Maybe you’ve made the decision that you want to enter into the biggest-paid industry in America, but you’re worried about taking the CDL test. Fear not, because we here at L.A Truck Driving School have created a list of 50 CDL test questions to help you prepare for entering your lucrative new career.
Passing the written test is just one aspect of becoming a commercial truck driver. You’ll also need to be trained on driving the truck. We offer a Class A Driving School which you can take while you’re studying for your CDL test, or after you’ve passed it.
With all that said, let’s get to the practice CDL test questions that are sure to help you pass the written test and begin your new career. When you’re ready to see each answer, just click “Show Answer”, and the answer will be shown.
Here are 50 practice CDL test questions to help you with the California General Knowledge Practice Test.
1. Which of the following is the most important reason for doing a pre-trip inspection?
- None of these
- Safety for yourself and other road users
- Because other drivers do it
- To make sure nothing has been stolen from the vehicle
- To make sure the vehicle will make your destination
Answer: Show Answer Safety for yourself and other road users
2. What are some of the important parts in the steering system?
- Main spring, axle, spring shackle
- Rim, lug nuts, tire
- Leaf spring, vehicle frame, torque rod
- Tie rod, spindle, pitman arm
Answer: Show Answer Tie rod, spindle, pitman arm
3. What is the correct number of red reflective triangles that you should carry?
- Seven
- Five
- One
- Three
Answer: Show Answer Three
4. For what reason do you keep the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?
- So no one moves the vehicle while you are inspecting underneath it
- You will need it to open the side box
- So you don’t lose it
- You will need it to inspect the trailer
Answer: Show Answer So no one moves the vehicle while you are inspecting underneath it
5. When stopped on a hill, what is the proper procedure to start moving without rolling back?
- Leave the trailer brakes on and drag the tires, releasing the brake after you are moving forward
- Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake
- Increase engine RPMs and let the clutch out quickly
- None of these
- Put blocks behind the tires
Answer: Show Answer Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake
6. True or False: When the road is slippery, retarders will help keep you from skidding.
- True
- False
Answer: Show Answer False
7. The manual says you should look ____ ahead while driving.
- …15 to 20 seconds, at highway speeds, about a half of a mile
- …12 to 15 seconds, at highway speeds, about a quarter of a mile
- …5 to 8 seconds, at highway speeds, about an eighth of a mile
- …9 to 12 seconds, at highway speeds, about a quarter of a mile
Answer: Show Answer 12 to 15 seconds, at highway speeds, about a quarter of a mile
8. When stopped on a divided highway where should your reflectors be placed?
- 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic
- 20 feet, 150 feet, and 300 feet toward the approaching traffic
- 15 feet, 75 feet, 150 feet toward the approaching traffic
- 30 feet, 100 feet, and 150 feet toward the approaching traffic
Answer: Show Answer 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic
9. The minimum tread depth for tires other than the front tires is____.
- 3/32
- 1/32
- 4/32
- 5/32
- 2/32
Answer: Show Answer 2/32
10. The tw0 main things to look ahead for while driving are____.
- road signs and detours
- traffic and road conditions
- fire and flooding
- bridges and tunnels
- truck stops and police
Answer: Show Answer traffic and road conditions
11. If you double your speed, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
- Two
- Neither
- Four
Answer: Show Answer Four
12. True or False: Because they are lighter, empty trucks have the best braking.
- True
- False
Answer: Show Answer False
13. Which of the following are some suspension system defects?
- Broken leaves in leaf spring
- Cracked or broken spring hangers
- All of these
- Leaking shock absorbers
Answer: Show Answer All of these
14. What are the three types of emergency equipment you must have with your vehicle?
- None of these
- Flares, fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses
- First aid kit, fire extinguisher, flares
- Warning devices for parked vehicles, first aid kit, flares
- Fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses, warning devices for parked vehicles
Answer: Show Answer Fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses, warning devices for parked vehicles
15. The method for testing hydraulic brakes for leaks is to____.
- pump the brake pedal five times and apply firm pressure for 3 seconds The pedal should not move.
- hold the brake down for 5 seconds and listen for leakes
- Any of these
- move slowly forward and step on the brake hard
- pump the brake pedal three times and apply firm pressure for 5 seconds. The pedal should not move.
Answer: Show Answer pump the brake pedal three times and apply firm pressure for 5 seconds. The pedal should not move.
