A state rule requires more care than a federal minimum. Which rule should you follow?

The applicable state rule as well as the federal minimum

Illness has made your alertness unsafe for driving. What should you do?

Do not begin or continue driving in that condition

Can a carrier require driving when fatigue makes it unsafe?

No, the carrier must not require or permit it

Does being below 0.04% make detected alcohol acceptable while on duty?

No; the operating rule prohibits any measured concentration or detected presence

A dispatch schedule can only be met by speeding. What does the rule say?

A carrier must not schedule or require that run in that time

Before driving, what must you establish about required emergency equipment?

It is present and ready for use

When a cargo check is required, a tiedown loosens during the first 50 miles. What should follow?

Adjust the cargo securement so the load cannot shift or fall

Cargo blocks the driver’s quick exit from the cab. Is that acceptable?

No; cargo must not prevent a free and ready exit

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Free CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

CDLP editorial · Published Oct 28, 2026 · Updated Oct 28, 2026

Photo by Destroducks · CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized for this page

How should I prepare for the CDL general knowledge test?

Start with general knowledge if you are preparing for a first commercial learner’s permit. Practice the operating rules, vehicle checks, loading and licensing topics, then use your state’s current requirements to plan the official test. If your intended vehicle needs air-brake, combination or endorsement knowledge, practice those topics separately too. These questions explain federal rules; they are not an official state exam.

Topics in this set

Operating rules, vehicle equipment, cargo securement, inspection duties, license groups and learner restrictions.

120 questions · Practice mode

Last source review: Oct 28, 2026. Source editions and limits are described below.

Practice general knowledge

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10 sample questions and answers

Read these examples here, or practice the full set above. The wording is independent study material based on federal sources.

A state rule requires more care than a federal minimum. Which rule should you follow?
Answer: The applicable state rule as well as the federal minimum
Local operating laws apply. If FMCSA requires a higher standard of care, its higher standard must be met too.
- 49 CFR 392.2
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Illness has made your alertness unsafe for driving. What should you do?
Answer: Do not begin or continue driving in that condition
The rule covers unsafe impairment from illness, fatigue or another cause. A delivery deadline does not remove that duty.
- 49 CFR 392.3
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Can a carrier require driving when fatigue makes it unsafe?
Answer: No, the carrier must not require or permit it
The prohibition applies to both the driver and the motor carrier.
- 49 CFR 392.3
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What is the minimum alcohol-free period before going on duty under the operating rule?
Answer: At least four hours
The four-hour rule is separate from the prohibition on any detected alcohol while on duty. Four hours is not permission to drive while impaired.
- 49 CFR 392.5
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Does being below 0.04% make detected alcohol acceptable while on duty?
Answer: No; the operating rule prohibits any measured concentration or detected presence
The CDL disqualification threshold and the on-duty alcohol prohibition are different rules.
- 49 CFR 392.5
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A dispatch schedule can only be met by speeding. What does the rule say?
Answer: A carrier must not schedule or require that run in that time
Carriers must allow a schedule consistent with the speed limits along the route.
- 49 CFR 392.6
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Before driving, what must you establish about required emergency equipment?
Answer: It is present and ready for use
Having equipment on a purchase order does not satisfy the driver’s check.
- 49 CFR 392.8
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When a cargo check is required, a tiedown loosens during the first 50 miles. What should follow?
Answer: Adjust the cargo securement so the load cannot shift or fall
The initial inspection includes necessary adjustments, including adding securement devices.
- 49 CFR 392.9
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Cargo blocks the driver’s quick exit from the cab. Is that acceptable?
Answer: No; cargo must not prevent a free and ready exit
Cargo must also leave emergency equipment accessible and not interfere with safe control.
- 49 CFR 392.9
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Which event triggers a required cargo recheck even before three driving hours or 150 miles?
Answer: A change of duty status
For cargo subject to the inspection rule, recheck at a duty-status change or the driving time/distance limit, whichever comes first.
- 49 CFR 392.9
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Sources and study scope

The bank uses original questions based on federal rules and FMCSA material. The questions use the 2025 annual CFR edition, with selected current eCFR references checked on October 28, 2026. It is not a complete review of every later amendment. Each explanation links to its federal source. State manuals are further-study links; no AAMVA manual text is reproduced.

The 80% knowledge-test pass standard comes from 49 CFR 383.135. This site’s practice pool and session lengths do not determine your state’s official test format.

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