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Free California CDL General Knowledge Practice Test 2023

You are looking for actual practice for your coming CDL test? So you have come to the right place. Our CA General Knowledge Practice Test has the same questions as the real exam which is based on the California CDL Handbook. Our test covers most of the subject areas on the California General Knowledge Test such as shifting techniques, railroad crossing safety, drunk driving laws, and much more to make you become a safer driver. In addition, each question has a detailed explanation that will help you understand the concept and answer future questions about it correctly. If you don't get the pass right away, don't worry, you can take this California CDL practice test an unlimited number of times to make sure you learn all the questions. Our practice test will refine your driving knowledge so you can earn your CDL and start driving on the roads. Let’s take our CDL practice test now!

Our CDL practice tests:
Based on 2021 CA commercial driver's license manual
Full answers + detailed explanations
Perfect for first-time, renewal applicants
CA CDL General Knowledge Test format:
50 questions
40 correct answers to pass
80% passing score
Study now
List of questions
1.
A vertical barrier across the front of the deck of a vehicle to prevent forward movement of cargo is a:
2.
Which statement is true?
3.
When are helpers needed to back your vehicle?
4.
The primary cause of fatal crashes is:
5.
You are driving a 40-foot vehicle at 35 mph. The road is dry, and visibility is good. What is the least amount of space you should keep in front of your vehicle to be safe?
6.
Special permits will be required for loads that are:
7.
When starting a bus on a level surface with good traction there is often no need for:
8.
Why Do HOS Regulations Exist?
9.
Applying the brakes repeatedly on a downgrade to reduce speed 5 mph below your target is called:
10.
Is there a 14 hour rule violation on Day 2?
Day 1

Day 2
11.
What is a cab shield?
12.
Implied consent means:
13.
What should you do when you see a hazard in the roadway ahead of you?
14.
California allows 20,000 pounds maximum on the steer axle. The tread width of your tires is 11 inches, and the load rating on your steer tires is 7000 pounds. How much weight can you carry on your steer axle in California?
15.
All of the following are key parts of the steering system except:
16.
Sliding the 5th wheel will change the weight distribution almost exclusively between which sets of axles?
17.
To prevent brake fade you should:
18.
When securing concrete pipe with a diameter up to 45 inches loaded crosswise as a group,lengthwise tiedowns should be either one 1/2 in chain or wire rope, or:
19.
If you load cargo into the overhang portion of the trailer, what will be the result?
20.
Why should you always plan on arriving to your destination as quickly as possible?
21.
What does emergency braking mean?
22.
Drivers must inspect the securement of cargo every 150 miles or:
23.
How long should it take oil pressure to come up to normal?
24.
Steering wheel play should not be more than:
25.
Specific securement methods are required for boulders that:
26.
Gross combination weight (GCW) is:
27.
You are driving on a straight, level highway at 50 mph. There are no vehicles in front of you. Suddenly a tire blew out of your vehicle, what should you do first?
28.
What happens if an EOBR malfunctions?
29.
If you are convicted for driving under the influence while driving a commercial vehicle, and this is your first offense, you most likely will get:
30.
When driving at night you should use your high beams when oncoming traffic is not within ____ feet?
31.
Which of the following vehicles will have the longest stopping distance?
32.
When activated, retarders apply braking power when:
33.
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?
34.
Sliding your trailer tandems forward or backward will redistribute the weight mainly between which two sets of axles?
35.
Specific parts of the CDL driving and skills exam include which of the following?
36.
You must drive on a slippery road. Which of these is a good thing to do in such a situation?
37.
A DUI conviction for a CDL-holder will result in disqualification for a minimum of:
38.
To avoid an accident you moved to the shoulder. The shoulder is clear, you should:
39.
To adjust driving space to slippery conditions, all of the following are space considerations EXCEPT:
40.
Which of the following techniques will not change the weight distribution across your axles?
41.
Which of the statements about backing a heavy vehicle is NOT true?
42.
A major safety concern of a broken or faulty exhaust system is:
43.
Sliding your trailer tandems toward the front or back of the vehicle will primarily change the weight distribution between which sets of axles?
44.
What violation occurs in the example below?
Day 1
45.
What is the minimum number of tie-downs to be used on flatbed cargo?
46.
How much space in front of you is needed while driving on a highway?
47.
The narrowest end of a boulder should be pointed:
48.
Among other hazards, drivers should be on the lookout for slow or confused drivers, children, accidents, and:
49.
In the following picture, what are axles 4 and 5 commonly referred to as?

50.
You have steer tires rated at 6,150 pounds each, and you're in the state of West Virginia which says the legal limit for the steer axle is 20,000 pounds. What's the maximum legal weight you can carry on your steer axle in West Virginia?
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