Free CDL General Knowledge Practice Test
Every CDL applicant takes the General Knowledge test first. It covers Sections 1 to 3 of the CDL manual: inspection, speed and space, hazards, bad weather, railroad crossings, emergencies and securing cargo.
50 General Knowledge questions with three answer choices, scored at the real 80% pass mark (40 correct), with an explanation from the CDL manual for every answer.
Or start with a free General Knowledge drillYou must drive through fog and see taillights ahead. Why should you not simply follow them to know where the road goes?
CDL General Knowledge test at a glance
- Who takes it
- Everyone applying for a commercial learner’s permit, Class A, B or C.
- Passing score
- 80%
- Answer choices
- 3 per question
- Manual
- Sections 1, 2 and 3
Your state sets the number of questions from the federal question pool. Our full General Knowledge practice test has 50 questions, so you need 40 correct to reach 80%. 165 original General Knowledge questions rotate through it, so a second try is a different test.
What’s on the General Knowledge test
The test comes from Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the CDL manual. Our questions cover it in 9 topics, and your practice score report shows how you did in each one.
- CDL rules and disqualifications10 practice questions
- Vehicle inspection22 practice questions
- Basic control and shifting15 practice questions
- Seeing and communicating16 practice questions
- Speed and space management20 practice questions
- Hazards, distractions and impairment15 practice questions
- Night, weather, crossings and mountains26 practice questions
- Emergencies, skids, crashes and fires19 practice questions
- Cargo and hazmat basics22 practice questions
Take the full General Knowledge test
50 General Knowledge questions with three answer choices, scored at the real 80% pass mark (40 correct), with an explanation from the CDL manual for every answer.
Or start with a free General Knowledge drillFree General Knowledge practice drills
Ten questions with the explanation after each answer. Create a free account to save your results; each drill’s first attempt is free.
CDL General Knowledge questions
What is on the CDL General Knowledge test?
Sections 1 to 3 of your state’s CDL manual: CDL rules, vehicle inspection, basic control and shifting, seeing and communicating, speed and space management, hazards and distracted driving, night and winter driving, railroad crossings, mountain driving, emergencies and skids, crashes and fires, alcohol and fatigue, and transporting cargo safely.
What score do I need to pass the CDL General Knowledge test?
At least 80% on every CDL knowledge test, a federal rule (49 CFR 383.135). On a 50-question test that is 40 correct answers.
Do I need the General Knowledge test for a Class B or Class C CDL?
Yes. Every applicant for a commercial learner’s permit passes General Knowledge, whatever the class. Endorsement and class tests come on top of it.
Ready for the DMV?
50 General Knowledge questions with three answer choices, scored at the real 80% pass mark (40 correct), with an explanation from the CDL manual for every answer.
Or start with a free General Knowledge drillOther CDL practice tests
Questions are written from Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the model CDL manual; rules from the federal regulations, checked October 2026: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook (DL-7C, AAMVA model CDL manual, revised March 2026) · 49 CFR 383.25 Commercial learner’s permit · 49 CFR 383.71 Driver application and certification procedures · 49 CFR 383.91 Commercial motor vehicle groups · 49 CFR 383.93 Endorsements · 49 CFR 383.133 Test methods · 49 CFR 383.135 Passing knowledge and skills tests · TSA Hazmat Endorsement Threat Assessment Program.
Original independent practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by FMCSA, AAMVA or any state licensing agency.