible
C) Continue to the next exit
D) Pull over and check a map

18. How can you help keep your vehicle under control on a downgrade?

A) Speed up before the downgrade
B) Use a lower gear and apply engine braking
C) Use cruise control
D) Shift to neutral and coast

19. What should you do when approaching a railroad crossing?

A) Stop 15 – 50 feet before the tracks
B) Speed up to cross quickly
C) Slow down and check for trains
D) Use your horn before crossing

20. What is the correct way to use your vehicle’s mirrors?

A) Only check them when changing lanes
B) Constantly check them while driving
C) Use them to check for blind spots only
D) Use them only at intersections

21. What is a key step to take when leaving your vehicle unattended?

A) Leave the engine running
B) Set the parking brake and turn off the engine
C) Leave the lights on
D) Leave the windows down

22. How should you handle a situation where the road is slippery?

A) Drive at normal speed but avoid sudden movements
B) Reduce speed and increase following distance
C) Use cruise control to maintain speed
D) Turn off your headlights for better visibility

23. What should you do if an oncoming vehicle drifts into your lane?

A) Move to the right, slow down, and sound your horn
B) Speed up to pass the vehicle
C) Flash your lights and continue at the same speed
D) Stop immediately in your lane

24. What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?

A) Slam on the brakes
B) Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go
C) Steer in the opposite direction of the skid
D) Accelerate to regain control

25. What is the first thing you should do when starting a vehicle with a manual transmission?

A) Start the engine with the transmission in gear
B) Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in neutral
C) Release the parking brake
D) Press the accelerator

Answer Key:

This practice test covers key concepts that will help you prepare for the CDL General Knowledge test. Reviewing your answers and understanding the reasoning behind each correct choice will increase your chances of passing the actual test. For more practice tests and study materials, visit FreightRelocators.com.

0 Shares