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Worksheets

CDL General Knowledge

Total questions: 95

Worksheet time: 2hrs 43mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

As the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) goes up, what happens first?

a)

Judgment and Self Control are affected

b)

Lose Muscle Controll

c)

Can not see clearly

d)

Can not find the petals

2.

Implied consent means?

a)
Implied consent is a formal written agreement.
b)
Implied consent requires a witness to be legal.
c)
Implied consent is only valid in medical emergencies.
d)

Implied consent means consent to be tested for alcohol in your blood.

3.

The total weight of the powered unit, the trailer, and the cargo is called?

a)
Net Vehicle Weight (NVW)
b)
Payload Capacity (PC)
c)

Gross Combination Weight (GCW)

d)
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
4.

If you do not have a CB radio, what is the 1st thing you should do at an accident scene?

a)
Leave the scene to find a CB radio.
b)

Protect the area.

c)
Start taking photos of the accident before ensuring safety.
d)
Call for help immediately without checking the scene.
5.

Which of these is true about mirror adjustments?

a)

Mirrors should be adjusted prior to starting a trip.

b)
Mirrors should be set to reflect only the rear view.
c)
Adjusting mirrors is unnecessary for safe driving.
d)
Mirrors should only be adjusted for aesthetic purposes.
6.

Brake Fade:

a)
Brake fade occurs only in electric vehicles.
b)

Brake fade is the reduction in braking performance due to overheating.

c)
Brake fade improves braking efficiency.
d)
Brake fade is caused by wet conditions.
7.

When looking ahead of your vehicle while driving you should look?

a)

Back and forth, near and far

b)
Right in front of your vehicle.
c)

Right behind your vehicle, near to far.

d)
5 to 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle.
8.

How far ahead of the vehicle should the driver look while driving?

a)

20 to 25 seconds ahead

(1/2 mile)

b)

1 to 2 minutes ahead

(1-2 miles)

c)

12 to 15 seconds ahead (1/4 mile)

d)

5 to 10 seconds ahead

(1/8 mile)

9.

Which of these is the proper way to signal to change lanes?

a)

Signal early and change lanes slowly and smoothly.

b)

Signal when you are ready and change lanes.

c)

Change lanes when you see an opening.

d)

After traffic has stopped, make adjustments to speed and change lanes

10.

You should signal continuously while turning because?

a)
To make your vehicle look more stylish while turning.
b)
To comply with traffic laws that don't require signaling.
c)

You need both hands on the wheel to turn safely.

d)
To confuse other drivers about your direction.
11.

You are driving a vehicle at 45 mph on dry pavement.

About how much stop distance would you need to stop?

a)

Approximately 5 car lengths.

b)

Approximately the Length of a football field.

c)
Approximately 100 feet
d)

Approximately 10 seconds.

12.

The primary cause of fatal crashes is?

a)
Vehicle malfunction
b)
Weather conditions
c)

Driving to fast

d)
Poor road conditions
13.

You should try to park so that?

a)
You must always park on the sidewalk.
b)

You can pull

forward to leave.

c)
You should park anywhere you like.
d)
You can block driveways if it's temporary.
14.

When driving at night, you should use your low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within?

a)
200 feet
b)
500 feet
c)
1000 feet
d)
300 feet
15.

You are driving in an area with few streetlights on a clear night.

If you cannot see well with your headlights, which of these actions would help?

a)
Keep windows closed and rely on dashboard lights.
b)
Turn off headlights and drive faster.
c)

Use high beams and keep interior lights off.

d)
Use fog lights only and ignore speed limits.
16.

What happens to tar in road pavement when it gets extremely hot?

a)
Tar hardens and becomes brittle when extremely hot.
b)
Tar evaporates completely in high temperatures.
c)
Tar remains unchanged regardless of temperature.
d)

Tar bleeds, making the road surface slippery

17.

