CDL GENERAL KNOWLEDGE PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
A. To find out if the vehicle needs a wash
B. To ensure safety
C. To check if the tires are shiny
D. To make sure the lights are working
B. To ensure safety
A pre-trip inspection ensures the vehicle is safe to operate, which protects
the driver, passengers, and others on the road.
2. Which of the following should be part of your pre-trip inspection?
,A. Cleanliness of the cab
B. Checking brake system
C. Air conditioning operation
D. Interior lights
B. Checking brake system
Brakes are a critical safety system and must be inspected thoroughly
during every pre-trip.
3. How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
A. Pump the brake pedal and see if it gets harder
B. Step on the brake and turn off the engine
C. Pump the brake pedal 3 times and hold it, then observe if it moves
D. Check the brake fluid with your finger
C. Pump the brake pedal 3 times and hold it, then observe if it moves
This checks for pressure loss, which would indicate a leak in the hydraulic
brake system.
4. When backing a large vehicle, you should:
A. Rely solely on mirrors
B. Sound your horn continuously
C. Use a helper if available
D. Back up quickly to reduce time
,C. Use a helper if available
A spotter helps you avoid blind spots and obstacles while backing up.
5. What is the proper way to hold the steering wheel?
A. With one hand
B. Firmly with both hands
C. With your fingers
D. With your thumbs only
B. Firmly with both hands
Two-hand control improves reaction time and vehicle control.
6. The “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating” (GVWR) means:
A. Total weight of cargo
B. Maximum legal weight specified by the manufacturer
C. The driver’s license class
D. Tire weight only
B. Maximum legal weight specified by the manufacturer
GVWR is the maximum total safe weight of the vehicle including cargo and
passengers.
7. What should you do when driving in fog?
, A. Turn on your high beams
B. Use low beam headlights
C. Drive faster to get through it
D. Use emergency flashers only
B. Use low beam headlights
Low beams reduce glare and improve visibility in foggy conditions.
8. The best way to prevent fatigue on long trips is to:
A. Drink coffee continuously
B. Get adequate sleep before the trip
C. Open windows
D. Eat a heavy meal
B. Get adequate sleep before the trip
Fatigue can only be prevented by proper rest—not by stimulants or tricks.
9. When should you downshift for a curve?
A. Before entering the curve
B. In the middle of the curve
C. Before entering the curve
D. After exiting the curve
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
A. To find out if the vehicle needs a wash
B. To ensure safety
C. To check if the tires are shiny
D. To make sure the lights are working
B. To ensure safety
A pre-trip inspection ensures the vehicle is safe to operate, which protects
the driver, passengers, and others on the road.
2. Which of the following should be part of your pre-trip inspection?
,A. Cleanliness of the cab
B. Checking brake system
C. Air conditioning operation
D. Interior lights
B. Checking brake system
Brakes are a critical safety system and must be inspected thoroughly
during every pre-trip.
3. How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
A. Pump the brake pedal and see if it gets harder
B. Step on the brake and turn off the engine
C. Pump the brake pedal 3 times and hold it, then observe if it moves
D. Check the brake fluid with your finger
C. Pump the brake pedal 3 times and hold it, then observe if it moves
This checks for pressure loss, which would indicate a leak in the hydraulic
brake system.
4. When backing a large vehicle, you should:
A. Rely solely on mirrors
B. Sound your horn continuously
C. Use a helper if available
D. Back up quickly to reduce time
,C. Use a helper if available
A spotter helps you avoid blind spots and obstacles while backing up.
5. What is the proper way to hold the steering wheel?
A. With one hand
B. Firmly with both hands
C. With your fingers
D. With your thumbs only
B. Firmly with both hands
Two-hand control improves reaction time and vehicle control.
6. The “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating” (GVWR) means:
A. Total weight of cargo
B. Maximum legal weight specified by the manufacturer
C. The driver’s license class
D. Tire weight only
B. Maximum legal weight specified by the manufacturer
GVWR is the maximum total safe weight of the vehicle including cargo and
passengers.
7. What should you do when driving in fog?
, A. Turn on your high beams
B. Use low beam headlights
C. Drive faster to get through it
D. Use emergency flashers only
B. Use low beam headlights
Low beams reduce glare and improve visibility in foggy conditions.
8. The best way to prevent fatigue on long trips is to:
A. Drink coffee continuously
B. Get adequate sleep before the trip
C. Open windows
D. Eat a heavy meal
B. Get adequate sleep before the trip
Fatigue can only be prevented by proper rest—not by stimulants or tricks.
9. When should you downshift for a curve?
A. Before entering the curve
B. In the middle of the curve
C. Before entering the curve
D. After exiting the curve
