CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

Question 1

What is the minimum following distance recommended for a commercial motor vehicle under normal conditions at highway speeds?

Accepted Answer

One second for every 10 feet of vehicle length

Answer

2 car lengths regardless of speed

Answer

Three seconds regardless of vehicle length

Answer

50 feet at all speeds

Question 2

Under FMCSA regulations, a CMV driver may drive a maximum of how many hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty (property-carrying vehicles)?

Accepted Answer

11 hours

Answer

10 hours

Answer

8 hours

Answer

14 hours

Question 3

What does a diamond-shaped sign with a yellow background typically indicate?

Accepted Answer

A warning about upcoming road conditions

Answer

A regulatory requirement that must be obeyed

Answer

A service or guide to nearby facilities

Answer

A construction zone speed limit

Question 4

When are you required to inspect your cargo during a trip?

Accepted Answer

Within 50 miles after starting, then every 3 hours or 150 miles

Answer

Only at the start and end of each trip

Answer

Once every 24 hours

Answer

Only if the load exceeds 10,000 lbs

Question 5

What is the primary reason large trucks take longer to stop than cars at the same speed?

Accepted Answer

Greater mass means more kinetic energy that must be overcome by braking

Answer

Truck brake systems are less efficient than car brakes

Answer

Trucks have fewer brake pads than cars

Answer

Air brakes respond more slowly than hydraulic brakes in all conditions

Question 6

What should you do if you become drowsy while driving a commercial vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Pull off the road safely and sleep until you are rested

Answer

Open the window and drink coffee to stay alert

Answer

Turn up the radio and continue to the next rest stop

Answer

Increase speed to reach your destination faster