General Knowledge CDL Practice Test Part A

CDL Test Practice Exams & CDL Training Materials

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. When preparing to do a pre-trip inspection you must check to see that the parking brakes are on and/or chocked.

A. True
B. False


⊞ Answer:

A. True

Anytime you are going to get out of the truck, or anytime you will be near the truck in general, you want to make sure the parking brake is on.

2. When getting in to start the engine and inspect inside the cab you must

A. Make sure the parking brake is on.
B. Put gearshift in neutral (or park if automatic).
C. Start engine and listen for unusual noises.
D. All of the above.


⊞ Answer:

D. All of the above.

This stuff will be important for your pre-trip inspection, also. Always check the parking brake first. In most tractor trailers the engine can only be started with the shifter in neutral.

3. Look at the guages - the oil pressure gauge should come up to normal within how long after starting the engine?

A. Minutes
B. Seconds
C. It does not matter.


⊞ Answer:

B. Seconds

It does take a few seconds for the engine to build oil pressure, but not more than that. If you start the engine and the oil pressure doesn't come up within maybe 10 seconds, something is wrong and you should shut the engine down immediately.

4. You should check the following for looseness, sticking, damage or improper settings:

A. Steering wheel
B. Accelerator, brake and clutch pedals
C. Transmission controls
D. All of the above


⊞ Answer:

D. All of the above.

This stuff will be important for the pre-trip inspection portion of your CDL test, also. Always make sure that all of the controls seem to be operating properly before driving.

5. After inspecting mirrors and windshilds for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or other obstructions to your vision, you should:

A. Look in the mirror to see if you look good.
B. Clean and adjust as necessary.
C. Not worry about any of it.


⊞ Answer:

B. Clean and adjust as necessary.

Always make sure your mirrors are adjusted properly before you start driving. It is quite annoying, and can be quite dangerous, to begin driving and then discover that your mirrors are not adjusted properly. Your instructor will look for this on the pre-trip inspection portion of your CDL test.

6. When checking lights you should:

A. Make sure that the parking brake is set.
B. Turn off the engine and take the key with you.
C. Turn on the headlights and four way flashers.
D. All of the above.


⊞ Answer:

D. All of the above.

This stuff will be important for the pre-trip inspection portion of your CDL test, also. Again, always check the parking brake first. If you turn on the headlights and four way flashers you'll be able to check all of the lights except the brake lights. I used to check the brake lights at night. You can usually tell if they're coming on if you're in a fairly dark area of a parking lot, or if you're backed up against something like a dock or a wall.

7. What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?

A. Color of paint used on cover
B. Cleanliness
C. Hub oil level and no leaks


⊞ Answer:

C. Hub oil level and no leaks

Often times on a tractor trailer if the wheel bearing seals are leaking you will find a lot of hug oil either laying in the rim or covering the rim. You may also find a lot of dry, black residue on the rim. This is often times from the brake shoes. If you see a lot of it one on rim as compared with the other rims it could be a sign that the brake is adjusted too tightly and the shoe is dragging hard. It may sometimes do this on a wheel whose brake shoes are new, also. A lot of dry, black residue on a rim is usually a warning sign, though that something is wrong.

8. How many red reflective triangles should you carry?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4


⊞ Answer:

C. 3

Not only should you know this for the pre-trip inspection portion of your CDL test, but if you get inspected by the DOT out on the road they will almost always look for triangles and a fire extinguisher. It's one of the easiest things to check for and an easy ticket if they're looking to write one.

9. How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?

A. Pump the brake pedal three times, then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move.
B. Drive 20 mph and slam on the brakes.
C. Drive slowly and pump the brake pedal. Make sure it doesn't hit the floor.


⊞ Answer:

A. Pump the brake pedal three times, then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move.

This stuff will be important for your pre-trip inspection portion of your cdl test, also. You will likely not have a vehicle with hydraulic brakes present for your CDL test, but the CDL examiner may ask you this question to see if you know it, so be prepared. This technique does not apply at all to air brakes.

10. Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?

A. So you don't lose it
B. So no one moves the vehicle
C. For your safety


⊞ Answer:

C. For your safety

Now if you're at a truckstop, I'd say the answer is "So some crazy nut-case doesn't run off with my truck!" But for the purpose of your CDL exam, it's for your safety.

11. To avoid roll backs when you start, you should:

A. Stop on a flat area
B. Engage the clutch very quickly
C. Press the accelerator
D. Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake


⊞ Answer:

D. Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake

This stuff will be important for the driving portion of your CDL test, also. In a car, you generally have to give it a good amount of gas as you're letting out on the clutch. In a tractor trailer, this usually isn't the case. A diesel engine has so much torque that if you're starting off in the correct gear you should be able to slowly let out on the clutch without touching the accelerator pedal and the truck will begin rolling.

If you let the truck roll backwards during the driving portion of your CDL test, it is considered an automatic failure. They consider it one of the biggest mistakes you can make.

12. What is the proper way to hold the steering wheel?

A. Firmly with both hands on opposite sides of the wheel
B. With your right hand on the wheel
C. Firmly with one hand at the top of the wheel and the other at the bottom


⊞ Answer:

A. Firmly with both hands on opposite sides of the wheel

If you thought the answer was "in your mouth", then you're my type of driver! Anyhow, you've heard the ole' "10 and 2" - just do it like they say - firmly with both hands on opposite sides of the wheel. Make sure you do this for your CDL test, also.

13. Why should you back toward the driver's side?

A. Backing roward the right side is dangerous
B. So you can see better
C. A and B


⊞ Answer:

C. Both A and B

If you weren't sure about this one, then you haven't tried backing up a truck yet. You can not see well at all when you are backing toward the passenger side. They call it "blind-side backing" or "blind-siding" because you really are pretty much blind coming in from the passenger side. "Blind-siding" is something you will always try to avoid, but it's a necessary evil sometimes.

14. When backing, why is it important to use a helper?

A. It makes people think you are a better driver.
B. There are blind spots you can't see.
C. It's more fun when you have help.


⊞ Answer:

B. There are blind spots you can't see.

In real life it's pretty rare to have someone helping you. However you will find yourself backing into some really tight places next to other trucks and it's good to have someone looking out for your blind spots in those occassions. But don't count on it.

Patience is the most important thing when it comes to safety. If you're backing into a tight spot, make sure you stop and get out to look at your blind spots. Backing into somebody's mirrors or into the side of a building because you were assuming you were ok is just really dumb. Stop, get out, and look. I drove for 15 years and I was as good as anyone on the road when it came to backing, and I used to get out and look on a regular basis. Not only is it safe, but other drivers will respect you for that. They know you're smart and patient - and that combination makes for a good, safe driver.

15. What is the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?

A. Stop
B. Go
C. Right
D. Left


⊞ Answer:

A. Stop

Listen, this really is important. Everybody has different ideas when it comes to hand signals. It doesn't matter what signals you are using, as long as you both agree on what they are. I used to like to use a closed fist to mean stop. It's easy to distinguish from everything else. Waving, holding an open hand, and all of the other common ones were too hard to distinguish from other signals.

Generally speaking, your helper will not be "steering" you. You may ask someone to watch your blind spot and let you know if you're getting too close. If they put up the "stop" signal, then you know you're too close to something and you know what you have to do to get corrected. So you don't really need someone "steering" you. You just need to know if you're going to hit something.

16. What are two special conditions where you should downshift?

A. When starting off fast and speed shifting
B. Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve
C. Before starting up a hill and before entering a curve


⊞ Answer:

B. Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

The key word here is "before". Do not downshift when you're going around a curve - it's very dangerous. Be very careful with braking, also. You want to be at the correct speed and in the correct gear before you get to the curve or the hill.

