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Commercial Driver General Knowledge Assessment Quiz

Sharpen Your Commercial Driving Knowledge Today

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting a quiz on Commercial Driver General Knowledge Assessment

Get behind the wheel of confidence with this engaging Commercial Driver Knowledge Assessment Quiz, ideal for anyone preparing for a truck driving test. Whether studying for your CDL exam or refining safety protocols, this Driver Training Knowledge Assessment simulates real-world scenarios for effective learning. In just minutes, participants will evaluate signage interpretation, hours-of-service rules, and pre-trip inspection procedures to strengthen essential skills. Educators and trainees can freely modify questions in our editor to tailor difficulty and focus - explore other quizzes to expand your assessment toolkit.

What does a red octagonal traffic sign indicate?
Do not enter
Yield
Stop
Railroad crossing
The red octagon is universally used to indicate a full stop is required. It alerts drivers that they must come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe.
A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means:
It marks a one-way road
You are allowed to pass when safe
Passing is prohibited on your side
Warning of a school zone
A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline indicates that passing is prohibited. This marking is used to enhance safety by preventing overtaking where visibility is limited.
What is the recommended following distance under good driving conditions?
5 seconds
3 seconds
1 second
2 seconds
The 3-second rule provides a safe buffer under normal conditions. It allows enough time to react if the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or slows.
During a pre-trip inspection, which item should you inspect for proper inflation and condition?
Passenger seating
Radio system
Tires
Seat belt tension
Tire condition and inflation are critical for vehicle stability and brake performance. Underinflated or damaged tires can lead to blowouts or reduced handling ability.
An orange triangular sign displayed on the rear of a vehicle indicates:
Construction zone ahead
School bus stop ahead
Slow-moving vehicle
No passing zone
An orange reflective triangle marks a vehicle traveling slower than normal speed. It warns other drivers to approach with caution and prepare to slow down.
When driving in dense fog, what lighting is safest to use?
Parking lights only
High-beam headlights
Low-beam headlights
Hazard warning lights
Low-beam headlights reduce glare and improve visibility in fog. High beams reflect off fog particles and can worsen visibility.
Under hours-of-service regulations, what is the maximum driving time allowed after 10 consecutive hours off duty?
10 hours
8 hours
13 hours
11 hours
Federal regulations permit a maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty. This limit helps prevent fatigue by ensuring drivers have adequate rest.
To reduce the risk of trailer rollover when turning, you should:
Keep the cargo load as low as possible
Brake sharply during the turn
Increase speed before the turn
Shift cargo weight to the rear
A low center of gravity decreases the chance of a rollover by improving stability. Keeping cargo as low as possible is a primary strategy to maintain balance.
After starting the engine during a pre-trip inspection, how do you test the service brakes?
Pump the trailer handbrake valve rapidly
Idle at high RPM and listen for air leaks
Shift to reverse and accelerate quickly
With parking brake on, gently pull forward while applying foot brake
Gently pulling forward while applying the foot brake checks that the service brakes hold under pressure. This test ensures the brakes respond properly before driving.
When approaching a curve on the highway, you should:
Maintain the same speed throughout
Brake while in the curve
Stop at the curve's entry
Reduce speed before entering the curve
Braking before entering a curve prevents weight transfer and skidding while turning. It allows you to maintain control and traction through the turn.
How often must a commercial driver undergo a medical examination to maintain a valid medical certificate?
Every 6 months
Every year
Every 3 years
Every 2 years
Drivers must renew their medical certificates every two years unless otherwise specified by a medical examiner. Regular exams ensure drivers remain physically fit for safe operation.
On a multi-lane highway, slow-moving vehicles should use which lane?
Leftmost lane
Any available lane
Rightmost lane
Center lane
Using the rightmost lane allows faster traffic to pass safely on the left. This practice minimizes disruptions to traffic flow.
A broken white line between lanes of traffic indicates:
Passing and lane changes permitted
Traffic flows in opposite directions
Road narrows ahead
No lane changes allowed
Broken white lines separate lanes moving in the same direction and allow drivers to change lanes. Solid lines would prohibit such maneuvers.
If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should:
Accelerate to regain traction
Turn the steering wheel sharply
Ease off the accelerator and steer straight
