TRUE OR FALSE CDL TEST QUESTIONS

1. The general knowledge test must be taken by all CDL applicants.

True
2. Some common cold medications can make you sleepy.
True.
3. There is a federal requirement that each state have the same standards for
licensing commercial drivers.
False
4. As a courtesy, you should signal drivers behind you when it is safe for them
to pass you.
False
5. If you must drive on the shoulder, it is best to get all your wheels off the
pavement and onto the shoulder.
False
6. Only the driver's seat MUST have a seat belt.
False
7. For a cargo fire in a box trailer or van, you should leave the doors shut.
True
8. If you do not downshift before descending a hill, you may overheat your
brakes.
True
9. If you are being tailgated you should increase YOUR following distance.
True
10. Stopping is always the safest thing to do in an emergency.
False
11. You must be a resident of the state in order to apply for that state's CDL.
True

12. Your employer may be put in jail if you have more than one driver license.
True
13. If you need to drive at an illegal speed in order to stay at the same speed
as the traffic around you, you should do so.
False
16. Some basic hazardous material information is included in the General
Knowledge Test.
True
17. Reflectors are considered a Critical Item to check when you stop.
True
18. If your brake pedal suddenly feels spongy or goes to the floor, pumping
the brakes may build pressure back up.
True
19. Over a long haul, driving slightly faster than the speed limit will allow you
to save significant time.
False
21. You should let some air out of hot tires so that the pressure goes back to
normal.
False
22. States may have differing state rules about operating a CMV that are
above and beyond federal rules.
True
23. Empty buses generally require more distance to stop than do loaded
buses.
False
24. The vehicle used to take the skills test must match the type of vehicle for
which you wish to be licensed.
True
25. When you are looking ahead, you are looking for anything that might
make you change lanes or change speed.
True

26. There is a federal requirement that each state have the same minimum
standards for licensing commercial drivers.
True
27. A retarder may cause skids when your drive wheels have poor traction.
True
28. You should use your low beams as much as possible at night and use high
beams just when you need to see something far away more clearly.
False
29. If you use your headlights in the daytime, they should be on high beam.
False
30. If you take the CDL Skills test in a vehicle that does not have air brakes,
you will have a Non-Airbrake Restriction on your CDL.
True
31. Both federal and state laws require CDL drivers to inspect their vehicles.
True
32. A CMV must carry spare electrical fuses unless equipped with circuit
breakers.
True
33. There are many types of retarders. All of them can be turned on and off
by the driver.
True
34. All states honor CDL Instruction Permits.
False
35. Retarders apply their braking power when the driver lets up on the
accelerator pedal ALL THE WAY.
True
36. The requirements to obtain a CDL in one state may be different than in
another state.
True

37. Over a long haul, driving slightly faster than the speed limit will allow you
to save significant time.
False
38. Rust around wheel nuts may mean that the nuts are loose.
True
39. All states are connected to one computer system to share information
about CDL drivers.
True
40. If you swing wide to the left before making a right turn, another driver
may try to pass you on the right.
True
41. Warning device placement is the same for a hill or curve situation where
oncoming drivers cannot see your vehicle from 500 feet.
True
42. If you must drive on the shoulder, it is best to get all your wheels off the
pavement and onto the shoulder.
False
43. Rust around wheel nuts may mean that the nuts are too tight.
False
44. Tire changing equipment is considered to be mandatory safety equipment.
False
45. You do not need to know any hazardous material information in order to
pass the General Knowledge Test.
False
46. The vehicle used to take the skills test must match the type of vehicle for
which you wish to be licensed.
True
47. The only requirement to remove a Non-Airbrake Restriction from a CDL
is that you must take the written air brake test.
False
48. A spring hangar defect in the suspension system could allow an axle to
move out of position.
4

True
49. States will allow you to obtain a CDL Endorsement to a CDL issued in
another state.
False
50. If you have to make a quick turn to avoid an obstacle, you should brake
while you
turn to decrease your speed.
False
51. If you must drive on the shoulder, it is best to keep one set of wheels on the
pavement.
True
52. Drivers of newer trucks may have to use lower gears going down a grade
than they would use going up the grade.
True
53. Glare effects older and younger drivers the same.
False
54. Coffee and fresh air will help you sober up.
False
55. An easy way to check for ice is to open the window and feel the front of the
rearview mirror.
True
56. Three beers will not effect you as must as three shots of whiskey.
False
57. You should not start a left turn at an intersection until you reach the
center of the intersection.
True
58. You should use the engine brake as much as possible when driving on
slippery surfaces.
False
59. You should use the engine brake as much as possible when driving on
slippery surfaces.
False
5

60. If you cannot use driver-side backing, you should go around the block to
put your vehicle in a better position.
True
61. A state inspector can place your vehicle 'out of service'.
True
62. Reflectors are considered a Critical Item to check when you stop.
True
63. An accident reporting kit is considered to be mandatory equipment.
False
64. If you can touch the radiator cap with your bare hand it is probably cool
enough to open.
True
65. It is necessary to check EVERY belt in the engine compartment during
the pre-trip inspection.
True
66. All vehicles carrying hazardous materials must have placards.
False
67. The front passenger seat is NOT required to be equipped with a seat belt.
False
68. A CMV must be equipped with fire extinguishers.
True
69. If you are hydroplaning, you can use the accelerator to spin the drive
wheels and gain traction.
False
70. The CDL General Knowledge Test does NOT include any material on
HAZMAT.
False
71. If you need to drive at an illegal speed in order to stay at the same speed
as the traffic around you, you should do so.
False

72. It is permissible to use retread tires on the front axel of a bus.

False
73. Trucks with a high center of gravity can roll over even if they are at the
posted speed limit for a curve.
True
74. Accelerating slightly as you go around a curve is usually poor technique.
False
75. It is all right to wear sun glasses at night to block out glare from oncoming
lights.
False
76. Federal and state inspectors may inspect your vehicle for safety items.
True
77. If you have a CDL then you are old enough to obtain a HAZMAT
Endorsement.
True
78. When driving on a CDL Instruction Permit, the person accompanying you
must be in the seat beside you at all times.
True
79. Off-ramp speed limits may not be safe speeds for heavier vehicles.
True
80. You have 3/32 tread depth on a front tire. It is OK to move that tire to a
rear axle.
True