Hawaii General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
25 realistic General Knowledge practice questions for Hawaii CDL applicants. Required for: All CDL applicants (Class A, B, and C). Official test: 50 questions, 40 correct to pass.
Question 1 of 25 · Cargo
How can you tell if your vehicle is overloaded?
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A.
It rides higher than normal
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B.
It handles differently from when properly loaded
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C.
It uses less fuel
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D.
It accelerates faster
Correct answer: B.
Overloaded vehicles handle poorly — they accelerate slower, take longer to stop, and are harder to steer.
Question 2 of 25 · Basic Control
Where should the wheel chocks be placed?
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A.
Behind one tire
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B.
In front of and behind tires on the same axle
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C.
Only when on a hill
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D.
Both front and rear tires of the steer axle
Correct answer: B.
Place chocks both in front of and behind the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling either way.
Question 3 of 25 · Driver Wellness
Which of the following is NOT a sign of fatigued driving?
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A.
Frequent yawning
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B.
Drifting from your lane
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C.
Rapid blinking and clear focus
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D.
Missing exits or traffic signs
Correct answer: C.
Rapid blinking with clear focus is not a fatigue sign. Yawning, drifting, and missing exits all are.
Question 4 of 25 · Speed Management
Engine brakes (Jakes) should not be used:
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A.
On dry pavement at highway speed
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B.
On slippery roads while loaded or empty
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C.
When descending a steep grade
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D.
Heading toward a long downhill
Correct answer: B.
Avoid engine brakes on slippery roads — they can cause the drive wheels to lose traction.
Question 5 of 25 · Night Driving
Which of these is true about driving at night?
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A.
You can see further than during the day
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B.
Your reaction time is faster at night
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C.
You should reduce your speed
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D.
High beams should always be used
Correct answer: C.
You see less and farther obstacles appear later at night. Slow down so you can stop within the area lit by your headlights.
Question 6 of 25 · Driver Wellness
Which of the following affects alcohol absorption into the body?
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A.
Drinking on a full stomach
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B.
How fast you drink
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C.
Body weight
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D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
Stomach contents, drinking speed, and body weight all influence absorption.
Question 7 of 25 · Adverse Conditions
When you have to drive into the sun and visibility is reduced, what should you do?
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A.
Use sunglasses and lower the visor
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B.
Use only your high beams
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C.
Maintain your normal speed
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D.
Speed up to get past the area
Correct answer: A.
Use sunglasses and the visor and slow down. Reduced visibility increases stopping distance.
Question 8 of 25 · Emergency Maneuvers
Which of the following is a sign of tire failure?
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A.
A loud "bang" sound
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B.
Vibration or thumping
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C.
Heavy steering or fishtailing
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D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
A bang, vibration, heavy steering, or fishtailing can all indicate tire failure.
Question 9 of 25 · Emergency Equipment
Which of these is the best way to prevent fires?
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A.
Smoking only outside the cab
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B.
Pre-trip inspection that includes electrical, fuel, and exhaust systems
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C.
Carrying a large fire extinguisher
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D.
Driving slowly
Correct answer: B.
A thorough pre-trip inspection that catches electrical, fuel, and exhaust defects is the best fire prevention.
Question 10 of 25 · Speed Management
Engine retarders should be turned off when:
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A.
Driving uphill
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B.
The road is wet, icy, or snow covered
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C.
Traffic is heavy
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D.
You are loaded
Correct answer: B.
Retarders can cause drive wheels to skid on slippery surfaces. Turn them off in poor traction conditions.
Question 11 of 25 · Emergency Equipment
Most heavy vehicle fires are caused by:
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A.
Hot tires from low pressure or under-inflated duals
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B.
Cold weather
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C.
Engine cooling system
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D.
Exhaust pipes only
Correct answer: A.
Hot tires and brakes are leading causes. Inspect tires and brakes regularly to prevent fires.
Question 12 of 25 · Emergency Maneuvers
Stab braking is used:
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A.
Only on slippery roads
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B.
When you must stop quickly with non-ABS brakes
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C.
Whenever you stop
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D.
Only on downgrades
Correct answer: B.
Stab braking is an emergency technique used with non-ABS brakes: apply brakes fully, release when wheels lock, then reapply.
Question 13 of 25 · CDL Rules
What document must you have to drive a CMV in interstate commerce?
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A.
A valid CDL with applicable endorsements
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B.
A current DOT physical (Medical Examiner's Certificate)
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C.
Both a valid CDL and a current Medical Examiner's Certificate
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D.
Only a regular driver license
Correct answer: C.
Interstate CMV drivers must have a valid CDL and a current medical examiner's certificate.
Question 14 of 25 · Inspection
When checking the engine compartment, your vehicle should be:
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A.
Idling in neutral
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B.
On a slight incline
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C.
Parked on level ground with the parking brake set and wheels chocked
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D.
Running with the parking brake off
Correct answer: C.
Always inspect the engine compartment with the vehicle parked on level ground, parking brake set, and wheels chocked.
Question 15 of 25 · Rail Crossings
When approaching a railroad crossing without flashing lights or gates, you should:
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A.
Slow down, look, and listen for trains
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B.
