General Knowledge Practice Test 2

Last updated on May 5, 2023

This General Knowledge Practice Test 2 contains general knowledge and safe driving information that all commercial drivers should know to successfully pass the CDL “General Knowledge” written test.

General Knowledge Practice Test #2 Methods:

Number of practice test questions with answers: 50

Number of correctly answered practice test questions needed to pass: 40

Passing score: 80%

This CDL General Knowledge Practice Test #2 with Answers is applicable for all 50 States.

General Knowledge Practice Test #1

CDL General Knowledge Practice Test (#2) With Answers:

Results

#1. All of the following are suspension system defects, EXCEPT:

Cracked, broken, or missing slack adjusters

Cracked, broken, or missing leaf springs

Cracked, broken, loose, or missing axle positioning parts

Cracked, broken, loose, or missing spring hangers

#2. If you have two (2) violations of an out-of-service order within a ten (10) year period while transporting nonhazardous materials, how long will you lose your CDL for?

At least 1 year

At least 2 years

At least 6 years

At least 10 years

#3. The four basic types of retarders are:

Air, exhaust, electric, and hydraulic

Hydraulic, friction, electric, and engine

Engine, electric, exhaust, and hydraulic

Friction, exhaust, air, and electric

#4. All of the following are key steering system parts, EXCEPT:

Tie rod

Drag link

Pitman Arm

Torque rod

#5. All of the following should be considered if you must drive in foggy conditions, EXCEPT:

Listen for vehicles that cannot be seen

Make sure the radio volume is high enough to keep you alert

Don’t stop on the side of the road unless unavoidable

Use roadside reflectors to help see curves in the road

#6. In the event of an accident, you should remember to do the following EXCEPT:

Move the victims out of the way immediately

Protect the area

Notify authorities

Stop any bleeding and keep the victims warm

#7. Which of the following is a situation where legal maximum weights may not be safe?

Railroad-highway crossings

Bridges and overpasses

Mountains

Freeway on and off ramps

#8. Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must be equipped with all of the following types of emergency equipment, EXCEPT:

Passenger side air bags

Spare fuses

Fire extinguisher

Warning devices for parked vehicles

#9. What is the minimum number of tie-downs for a 20-foot load?

At least 1 tie-down

At least 2 tie-downs

At least 3 tie-downs

Tie-downs would not be necessary

#10. Stopping is NOT always the safest thing to do in an emergency.

True

False

#11. Wet brakes can cause all of the following, EXCEPT:

Lack of braking power

Wheel lockups

Pulling to one side or the other

Overheated brake drums and linings

#12. If you are asked to haul a placarded load and you do not have a hazardous materials endorsement on your CDL, you should:

Obtain written approval from your dispatcher

Take the placards off the vehicle before driving

Obtain written approval from a DOT official

Refuse to take the load

#13. Which of the following is NOT a basic vehicle control skill required to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)?

Backing Safely

Shifting

Accelerating

Stopping

#14. Which of the following is NOT a true statement about vehicle inspections:

Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicle

Federal and state inspectors may inspect your vehicle

Federal and state inspectors may not inspect your vehicle

Federal and state inspectors can put your vehicle “out-of-service” until fixed if they find it to be unsafe

#15. When driving at night, you should use low beam headlights whenever you can.

True

Flase

#16. How do antilock brakes systems (ABS) help you?

ABS helps you avoid a crash by locking up the drive axle brakes

ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up and maintain control

ABS helps you avoid having to manually adjust your brake slack adjusters

ABS helps you avoid brake fade on steep downhill grades

#17. What is “black ice”?

Water that mixes with oil on the road surface and freezes

Ice that has melted on the road surface

A thin layer of ice that makes the road surface look wet

Melted ice that has refrozen on the road surface

#18. A “hazard” is defined as any road user or road condition that is a possible danger.

True

False

#19. How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double railroad track?

13 seconds

14 seconds

15 seconds

16 seconds

#20. Which of the following types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?

Possum-belly livestock trailers

Lowboy trailers

Moving vans

All of the answers are correct

#21. Which of the following things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?

Inspecting cargo

Recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight

Knowing your cargo is properly secured and does not obscure your view ahead or to the sides

All of the answers are correct

#22. Antilock braking systems (ABS) are defined as a ____________ system that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking applications.

Manually operated

Mechanically operated

Computerized

All of the answers are correct

#23. Which of the following is NOT a cause of vehicle fires?

Electrical systems

Suspension system

Fuel

Cargo

#24. Which of the following statements about alcohol is true?

If you eat before you drink you won’t get as drunk

Drinking coffee will help you stay sober

Fresh air will help you sober up

A few beers are the same as a few shots of whiskey or a few glasses of wine

#25. Which of the following can cause tire fires?

Under-inflated tires

Over-inflated tires

Low tire tread depth

All of the answers are correct

#26. When backing, what is the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?

