Commercial Drivers License Practice Test

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Question 1

Please identify which of the following statements is true of the shifting pattern on a commercial vehicle with multi-speed rear axles and auxiliary transmissions.

A	The selector switch for extra gears can be found on the gearshift lever in all commercial vehicles
B	Depending on the gear range, the selector switch for extra gears is usually turned left or right
C	Depending on the vehicle manufacturer, the shifting pattern can be different on one vehicle compared to another
D	None of the above is correct

Question 1 Explanation:

Depending on the vehicle manufacturer, the shifting pattern can be different on one vehicle compared to another. Drivers must learn it and get used to it before driving on the road. The selector switch for extra gears is usually turned up or down.

Question 2

What is the main purpose of the mirrors on commercial vehicles?

A	Allow the driver to make sure when is a safe time to change lanes
B	Allowed driver to keep track of vehicles that are trying to pass
C	Allow the driver to keep track of the back seat in his vehicle
D	All of the above
E	A and B only

Question 2 Explanation:

The mirrors on a commercial vehicle allow the driver to make sure when is a safe time to change lanes, as well as to keep track of vehicles that are trying to pass.

Question 3

An indication that the ABS on a trailer is functioning properly, the yellow light on the left rear side should...

A	turn on and out immediately afterwards.
B	turn on and remain on.
C	turn on and blink.
D	not turn on.

Question 3 Explanation:

An indication that the ABS on a trailer is functioning properly, the yellow light on the left rear side should turn on and out immediately afterwards.

Question 4

An inspection on the leaf springs by the driver involves checking for which of the following:

A	broken leaf springs
B	cracks on a leaf spring
C	A and B
D	Only a professional mechanic can perform an inspection of the leaf springs.

Question 4 Explanation:

An inspection on the leaf springs by the driver involves checking for cracks or breaks in the leaf springs.

Question 5

Please identify which of the following is correct of exhaust system inspections performed by the driver.

A	An exhaust system inspection must be performed as part of the routine inspection before a trip
B	An exhaust system inspection is not necessary for minor leaks
C	An exhaust system inspection is performed annually
D	None of the above

Question 5 Explanation:

An exhaust system inspection must be performed by the driver as part of the routine inspection before a trip.

Question 6

Which lights must be on while driving at night?

A	High beams at all times
B	Low beams only
C	High beams in difficult weather conditions such as fog, otherwise low beams
D	None of the above

Question 6 Explanation:

When driving in the dark, a combination of high beams and low beams use is in order. High beams should be used whenever there are no other cars nearby. A switch to low beams should happen whenever there is an approaching car from either direction in order not to blind the other driver.

Question 7

Please indicate which of the following can be a sign that the road is icy.

A	It was cold the night before
B	There is ice visible on the vehicle's mirrors
C	There is no visible road spray coming from other vehicles on the road
D	B and C

Question 7 Explanation:

A driver should recognize the signs that indicate that ice may have formed on the road, such as when ice is visible on the vehicle's mirrors or road spray coming from other vehicles on the road is not visible.

Question 8

A driver's vehicle has drifted onto the shoulder but for some reason the driver cannot stop. Please indicate what is an appropriate action in this emergency.

A	Steer the vehicle sharply back onto the roadway with a tight grip on the wheel
B	Slowly and carefully steer the vehicle back onto the road
C	It depends on the situation

Question 8 Explanation:

A driver whose vehicle has drifted onto the shoulder and for some reason cannot be brought to a stop should get a tight grip of the steering wheel and sharply turn back onto the roadway the first moment when it is safe to do it. Steering the vehicle back onto the road slowly may cause the driver to lose control over the tires.

Question 9

Please identify which of the following is correct about the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Exam.

A	The driver is mainly required to inspect the engine and one other part of the vehicle assigned randomly
B	The driver is asked to identify specific parts of the vehicle and explain the reason for inspecting them
C	The driver is required to answer various questions about conducting vehicle inspections orally to demonstrate theoretical familiarity with the subject
D	None of the above

Question 9 Explanation:

During the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Exam, the driver is asked to identify specific parts of the vehicle and explain the reason for inspecting them.