If you find yourself coming up on your exit too fast, please do not attempt to take the exit and assume you'll get slowed down. Go on to the next exit and get turned around. Everybody - myself included - has this happen from time to time. It's no big deal. Play it safe - do not enter a curve - especially an exit ramp - too fast.

17. When should you downshift automatic transmissions?

A. When going down grades
B. When going up grades
C. when going around curves
D. None of the above


⊞ Answer:

A. When going down grades

I'm not going to get too technical when it comes to automatic transmissions, which I have been driving for the past 5 years, but I will say again that you would like to be in the correct gear and at the correct speed before you start down a hill if possible. Often times you'll start down a hill and realize you're a gear too high. No problem - correct it right away. The longer you wait, the hotter your brakes are going to get. Get in the proper as soon as you possibly can.

18. Retarders keep you from skidding where the road is slippery.

A. True
B. False


⊞ Answer:

B. False

Retarders, or "engine brakes", or "Jake Brakes" as they are commonly known, are very dangerous to use on slippery roads and in tight curves. Using Jake Brakes is a similar effect to only applying the brakes to your drive tires. Jake Brakes do not apply any stopping force to your steer tires or your trailer tandems, and you must be aware of this. If you use them on real slippery roads or in tight curves they can cause your drive tires to lock up for a moment, losing traction, and causing your truck to jacknife. Jake Brakes are an amazing safety device but are only to be used in certain circumstances. Please get more information and advice from your driving instructors at your truck driving school.

19. What are the two ways to know when to shift?

A. Use engine speed (rpm) and road signs
B. Use your watch and engine sound
C. Use engine speed (rpm) and use road speed (mph)


⊞ Answer:

C. Use engine speed (rpm) and use road speed (mph)

You must match up a certain engine speed with a certain road speed to be in the proper gear. Consult the mechanics at the company you work for to find out the proper RPM range for the engine you have in your truck. All engines are a little bit different. Before long you'll get a feel for the engine in your truck and where it seems to make power and where it seems to go flat.

20. How far ahead should you look?

A. Most good drivers look 20 to 30 seconds ahead
B. Most good drivers look 5 to 10 seconds ahead
C. Most good drivers look 2 to 4 seconds ahead
D. Most good drivers look 12 to 15 seconds ahead


⊞ Answer:

D. Most good drivers look 12 to 15 seconds ahead

You will always be scanning as your driving along. Scan way ahead, scan the traffic immediately in front of you, and scan your mirrors. Always knowing the traffic and road conditions around you from moment to moment is called having a "good awareness". You must know you're situation at all times - who's around you and what the road conditions are.

What many people don't realize is that scanning further down the road will actually improve your lane control. If you look at the roadway very close to the front of your truck, you tend to steer too much and you weave a bit more than you should. Scan ahead and your peripheral vision will keep you in your lane better. This was something my trainer taught me my very first day on the road - and he was right.

Obviously it is much safer to scan 12-15 seconds ahead of the vehicle to avoid oncoming situations.

You can return to the CDL Practice Test Main Page or choose from the following:


red peterbuilt CDL test study

For more help preparing for your CDL exam we highly recommend:

Find truck driving jobs and schools
TruckingTruth and BigRigDriving are owned by Brett Aquila, a 15 year truck driving veteran with 1.5 million miles covering all 48 continental states and a large portion of Canada
TruckingTruth Trucking Blog Feed
Brett Aquila Google Plus Profile
TruckingTruth on Facebook

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 book, truck driving book

Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving

- By Brett Aquila

If you're considering becoming a truck driver, this is the book for you!

Becoming A Truck Driver

Our Guide To Becoming A Truck Driver will help get you started in the trucking industry

Choosing A CDL School

We have a series of articles that will help you understand how to choose the right truck driving school

Company-Sponsored School

We have a ton of information on the company-sponsored CDL training programs.

Truck Driving Schools

Here you'll find our directory of truck driving schools by state.

Truck Driving Jobs

We have a fantastic listing of truck driving jobs. Fill out all the apps you like!.

