General Knowledge CDL Practice Test

The CDL General Knowledge covers general knowledge. Required for: All CDL applicants (Class A, B, and C). The official FMCSA test contains 50 multiple-choice questions; you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.

50Questions on official test
40Required correct
78Practice questions in our bank
GENERALEndorsement code

About the General Knowledge endorsement

The General Knowledge test covers safe vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, shifting gears, communicating, controlling speed, controlling distance, seeing hazards, distracted driving, aggressive drivers, communicating with other drivers, night driving, driving in fog, winter driving, hot weather driving, mountain driving, driving emergencies, anti-lock braking systems, skid recovery, accident procedures, fires, alcohol and other drugs, hazardous materials awareness, and staying alert and fit to drive. Every commercial driver in the United States must pass this test before any other CDL endorsement can be added.

Take the practice test in your state

Pick your state to get the General Knowledge practice test, plus your state's specific CDL fees, agency, and minimum-age rules.

ALAlabama AKAlaska AZArizona ARArkansas CACalifornia COColorado CTConnecticut DEDelaware DCDistrict of Columbia FLFlorida GAGeorgia HIHawaii IDIdaho ILIllinois INIndiana IAIowa KSKansas KYKentucky LALouisiana MEMaine MDMaryland MAMassachusetts MIMichigan MNMinnesota MSMississippi MOMissouri MTMontana NENebraska NVNevada NHNew Hampshire NJNew Jersey NMNew Mexico NYNew York NCNorth Carolina NDNorth Dakota OHOhio OKOklahoma OROregon PAPennsylvania RIRhode Island SCSouth Carolina SDSouth Dakota TNTennessee TXTexas UTUtah VTVermont VAVirginia WAWashington WVWest Virginia WIWisconsin WYWyoming

Study tips for the General Knowledge test

Your state's CDL handbook is the official study source — it's typically a free PDF on your state DMV's website, and it's adapted from the FMCSA CDL Manual that every state shares. Read the relevant chapter end-to-end at least once before you start drilling questions, then use practice tests to identify weak topics and re-read the corresponding sections.

  • Don't memorize answers. Memorize the reasoning. Real test wording differs from practice tests.
  • Practice the test sequences out loud. Especially for Air Brakes, where you must demonstrate the inspection sequence verbally.
  • Use the explanations. Every question on this site has an explanation that traces back to the FMCSA Manual chapter and section.
  • Time yourself. The official tests aren't strictly timed in most states, but consistent pacing helps you stay calm.
  • Schedule the test only when you score 100% twice in a row. Real tests cost time and re-test fees; better to over-prepare.