CDL General Knowledge practice test

Everyone who applies for a commercial learner's permit takes this test, for Class A, B or C.

Examlane has 554 General Knowledge questions in 34 chapters. The usual test has 50 questions and needs 80% to pass. Some states set a different length: see the state table.

Practice General Knowledge

Chapters

Manual section	Chapter	Questions
1.0	Who needs a CDL	6
1.1	Driver qualifications	3
1.2	Permits and tests	18
1.3	Disqualifications	22
1.4	Other CDL rules	13
2.1	Vehicle inspection	33
2.2	Basic vehicle control	17
2.3	Shifting gears	17
2.4	Seeing	12
2.5	Communicating	16
2.6	Controlling speed	28
2.7	Managing space	32
2.8	Seeing hazards	28
2.9	Distracted driving	21
2.10	Aggressive drivers	8
2.11	Driving at night	25
2.12	Driving in fog	4
2.13	Winter driving	17
2.14	Hot weather	12
2.15	Railroad crossings	22
2.16	Mountain driving	15
2.17	Driving emergencies	33
2.18	Antilock brakes	22
2.19	Skids	12
2.20	Crashes	9
2.21	Fires	11
2.22	Alcohol and drugs	15
2.23	Staying alert	20
2.24	Hazardous materials basics	13
3.0	Your cargo duties	7
3.1	Inspecting cargo	3
3.2	Weight and balance	18
3.3	Securing cargo	15
3.4	Special loads	7

Chapter pages: Railroad crossings, Vehicle inspection, Speed and stopping distance, Managing space, Driving emergencies, Cargo weight and securement.

Ten free questions

Open a question to see the answer and why.

1. A single vehicle needs a CDL when its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) reaches at least how many pounds?
1. 20,001 pounds
2. 24,001 pounds
3. 26,001 pounds
4. 30,001 pounds
Answer: C. 26,001 pounds
Any single vehicle rated at 26,001 pounds or more requires its driver to hold a CDL.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 1.0 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
2. How many states or jurisdictions may issue the permit or CDL that a commercial driver holds?
1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. Four
Answer: A. One
A commercial driver may hold a valid permit or CDL from only one state or jurisdiction at a time.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 1.1 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
3. What score must an applicant earn to pass each CDL knowledge test?
1. 70%
2. 80%
3. 90%
4. 100%
Answer: B. 80%
Every CDL knowledge test has a passing score of 80 percent.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 1.2.1 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
4. A driver commits a first offense, such as driving under the influence, in a CMV placarded for hazardous materials. What is the minimum time the CDL is lost?
1. 120 days with a skills retest
2. One year
3. Three years
4. Ten years before you may reapply
Answer: C. Three years
When the offense happens in a CMV placarded for hazardous materials, the CDL is lost for at least three years.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 1.3.2 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
5. You are convicted of speeding while driving your personal car. By when must you tell your employer?
1. Within 60 days
2. Within 90 days
3. Within 30 days
4. Within one year
Answer: C. Within 30 days
You must tell your employer within 30 days of any traffic conviction other than parking, whatever vehicle you were driving.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 1.4 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
6. A combination of vehicles has a GCWR of at least 26,001 pounds. For a Class A CDL to be required, the towed unit's GVWR must exceed how many pounds?
1. 10,000 pounds
2. 5,000 pounds
3. 15,000 pounds
4. 20,000 pounds
Answer: A. 10,000 pounds
A combination of 26,001 pounds or more is Class A when the vehicle being towed is rated above 10,000 pounds.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 1.0 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
7. Which of these must be true before a person may drive a commercial motor vehicle?
1. The driver has five years of driving experience
2. The driver has a clean record for ten years
3. The driver has a high school diploma
4. The driver is physically qualified to drive it
Answer: D. The driver is physically qualified to drive it
A commercial driver must meet the physical qualification standards set by federal regulation.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 1.1 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
8. Under federal rules, how long must a CLP holder wait after the permit is first issued before taking the CDL skills test?
1. 3 days
2. 7 days
3. 14 days
4. 30 days
Answer: C. 14 days
Federal rules bar a CLP holder from the skills test for the first 14 days after the permit is first issued; a state may require longer.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 1.2.1 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
9. A driver carries out a felony involving controlled substances by using a CMV. What happens to the CDL?
1. It is lost for 60 days
2. It is lost for 180 days
3. It is lost for five years
4. It is lost for life
Answer: D. It is lost for life
A felony involving controlled substances that is carried out with a CMV ends the driver's CDL permanently.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 1.3.2 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
10. Your license is suspended. You must tell your employer within what time?
1. Two business days
2. 30 days after the suspension
3. 10 days
4. 60 days after the suspension
Answer: A. Two business days
A suspension, revocation, cancellation or disqualification must be reported to your employer within two business days.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 1.4 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.

This is practice for the knowledge test. It is not Entry-Level Driver Training and does not count toward any federal training requirement.