What is the best advice for drivers when heavy fog occurs?

a)
Follow closely behind the car in front of you
b)

Park the truck until the fog has lifted.

c)
Increase speed and use high beam headlights
d)
Ignore the fog and drive normally
18.

Which of these statements about cold weather driving is true?

a)

Windshield washer antifreeze should be used.

b)
Cold weather makes roads safer for driving.
c)
Cold weather has no effect on driving conditions.
d)
Cold weather improves vehicle performance.
19.

Strong winds most affect driving when?

a)
Driving on smooth roads
b)
Driving at night
c)
Driving in heavy rain
d)

Upon exiting tunnels

20.

Perception distance is the distance your vehicle travels from time:

a)
Perception distance is the distance traveled after the vehicle has stopped.
b)
Perception distance is the distance covered while the driver is distracted.
c)
Perception distance is the distance from the start of the journey to the hazard.
d)
Perception distance is the distance traveled from the moment a hazard is perceived until the driver reacts.
21.

You are driving on a two-lane road.

An oncoming driver drifts into your lane headed straight for you.

Which of these is most often the best action to take?

a)
Steer to the right to avoid a collision.
b)
Honk your horn and stay in your lane.
c)
Accelerate to try to outrun the oncoming vehicle.
d)
Brake suddenly and stop in the middle of the road.
22.

You can see a marking on a vehicle ahead of you. The marking is a red triangle with an orange center.

What does the marking mean?

a)
The vehicle is a construction vehicle.
b)
The vehicle is a slow-moving or disabled vehicle.
c)
The vehicle is a police vehicle.
d)
The vehicle is carrying hazardous materials.
23.

Hydroplaning is most likely to happen when:

a)
Hydroplaning is most likely to happen when driving at low speeds.
b)
Hydroplaning is most likely to happen during clear weather.
c)
Hydroplaning is most likely to happen on dry roads.
d)

Hydroplaning is most likely to happen when tire pressure is low.

24.

What should you do when your vehicle hydroplanes?

a)
Accelerate to regain control.
b)
Turn sharply to the left or right.
c)
Brake hard to stop the vehicle.
d)

Release the accelerator.

25.

In the event of a rear tire failure, dual rear tires will?

a)
Allow only limited speed operation.
b)
Require complete tire replacement.
c)
Cause immediate loss of control.
d)

Prevent fishtailing.

26.

Which of these is correct about emergency or evasive action?

a)

Steer left to avoid hazard.

b)

In order to turn quickly you must have a firm grip on the steering wheel.

c)

Pump brakes to charge braking system.

d)

Use perception to avoid road hazard.

27.

Most serious skids result from?

a)

Loss of traction

b)
Wet road conditions
c)
Improper steering
d)
Excessive speed
28.

Over length, over width, or over weight loads require?

a)
Special permits
b)
Temporary permits
c)
No permits required
d)
Standard permits
29.

Containerized loads are generally?

a)
restricted to specific industries
b)
only available in bulk
c)
randomly assorted and unpackaged
d)

is carried part way by rail or ship

30.

Which of these statements about an inspection of suspension components is true?

a)
Suspension components do not require regular inspection.
b)
Wear and damage are only checked during annual service.
c)
Suspension components are only inspected if there is a visible issue.
d)

Axle mounts should be checked at each point where they are secured.

31.

Should brake adjustments be checked often?

a)
Yes, brake adjustments should be checked often.
b)

Yes, brake adjustments should be ignored unless there's a problem.

c)

Yes, check brake adjustments only once a year.

d)

No, brake adjustments are not necessary.

32.

Which of these is NOT part of the pre-trip inspection of the engine component?

a)
Inspecting the oil level
b)
Examining the battery connections
c)
Checking the coolant temperature
d)

Valve clearance

33.

A full stop is required at a railroad grade crossing when?

a)

When the nature of the cargo makes a stop mandatory under law.

b)
When the railroad is closed for maintenance.
c)
When a train is approaching from the left.
d)
When there are flashing lights indicating to stop.
34.