Forward

Back

Stop

Slow

#27. Which of the following statements about backing a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is NOT true?

Backing is always dangerous

You should avoid backing

Using a helper is never necessary

Park the vehicle so you can drive forward when leaving

#28. What is a good rule for managing the space ahead of your vehicle when travelling under 40 mph?

At least 2 seconds of travel time for every 10 feet of vehicle length

At least 4 seconds of travel time for every 10 feet of vehicle length

At least 1 second of travel time for every 10 feet of vehicle length

At least 3 seconds of travel time for every 10 feet of vehicle length

#29. What three things add up to total stopping distance?

Reaction time + road conditions + time it takes to stop

Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance

Perception time + reaction time + road conditions

Reaction distance + road conditions + weight of vehicle

#30. When should you make mirror adjustments?

After you have completed your trip

Prior to starting any trip

Mirrors adjust automatically, so there is no need for manual adjustments

Mirror adjustments can only be made by a certified mechanic

#31. All of the following should be given extra attention during your vehicle inspection before driving in the winter, EXCEPT:

Antifreeze level

Defrosting and heating equipment

Air conditioning system

Windshield wipers and washers

#32. During a trip, all of the following critical items should be checked whenever you stop, EXCEPT:

Tires, wheels, and rims

Brakes

Lights and reflectors

Fire extinguisher, flares, and emergency warning devices

#33. Which of the following is a proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade?

Apply the brakes just enough to feel the vehicle slowing

Apply the trailer hand (“trolley”) brake as needed

Apply the parking brake as needed

All of the answers are correct

#34. All of the following are examples of road hazards, EXCEPT:

Work zones

Escape ramps on steep downhill grades

Emergency personnel (police, fire, EMS) working on the road

Freeway on and off ramps

#35. A driver must notify their employer within 30 days of a conviction for any traffic violations (except parking) while operating what type of vehicle?

Operating any type of vehicle at the time of the violation

Operating a CMV at the time of the violation

Operating their personal vehicle at the time of the violation

Operating a motorcycle at the time of the violation

#36. What factors determine your selection of a “safe” speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?

Weight of the vehicle and cargo

The length of the grade

The steepness of the grade

All of the answers are correct

#37. Where should you place emergency warning devices when stopped on a one-way or divided highway?

One at 10 feet, one at 100 feet, and one at 200 feet towards approaching traffic

One at 15 feet, one at 150 feet, and one at 300 feet towards approaching traffic

One at 10 feet in front of your vehicle, one at 100 feet, and one at 200 feet behind your vehicle

One at 15 feet in front of your vehicle, one at 150 feet, and one at 200 feet behind your vehicle

#38. Which of the following does NOT need to be included on an Individual Vehicle Distance Record (IVDR)?

The vehicle identification number

The dates of a trip

The weight of the vehicle

The total distance traveled

#39. A “pull-up” is defined as straightening and repositioning your vehicle when backing a trailer by pulling forward as often as necessary.

True

False

#40. If engine coolant has to be added to coolant system that does not have an overflow or recovery tank, you should do all of the following, EXCEPT:

Turn off the engine and wait for it to cool

Turn the radiator cap slowly to release the pressure

Check coolant level and add more if needed

Leave the engine running and remove the radiator cap while it is still hot

#41. When changing lanes, you should do all of the following, EXCEPT:

Signal before you change lanes

Signal only when other drivers are near

Change lanes slowly

Change lanes smoothly

#42. Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for obtaining all of the following CDL endorsements for the first time, EXCEPT:

Hazardous Materials (H)

Tank Vehicle (N)

Passenger (P)

School Bus (S)

#43. An engine retarder is designed to:

Slow the vehicle down without using brakes

Work only with automatic transmissions

Work only with manual transmissions

Work only when you accelerate

#44. How far ahead should you look when driving?

5 to 10 seconds

1 to 2 seconds

12 to 15 seconds

2 to 5 seconds

#45. Dry bulk tanks require special care because they _________ and the load can shift.

Have a high center of gravity

Have no baffles

Have no bulkheads

Have a low center of gravity

#46. If you find that you are being tailgated, you should:

Quickly change lanes to avoid an accident

Flash your brake lights to warn the tailgater

Decrease the distance between you and the tailgater

Increase your following distance to open up room in front of you

#47. What is “sleep debt”?

Not picking up a load on time because you over-slept

Not delivering a load on time because you over-slept

The cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep over time

None of the answers are correct

#48. All of the following are ways to eliminate in-vehicle distractions, EXCEPT:

Identify in-vehicle distractions before driving

Have a plan to eliminate possible distractions

Expect distractions to occur

Engage in intense conversations with other occupants of the vehicle

#49. What is the distance you can see ahead of your vehicle with low beams?

150 feet

250 feet

350 feet

450 feet

#50. What causes most front-wheel skids?

