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Exam Review

Key Facts: Arizona CDL General Knowledge Exam

30+

Federal Minimum Basic Knowledge Items

49 CFR 383.133

80%

Passing Score

Arizona CDL Manual / 49 CFR 383.135

$25

Class A/B CLP Fee

Arizona CDL Manual

$12.50

Class C CLP Fee

Arizona CDL Manual

12 months

Arizona CLP Validity

Arizona CDL Manual / MVD FAQ

14 days

Minimum CLP Hold Before Skills Test

Arizona CDL Manual

.04%

CMV BAC Disqualification Threshold

Arizona CDL Manual / FMCSA rules

Arizona CDL applicants must pass the applicable knowledge tests before receiving a CLP. The Arizona CDL manual states each knowledge test requires at least 80% correct, failed knowledge tests may be retaken the next business day, and Class A/B CLPs cost $25 while Class C CLPs cost $12.50 before endorsements. Arizona CLPs are valid for 12 months and holders must wait at least 14 days after initial CLP issuance before taking the CDL skills test.

Sample Arizona CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Arizona CDL General Knowledge exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 310+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the first step in the seven-step pre-trip inspection method?
A.Approach the vehicle and check its general condition
B.Check under the hood
C.Start the engine and inspect inside the cab
D.Walk around and inspect the entire vehicle
Explanation: The first step of the seven-step pre-trip inspection is to approach the vehicle and look at its general condition. This includes checking for damage, whether the vehicle is leaning to one side, and looking under the vehicle for fresh leaks of oil, coolant, grease, or fuel. This initial overview can immediately reveal serious problems before you invest time in a detailed inspection.
2During a pre-trip inspection, what should you check in the engine compartment?
A.Only the oil level
B.Oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, belts, and hoses
C.Only the coolant level and belts
D.Only items visible without opening any caps
Explanation: A thorough engine compartment inspection includes checking the oil level, coolant level in the radiator, power steering fluid, condition of belts and hoses for wear or cracks, and looking for leaks. You should also check the alternator, water pump, air compressor, and any other belt-driven components. Checking only one or two items could mean missing a critical problem that leads to a breakdown or safety hazard on the road.
3When performing a pre-trip inspection, the driver should ensure that the steering wheel free play (lash) does not exceed what limit?
A.5 degrees in either direction
B.10 degrees in either direction (approximately 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel)
C.15 degrees in either direction
D.20 degrees in either direction
Explanation: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require that steering wheel free play (lash) not exceed 10 degrees in either direction, which translates to roughly 2 inches of movement on a 20-inch diameter steering wheel before the front wheels begin to turn. Excessive free play indicates worn steering components and can make precise steering difficult, especially in emergency maneuvers. A vehicle with excessive steering lash would be placed out of service.
4During the cab check portion of a pre-trip inspection, you should test the parking brake by:
A.Driving forward slowly and applying the parking brake
B.Putting the vehicle in gear with the parking brake set and gently pressing the accelerator to see if the vehicle holds
C.Visually checking that the parking brake handle is in the correct position
D.Checking the parking brake cable under the vehicle
Explanation: To properly test the parking brake, set the parking brake, put the vehicle in a low gear, and gently press the accelerator to see if the brake holds the vehicle in place. This functional test confirms the parking brake can actually prevent the vehicle from moving, which is essential for safety when parked on grades. A visual check alone is insufficient because it does not verify that the brake mechanism is actually functioning properly.
5Which emergency equipment is required to be on a commercial motor vehicle?
A.Fire extinguisher, spare fuses, and three red reflective triangles
B.First aid kit, fire extinguisher, and flares only
C.Fire extinguisher and road flares only
D.Spare tire, jack, and reflective vest
Explanation: Arizona CDL Manual and federal regulations require every commercial motor vehicle to carry a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher (minimum 5 B:C rating, or two 4 B:C extinguishers), spare electrical fuses (unless the vehicle has circuit breakers), and three red reflective warning triangles (or equivalent). These items are checked during inspections and roadside enforcement stops. A vehicle missing any of these required items can be cited for a violation.
6A post-trip inspection report is important because:
