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What’s the General Knowledge test?
The CDL General Knowledge Exam is a crucial component of the process to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This test covers a broad range of topics necessary for safe and legal operation of a commercial vehicle.Start With These Questions for Free:
Our practice tests go beyond the generic. They’re specially customized for each state, ensuring the most precise and relevant preparation for you. The CDL General Knowledge Exam, while based on federal guidelines, has state-specific twists – different speed limits, local road rules, and more. That’s where we step in.- Alabama - AL - Alabama General Knowledge Practice Test
- Alaska - AK - Alaska General Knowledge Practice Test
- Arizona - AZ - Arizona General Knowledge Practice Test
- Arkansas - AR - Arkansas General Knowledge Practice Test
- California - CA - California General Knowledge Practice Test
- Colorado - CO - Colorado General Knowledge Practice Test
- Connecticut - CT - Connecticut General Knowledge Practice Test
- Delaware - DE - Delaware General Knowledge Practice Test
- District of Columbia - DC - District of Columbia General Knowledge Practice Test
- Florida - FL - Florida General Knowledge Practice Test
- Georgia - GA - Georgia General Knowledge Practice Test
- Hawaii - HI - Hawaii General Knowledge Practice Test
- Idaho - ID - Idaho General Knowledge Practice Test
- Illinois - IL - Illinois General Knowledge Practice Test
- Indiana - IN - Indiana General Knowledge Practice Test
- Iowa - IA - Iowa General Knowledge Practice Test
- Kansas - KS - Kansas General Knowledge Practice Test
- Kentucky - KY - Kentucky General Knowledge Practice Test
- Louisiana - LA - Louisiana General Knowledge Practice Test
- Maine - ME - Maine General Knowledge Practice Test
- Maryland - MD - Maryland General Knowledge Practice Test
- Massachusetts - MA - Massachusetts General Knowledge Practice Test
- Michigan - MI - Michigan General Knowledge Practice Test
- Minnesota - MN - Minnesota General Knowledge Practice Test
- Mississippi - MS - Mississippi General Knowledge Practice Test
- Missouri - MO - Missouri General Knowledge Practice Test
- Montana - MT - Montana General Knowledge Practice Test
- Nebraska - NE - Nebraska General Knowledge Practice Test
- Nevada - NV - Nevada General Knowledge Practice Test
- New Hampshire - NH - New Hampshire General Knowledge Practice Test
- New Jersey - NJ - New Jersey General Knowledge Practice Test
- New Mexico - NM - New Mexico General Knowledge Practice Test
- New York - NY - New York General Knowledge Practice Test
- North Carolina - NC - North Carolina General Knowledge Practice Test
- North Dakota - ND - North Dakota General Knowledge Practice Test
- Ohio - OH - Ohio General Knowledge Practice Test
- Oklahoma - OK - Oklahoma General Knowledge Practice Test
- Oregon - OR - Oregon General Knowledge Practice Test
- Pennsylvania - PA - Pennsylvania General Knowledge Practice Test
- Rhode Island - RI - Rhode Island General Knowledge Practice Test
- South Carolina - SC - South Carolina General Knowledge Practice Test
- South Dakota - SD - South Dakota General Knowledge Practice Test
- Tennessee - TN - Tennessee General Knowledge Practice Test
- Texas - TX - Texas General Knowledge Practice Test
- Utah - UT - Utah General Knowledge Practice Test
- Vermont - VT - Vermont General Knowledge Practice Test
- Virginia - VA - Virginia General Knowledge Practice Test
- Washington - WA - Washington General Knowledge Practice Test
- West Virginia - WV - West Virginia General Knowledge Practice Test
- Wisconsin - WI - Wisconsin General Knowledge Practice Test
- Wyoming - WY - Wyoming General Knowledge Practice Test
What to Expect
What is tested on the CDL General Knowledge Exam?
What is tested on the CDL General Knowledge Exam?
This exam tests your understanding of commercial driving general knowledge, including driving safety, vehicle operation, and transportation regulations.
Key Topics Covered
Key Topics Covered
Topics include vehicle inspection, basic control of your vehicle, communication, space management, hazards awareness, and emergency preparedness.
| Exam Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | Usually around 50 multiple-choice |
| Passing Score | Typically 80% or higher |
| Time Limit | Varies, but often around 90 minutes |
| Key Topics | Vehicle inspection, basic control, communication, space management, hazard awareness, emergency procedures, air brakes (for vehicles equipped with them) |
| Test Format | Computer-based in most states |
| Retake Policy | Varies by state; generally involves a waiting period and possibly additional fees for retakes |
| Prerequisite | Valid driver’s license; other requirements may vary by state |
How to Prepare
1
Study CDL Manual
Begin with the state’s CDL manual, which covers all the necessary information for the general knowledge test. Download your state’s CDL manual here.
