CDL General Knowledge Test

The test every CDL applicant takes: safe driving, inspections, cargo and the rules.

Start practicing · Topic Study · Sample questions

What's on the Test

  1. Safe operations regulations (3 questions): Introduction: CDL Requirements, Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions, Commercial Driver License Tests, Medical Documentation Requirements, CDL Disqualifications, Other CDL Rules, Vehicle Inspection, Distracted Driving, Night Driving & Driver Fatigue, Railroad-highway Crossings, Antilock Braking Systems, Accident Procedures, Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving
  2. Safe vehicle control systems (2 questions): Shifting Gears
  3. CMV safety control systems (2 questions): Vehicle Inspection, Seeing, Antilock Braking Systems, Fires
  4. Basic control (3 questions): Vehicle Inspection, Basic Control of Your Vehicle, Managing Space
  5. Shifting (3 questions): Shifting Gears, Railroad-highway Crossings
  6. Backing (2 questions): Basic Control of Your Vehicle
  7. Visual search (3 questions): Seeing
  8. Communication (2 questions): Communicating, Railroad-highway Crossings, Accident Procedures
  9. Speed management (3 questions): Controlling Speed
  10. Space management (3 questions): Managing Space, Railroad-highway Crossings
  11. Night operation (2 questions): Night Driving & Driver Fatigue
  12. Extreme driving conditions (2 questions): Shifting Gears, Managing Space, Driving in Fog, Winter Driving, Hot Weather Driving
  13. Hazard perceptions (2 questions): Seeing Hazards, Distracted Driving, Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage, Railroad-highway Crossings
  14. Emergency maneuvers (3 questions): Railroad-highway Crossings, Driving Emergencies
  15. Skid control and recovery (2 questions): Shifting Gears, Skid Control and Recovery
  16. Relationship of cargo to vehicle control (2 questions): Introduction: CDL Requirements, Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions, Vehicle Inspection, Inspecting Cargo, Definitions You Should Know, Legal Weight Limits, Don't Be Top-heavy, Balance the Weight, Blocking and Bracing, Cargo Tie-down, Header Boards, Covering Cargo, Sealed and Containerized Loads, Dry Bulk, Hanging Meat, Livestock, Oversized Loads
  17. Vehicle inspections (3 questions): Vehicle Inspection, Antilock Braking Systems, Fires, Inspecting Cargo
  18. Hazardous materials (3 questions): Introduction: CDL Requirements, Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions, CDL Disqualifications, Other CDL Rules, Vehicle Inspection, Hazardous Materials Rules for All Commercial Drivers, Inspecting Cargo
  19. Mountain driving (2 questions): Shifting Gears, Controlling Speed, Mountain Driving
  20. Fatigue and awareness (3 questions): Distracted Driving, Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage, Night Driving & Driver Fatigue, Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving

How the Exam Works

Who takes it
Every CDL applicant, for any class.
Format
50 questions, each with three options.
To pass
40 right (80%), as on every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CDL General Knowledge test?

50, and you need 40 right to pass. A few states differ; your state's CDL manual says.

Do I need it for my learner's permit?

Yes. A commercial learner's permit (CLP) needs a passed general knowledge test for the vehicle you'll drive (49 CFR 383.25(a)(3)).

Are these the real test questions?

No. They're our own, written from the federal rules and the CDL manual's facts, in the real test's format: three options each and the same number of questions. We're not affiliated with any state, FMCSA or AAMVA.

After the Test

Passing the knowledge tests for your vehicle gets you a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Hold it at least 14 days, finish entry-level driver training, then take the skills test. How to Get a CDL