You do NOT have a Hazard Materials Endorsement on your commercial license.

You can drive a vehicle hauling hazardous material when?

a)
You can drive if you have a learner's permit.
b)
You can drive with a regular license.
c)
You can drive if you have a temporary endorsement.
d)

The vehicle does not require placards.

35.

You are driving a heavy vehicle with a manual transmission. You have to stop the vehicle on the shoulder while driving on an uphill grade. Which of these is a good rule to follow when putting it back in motion up the grade?

a)
Turn off the engine and restart it to gain momentum.
b)
Shift into neutral and roll back before starting again.
c)
Release the brake and accelerate immediately without using the clutch.
d)

Engage the parking brake until the clutch engages.

36.

If your brakes fail on a downgrade, you must first?

a)

Look outside the vehicle for another way of stopping it.

b)
Turn off the engine to stop.
c)
Steer into oncoming traffic.
d)
Apply the handbrake immediately.
37.

To help you stay alert while driving, you should?

a)

Take regular breaks before you get drowsy.

b)
Drive faster to reach your destination sooner.
c)
Listen to loud music to stay awake.
d)
Eat a heavy meal before driving.
38.

Which of the following is a good way to react to an aggressive driver?

a)

Give the driver the benefit of doubt.

b)
Tailgate the aggressive driver.
c)
Yell back at the driver.
d)
Change lanes aggressively.
39.

If you must use a cell phone while driving, you should?

a)

Pull off the road onto a safe and legal position.

b)
Drive with the phone in your lap.
c)
Text your friends while driving.
d)
Hold the phone to your ear.
40.

Which of the these statements about staying alert while driving is true?

a)
Eating snacks while driving is a good way to stay alert.
b)
Listening to loud music helps maintain focus while driving.
c)
Driving at night requires no special precautions for alertness.
d)

Sleep is the only thing that can overcome fatigue.

41.

During driving, medicines used to treat the common cold cause:

a)

Improved reaction time and judgment and are fine to use while driving.

b)

Drowsiness and shouldn't be used while driving.

c)

Enhanced motor skills and coordination, and are fine to use while driving.

d)

Should be discussed with a doctor before use.

42.

While driving, which of the statements about drugs is true?

a)
Driving is safer when using prescription drugs.
b)
Drugs have no effect on driving ability.
c)
It is legal to drive after taking any type of drug.
d)
Driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous and illegal.
43.

Which of these statements about causes of vehicle fires is true?

a)

Poor trailer ventilation can cause cargo to catch on fire.

b)
Vehicle fires are mostly caused by tire blowouts.
c)
Fuel leaks are the primary cause of vehicle fires.
d)
Overheating engines never lead to vehicle fires.
44.

What will help keep an engine cool in hot weather?

a)
Use low-quality oil instead of coolant.
b)

Making sure the engine has the right amount of oil.

c)
Increase engine RPMs to cool it down.
d)
Seal off the radiator to prevent heat loss.
45.

Which of these statements about marking a stopped vehicle is true?

a)

If a hill or curve keeps others from seeing the vehicle within 500ft, the rear triangle should be moved to an adequate location for warning.

b)
A stopped vehicle should be marked only if it is on a highway.
c)
A stopped vehicle does not need any markings.
d)
Marking a stopped vehicle is only necessary at night.
46.

Which of these do not provide extra gears on some trucks?

a)

Automatic trucks

b)
Heavy-duty trucks
c)
Sport utility vehicles
d)
Pickup trucks
47.

Which of these statements about downshifting while driving is true?

a)

Downshifting for a curve, you should do so before you are entering a curve.

b)
Downshifting increases fuel consumption.
c)
Downshifting is only useful in automatic transmissions.
d)
Downshifting has no effect on braking performance.
48.