A.It is only required for vehicles carrying hazardous materials
B.It alerts the carrier to vehicle defects that may need repair before the vehicle is driven again
C.It replaces the need for the next driver to do a pre-trip inspection
D.It is optional but recommended by the FMCSA
Explanation: The post-trip inspection report (also called a DVIR, or Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) is required by Arizona CDL Manual and FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 396.11). Its purpose is to document any defects or deficiencies discovered at the end of the trip so the carrier can arrange repairs before the vehicle is dispatched again. The next driver must review the previous post-trip report and verify that any noted defects have been repaired or certified as not needing repair. It does not replace the next driver's pre-trip inspection obligation.
7During a pre-trip inspection, the driver notices a coolant leak near the water pump. What should the driver do?
A.Note it on the report and drive carefully to the next service stop
B.Add more coolant and continue the trip
C.Do not drive the vehicle until the leak is repaired
D.Drive only short distances and monitor the temperature gauge
Explanation: A coolant leak is a serious defect that can lead to engine overheating and catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle should not be driven until the leak is repaired. Driving with a coolant leak risks engine damage, potential fire (if coolant contacts hot exhaust components), and could result in a roadside breakdown in an unsafe location. Arizona CDL Manual and FMCSA regulations require that defects affecting safe operation be corrected before the vehicle is driven.
8Which of the following is an out-of-service condition that would prevent a vehicle from being driven?
A.A small crack in the windshield that does not obstruct the driver's view
B.A missing mud flap on a rear wheel
C.Brake lining thickness below the minimum allowed by regulations
D.A broken antenna on the CB radio
Explanation: Brake lining worn below the minimum thickness specified in FMCSA out-of-service criteria is a critical safety defect. The North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria lists specific thresholds: brake lining must not be less than 1/4 inch thick at the thinnest point for air-braked vehicles. When brake linings are too thin, braking effectiveness is severely compromised, and the vehicle must be placed out of service until repairs are made. A small windshield crack not in the driver's view, a missing mud flap, or a broken CB antenna are defects but not typically out-of-service conditions.
9During the pre-trip inspection, which of the following should a driver check regarding the exhaust system?
A.Only that the muffler is present
B.That the exhaust system is secure, not leaking, and not in contact with fuel lines, wiring, or air lines
C.Only that exhaust fumes are not entering the cab
D.That the catalytic converter is functioning properly by checking emissions color
Explanation: When inspecting the exhaust system, the driver should verify that all components are properly mounted and secured, there are no leaks (which could allow poisonous carbon monoxide to enter the cab), and the exhaust system is not in contact with fuel supply lines, wiring, or air brake lines. Heat from the exhaust can damage these components, potentially causing fuel leaks, electrical fires, or brake failures. A complete exhaust system inspection goes beyond just checking for the presence of a muffler.
10What is the minimum tread depth required for steer axle tires on a commercial motor vehicle?
A.2/32 of an inch
B.4/32 of an inch
C.6/32 of an inch
D.1/32 of an inch
Explanation: Arizona CDL Manual and federal regulations require steer axle tires to have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 of an inch (approximately 3.2 mm) in every major groove. Steer tires have a higher minimum than other axle positions (which require only 2/32 of an inch) because the steer tires are critical for directional control of the vehicle. Tires below this minimum are considered unsafe and will result in a violation or out-of-service order during an inspection.

About the Arizona CDL General Knowledge Exam

The Arizona CDL General Knowledge test is required for commercial learner permit applicants and is based on the ADOT MVD Commercial Driver License Manual and FMCSA CDL knowledge standards. Federal rules require each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items, and Arizona requires at least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test. The content covers safe CMV operation, inspection, basic control, seeing and communication, speed and space management, adverse conditions, emergencies, railroad crossings, mountain driving, cargo basics, driver wellness, and CDL alcohol/drug rules. Arizona applicants must pass the required knowledge tests for the class and vehicle type sought before a commercial learner permit is issued.

