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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CDLP editorial · Published Oct 29, 2026 · Updated Oct 29, 2026

How can I practice for a CDL permit test?

This 50-question exam mixes questions from the general knowledge, air brakes, and combination sets. It is a study session, not the test your state gives. Iowa publishes a 50-question general-knowledge test and Pennsylvania lists 70 questions for Class A and 50 for Class B or C. Those counts stay on the permit guide. A score here is not a DMV result.

Read the CDL permit test guide. This page is the practice exam. The separate sets are general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles.

Topics in this set

The pool is the three federal-source banks named above, with repeated prompts removed. An exam session asks 50 of those questions. The session length is a study setting. It is not a published state exam length.

Last source review: Oct 28, 2026. The questions use the 2025 annual CFR edition, with current eCFR links. State manuals are further-study links. Their text is not reproduced.

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

Each explanation links to its federal source. Find your state's CDL manual for the official test. The 80 percent knowledge-test mark is in 49 CFR 383.135.

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