Truckers Forum

We have the friendliest and most helpful trucker's forum you'll find anywhere.

CDL Practice Tests

Test your knowledge and prepare for the CDL exams with free online CDL practice tests.

Truck Driving Blogs

Over 300 articles from more than 30 authors in our truck driving blogs..

Pre-Trip Study Guide

Get ready for the pre-trip inspection CDL exam with our free online pre-trip inspection study guide.

Our Most Recent Trucking Blogs

Reaching 300,000 Miles In A Big Rig

Posted on 26 January 2012

I had never planned on driving a big rig so you can imagine how exciting it was for me to reach the 300,000 mile barrier! Continue reading →

Factors Affecting Job Placement In The Trucking Industry

Posted on 29 December 2011

There are a lot of factors that will affect your ability to find job placement in the trucking industry. Not only the obvious ones like employment history, criminal history, and driving record, but also things like your physical health and credit scores. Let's take a look at em.... Continue reading →

4 Mistakes That Cause Students To Fail CDL Training & How They Can Be Prevented

Posted on 28 December 2011

While the majority of students have success during their time at CDL training, there are others who come up short in their quest to become a professional truck driver. So, why do they fail? And how can it be prevented? Let's take a look at the four most common mistakes and how to prevent them. Continue reading →

Understanding Pre-Hire Letters: The What, Why, And How Of This Important Step

Posted on 21 December 2011

Getting pre-hires is an important step when beginning your truck driving career. They can verify that companies are willing to hire you, and give you numerous choices when it comes to choosing the company you'd like to work for. Here we'll go into detail about what a pre-hire is, and how to go about getting them. Continue reading →

The Sleep Apnea Witch Hunt

Posted on 15 December 2011

Sleep apnea is the biggest buzz in the trucking industry right now. But is this justified? Or is it yet another money-making scheme for the insurance companies and medical industry? The statistics are fuzzy. Continue reading →

5 Advantages of Company Sponsored CDL Programs vs. Private Truck Driving Schools

Posted on 13 December 2011

There are a number of advantages to company-sponsored CDL training over private truck driving schools. Here we'll talk a little bit about the differences between the two, and why you may find that company-sponsored training is the better way to go. Continue reading →

The Next Chapter In My Trucking Journey

Posted on 14 November 2011

I've seen more of this country in just a few short years than most people see in their entire lifetimes. But most things eventually come to an end. In this case, my trucking career has ended as I move on to other things. I'd like to summarize why I left the industry, and where I'm headed now. Continue reading →

A Driver Trainer’s Perspective: Some Helpful Tips And Observations For Student Drivers

Posted on 14 November 2011

Being a CDL instructor or a driver trainer is a very unique experience. I learned more about truck driving over the past 4 weeks than I have in the previous three years combined. It was an amazing learning experience for me. Here are some of the highlights I learned along the way. Continue reading →

CDL Testing Day From A Trainers Perspective

Posted on 9 November 2011

After four weeks on the road training my student, it was time to sit back nervously and watch as he attempted to take the CDL exam to get his license. My student and I were extremely nervous, and it didn't go quite as well as we had hoped. Continue reading →

OTR Training- Week 1: Patience and Perseverance

Posted on 25 October 2011

Becoming a solo truck driver is one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life, and I have done some hard things. CDL training will test you in so many ways, and it will go far beyond your ability to drive a truck. Continue reading →

(click to show more blogs)

TruckingTruth Site Menu:

Home | Becoming A Truck Driver | Truck Driving Schools | Free Truck Driving Schools | Truck Driving Jobs | CDL Jobs | Truck Driving Blog | Brett's Trucking Articles | Truck Driving Articles | Companies Offering CDL Training | CDL Practice Test | Big Rig Driving | About The Book | Excerpts From The Book | CDL Training Materials | Pre-Trip Inspection | Trucking Industry Links | Ask A Driver | Trucker's Forum | Various Trucking Blogs | Link To Us | Sitemap | Contact Us