Question 10

A driver is experiencing a sudden hydraulic break failure caused by pressure loss. Please identify which of the following is a correct action in this emergency situation.

A	Downshift to a lower gear and pump the breaks fast
B	Downshift to a lower gear but do not touch the brakes
C	Use the parking brake
D	None of the above is a correct course of action in this situation
E	A and C

Question 10 Explanation:

Appropriate actions in case of a break failure cause by the loss of hydraulic pressure include downshifting to a lower gear and pumping the breaks fast, and trying carefully to use the parking break, which is separate from the hydraulic pressure system.

Question 11

While approaching a railroad crossing, a driver can see a train in the distance. Please indicate which of the following is not an appropriate action.

A	The driver should estimate the speed of the train to determine whether to cross or wait
B	The driver should speed up and cross before the train has gotten too close
C	The driver should stop and wait for the train to cross
D	A and B

Question 11 Explanation:

A driver, who can see a train in the distance while approaching a railroad crossing should never try to estimate the train's speed as this is very difficult to do so accurately. The driver should never consider crossing before the train as this could lead to a fatal accident.

Question 12

Please identify which of the following is a common reason for under loaded front axles.

A	Excessive front tires wearing
B	Excessive load weight concentrated in the back of the vehicle
C	Excessive load in the front of the vehicle
D	None of the above

Question 12 Explanation:

Under loaded front axles are usually caused by placing excessive load weight concentrated in the far back of the vehicle. Balancing the load can help solve the issue.

Question 13

An unsafe start from a stopped position on a wet road can happen if the driver puts too much speed. This may result in skidding or the driver tires losing traction and spinning. What is an appropriate action in this situation?

A	Hit the breaks
B	Add more pressure to the gas pedal
C	Stop accelerating and release the gas pedal
D	None of the above

Question 13 Explanation:

In this situation the driver should stop accelerating and release the gas pedal and the breaks.

Question 14

When entering traffic, it is especially important that commercial drivers bear in mind...

A	The size of their vehicle
B	The location where they are
C	The weight of their vehicle
D	A and C

Question 14 Explanation:

When entering traffic, it is especially important that commercial drivers bear in mind the size and weight of their vehicle.

Question 15

The air pressure loss test should be a part of every pre-trip inspection. Please indicate what is an irregular rate of losing air pressure in a single vehicle that would require a check by a mechanic.

A	More than 2 PSI per minute
B	More than 3 PSI per minute
C	More than 4 PSI per minute
D	All of the above are regular values

Question 15 Explanation:

If a single vehicle losses pressure at a rate of more than 2 PSI per minute, the driver should seek help from a professional mechanic since this is an irregular reading.

Question 16

Please indicate what is an appropriate course of action for a driver who comes across a road accident and is planning to pull over.

A	Park near the collided vehicles in case help is needed
B	Park sufficiently away from the collided vehicles
C	Take a first aid kit with before approaching the collided vehicles
D	None of the above
E	B and C

Question 16 Explanation:

A driver who comes across a road accident and is planning to pull over should park sufficiently away from the collided vehicles and take a first aid kit with before approaching the collided vehicles.

Question 17

While driving at night, an approaching vehicle has the high beams on. In this situation the commercial driver should...

A	also turn on their high beams
B	switch off their low beams
C	have the right lane markings in his vision field and use them
D	None of the above

Question 17 Explanation:

If while driving at night, a commercial driver comes across an approaching vehicle with the high beams on, he/she should have the right lane markings in his vision field and use them.

Question 18

How does the stopping distance of a truck loaded to its maximum capacity compare to an empty truck?

A	It will stop in a shorter distance
B	It will stop in a longer distance
C	The load makes no difference to the stopping distance

Question 18 Explanation:

A truck loaded to its maximum capacity will stop in a shorter distance compared to an empty truck.

Question 19

Please identify which of the following statements is correct of curved mirrors.

A	They make objects appear smaller than they really are.
B	They make objects appear bigger than they really are.
C	They make objects appear as farther than they really are.
D	None of the above
E	A and C

Question 19 Explanation:

Curved mirrors make objects appear smaller and as if they are farther than they actually are.