Why is it important while driving to shift gears correctly?

a)

To keep control of the vehicle.

b)
Gears should be shifted randomly to keep the drive interesting.
c)
Correct gear shifting is only important for manual cars.
d)
Shifting gears has no impact on fuel consumption.
49.

Backing a commercial vehicle is?

a)
Driving forward in a commercial vehicle.
b)
Parking a commercial vehicle.
c)
Loading cargo onto a commercial vehicle.
d)

Always dangerous.

50.

While driving, what is counter steering?

a)
Applying brakes to slow down during a turn.
b)

Turning the wheel in the opposite direction after steering to avoid an emergency.

c)
Turning the handlebars without changing direction.
d)
Steering in the same direction as the turn to gain speed.
51.

You see a car approaching from the rear, the next time you check your mirror the car is gone. You wish to change lanes. You should?

a)
Speed up to avoid the car behind.
b)
Signal and change lanes without looking.
c)
Change lanes immediately without checking.
d)

wait until your blind spot is clear before changing lanes.

52.

The distance you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is?

a)

20 to 25 seconds ahead

(3/8 mile)

b)

30 seconds ahead

(1/2 mile)

c)

10 to 15 seconds ahead

(1/4 mile)

d)

5 to 10 seconds ahead

(1/8 mile)

53.

You are driving a heavy vehicle. You must exit the highway using an off ramp that curves downhill. You should?

a)
Reduce speed and use lower gears.
b)
Accelerate and shift to a higher gear.
c)
Maintain current speed and ignore the curve.
d)
Take the off ramp without braking.
54.

When driving on packed snow you should reduce your speed by?

a)
100%
b)
50%
c)
75%
d)
25%
55.

Merging into a road is safest if you?

a)

wait for a large enough gap in traffic

b)
merge without signaling
c)
accelerate to overtake
d)

stop and wait for a clear road completely

56.

While driving, if you are being tailgated, you should?

a)
Brake suddenly to scare them off.
b)
Speed up to lose the tailgater.
c)

Increase following distance.

d)
Ignore them and continue driving normally.
57.

What should you do while driving at night and a car is coming toward you with its high beams on?

a)
Look directly at the oncoming car.
b)
Increase your speed to pass quickly.
c)
Look to the right edge of the road.
d)
Turn on your own high beams to counteract.
58.

The road you are traveling on becomes very slippery due to glare ice. Which is a good thing to do in such a situation?

a)
Ignore the conditions and drive normally.
b)

Stop driving as soon as you can safely do so.

c)
Accelerate to maintain control.
d)
Take a sharp turn to avoid the ice.
59.

When driving through construction zones, you should:

a)

Speed up and hurry through them so you aren't in them any longer than

necessary

b)

Stop before entering them, get in low gear and proceed through

c)

Watch for sharp pavement drop-offs

d)

Reduce your speed only if workers are near the roadway

60.

When driving a vehicle with-a height over 13 feet, you should:

a)

Assume all clearances are of sufficient height

b)

Height clearance is not a concern as long as you stay on state or federal roadways

c)

Stop and check before proceeding if you are unsure of the clearance

d)

All of the above

61.

The proper way to load a vehicle is:

a)

Keep the load balanced in the cargo area

b)

Place the load at the front of the trailer to give your drive wheels better traction

c)

Place the load at the rear of the trailer so your rear tires have better traction

d)

It makes no difference where the cargo is placed as long as you are not over the allowable gross weight

62.

When driving at night, you should:

a)

Dim your lights when you are within 300 feet of oncoming traffic

b)

Watch the white line on the left side of the roadway

c)

Adjust your vehicle speed so as to keep your stopping distance within your sight distance

d)

Keep your high beams on at all times

63.

According to the Commercial Driver's License Manual, why should you limit the use of your vehicle's horn?

a)

If your vehicle has air brakes, the air horn may not work while you are applying your brakes

b)

It may startle other drivers

c)

You should keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times

d)

The Commercial Driver's License Manual does not say that a driver should limit the use of the horn

64.