Always come to a complete stop
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C.
Speed up to clear the crossing quickly
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D.
Sound horn but maintain speed
Correct answer: A.
Without active warning devices, slow down and look and listen carefully for an approaching train.
Question 16 of 25 · Vehicle Dynamics
Empty trucks:
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A.
Always stop more quickly than loaded trucks
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B.
Have less traction because there is less weight on the drive axles
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C.
Can take curves at higher speeds safely
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D.
Are not affected by wind
Correct answer: B.
Empty trucks have reduced traction on drive axles and require greater stopping distances than loaded trucks.
Question 17 of 25 · Speed Management
The total stopping distance of a CDL vehicle includes:
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A.
Perception, reaction, and braking distance
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B.
Only braking distance
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C.
Following distance and brake lag
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D.
Only the distance traveled while braking
Correct answer: A.
Total stopping distance is the sum of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag, and braking distance.
Question 18 of 25 · Adverse Conditions
Which of the following is true about driving in fog?
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A.
You should always drive with high beams
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B.
Avoid driving in fog if possible
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C.
Use the right edge of the road as a guide rather than the center line
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D.
Both b and c
Correct answer: D.
Avoid driving in fog when possible. If unavoidable, use low beams and the right edge as a guide.
Question 19 of 25 · Hazard Awareness
When approaching a vehicle with a flashing amber light, you should:
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A.
Speed up to pass it
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B.
Slow down and pass with caution
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C.
Stop and wait until the light is off
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D.
Honk and continue
Correct answer: B.
Amber flashing lights indicate a hazard or slow-moving vehicle. Slow down and pass carefully.
Question 20 of 25 · Hazard Awareness
How can you tell if your truck or bus has a hazardous materials shipment?
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A.
It is moving slowly
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B.
Diamond-shaped placards are displayed
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C.
A flashing yellow light is on
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D.
It is following another truck
Correct answer: B.
Diamond-shaped placards on the vehicle indicate the presence of hazardous materials.
Question 21 of 25 · Backing
The most important hand signal you and a helper should agree on is:
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A.
Speed up
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B.
Stop
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C.
Turn left
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D.
Back straight
Correct answer: B.
Always agree on a clear stop signal before backing. The helper must be able to stop you instantly.
Question 22 of 25 · Following Distance
Following distance for a heavy vehicle traveling below 40 mph should be at least:
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A.
1 second per 10 feet of vehicle length
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B.
Half the length of the vehicle
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C.
Two seconds total
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D.
No specific amount required
Correct answer: A.
Use one second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph; add a second above 40 mph.
Question 23 of 25 · Inspection
Pre-trip inspection of the vehicle should be done in the same order each time so that you:
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A.
Will look professional to other drivers
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B.
Will learn it well and not skip anything
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C.
Can finish faster
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D.
Pass the test more easily
Correct answer: B.
Following the same order helps prevent missed steps and builds reliable habits.
Question 24 of 25 · Adverse Conditions
What should you do before driving in fog?
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A.
Use high beams to see further
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B.
Slow down and use low beams and fog lights if equipped
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C.
Speed up to clear the fog area
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D.
Follow another vehicle closely
Correct answer: B.
Slow down before entering fog. Use low beams and any installed fog lights.
Question 25 of 25 · Driver Wellness
You should not eat or drink while driving because:
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A.
It is illegal in all states
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B.
Spills can distract you
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C.
You should not put both hands on the wheel
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D.
It might damage the vehicle
Correct answer: B.
Eating and drinking divert attention and create spill hazards.
About the General Knowledge Test
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.
The Hawaii Driver Licensing Branch administers this knowledge test as part of its commercial driver license program. To earn the CDL General Knowledge on your Hawaii CDL, you need to score at least 40 out of 50 on the official version.
Topics covered on this practice test
- Driver Wellness: 3 questions
- Speed Management: 3 questions
- Adverse Conditions: 3 questions
- Emergency Maneuvers: 2 questions
- Emergency Equipment: 2 questions
- Inspection: 2 questions
- Hazard Awareness: 2 questions
- Cargo: 1 question
- Basic Control: 1 question
- Night Driving: 1 question
- CDL Rules: 1 question
- Rail Crossings: 1 question
- Vehicle Dynamics: 1 question
- Backing: 1 question
- Following Distance: 1 question
How to use this practice test
- Read each question carefully. CDL questions are written precisely — small wording differences matter.
- Click "Show Answers & Explanations" only after answering every question. Don't peek mid-test.
- Read the explanation for every question, even ones you got right. The reasoning is more important than the answer.
- Repeat the test until you score 100%. The questions are deterministic per state, so you can track your improvement over multiple sessions.
- Move on to the other endorsement tests for Hawaii until you're ready for the official exam.
Tips specific to the General Knowledge test
The General Knowledge test is the foundation of every CDL. Topics include vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, communicating, controlling speed, controlling space, hazard perception, distracted driving, night driving, fog, winter, hot weather, mountain driving, emergencies, anti-lock brakes, skid recovery, accident procedures, fires, alcohol, hazardous materials awareness, and staying alert. Most failures come from speeding through inspection-related questions; slow down and read carefully.
Other practice tests for Hawaii