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300+ Free California CDL General Knowledge Test Practice Questions

Pass your California Commercial Driver License General Knowledge Test exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: California CDL General Knowledge Test Exam

50

General Knowledge Questions

California DMV CDL Written Test Evaluation

80%

Minimum Passing Score

49 CFR 383.135

14 days

Minimum CLP Holding Period Before Skills Test

California DMV

180 days

Initial California CLP Validity

California DMV

15 hours

California Behind-the-Wheel Training for Original Class A/B CDL

California DMV

California DMV documentation identifies the CDL General Knowledge test as a 50-question exam with 10 allowed errors, matching the federal 80% CDL knowledge-test pass rule. Applicants must pass required knowledge tests before CLP issuance, hold the CLP for at least 14 days before skills testing, and complete ELDT when federal rules require it. California also requires 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training before original Class A or B CDL issuance.

Sample California CDL General Knowledge Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your California CDL General Knowledge Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 300+ 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: 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 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. 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: 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 California CDL General Knowledge Test Exam

The California CDL General Knowledge test is required for California commercial learner permit and commercial driver license applicants. It is based on the California Commercial Driver Handbook and federal FMCSA CDL standards in 49 CFR Part 383. The DMV-administered General Knowledge test has 50 questions, allows 10 errors, and must be passed along with any class or endorsement tests required for the vehicle you plan to operate.

Assessment

50 multiple-choice General Knowledge questions administered by California DMV as part of the CLP/CDL knowledge testing process

Time Limit

No separate official time limit published; California DMV says knowledge tests are not administered within 30 minutes of closing

Passing Score

80% (40 correct out of 50; 10 errors allowed)

Exam Fee

$100 original Commercial Class A/B application; $59 original Commercial Class C application; no separate General Knowledge-only fee published by DMV (California Department of Motor Vehicles under FMCSA CDL standards)

California CDL General Knowledge Test Exam Content Outline

18%

Vehicle Inspection and Safety Systems

Pre-trip/post-trip inspections, vehicle defects, brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, steering, suspension, exhaust, emergency equipment, and reporting unsafe conditions.

22%

Basic Control, Speed, and Mountain Driving

Shifting, backing, turning, stopping distance, speed selection, curves, downgrades, brake fade, and runaway truck ramp decisions.

25%

Seeing, Communication, Space, and Adverse Conditions

Scanning, mirror checks, signaling, following distance, railroad crossings, night driving, fog, rain, snow, ice, hydroplaning, and crosswinds.

15%

Hazards, Emergencies, Skids, and Fatigue

Hazard recognition, evasive steering, skid recovery, blowouts, fires, crash-scene priorities, drowsy-driving warning signs, and fatigue prevention.

10%

Cargo Securement and Weight Distribution

Cargo inspection timing, tie-down principles, blocking and bracing, axle/GVW concepts, sealed containers, and load shift prevention.

10%

FMCSA and California CDL Basics

CDL classes, CLP process, medical qualification, ELDT, California 15-hour BTW requirement, drug/alcohol rules, and disqualification basics.

How to Pass the California CDL General Knowledge Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% (40 correct out of 50; 10 errors allowed)
  • Assessment: 50 multiple-choice General Knowledge questions administered by California DMV as part of the CLP/CDL knowledge testing process
  • Time limit: No separate official time limit published; California DMV says knowledge tests are not administered within 30 minutes of closing
  • Exam fee: $100 original Commercial Class A/B application; $59 original Commercial Class C application; no separate General Knowledge-only fee published by DMV

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

California CDL General Knowledge Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the current California Commercial Driver Handbook, especially Sections 1 through 3 for General Knowledge coverage.
2Memorize the federal pass rule: each CDL knowledge test requires at least 80% correct.
3Practice vehicle inspection defects until you can explain why each defect affects safe operation.
4For speed and space questions, think in seconds, stopping distance, and whether the vehicle can stop within visible distance.
5Do not skip cargo, fatigue, alcohol/drug, and California CLP/ELDT rules; they are part of the broader General Knowledge safety baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the California CDL General Knowledge test?

California DMV evaluation materials identify the CDL General Knowledge test as a 50-question test. The same DMV table lists 10 allowed errors, so applicants need 40 correct answers to pass.

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

Federal CDL rules require at least 80% correct on each knowledge test. For California General Knowledge, that means 40 correct answers out of 50.

How much does the California CDL General Knowledge test cost?

California DMV publishes commercial license application fees rather than a separate General Knowledge-only fee: $100 for an original Commercial Class A or B application and $59 for an original Commercial Class C application. Other training, medical, and skills-test costs may apply.

What do I need before California DMV issues a CLP?

You must apply with California DMV, provide required identity/residency and medical documentation, and pass the required knowledge test or tests. DMV issues the CLP after the knowledge tests are passed.

How long must I hold a California CLP before the CDL skills test?

California DMV says you must hold the CLP for at least 14 days before applying to take the CDL skills test. The skills test includes vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and road test segments.

Does California require ELDT for CDL applicants?

Yes for applicants covered by federal ELDT rules, including first-time Class A or B CDL applicants, Class B-to-A upgrades, and first-time school bus, passenger, or hazmat endorsements. California also requires original Class A or B CDL applicants to complete 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training before CDL issuance.