If you break down on a level, straight, four lane, divided highway, where should you place the reflective emergency triangles?

a)

One 10 feet from the rear of the vehicle, one approximately 100 feet from the rear of the vehicle and another one about 100 feet to the front of the vehicle

b)

One 10 feet from the rear of the vehicle, one approximately 100 feet from the rear of the vehicle, and one about 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle

c)

One 100 feet from the rear of the vehicle, one approximately 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle, and one about 300 feet from the rear of the vehicle

d)

One 50 feet from the rear of the vehicle, one about 100 feet from the rear of the vehicle, and one about 200 feet from the front of the vehicle

65.

You're driving on a straight and level roadway at 60 mph and suddenly a tire blows out on your vehicle. What should you do first?

a)

Immediately begin light, controlled braking

b)

Immediately begin stab braking

c)

Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands and stay off the brakes until the vehicle has slowed down

d)

Immediately begin emergency braking

66.

If you drive through heavy rain or standing water, your brakes may get wet. What can this cause to happen when you apply the brakes?

a)

Trailer jackknife

b)

Your brakes to heat up

c)

Hydroplaning

d)

Hydroplaning if you were traveling faster than 30 mph when you applied the brakes

67.

Which of the following should you NOT do?

a)

Turn your headlights on during the day if visibility is reduced due to bad weather

b)

Flash your brake lights to warn vehicles behind you that you are slowing down

c)

Flash your brake lights when entering a construction zone if vehicles are close behind you

d)

Flash your brake lights if someone is following too closely

68.

Which of the following is true?

a)

It is permissible to use radial and bias-ply tires together on the same axle

b)

Tires of mismatched sizes should not be used on the same vehicle

c)

4/32 inch tread depth is the maximum allowed on drive tires

d)

2/32 inch tread depth is permissible for steering tires 

69.

At what Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) will you be placed out of service for 24 hours?

a)

.04% or higher

b)

.03% or higher

c)

1.0% or higher

d)

Any detectable amount

70.

When you see a hazard in the roadway in front of you, you should:

a)

Steer and countersteer around it

b)

Stop quickly and get off the roadway if possible

c)

Stop quickly, stay in the roadway, set your reflective emergency triangles, and go to the rear of your vehicle to flag down traffic

d)

Turn on your 4-way flashers or flash your brakes lights to warn others

71.

Water will extinguish which of the following fires?

a)

Electrical

b)

Diesel fuel

c)

Gasoline

d)

Tire

72.

Your vehicle is 40 feet long and you are traveling at 50 mph. The safe following distance is:

a)

5 seconds

b)

6 seconds

c)

4 seconds

d)

3 seconds

73.

Convex (curved) mirrors will:

a)

Make objects appear to be larger than they really are

b)

Make objects appear to be smaller than they really are

c)

Make objects appear closer and larger than they really are

d)

Show a wider area than flat mirrors

74.

After you start your engine, which of the following should occur?

a)

Oil pressure will build in 4 to 5 minutes

b)

Air pressure will rise to normal in 10 to 15 minutes

c)

The water temperature will indicate a gradual rise to normal operating temperature

d)

The manifold exhaust indicator gauge will immediately rise to 190 degrees Fahrenheit

75.

What is hydroplaning?

a)

An emergency situation created when an aircraft must make an emergency landing on a highway

b)

Excessive heat build up in the radiator

c)

Something that only occurs at high vehicle speeds

d)

When your vehicle wheels lift off the roadway on a thin film of water

76.

A first offense for driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol or drugs will cause you to lose your CDL for at least: 

a)

Three years

b)

One year

c)

Two years

d)

Six months

77.

The best drivers are those that watch and prepare for hazards. This is called being:

a)
passive driving
b)
aggressive driving
c)
defensive driving
d)
reactive driving
78.