Question 20

Please identify which of the following statements is correct about driving in bad weather conditions during the day.

A	The bright lights should be kept on
B	The driver should make sure your vehicle is visible enough
C	The low beam lights are too weak for bad weather conditions
D	A and C

Question 20 Explanation:

When driving in bad weather conditions during the day, commercial drivers must make sure their vehicle is visible enough and have the low beams on. The bright lights can blind other drivers in the same way as when driving in the dark.

Question 21

Please identify which of the following statements is correct about the retarders when they are switched on.

A	They reduce the need for braking
B	They apply braking power on the driver wheels only
C	They apply breaking power on all wheels
D	A and B

Question 21 Explanation:

When switched on, the retarders apply breaking power on the driver wheels and reduce the need for braking.

Question 22

Please identify which of the following statements is correct about downshifting on a manual transmission-equipped commercial vehicle.

A	Pressing the clutch with the left foot while releasing the right foot from the break and while shifting to neutral at the same time
B	Releasing the left foot from the clutch, pressing the accelerator, pressing the clutch and downshifting at the same time
C	A and B
D	None of the above statements is fully correct

Question 22 Explanation:

The correct way of downshifting on a manual transmission-equipped vehicle involves pressing the clutch with the left foot while releasing the right foot from the break and while shifting to neutral at the same time, followed by releasing the left foot from the clutch, pressing the accelerator, pressing the clutch and downshifting at the same time.

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT correct about signaling when making a turn in a commercial vehicle.

A	Start the signaling well in advance
B	Stop signaling once you start the turn
C	Keep signaling until the turn is completed
D	A and C

Question 23 Explanation:

When making a turn, the driver of a commercial vehicle should start the signaling well in advance and keep signaling until the turn is completed.

Question 24

Please identify which of the following statements about operating a commercial vehicle is false.

A	Speed limits for commercial vehicles are sometimes lower than those posted for regular vehicles.
B	Commercial vehicles should pay attention to possible regular vehicles trying to pass them.
C	Commercial vehicles are not allowed to pass non-commercial vehicles.
D	None of the above

Question 24 Explanation:

It is correct that speed limits for commercial vehicles are sometimes lower than those posted for regular vehicles. Commercial vehicles should always pay attention to possible regular vehicles trying to pass them, but can pass non-commercial vehicles.

Question 25

When driving in wintertime, upon coming to a snow-packed road, commercial vehicle drivers should immediately reduce the speed by a minimum of...

A	one third of the current speed.
B	one half of the current speed.
C	Commercial vehicles are not allowed to drive on snow-packed roads and should stop immediately.
D	None of the above

Question 25 Explanation:

When driving in wintertime, upon coming to a snow-packed road, commercial vehicle drivers should immediately reduce the speed by a minimum of one half of the current speed.

Question 26

A Class C commercial driver's license is required for which of the following?

A	A passenger bus with the capacity of transporting 18 passengers including the driver
B	A motorcycle
C	Any commercial motor vehicle

Question 26 Explanation:

Class C CDL is required for driving a passenger bus with the capacity of transporting at least 16 passengers including the driver.

Question 27

Please identify which of the following statements is false about using a helper.

A	The driver and the helper should agree on a mutual hand signalling system
B	The helper should be positioned in front of the vehicle
C	The driver should be able to clearly see the helper
D	None of the above

Question 27 Explanation:

A helper should always be positioned behind the vehicle.

Question 28

Please identify which of the following is true of the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

A	It is a back-up to a vehicle's normal breaking system
B	It increases the vehicle's breaking capacity
C	It decreases the vehicle's breaking capacity
D	None of the above

Question 28 Explanation:

The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is a back-up to a vehicle's normal breaking system and it doesn't change the vehicle's normal breaking capacity.

Question 29

Which of the following is included in a pre-trip inspection?

A	Air hoses associated with the breaks
B	Windshield and mirrors
C	Safety equipment
D	All of the above

Question 29 Explanation:

Windshield and mirrors, the air hoses associated with the breaks, and safety equipment are all part of what should be checked in a pre-trip inspection.