Having too much weight on the front axle

Driving too slow for conditions

Driving too fast for conditions

All of the answers are correct

Finish

General Knowledge Practice Test #1

PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SOURCES:

The pool of questions used to produce this practice test have been independently created by CDL Digest and come directly from Code of Federal Regulations (Title 49 – Transportation) and the information provided in AAMVA’s “2005 CDL Test System (July 2010 or newer Version) Model Commercial Driver Manual”.

These are the same sources that all 50 State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLA) are required to use by federal regulation (49 C.F.R. 383.133) to develop the pool of questions for all written tests needed for a person to obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), commercial driver’s license (CDL), and/or any federally authorized endorsements.

Note: The above listed source information is static, meaning changes to the pool of questions that your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) uses for the actual written test have been extremely rare over the decades. Do to the static nature of the source information, you may see practice test questions and answers in this practice test that are very similar, if not identical to the questions and answers on the actual written test. If this occurs, it is purely coincidental. CDL Digest is not affiliated with the AAMVA or any government agency.

PRACTICE TEST DIFFICULTY:

The source material used by CDL Digest to develop these practice test questions is very technical. Relying solely on the practice tests we have produced will not be enough to successfully pass the actual written tests. You will NEED to study in order to successfully pass these practice tests and the actual written tests.

Class “A” Commercial Learner’s Permit Study Guide

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General Knowledge Practice Test 2

General Knowledge Practice Test #2 Methods:

CDL General Knowledge Practice Test (#2) With Answers:

Results

#1. All of the following are suspension system defects, EXCEPT:

#2. If you have two (2) violations of an out-of-service order within a ten (10) year period while transporting nonhazardous materials, how long will you lose your CDL for?

#3. The four basic types of retarders are:

#4. All of the following are key steering system parts, EXCEPT:

#5. All of the following should be considered if you must drive in foggy conditions, EXCEPT:

#6. In the event of an accident, you should remember to do the following EXCEPT:

#7. Which of the following is a situation where legal maximum weights may not be safe?

#8. Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must be equipped with all of the following types of emergency equipment, EXCEPT:

#9. What is the minimum number of tie-downs for a 20-foot load?

#10. Stopping is NOT always the safest thing to do in an emergency.

#11. Wet brakes can cause all of the following, EXCEPT:

#12. If you are asked to haul a placarded load and you do not have a hazardous materials endorsement on your CDL, you should:

#13. Which of the following is NOT a basic vehicle control skill required to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)?

#14. Which of the following is NOT a true statement about vehicle inspections:

#15. When driving at night, you should use low beam headlights whenever you can.

#16. How do antilock brakes systems (ABS) help you?

#17. What is “black ice”?

#18. A “hazard” is defined as any road user or road condition that is a possible danger.

#19. How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double railroad track?

#20. Which of the following types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?

#21. Which of the following things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?

#22. Antilock braking systems (ABS) are defined as a ____________ system that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking applications.

#23. Which of the following is NOT a cause of vehicle fires?

#24. Which of the following statements about alcohol is true?

#25. Which of the following can cause tire fires?

#26. When backing, what is the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?

#27. Which of the following statements about backing a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is NOT true?

#28. What is a good rule for managing the space ahead of your vehicle when travelling under 40 mph?

#29. What three things add up to total stopping distance?

#30. When should you make mirror adjustments?

#31. All of the following should be given extra attention during your vehicle inspection before driving in the winter, EXCEPT:

#32. During a trip, all of the following critical items should be checked whenever you stop, EXCEPT:

#33. Which of the following is a proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade?

#34. All of the following are examples of road hazards, EXCEPT:

#35. A driver must notify their employer within 30 days of a conviction for any traffic violations (except parking) while operating what type of vehicle?

#36. What factors determine your selection of a “safe” speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?

#37. Where should you place emergency warning devices when stopped on a one-way or divided highway?

#38. Which of the following does NOT need to be included on an Individual Vehicle Distance Record (IVDR)?

#39. A “pull-up” is defined as straightening and repositioning your vehicle when backing a trailer by pulling forward as often as necessary.

#40. If engine coolant has to be added to coolant system that does not have an overflow or recovery tank, you should do all of the following, EXCEPT:

#41. When changing lanes, you should do all of the following, EXCEPT:

#42. Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for obtaining all of the following CDL endorsements for the first time, EXCEPT:

#43. An engine retarder is designed to:

#44. How far ahead should you look when driving?

#45. Dry bulk tanks require special care because they _________ and the load can shift.

#46. If you find that you are being tailgated, you should:

#47. What is “sleep debt”?

#48. All of the following are ways to eliminate in-vehicle distractions, EXCEPT:

#49. What is the distance you can see ahead of your vehicle with low beams?

#50. What causes most front-wheel skids?

PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SOURCES:

PRACTICE TEST DIFFICULTY:

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