TEXAS CDL GENERAL KNOWLEDGE EXAM 2026
VERSION C – PRACTICE TEST & STUDY GUIDE (PDF
FORMAT)
CORE DOMAINS
• Vehicle Inspection Procedures
• Basic Vehicle Control
• Safe Driving Practices
• Cargo and Weight Distribution
• Hazard Recognition
• Emergency Maneuvers
• Railroad Crossing Safety
• Alcohol and Drug Awareness
• Night and Adverse Weather Driving
• Commercial Vehicle Regulations
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to prepare candidates for
the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commercial Driver License (CDL)
General Knowledge written test. The assessment evaluates knowledge of pre-trip
inspection procedures, safe driving techniques, cargo securement, emergency
response, railroad crossing protocols, space management, and federal motor
carrier safety regulations. The test bank utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions modeled on the official Texas CDL Handbook. The Texas CDL
general knowledge test contains 50 multiple-choice questions and requires a
minimum score of 80% (40 correct answers) to pass. Mastery requires applied
,understanding of defensive driving principles, vehicle inspection standards, and
compliance with commercial transportation regulations.
SECTION ONE: PRACTICE QUESTIONS 1–50
1. What is the first step in the seven-step pre-trip inspection method?
A. Approach the vehicle and check its general condition
B. Check under the hood
C. Start the engine and inspect inside the cab
D. Walk around and inspect the entire vehicle
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: The first step of the seven-step pre-trip inspection is to approach
the vehicle and look at its general condition. This includes checking for damage,
whether the vehicle is leaning to one side, and looking under the vehicle for fresh
leaks of oil, coolant, grease, or fuel.
2. During a pre-trip inspection, what should you check in the engine
compartment?
A. Only the oil level
B. Oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, belts, and hoses
C. Only the coolant level and belts
D. Only items visible without opening any caps
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: A thorough engine compartment inspection includes checking
the oil level, coolant level in the radiator, power steering fluid, condition of belts
and hoses for wear or cracks, and looking for leaks.
3. When performing a pre-trip inspection, the driver should ensure that the
steering wheel free play (lash) does not exceed what limit?
A. 5 degrees in either direction
B. 10 degrees in either direction (approximately 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel)
, C. 15 degrees in either direction
D. 20 degrees in either direction
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require that steering
wheel free play (lash) not exceed 10 degrees in either direction, which translates
to roughly 2 inches of movement on a 20-inch diameter steering wheel before the
front wheels begin to turn.
4. While descending a steep grade in a fully loaded combination vehicle, a driver
notices the truck gradually increasing speed even though the brakes are lightly
applied. What is the safest immediate action?
A. Shift into a higher gear to reduce engine strain
B. Apply the brakes harder until the vehicle slows completely
C. Downshift to a lower gear and use controlled braking techniques
D. Turn off the engine temporarily to reduce momentum
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Commercial vehicles should descend hills using the same or
lower gear than was required to climb the grade. Controlled braking combined
with engine braking helps prevent brake overheating and brake fade. Option A is
unsafe because higher gears increase speed. Option B may overheat the brakes
and lead to brake failure. Option D is extremely dangerous because turning off
the engine removes steering and braking assistance.
5. During a pre-trip inspection, a driver discovers that one of the steering axle
tires has exposed fabric. What should the driver do?
A. Continue driving if tire pressure is acceptable
B. Drive only during daylight hours
C. Replace or repair the tire before operating the vehicle
D. Reduce cargo weight and continue carefully
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Exposed fabric indicates severe tire damage and makes the
vehicle unsafe and illegal to operate. Steering axle tire failure can cause
VERSION C – PRACTICE TEST & STUDY GUIDE (PDF
FORMAT)
CORE DOMAINS
• Vehicle Inspection Procedures
• Basic Vehicle Control
• Safe Driving Practices
• Cargo and Weight Distribution
• Hazard Recognition
• Emergency Maneuvers
• Railroad Crossing Safety
• Alcohol and Drug Awareness
• Night and Adverse Weather Driving
• Commercial Vehicle Regulations
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to prepare candidates for
the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commercial Driver License (CDL)
General Knowledge written test. The assessment evaluates knowledge of pre-trip
inspection procedures, safe driving techniques, cargo securement, emergency
response, railroad crossing protocols, space management, and federal motor
carrier safety regulations. The test bank utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions modeled on the official Texas CDL Handbook. The Texas CDL
general knowledge test contains 50 multiple-choice questions and requires a
minimum score of 80% (40 correct answers) to pass. Mastery requires applied
,understanding of defensive driving principles, vehicle inspection standards, and
compliance with commercial transportation regulations.
SECTION ONE: PRACTICE QUESTIONS 1–50
1. What is the first step in the seven-step pre-trip inspection method?
A. Approach the vehicle and check its general condition
B. Check under the hood
C. Start the engine and inspect inside the cab
D. Walk around and inspect the entire vehicle
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: The first step of the seven-step pre-trip inspection is to approach
the vehicle and look at its general condition. This includes checking for damage,
whether the vehicle is leaning to one side, and looking under the vehicle for fresh
leaks of oil, coolant, grease, or fuel.
2. During a pre-trip inspection, what should you check in the engine
compartment?
A. Only the oil level
B. Oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, belts, and hoses
C. Only the coolant level and belts
D. Only items visible without opening any caps
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: A thorough engine compartment inspection includes checking
the oil level, coolant level in the radiator, power steering fluid, condition of belts
and hoses for wear or cracks, and looking for leaks.
3. When performing a pre-trip inspection, the driver should ensure that the
steering wheel free play (lash) does not exceed what limit?
A. 5 degrees in either direction
B. 10 degrees in either direction (approximately 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel)
, C. 15 degrees in either direction
D. 20 degrees in either direction
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require that steering
wheel free play (lash) not exceed 10 degrees in either direction, which translates
to roughly 2 inches of movement on a 20-inch diameter steering wheel before the
front wheels begin to turn.
4. While descending a steep grade in a fully loaded combination vehicle, a driver
notices the truck gradually increasing speed even though the brakes are lightly
applied. What is the safest immediate action?
A. Shift into a higher gear to reduce engine strain
B. Apply the brakes harder until the vehicle slows completely
C. Downshift to a lower gear and use controlled braking techniques
D. Turn off the engine temporarily to reduce momentum
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Commercial vehicles should descend hills using the same or
lower gear than was required to climb the grade. Controlled braking combined
with engine braking helps prevent brake overheating and brake fade. Option A is
unsafe because higher gears increase speed. Option B may overheat the brakes
and lead to brake failure. Option D is extremely dangerous because turning off
the engine removes steering and braking assistance.
5. During a pre-trip inspection, a driver discovers that one of the steering axle
tires has exposed fabric. What should the driver do?
A. Continue driving if tire pressure is acceptable
B. Drive only during daylight hours
C. Replace or repair the tire before operating the vehicle
D. Reduce cargo weight and continue carefully
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Exposed fabric indicates severe tire damage and makes the
vehicle unsafe and illegal to operate. Steering axle tire failure can cause