When hydraulic brakes fail while driving, what action should you take?

a)

Pump the brakes pedal to generate pressure.

b)
Turn off the engine and coast to a stop.
c)
Accelerate to gain more speed and avoid obstacles.
d)
Ignore the brakes and steer to the side of the road.
79.

Optional safety equipment may include emergency numbers, tire chains, and?

a)
fire extinguisher
b)
road flares
c)

tire changing equipment

d)
reflective vest
80.

If you have a heavy load that is slowing you down on an upgrade, you should?

a)
Take a break and wait for assistance.
b)
Increase the load to build strength.
c)

Shift into a lower gear.

d)
Ignore the load and continue at the same pace.
81.

Which of these is NOT a danger when an automatic transmission is forced into a low gear at high speeds?

a)
Loss of traction on the road
b)
Increased engine wear
c)

loss of steering control

d)
Overheating of transmission fluid
82.

To go down a long, steep hill you should_________

a)

apply your brakes hard

b)

shift to a low gear after starting down the grade

c)

shift to a high gear before starting down the grade

d)

shift to a low gear before starting down the grade

83.

How much tread depth should you have

on your front tires when driving in the winter?

a)

minimum of 4/32 inch

b)

under 4/32 inch

c)

minimum of 2/32 inch

d)

maximum of

2/32 inch

84.

How often must drivers of trucks and truck tractors conduct a safety inspection?

a)

Before driving

b)

Before driving,

every 3 hours during driving,

and after driving

c)

Every 5 hours and after driving

d)

After driving

85.

What is a tractor jackknife?

a)

Another name for hard steering

b)

A device used in the

hydraulic system

c)

A drive-wheel skid

d)

A time for you to get right with the Lord

86.

Which of the following is true about empty trucks?

a)

They have better traction

b)

They require less braking power

c)

They require greater stopping distance

d)

They are easier to steer

87.

Which of the following is true about overhead clearance?

a)

Posted heights are always correct

b)

A loaded truck is higher than an empty one

c)

Repaving or packed snow increases the clearance height

d)

An empty van is higher than a loaded van

88.

Which of the following statements about backing a commercial motor vehicle to a dock is NOT true?

a)

Since you can't see behind you, you should back slowly until you bump the dock

b)

Use a helper and communicate with hand signals

c)

You should always back toward the driver's side when possible

d)

Both A and C

89.

At a drawbidge that lacks a signal light or traffic control attendant, you must stop at least how far from the draw of a bridge?

a)
50 feet
b)
75 feet
c)
100 feet
d)
25 feet
90.

When is it safe to tow a bus?

a)
When the bus is parked on a steep incline.
b)
When the towing vehicle is not equipped for towing.
c)

When the bus is unloaded with passengers.

d)

You can tow it with passengers to a safe spot for them to get off.

91.

Can a bus carry 100 pounds each of class 1, class 3, class 4, and class 5 hazardous materials?

a)
No, buses cannot carry hazardous materials.
b)
Yes, but only if they are in separate containers.
c)
No, class 1 materials are too dangerous to transport.
d)

Yes, a bus can carry up to 500 pounds total.

92.

On a bus, you may sometimes haul small-arms ammunition, emergency shipments of drugs, or hospital supplies. The total weight of all such hazardous materials must not be greater than?

a)
750 pounds
b)
250 pounds
c)
1000 pounds
d)
500 pounds
93.

What 3 emergency equipment items must you have on your bus?

a)
Safety cones, reflective vests, spare tire
b)
Water bottles, snacks, blankets
c)
Flashlights, road maps, tool kit
d)

Fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses, and reflectors.

94.

What is a standee line on a bus?

a)

A standee line is a designated line for passengers to stand behind.

b)
A standee line is a designated area for bus drivers only.
c)
A standee line is a seating area for passengers.
d)
A standee line is a space for luggage storage on the bus.
95.

When stopping for railroad tracks, you must stop no closer than how many feet before the nearest track?

a)

100 feet

b)

200 feet

c)
25 feet
d)
15 feet