Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. When driving a commercial vehicle, how often should you check
your mirrors?
a) Only when changing lanes
b) Only at highway exits
c) Frequently, at regular intervals
d) Only when backing up
Mirrors should be checked frequently to maintain awareness of
surrounding traffic and ensure safety.
2. What is the proper method for performing a pre-trip inspection of
a commercial vehicle?
a) Check only tires and brakes
b) Inspect all major systems including brakes, lights, tires,
steering, and cargo securement
c) Inspect the engine only
d) Inspect only the cargo
A complete pre-trip inspection ensures the vehicle is safe to
operate and meets regulatory requirements.
3. What is the main purpose of the CDL “no zones”?
a) To mark areas where parking is prohibited
, b) To designate areas for loading and unloading
c) To identify blind spots around large vehicles
d) To indicate lanes for commercial vehicles only
No zones are blind spots where the truck driver’s visibility is
limited, increasing the risk of collisions.
4. When should you use a lower gear on a downgrade?
a) Only in city streets
b) Only when approaching a stop
c) To help control speed and reduce brake wear
d) Only at night
Using a lower gear helps control vehicle speed without overusing
the brakes, reducing the risk of brake failure.
5. What is the recommended following distance for a commercial
vehicle under normal conditions?
a) 1 second
b) 2 seconds
c) At least 4 seconds
d) 6 seconds
Longer following distances provide commercial vehicles more time
to stop safely due to greater mass and longer braking distances.
6. When transporting hazardous materials, what should you check
first?
a) Tire pressure
b) Placards and proper documentation
c) Windshield wipers
d) Radio functionality
, Proper placards and documentation ensure compliance with
federal hazardous materials regulations and driver safety.
7. If your vehicle starts to skid on a slippery surface, you should:
a) Slam on the brakes immediately
b) Turn the steering wheel opposite the skid
c) Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go
d) Speed up to regain control
Steering into the direction of the skid helps regain control and
prevent a spin.
8. Which of the following is a safe practice when entering a curve?
a) Accelerate before the curve
b) Maintain the same speed
c) Slow down before entering the curve
d) Brake sharply while in the curve
Slowing down before the curve allows safe maneuvering and
prevents rollover or loss of control.
9. How often should you inspect your cargo during transport?
a) Only at the destination
b) Only at the start of the trip
c) Regularly during the trip
d) Only when a problem occurs
Regular inspections help ensure that cargo remains secure and
prevents accidents caused by shifting loads.
10. When are you allowed to cross a double solid line?
a) When passing slower vehicles
b) When entering the highway
c) When making a U-turn
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. When driving a commercial vehicle, how often should you check
your mirrors?
a) Only when changing lanes
b) Only at highway exits
c) Frequently, at regular intervals
d) Only when backing up
Mirrors should be checked frequently to maintain awareness of
surrounding traffic and ensure safety.
2. What is the proper method for performing a pre-trip inspection of
a commercial vehicle?
a) Check only tires and brakes
b) Inspect all major systems including brakes, lights, tires,
steering, and cargo securement
c) Inspect the engine only
d) Inspect only the cargo
A complete pre-trip inspection ensures the vehicle is safe to
operate and meets regulatory requirements.
3. What is the main purpose of the CDL “no zones”?
a) To mark areas where parking is prohibited
, b) To designate areas for loading and unloading
c) To identify blind spots around large vehicles
d) To indicate lanes for commercial vehicles only
No zones are blind spots where the truck driver’s visibility is
limited, increasing the risk of collisions.
4. When should you use a lower gear on a downgrade?
a) Only in city streets
b) Only when approaching a stop
c) To help control speed and reduce brake wear
d) Only at night
Using a lower gear helps control vehicle speed without overusing
the brakes, reducing the risk of brake failure.
5. What is the recommended following distance for a commercial
vehicle under normal conditions?
a) 1 second
b) 2 seconds
c) At least 4 seconds
d) 6 seconds
Longer following distances provide commercial vehicles more time
to stop safely due to greater mass and longer braking distances.
6. When transporting hazardous materials, what should you check
first?
a) Tire pressure
b) Placards and proper documentation
c) Windshield wipers
d) Radio functionality
, Proper placards and documentation ensure compliance with
federal hazardous materials regulations and driver safety.
7. If your vehicle starts to skid on a slippery surface, you should:
a) Slam on the brakes immediately
b) Turn the steering wheel opposite the skid
c) Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go
d) Speed up to regain control
Steering into the direction of the skid helps regain control and
prevent a spin.
8. Which of the following is a safe practice when entering a curve?
a) Accelerate before the curve
b) Maintain the same speed
c) Slow down before entering the curve
d) Brake sharply while in the curve
Slowing down before the curve allows safe maneuvering and
prevents rollover or loss of control.
9. How often should you inspect your cargo during transport?
a) Only at the destination
b) Only at the start of the trip
c) Regularly during the trip
d) Only when a problem occurs
Regular inspections help ensure that cargo remains secure and
prevents accidents caused by shifting loads.
10. When are you allowed to cross a double solid line?
a) When passing slower vehicles
b) When entering the highway
c) When making a U-turn