16. Under which two special conditions should you downshift?
- If there is an accident and in sudden heavy rain
- Before entering a curve and before going up a hill
- Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve
- Before starting down a hill and before going up a hill
Answer: Show Answer Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve
17. How should you know when to shift?
- Engine speed and road speed
- Every 3 to 5 seconds or engine speed
- Engine speed and shift indicator light
- Road speed and wind speed
Answer: Show Answer Engine speed and road speed
18. True or False: It is best to use low beams whenever you can.
- True
- False
Answer: Show Answer False
19. True or False: As long as the engine isn’t overheated, you can safely remove the radiator cap.
- True
- False
Answer: Show Answer False
20. True or False: The proper procedure if a tire blows out is to put the brakes on hard and stop quickly
- True
- False
Answer: Show Answer False
21. Two causes of tire fires are ____.
- under-inflated tires and poor retreads
- under-inflated tires and duals that touch
- duals that touch and road debris
- hot brakes and under-inflated tires
Answer: Show Answer under-inflated tires and duals that touch
22. True or False: When using your fire extinguisher, it is best to get as close as possible to the fire.
- True
- False
Answer: Show Answer False
23. True or False: Two ways that will help a drinker sober up are coffee and a little fresh air.
- True
- False
Answer: Show Answer False
24. For any flatbed load you must have at least ___ tie downs.
- four
- one
- six
- two
Answer: Show Answer two
25. What are some things you should check on the front of your vehicle when doing the walk-around inspection?
- Low beams, high beams, four way flashers, turn signals
- Tires, steering parts, suspension parts, headlights
- None of these
- Windshield, wipers, mirrors, hood latches
- Oil, transmission, air compressor, radiator
Answer: Show Answer Low beams, high beams, four way flashers, turn signals
26. What is the reason that placards are used?
- It is the law
- Communicate the risk
- So hazmat is not mixed with food
- To prevent terrorism
Answer: Show Answer Communicate the risk
27. If you do become sleepy while driver, you should ____.
- turn up the radio
- roll down the windows
- stop to sleep
- drink caffeinated beverages
Answer: Show Answer stop to sleep
28. You downshift automatic transmissions ____.
- before going down a hill
- none of these
- never
- at the bottom of a hill
- halfway down a hill
Answer: Show Answer before going down a hill
29. What is the best way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle.
- roll the window down
- a helper
- your mirrors
- all of these
- rear view cameras
Answer: Show Answer your mirrors
30. In safe driving, what does communicating mean?
- Letting others know you are there by using turn signals, four way flashers, and horn
- Using hand signals
- All of these
- Using a CB radio to let others know your intentions
- None of these
Answer: Show Answer Letting others know you are there by using turn signals, four way flashers, and horn
31. True or False: If somebody is following you too closely, you should decrease your following distance.
- True
- False
Answer: Show Answer False
32. True or False: Another driver may try to pass you on the right if you swing wide to the left before turning right.
- True
- False
Answer: Show Answer True
33. If you are drowsy, you should ____ before you drive.
- Get sleep
- Do a little exercise
- Drink coffee
- Take a cold shower
Answer: Show Answer Get sleep
34. Wet brakes can cause ____.
- Brakes to apply unevenly
- Lack of braking power
- All of these
- None of these
- Pulling to one side or the other
Answer: Show Answer All of these
35. To avoid the effects that wet brakes can cause you may ____.
- Increase engine RPM and cross the water while keeping light pressure on the brakes
- …, when out of the water, maintain light pressure on the brakes for a short distance to heat them up and dry them out
- …gently put on the brakes. This presses linings against brake drums or discs and keeps mud, silt, sand, and water from getting in
- …place transmission in a low gear
- …slow down
- All of these
Answer: Show Answer All of these
36. When going down a long, steep downgrade, what factors determine your selection of a safe speed?
- Total weight of the vehicle and cargo
- Total weight of the vehicle, steepness of the grade, weather
- Length of the grade and steepness of the grade
- Total weight of the vehicle and cargo, length of the grade, steepness of the grade, road conditions, weather
Answer: Show Answer Total weight of the vehicle and cargo, length of the grade, steepness of the grade, road conditions, weather
37. What is the reason to be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
- You will need to be in the same gear at the bottom of the hill
- There is no need to do this
- It is the law in most states
- The clutch is made to be used on even surfaces
- You will not be able to shift into a lower gear once you are going down the hill
Answer: Show Answer You will not be able to shift into a lower gear once you are going down the hill
38. What is a hazard?
- Any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger
- A truck with no placards that has hazardous materials
- A material that you haul that requires placards
Answer: Show Answer Any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger
39. An advantage of going right instead of left around an obstacle is ____.
- …if you are blocked on both sides, a move to the right. At least you won’t force anyone into opposing traffic lane and cause a possible head on collision
- …if the shoulder is paved, going right may be best. No one is ever on the shoulder; someone could be passing you on the left
- There is no advantage either way
- …it is much easier to turn a truck to the right than it is to the left. It is good to make a habit out of going the same way every time
Answer: Show Answer it is much easier to turn a truck to the right than it is to the left. It is good to make a habit out of going the same way every time
40. When you are at an accident scene you should ____ to prevent another accident.
- …try to get it to the side of the road if your vehicle is involved in the accident
- All of these
- …park away from the accident, if you are stopping to help
- …put on your flashers
- …set out reflective triangles to warn other traffic
Answer: Show Answer All of these
41. What are the three things related to cargo that drivers are responsible for?
- Inspecting your cargo, recognizing overloads, and properly secured cargo
- None of these
- Inspecting your cargo, hauling cargo, and securing the cargo
- Weighing the cargo, securing the cargo, and delivering the cargo
Answer: Show Answer Inspecting your cargo, recognizing overloads, and properly secured cargo
