Passing the written portion of the CDL Test is not very difficult if you have the proper training materials. Below you will find links to a number of different free online CDL practice tests, along with other training materials to help you prepare for truck driving school or company-sponsored CDL training. To help you prepare for your CDL training, we also have:
1. Combination vehicles are usually heavier, longer and require more driving skill than single commercial vehicles.
A. True
B. False
2. More than half of truck driver deaths in crashes are the result of truck rollovers. Trucks turn over easier when fully loaded and are:
A. Two times more likely to roll over in a crash than empty rigs.
B. Five times more likely to roll over in a crash than empty rigs.
C. Ten times more likely to roll over in a crash than empty rigs.
3. The following two things will help prevent rollovers.
A. Keep the cargo close to the front and drive slowly around turns.
B. Keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible and drive slowly around turns.
C. Keep the cargo to the back of the rig and drive the speed limit.
4. When you turn suddenly while pulling doubles, which trailer is most likely to turn over?
A. The rear trailer is twice as likely to turn over as the tractor.
B. The front trailer is twice as likly to turn over as the tractor.
C. Each trailer is equally likely to turn over as is the tractor.
5. Why should you not use the trailer hand brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer?
A. Because the brake handle is too hard to reach.
B. Because the brakes on the trailer wheels cause the skid in the first place.
C. Because the brakes on the trailer wheels will not respond to the hand brake.
6. What is off tracking?
A. When a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels.
B. When a vehicle goes around a corner, and the driver pulls off the road.
C. When a vehicle goes around a curve and turns back the other way.
7. What is a "trailer jacknife?"
A. When the tires on a trailer blow out.
B. When the wheels of a trailer lock up and the trailer swings around.
C. When the wheels of a trailer lock up and the trailer pulls the tractor to a stop.
8. Should you swing wide to the left before starting a 90 degree turn to the right?
A. Yes
B. No
9. Why should you not use the trailer hand valve while driving?
A. Because it won't work as well as the foot brake.
B. Because you should use the parking brake.
C. Because of the danger of making the trailer skid.
10. Describe what the trailer air supply control does.
A. It is used to supply the trailer with air, shut the air off, and put on the trailer emergency brakes.
B. It is a yellow, six sided knob used to control the tractor protection valve.
C. It is a device used to keep the trailer behind the tractor.
11. Describe what the service line is for:
A. To carry air to the parking brake to control the trailer brakes.
B. To carry air to a relay valve that allows the trailer brakes to be applied quickly.
C. To carry air to the cab of the rig to cool it.
12. What are other names for the Service Air Line?
A. Control line or signal line
B. Straight line or control line
C. Curved line or signal line
13. What is the emergency air line?
A. Air lines connecting the parking brake to the trailer brakes.
B. Air lines that control the emergency brakes of the tractor.
C. Air lines that control the emergency brakes on combination vehicles.
14. What is the emergency air line for?
A. To engage the front brakes of the tractor in case of an emergency.
B. To engage the trailer brakes in case of air pressure loss.
C. To have extra air pressure in case you need it.
15. Why should you use chocks when parking a trailer without spring brakes?
A. Because you don't want the trailer rolling down a hill.
B. Because if the air pressure leaks away or down, there will be no brakes.
C. Because some states require chocking of trailer wheels.
You can return to the CDL Practice Test Main Page or choose from the following:
For more help preparing for your CDL exam we highly recommend:
- Our CDL Manuals - free download - manuals for each state
- Our CDL Practice Tests - free, online tests for all endorsements
- Our Pre-Trip Inspection Study Guide - this will really help you prepare!
- Our Pre-Trip Inspection Flash Cards which are really hard and incredibly helpful
- Our Ask A Driver Page or article category for passing the CDL exam which has some interesting insights
BigRigDriving is for those interested in research, debates, and discussion of topics within the trucking industry
TruckingTruth is dedicated to those considering becoming a truck driver or are new to the trucking industry
Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving
- By Brett AquilaIf you're considering becoming a truck driver, this is the book for you!
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