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CDL General Knowledge Test 2026: 55 Questions Explained

Audio from the Open Exam Hub video of the same name; the video shows the numbers and practice questions on screen.

Free CDL General Knowledge practice test
CDL general knowledge practice test 1: 55 original questions for the CDL general knowledge test that every Class A, B and C applicant takes, each answer explained from the model CDL manual. Seven sections: CDL Rules and Disqualifications (8: the 0.04% BAC limit, 24-hour out-of-service orders, hazmat disqualification, serious violations, 60-day disqualification, reporting convictions, 10-year job history, interstate self-certification), Vehicle Inspection (7: lug nuts after a tire change, lock rings, belts, governor cut-out, warning lights, touching duals, leaks), Basic Control, Shifting and Seeing (8: hill starts, steering grip, driver-side backing, lowest reverse, the stop signal, downhill gear choice, looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead, triangle placement on a divided highway), Speed and Space (9: stopping distance, 419 feet at 55 mph, speed and braking distance, wet roads, bridges, fresh rain, following distance, tailgaters, right turns), Hazards, Distraction, Night and Weather (8: hazards vs emergencies, hidden drivers, the slow-moving vehicle sign, hand-held phone rules, headlight range, dimming, fog), Railroad Crossings, Mountains and Emergencies (8: the 15-to-50-foot stop, 14 seconds to clear a track, downgrade braking, brake fade, steering right, leaving the road, stab braking, blowouts) and Alcohol, Hazmat Basics and Cargo (7: sobering up, standard drinks, placards, the tank endorsement, load height, tie-down working load limits, header boards). As of October 2026, per FMCSA rules (49 CFR 383): you must answer at least 80% of knowledge test questions correctly; a commercial learner's permit is valid for no more than one year; you can't take the skills test in the first 14 days after the permit is issued; and first-time Class A and B applicants need entry-level driver training before the skills test. Your state sets the question count, time limit and fee. Our 47-of-55 target is a planning estimate, not an official cutoff. Questions are original, not real exam questions. Not affiliated with FMCSA or any state driver licensing agency.

Free CDL general knowledge practice questions
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Chapters
0:00 How this practice test works
2:06 Section 1: CDL Rules and Disqualifications: Questions 1 to 8
7:14 Section 2: Vehicle Inspection: Questions 9 to 15
11:46 Section 3: Basic Control, Shifting and Seeing: Questions 16 to 23
16:24 Section 4: Speed and Space Management: Questions 24 to 32
22:05 Section 5: Hazards, Distraction, Night and Weather: Questions 33 to 40
27:03 Section 6: Railroad Crossings, Mountains and Emergencies: Questions 41 to 48
32:15 Section 7: Alcohol, Hazmat Basics and Cargo: Questions 49 to 55
36:28 Score yourself

Exam facts are from the official State driver licensing agencies, under FMCSA rules (49 CFR Part 383) pages as of 2026-10-27. Fees and rules can change, so confirm on the official site before you enroll. Open Exam Hub is an independent study resource, not affiliated with State driver licensing agencies, under FMCSA rules (49 CFR Part 383). Practice questions are not from a real exam. Narration is an AI-generated voice.

Music
"Fresh Air" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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"Carefree" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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"Reminiscing" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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"Almost Bliss" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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"Friday Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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Sound effects: Kenney (kenney.nl), CC0.

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