Texas CDL Class A Practice Exam — Questions 1–100
1. What does a Class A CDL generally authorize you to operate in Texas?
A. Only passenger cars
B. Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more when the
towed vehicle(s) exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR
C. Only buses
D. Motorcycles only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A Texas Class A CDL authorizes operation of qualifying combination
vehicles with a GCWR of at least 26,001 pounds when the towed vehicle(s) have a
GVWR over 10,000 pounds. (Texas Department of Public Safety)
2. What is the primary purpose of a pre-trip inspection?
A. To improve fuel economy
B. To identify safety defects before operating the vehicle
C. To determine the vehicle's resale value
D. To clean the vehicle
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A pre-trip inspection helps identify defective or unsafe equipment
before the vehicle is operated.
3. Which of the following is most important when checking tires?
A. Tire brand
B. Tire color
C. Proper inflation, tread condition, and damage
D. Date the tires were purchased
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Proper inflation, adequate tread, and absence of damage are essential
for safe operation.
4. What is the safest way to handle a curve in a large commercial vehicle?
A. Accelerate through the curve
B. Brake hard in the middle of the curve
,C. Slow down before entering the curve
D. Shift into neutral
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Large vehicles can roll over or lose traction if a curve is entered too
quickly. Reduce speed before entering.
5. Why should commercial drivers maintain a large following distance?
A. Trucks have shorter stopping distances
B. Large vehicles require more distance to stop
C. It saves fuel only
D. It allows other vehicles to pass
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The heavier the vehicle and the higher the speed, the more distance
may be needed to stop safely.
6. What should you do if you become sleepy while driving?
A. Open the window and continue
B. Drink coffee and continue indefinitely
C. Stop driving and get adequate rest
D. Increase your speed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fatigue seriously reduces reaction time and judgment. The safest
response is to stop and rest.
7. What is the purpose of checking mirrors frequently?
A. To admire the vehicle
B. To monitor traffic and identify potential hazards
C. To check the paint
D. To reduce engine temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frequent mirror checks help the driver maintain awareness of traffic
around the vehicle.
8. When backing a commercial vehicle, you should generally:
, A. Back quickly
B. Avoid using mirrors
C. Back slowly and use a spotter when available
D. Keep the doors open
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Slow backing provides more time to identify hazards. A spotter can
improve visibility and safety.
9. What is the safest approach when approaching an intersection?
A. Assume other drivers will stop
B. Slow down and be prepared for hazards
C. Accelerate
D. Change lanes repeatedly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intersections are high-risk areas. Drivers should reduce speed and
anticipate other vehicles' actions.
10. What should you do before changing lanes?
A. Only check the left mirror
B. Signal, check mirrors and blind spots, and change lanes when safe
C. Honk continuously
D. Brake suddenly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Proper signaling and mirror/blind-spot checks help prevent collisions.
11. What should you check on steering components?
A. Excessive looseness or damage
B. Paint color
C. Radio volume
D. Seat fabric
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Steering components must be secure and properly functioning.
12. What should you look for when inspecting suspension components?
1. What does a Class A CDL generally authorize you to operate in Texas?
A. Only passenger cars
B. Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more when the
towed vehicle(s) exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR
C. Only buses
D. Motorcycles only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A Texas Class A CDL authorizes operation of qualifying combination
vehicles with a GCWR of at least 26,001 pounds when the towed vehicle(s) have a
GVWR over 10,000 pounds. (Texas Department of Public Safety)
2. What is the primary purpose of a pre-trip inspection?
A. To improve fuel economy
B. To identify safety defects before operating the vehicle
C. To determine the vehicle's resale value
D. To clean the vehicle
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A pre-trip inspection helps identify defective or unsafe equipment
before the vehicle is operated.
3. Which of the following is most important when checking tires?
A. Tire brand
B. Tire color
C. Proper inflation, tread condition, and damage
D. Date the tires were purchased
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Proper inflation, adequate tread, and absence of damage are essential
for safe operation.
4. What is the safest way to handle a curve in a large commercial vehicle?
A. Accelerate through the curve
B. Brake hard in the middle of the curve
,C. Slow down before entering the curve
D. Shift into neutral
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Large vehicles can roll over or lose traction if a curve is entered too
quickly. Reduce speed before entering.
5. Why should commercial drivers maintain a large following distance?
A. Trucks have shorter stopping distances
B. Large vehicles require more distance to stop
C. It saves fuel only
D. It allows other vehicles to pass
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The heavier the vehicle and the higher the speed, the more distance
may be needed to stop safely.
6. What should you do if you become sleepy while driving?
A. Open the window and continue
B. Drink coffee and continue indefinitely
C. Stop driving and get adequate rest
D. Increase your speed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fatigue seriously reduces reaction time and judgment. The safest
response is to stop and rest.
7. What is the purpose of checking mirrors frequently?
A. To admire the vehicle
B. To monitor traffic and identify potential hazards
C. To check the paint
D. To reduce engine temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frequent mirror checks help the driver maintain awareness of traffic
around the vehicle.
8. When backing a commercial vehicle, you should generally:
, A. Back quickly
B. Avoid using mirrors
C. Back slowly and use a spotter when available
D. Keep the doors open
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Slow backing provides more time to identify hazards. A spotter can
improve visibility and safety.
9. What is the safest approach when approaching an intersection?
A. Assume other drivers will stop
B. Slow down and be prepared for hazards
C. Accelerate
D. Change lanes repeatedly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intersections are high-risk areas. Drivers should reduce speed and
anticipate other vehicles' actions.
10. What should you do before changing lanes?
A. Only check the left mirror
B. Signal, check mirrors and blind spots, and change lanes when safe
C. Honk continuously
D. Brake suddenly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Proper signaling and mirror/blind-spot checks help prevent collisions.
11. What should you check on steering components?
A. Excessive looseness or damage
B. Paint color
C. Radio volume
D. Seat fabric
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Steering components must be secure and properly functioning.
12. What should you look for when inspecting suspension components?
