CDL Practice Test: General Knowledge

#1. True or False: Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) means the total weight of a single vehicle including its load.

True

False

#2. How should you know when to shift?

Every 3 to 5 seconds or engine speed

Engine speed and the shift indicator light

Engine speed and road speed

Road speed and wind speed

Engine speed and road speed is correct

#3. True or False: It is best to use low beams whenever you can.

True

False

False is correct

#4. True or False: As long as the engine isn’t overheated, you can safely remove the radiator cap.

True

False

False is correct

#5. True or False: The proper procedure if a tire blows out is to put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.

True

False

False is correct

#6. Two causes of tire fires are ______.

duals that touch and road debris

under-inflated tires and duals that touch

hot brakes and under-inflated tires

under-inflated tires and poor retreads

under-inflated tires and duals that touch is correct

#7. True or False: When using your fire extinguisher, it is best to get as close as possible to the fire.

True

False

False is correct

#8. True or False: Two ways that will help a drinker sober up are coffee and a little fresh air.

True

False

False is correct

#9. For any flatbed load you must have at least ____ tie downs.

4

1

2

6

2 is correct

#10. What are some things you should check on the front of your vehicle when doing the walk-around inspection?

Oil, transmission, air compressor, radiator

Windshield, wipers, mirrors, hood latches

Tires, steering parts, suspension parts, headlights

Low beams, high beams, four way flashers, turn signals

None of these

Low beams, high beams, four way flashers, turn signals is correct

#11. What is the reason that placards are used?

Communicate the risk

So hazmat is not mixed with food

To prevent terrorism

It is the law

Communicate the risk is correct

#12. If you do become sleepy while driving, you should _____.

turn up the radio

stop to sleep

drink caffeinated beverages

roll down the windows

stop to sleep is obviously correct

#13. You downshift automatic transmissions ______.

at the bottom of a hill

before going down a hill

half way down a hill

Never

None of these

before going down a hill is correct

#14. What is the best way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?

Roll the window down

Rear view cameras

A helper

Your mirrors

All of the above

Your mirrors is correct

#15. In safe driving, what does communicating mean?

Using hand signals

Using a CB radio to let others know your intentions

Letting others know you are there by using turn signals, four way flashers, and horn

None of these

Letting others know you are there by using turn signals, four way flashers, and horn is correct

#16. True or False: If somebody is following you too closely, you should decrease your following distance.

True

False

False is correct

#17. 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

True is correct

#18. Wet brakes can cause _____.

lack of braking power

brakes to apply unevenly

pulling to one side or the other

All of these

All of these is correct

#19. To avoid the effects that wet brakes can cause you may _____.

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

when out of the water, maintain light pressure on the brakes for a short distance to heat them up and dry them out

All of the above

All of the above is correct

#20. When going down a long, steep downgrade, what factors determine your selection of a safe speed?

Length of the grade and steepness of the grade

Total weight of the vehicle, steepness of the grade, weather

Total weight of the vehicle and cargo, length of the grade, steepness of the grade, road conditions, weather

Total weight of the vehicle and cargo, length of the grade, steepness of the grade, road conditions, weather is correct

#21. Inspect the cargo and its securing devices again within the first _ ___ after beginning a trip. Make any adjustments needed.

25 miles

50 miles

100 miles

#22. True or False: Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is the total weight of a combination of vehicles NOT including the load.

True

False

#23. True or False: A low center of gravity means you are less likely to tip over when compared to a high center of gravity.

True

False

#24. True or False: You should do an after-trip inspection at the end of the trip, day, or tour of duty on each vehicle you operated.

True

False

#25. What should you look for when inspecting tires?

Too much or too little air pressure

Cuts or other damage

Tread separation

Mismatched sizes

Cut or cracked valve stems

All of these and more

#26. You should do a vehicle inspection ______________ so you will learn all the steps and be less likely to forget something.

a new way each time

the same way each time

#27. Under which two special conditions should you downshift?

Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

Before starting down a hill and before going up a hill

If there is an accident and in sudden heavy rain