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  • Updated for January 2025
  • Based on 2025 MA commercial driver's license manual

Free Massachusetts CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

The great state of Massachusetts has a diverse economy, with biotechnology, information technology, health care, finance, defense, and manufacturing among its key economic sectors, all of which can employ truck drivers. Bus drivers can benefit from the growing tourism sector in the state. For example, fall foliage bus tours are common.

The two most important highways for transporting goods into and out of the state are Interstate 90, which runs from Boston to Seattle, Washington; and Interstate 95, which runs from the Canadian border of Maine to Miami, Florida. Other important commercial routes are U.S. Route 3, which runs from the Canadian border of New Hampshire to Cambridge; and U.S. Route 6, which connects Cape Cod to other parts of Massachusetts and then goes westward to Bishop, California.

Unfortunately, commercial driving in Massachusetts can be challenging because of notoriously heavy traffic congestion. The Boston area is one of the most heavily congested areas in the country. Also, winters in the state can be tough, with heavy snow and ice making even travel on interstates treacherous.

To become a commercial driver in Massachusetts and benefit from its economic opportunities, you’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). And one of the first important steps toward a CDL is to pass the official knowledge test for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). You’ll need a CLP to practice commercial driving (under supervision). You’ve likely been advised to study the official Massachusetts Commercial Driver License Manual (Massachusetts CDL Handbook 2025)? You ought to read it because the official knowledge test is based on it. However, you may want more help to pass the knowledge test than you’re getting from the manual. If so, you’ve come to the right place!

This free Massachusetts CDL permit practice test, one of several we offer, is based on the official state manual, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of January, 2025. There are 50 multiple-choice questions on such topics as cargo management, emergency preparedness, and pre-trip inspections. Unlike the official knowledge test, however, this practice test comes with our automated assistant. It can supply you with helpful hints for a puzzling question or an explanation of the correct answer. The practice test isn’t timed. Take your time, not only to improve your chances of passing the test but also to learn as much as you can from the experience. Take it as an open-book test if you wish; look up the answer to a hard question in the official manual instead of randomly guessing the answer. You’ll learn more that way.

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MA commercial driver's license
  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
  • Triple-checked for accuracy

What you need to know

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Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
Ensuring the accuracy and quality of our program is paramount. Learn more about our rigorous standards in our Commitment to Accuracy article.

What to expect on the actual MA RMV exam

50

questions

40

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. Starting the engine and inspecting the cab involves each of the following tasks, EXCEPT
  2. To prevent drowsiness before a trip, you should
  3. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) will
  4. You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because
  5. Which of the following is a key steering component?
  6. Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?
  7. If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
  8. Total stopping distance equals
  9. When backing, it is important to use a helper
  10. Always try to back toward the driver's side because
  11. During your pre-trip test, when examining hoses with the instructor, you need to look for
  12. If you feel drowsy while driving, what should you do?
  13. What will help a drunk sober up?
  14. If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to stop?
  15. What is the definition of a hazard?
  16. While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?
  17. Which of the following can cause a vehicle fire?
  18. What can you do at an accident scene to help avoid another accident?
  19. What is the gross vehicle weight (GVW)?
  20. How can you start moving without rolling backward?
  21. For how long will you lose your CDL driving privileges if you are convicted of a second OUI offense in either a CMV or your private vehicle?
  22. You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you
  23. What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?
  24. Before transporting a sealed load, you must check
  25. How far ahead should you look while driving?
  26. How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)?
  27. Hazardous materials placards are
  28. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, you should
  29. Which of the following statements about retarders are correct?
  30. The most important hand signal you should agree on with a helper is
  31. What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?
  32. On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher?
  33. It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas may be slippery?
  34. Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up?
  35. The minimum tread depth for front tires is
  36. Which of the following are most likely to get stuck at a raised railroad crossing?
  37. In your emergency kit, you do not need to have
  38. You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
  39. How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track?
  40. In which of the following two situations should you downshift?
  41. Letting the air out of hot tires
  42. How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load?
  43. Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway?
  44. Which of the following is NOT one of the four skill areas that operating a commercial vehicle requires?
  45. How often must you stop to check your cargo while on the road?
  46. Which of the following is NOT something you should check during a trip?
  47. If you are convicted of using your personal vehicle to commit a felony involving the transport, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances, for how long will you lose your CDL?
  48. Do empty trucks have the best braking?
  49. To help you stay alert and safe while driving, you should
  50. When you start down a steep downgrade, which of the following should influence your choice of speed?
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