42. A hazardous materials placard is ____.
- …a sign put on the inside of a vehicle that identifies hazard class of the cargo
- …a sign put on the back of a vehicle that identifies the hazard class of the cargo
- …a sign put on the outside of a vehicle that identifies the hazard class and weight of the cargo
- …a sign put on the outside of a vehicle that identifies the hazard class of the cargo
Answer: Show Answer a sign put on the outside of a vehicle that identifies the hazard class of the cargo
43. Of the following statements, which is false?
- Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum GCW specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load
- Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is the total weight of a powered unit plus trailers
- Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is the total weight of a powered unit plus trailers plus the cargo
Answer: Show Answer Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is the total weight of a powered unit plus trailers
44. Before transporting a sealed load, it is important to check that ____.
- …the placard numbers match the seal numbers
- …the seal is authentic
- …the seal is secure
- …the load is properly secured
Answer: Show Answer the load is properly secured
45. What is the method used to find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
- Divide your speed by four and add one second for every 10 feet of trailer in the day and 2 seconds at night
- Divide your speed by four and add one second for every 10 feet of trailer
- Wait until the vehicle ahead passes a clear landmark, then count off the seconds until you reach the same spot, multiplying by 2
- Wait until the vehicle ahead passes a clear landmark, then count off the seconds until you reach the same spot
- None of these
Answer: Show Answer Wait until the vehicle ahead passes a clear landmark, then count off the seconds until you reach the same spot
46. What is the reason you should make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
- All hazards turn into emergencies
- You will have less time to act if you see hazards before they become emergencies
- You will have a plan to communicate the risk
- You will have more time to act if you see hazards before they become emergencies
Answer: Show Answer You will have more time to act if you see hazards before they become emergencies
47. What is a pull-up?
- When pulling off the shoulder, pulling up until the trailer is straight
- An exercise that must be performed at a DOT physical exam in order to get a CDL
- Pulling forward while backing a trailer to reposition it
Answer: Show Answer Pulling forward while backing a trailer to reposition it
48. What is the following procedure used for: Brake hard enough to feel a slowdown. When your speed has been reduced to 5 mph below your safe speed, release the brakes. When your speed increased to your safe speed, repeat these steps.
- For driving on slippery roads
- For coming down long steep grades
- For a blown tire
- All of these
Answer:Show Answer For coming down long steep grades
49. Hydroplaning is ____.
- …a term used for quickly planning an alternate route due to heavy rain
- …when tires lose their contact with the road and have little or no traction due to water on the road
- …the amount of traction a truck has due to the weight of the vehicle on slippery surfaces
- …a water spill on the road that came from a water truck
Answer: Show Answer when tires lose their contact with the road and have little or no traction due to water on the road
50. What is an escape ramp?
- A ramp commonly found on freeways in California used to get around major accidents
- Another term for an off ramp
- A ramp leading to a long bed of loose soft material to slow a runaway vehicle, sometimes in combination with an upgrade
- None of these
Answer: Show Answer A ramp leading to a long bed of loose soft material to slow a runaway vehicle, sometimes in combination with an upgrade
Tips On Helping You Study
Just reading these questions alone isn’t enough. This is a good start to get give you a good idea on what types of questions you see, but you’ll need to go beyond this to ensure you’re helping yourself. We’ve put together a few tips on how to improve your studying to ensure you give yourself the best chance possible when heading into the test.
Prepare Notes
Writing notes for yourself is an excellent way to study. Don’t just get out a laptop and tablet and write notes—get yourself a good pad of paper and read through the CDL Handbook, and write notes on things you find important. Studies show that physically writing notes gives you a better chance of retaining the information compared to typing them up on a laptop, since laptops can be distracting. It’s too easy to go check your email or social media. Writing on paper lessens that possibility.
Don’t Cram It All On The Last Night
If you know you’re taking the test in a month, then start studying as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute isn’t the best decision. Instead, start studying at least two weeks in advance. You don’t need to study for three hours every night; studying for about 30 minutes each night is more than enough. It’s quick, but the repetitive nature of it will allow you to better retain the notes. Too often people wait until one or two days before, and then think they’re retaining all the information.
Study With Groups
If you’re studying for the CDL test while taking our training course, try and team up with some of your classmates to study. Studying with groups allows you to better learn the subject. If you understand something well but someone in the group doesn’t, by you teaching CDL test questions to them you will retain the information better. Similarly, having a peer teach you will help you retain it better.
Try Studying Before Falling Asleep
Before you fall asleep, try and review your notes for 15-20 minutes. Studying something right before falling asleep allows your brain to retain the information. Studies have shown that new information and memories are strengthened by sleep. This is a great way to get the biggest impact for your studying.
Study In Smaller Portions
Since there’s so much information with CDL test questions, breaking up the information into portions is a great way to study. Try categorizing the information into a number of groups and then focus on studying one group at a time. Once you finish all your groups, you can restart it over again. This is called spaced repetition.
Conclusion
There are so many things to learn when choosing truck driving as your career. A great way to educate yourself is to read the CDL Handbook. (You can find a free PDF version here.) Now that you’ve gone through these CDL test questions, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect and you’ll be better prepared.