Exam sponsor: Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

30 questions

Time Limit

No single published statewide time limit

Passing Score

80%

Exam / Certification Fees

$25 Class A/B CLP; $12.50 Class C CLP before endorsements

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Core

Vehicle Inspection

Approach inspection, engine compartment, cab checks, brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, emergency equipment, and post-trip reporting

Core

Basic Control and Speed Management

Backing, turns, off-tracking, shifting, stopping distance, curves, long downgrades, brake fade, and escape ramps

Core

Seeing, Communication, and Space

Scanning, mirror use, signaling, following distance, intersections, work zones, right-of-way, and aggressive or distracted drivers

Core

Night, Weather, and Extreme Conditions

Headlight range, fog, wet roads, hydroplaning, snow and ice, black ice, hot weather, crosswinds, and mountain driving

Core

Hazards, Emergencies, and Railroad Crossings

Emergency braking, skids, blowouts, breakdown warning devices, fires, crash response, and railroad-highway grade crossing rules

Core

Cargo, Wellness, and CDL Compliance

Cargo securement inspections, blocking/bracing, weight and balance, fatigue, alcohol and drug rules, CLP basics, and FMCSA/state responsibilities

Preparing for the Arizona CDL General Knowledge Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80%
  • Exam length: 30 questions
  • Time limit: No single published statewide time limit
  • Exam / certification fees: $25 Class A/B CLP; $12.50 Class C CLP before endorsements Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 310 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Arizona CDL General Knowledge: Suggested Study Strategy

1Read Sections 1 through 3 of the Arizona Commercial Driver License Manual before drilling practice questions
2Memorize Arizona logistics: 80% passing score, next-business-day retest wait after a failed knowledge test, 12-month CLP validity, and 14-day CLP holding period before skills testing
3Know the inspection details that appear repeatedly: tires, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, mirrors, emergency equipment, leaks, and cargo securement
4Practice space and speed questions until you can explain stopping distance, following distance, downgrade braking, curves, and bad-weather speed reductions without guessing
5Keep endorsement material separate unless it is part of general CDL awareness; passenger, school bus, tank, doubles/triples, hazmat, air brakes, and combination vehicles have additional tests
6Use the official ADOT MVD CDL manual and FMCSA/eCFR CDL rules as your source of truth, not third-party practice-test answer keys

Frequently Asked Questions

What score do I need to pass the Arizona CDL General Knowledge test?

The Arizona CDL manual says applicants must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly on each knowledge test. Federal CDL rules in 49 CFR 383.135 also require at least 80 percent correct on CDL knowledge tests.

How much does an Arizona commercial learner permit cost?

The Arizona CDL manual lists a Class A permit with no endorsements at $25, a Class B permit with no endorsements at $25, and a Class C permit at $12.50 before required Class C endorsement rules are applied.

How long is an Arizona commercial learner permit valid?

Arizona's Commercial Driver License Manual states that the commercial learner permit is valid for a 12-month period. If the permit expires, the MVD FAQ says all knowledge tests must be taken again to obtain a new permit before another skills-test attempt.

Can I retake a failed Arizona CDL knowledge test?

Yes. Arizona requires applicants to wait until the next business day to retake failed knowledge tests. The MVD FAQ states that after payment of applicable fees, applicants have unlimited attempts to pass CDL knowledge tests.

Do I need ELDT before the Arizona CDL General Knowledge test?

FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training is required before certain CDL skills tests and before first-time passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement testing. The Arizona manual points applicants to FMCSA's Training Provider Registry for applicability.

What topics are on the Arizona CDL General Knowledge test?

The test is based on the Arizona CDL manual and FMCSA's required CDL knowledge areas, including inspection, safe control systems, basic control, shifting, seeing and communicating, speed and space, night and extreme conditions, emergencies, skids, railroad crossings, cargo, fatigue, and alcohol/drug rules.