2
Take Practice Tests
Engage with realistic CDL practice tests available at Driving-Tests.org to familiarize yourself with the exam format and types of questions.
3
Understand the Concepts
Focus on understanding the concepts rather than just memorizing facts. Real-world application of these concepts is crucial.
Sample Questions
Get a feel for the exam with these sample questions.Question 1: Vehicle Inspection
Question 1: Vehicle Inspection
What should you do during a trip to ensure your vehicle and its cargo are safe?
- A) Only inspect if you suspect issues
- B) Inspect at every stop
- C) Inspect at the end of the trip
- Correct Answer: B) Inspect at every stop
- Explanation: Regular inspections at every stop are crucial for identifying and addressing any potential safety issues early.
Question 2: Communicating with Other Road Users
Question 2: Communicating with Other Road Users
Which of the following is NOT a way to communicate with other road users?
- A) Using your horn
- B) Flashing your high beams
- C) Using hand signals while driving
- Correct Answer: C) Using hand signals while driving
- Explanation: In modern driving, hand signals are not a standard method of communication and can be misunderstood or unseen.
Question 3: Managing Space
Question 3: Managing Space
What is the most important reason for managing space around your truck?
- A) To improve fuel efficiency
- B) To have time to react to hazards
- C) To prevent traffic congestion
- Correct Answer: B) To have time to react to hazards
- Explanation: Adequate space allows more reaction time to unforeseen hazards, thereby ensuring safety.
Question 4: Emergency Braking
Question 4: Emergency Braking
When is emergency braking necessary?
- A) When you need to stop suddenly to avoid a collision
- B) On steep downhill grades
- C) In normal traffic conditions
- Correct Answer: A) When you need to stop suddenly to avoid a collision
- Explanation: Emergency braking is critical in sudden, unforeseen situations to avoid collisions, not in regular driving conditions.
Question 5: Load Securement
Question 5: Load Securement
Why is securing your load important in commercial driving?
- A) To avoid extra fuel consumption
- B) To prevent load shifting and potential accidents
- C) To comply with weight regulations
- Correct Answer: B) To prevent load shifting and potential accidents
- Explanation: Proper load securement is vital to prevent shifting that can lead to loss of control and accidents.
Question 6: Alcohol and Drug Rules
Question 6: Alcohol and Drug Rules
What is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial drivers?
- A) 0.08%
- B) 0.04%
- C) 0.02%
- Correct Answer: B) 0.04%
- Explanation: The BAC limit for commercial drivers is lower than for regular drivers, emphasizing the higher safety standards required.
Question 7: Hours of Service Regulations
Question 7: Hours of Service Regulations
What is the main purpose of the Hours of Service regulations for commercial drivers?
- A) To ensure timely deliveries
- B) To reduce fuel consumption
- C) To prevent driver fatigue
- Correct Answer: C) To prevent driver fatigue
- Explanation: The Hours of Service regulations are designed to prevent fatigue by limiting the number of driving hours, ensuring safer driving conditions.
Question 8: Hazardous Materials
Question 8: Hazardous Materials
When transporting hazardous materials, what is the most important thing you should do?
- A) Maintain a high speed
- B) Use hazard lights continuously
- C) Follow specific safety guidelines and regulations
- Correct Answer: C) Follow specific safety guidelines and regulations
- Explanation: Safety guidelines and regulations are critical when transporting hazardous materials to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
Question 9: Air Brakes System
Question 9: Air Brakes System
What should you do if the low air pressure warning comes on for the air brake system?
- A) Continue driving and monitor the situation
- B) Stop and safely park as soon as possible
- C) Increase your driving speed
- Correct Answer: B) Stop and safely park as soon as possible
- Explanation: Low air pressure can lead to brake failure. Stopping and parking safely is necessary to check and address the issue.
Question 10: Pre-Trip Inspection
Question 10: Pre-Trip Inspection
What is a critical element to check during a pre-trip inspection?
- A) Personal comfort in the driver’s seat
- B) The cleanliness of the vehicle
- C) Tire condition and air pressure
- Correct Answer: C) Tire condition and air pressure
- Explanation: Tire condition and air pressure are essential for vehicle safety and performance, particularly in commercial driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the CDL General Knowledge exam?
How many questions are on the CDL General Knowledge exam?
The exam typically consists of 50 questions, and a passing score is usually 80% or higher.
How can I best prepare for the test?
How can I best prepare for the test?
- Study the CDL manual thoroughly.
- Take multiple practice tests to gauge your knowledge.
- Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing answers.
Pro Tip: Use every resource at your disposal, especially practice tests, to get comfortable with the exam format and question types.Passing the CDL General Knowledge Exam is your first step toward a successful career in commercial driving. Dedicate ample time to studying and understanding the material, and use practice tests to build confidence. Visit Driving-Tests.org for more resources and practice tests.
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