Question 30

The low pressure warning on commercial vehicles turns on when the pressure falls at or below...

A	40 PSI
B	50 PSI
C	60 PSI
D	None of the above

Question 30 Explanation:

The low pressure warning on commercial vehicles turns on when the pressure falls at or below 60 PSI.

Question 31

Please identify which of the following is correct about the CDL Transporting Cargo Safely test.

A	It is an oral exam
B	It is a practical hands-on exam
C	It is a written exam
D	None of the above

Question 31 Explanation:

CDL test on Transporting Cargo Safely is a written exam.

Question 32

A 16 feet cargo would have to be tied down with how many devices?

A	One is obligatory
B	Two are obligatory
C	There are obligatory

Question 32 Explanation:

The driver needs to add one tie down for every 10 feet of cargo. In the case of 16 feet cargo, two devices are mandatory.

Question 33

Please identify which of the following is true when hitching a second trailer to the lead one with a converting dolly.

A	The ring hitch must be secure
B	The air hose must be connected to the converter dolly
C	The air hose does not always need to be connected
D	A and B
E	None of the above

Question 33 Explanation:

When hitching a second trailer to the lead one using a converting dolly, the ring hitch must be secure and the air hose must be connected to the converter dolly.

Question 34

Please identify which of the following is correct about driving in fog.

A	Use hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible
B	Use the fog headlights
C	Lower the vehicle speed
D	All of the above

Question 34 Explanation:

When driving in fog, commercial drivers should Use hazard lights to make their vehicle more visible, use the fog lights and slow down.

Question 35

Before sliding the tractor's fifth wheel under the trailer, commercial drivers should first...

A	observe the trailer and estimate if it is going to be high enough
B	let some air out of the tractor trailer suspension air bag in case the trailer's edge is not high enough
C	Pump more air into the tractor trailer suspension air bag in case the trailer's edge is not high enough
D	A and B
E	None of the above

Question 35 Explanation:

Before sliding the tractor's fifth wheel under the trailer, drivers should observe the trailer and estimate if it is going to be high enough. Let some air out of the tractor trailer suspension air bag in case the trailer's edge is not high enough.

Question 36

Commercial drivers must be familiar with the GVW of the vehicle they are driving to avoid overloading. The Gross Vehicle Weight is calculated by...

A	adding the total weight of the load and the vehicle.
B	subtracting the cargo weight from the vehicle weight.
C	adding the wight of all cargo components to get the total cargo weight without counting the vehicle weight.
D	None of the above.

Question 36 Explanation:

The Gross Vehicle Weight is calculated by adding the total weight of the load and the vehicle.

Question 37

A driver is committing an action that may adversely affect another participant in the road traffic. This is called...

A	drunk driving.
B	road rage.
C	speeding.
D	None of the above.

Question 37 Explanation:

When a driver is committing an action that may adversely affect another participant in the road traffic, this is an offence called road rage.

Question 38

Please identify which of the following statements describes the least amount of alcohol contained.

A	A 4 oz glass of 12% wine
B	An 11 oz mug of 5% beer
C	A 0.5 oz shot of 80 proof liquor
D	They all indicate the same amount of alcohol

Question 38 Explanation:

All of the above indicate the same amount of alcohol, contrary to popular belief that hard liquor contains way more alcohol than beer or wine.

Question 39

When drivers lack the appropriate amount of sleep necessary per day, this is known as...

A	Restless legs syndrome (RLS).
B	sleep debt.
C	sleep apnea.
D	None of the above

Question 39 Explanation:

When drivers lack the appropriate amount of sleep necessary per day, this is known as sleep debt.

Question 40

A driver has failed to secure the cargo and it all shifts to the rear end of the truck while driving. The driver is likely to experience...

A	an under-loaded front axle
B	loss of traction
C	inability to safely steer the vehicle
D	All of the above

Question 40 Explanation:

If a driver has failed to secure the cargo and it all shifts to the rear end of the truck while driving, he will be experiencing an under-loaded front axle, which will cause loss of traction and inability to safely steer the vehicle as the driver wheels will be spinning.

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