Brake hard immediately
Easing off the accelerator reduces speed without abrupt actions that can worsen the skid. Steering straight helps the tires regain contact with the road surface.
What hand signal indicates a left turn when signaling manually?
Right arm extended horizontally
Left arm bent downward at the elbow
Left arm extended horizontally
Left arm bent upward at the elbow
Extending the left arm horizontally signals a left turn to other drivers. This standardized gesture ensures clear communication upstream.
On a two-lane road with a blind curve ahead, you should reduce speed to:
A speed at which you can stop within your sight distance
Below the posted speed limit only if following a large vehicle
The posted speed limit
Twice the posted speed limit if visibility is clear
You must always drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see. On blind curves, this ensures you can react to unseen hazards abruptly appearing.
According to the federal hours-of-service restart provision, what is the minimum off-duty time required for a weekly reset?
34 consecutive hours
24 consecutive hours
14 consecutive hours
48 consecutive hours
A 34-hour restart resets the weekly driving clock under federal regulations. This provision helps drivers recover from extended work periods.
When inspecting S-cam drum brakes, the maximum allowable pushrod stroke is:
No more than 2 inches
No more than 1 inch
No more than ½ inch
No allowable movement
Brake pushrod stroke beyond 1 inch indicates excessive wear or misadjustment. Keeping stroke within this limit ensures proper brake function and safety.
Which factor has the greatest effect on the turning radius of a tractor-trailer combination?
Tire pressure
Number of axles on the trailer
Cargo weight
Wheelbase of the tractor
The wheelbase directly influences how tightly a tractor-trailer can turn. A longer wheelbase increases the turning radius required.
If the ABS malfunction lamp stays on after engine start, what does this indicate?
The trailer brakes are applied
Only the anti-lock braking system is disabled but service brakes still work
The parking brake is engaged
The entire brake system has failed
An illuminated ABS malfunction lamp means the anti-lock feature is disabled but your basic braking system remains operational. It alerts the driver to have the ABS checked promptly.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyze signage and road signals relevant to commercial driving.
  2. Identify safe operating procedures for large vehicles.
  3. Apply federal regulations and hours-of-service rules.
  4. Demonstrate proper pre-trip inspection techniques.
  5. Evaluate hazard recognition strategies on highways.
  6. Master key driving maneuvers for commercial vehicle operation.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand and Interpret Road Signs and Signals - Learning to read signs and signals is like cracking a secret code of the road; it tells you when to stop, yield, or speed up. Mastering this code ensures you make safe, timely decisions behind the wheel. driving-tests.org
  2. Master Pre-Trip Inspection Procedures - A top-notch driver never hits the highway without checking their rig from bumper to bumper. Spotting issues early can save you from costly breakdowns and keep everyone safe. geotab.com
  3. Comprehend Federal Hours-of-Service Regulations - Driving while drowsy is a no-go, so dive into the rules that limit how long you can stay behind the wheel. Keeping your schedule legal and your mind fresh prevents fatigue-related mishaps. driving-tests.org
  4. Develop Hazard Recognition Skills - Train your eyes and instincts to pick up on dangers like sudden stops, looming potholes, or wild weather changes. The sooner you spot trouble, the faster you can steer clear of it. valleydrivingschool.com
  5. Practice Safe Driving Maneuvers - From smooth lane changes to precise backing maneuvers, polishing these techniques is key for safety and confidence. Repetition makes perfect, so don't skip the practice sessions. driving-tests.org
  6. Understand Vehicle Systems and Components - Get up close with your truck's heart and soul - brakes, steering, suspension, and more. Knowing how each part works helps you fix minor issues before they become major headaches. smart-trucking.com
  7. Maintain Proper Documentation - Don't let paperwork trip you up; keep licenses, permits, and inspection records neatly organized and up to date. Smooth operations and compliance go hand-in-hand. bigroad.com
  8. Implement Effective Communication Techniques - A honk here, a signal there - clear signals tell other drivers your next move. Mastering these tools prevents mix-ups and keeps traffic flowing. pfleet.com
  9. Adopt Defensive Driving Strategies - Stay alert like a ninja on the road: anticipate hazards, keep a safe cushion, and be ready to react. Defensive driving is your shield against unexpected curveballs. driving-tests.org
  10. Utilize Mnemonics for Memorization - Turn tricky checklists into catchy acronyms (like "LAP" for Landing gear, Air lines, Pin) so you never miss a step. Mnemonics make learning fun and boost your recall under pressure. smartdrivetest.com
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