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300+ Free DC CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions

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

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Key Facts: DC CDL General Knowledge Exam

90 minutes

DC CDL General Knowledge Time Limit

DC DMV

$10

Fee Per CDL Knowledge Test

DC DMV Driver License Fees

80%

Federal Knowledge-Test Passing Standard

49 CFR 383.135

3 calendar days

Wait After Failed DC CDL Knowledge Test

DC DMV CDL Knowledge Tests

English only

CDL Knowledge-Test Language

DC DMV CDL Knowledge Tests

DC CDL applicants must pass the General Commercial knowledge test before receiving a CLP. DC DMV administers CDL knowledge tests in English at the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office, charges $10 per CDL knowledge test, and gives 90 minutes for Commercial, General Knowledge. Federal CDL rules require at least 80% correct on knowledge tests. A failed DC CDL knowledge test requires a three-calendar-day wait before retesting on the fourth day.

Sample DC CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your DC CDL General Knowledge exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 300+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1To obtain a DC DMV CDL learner permit, what must an applicant do first?
A.Pass all required CDL knowledge tests for the needed class and endorsements
B.Schedule the road skills test before any knowledge test
C.Complete the vehicle inspection skills test only
D.Hold a passenger endorsement before testing
Explanation: DC DMV states that a CDL applicant must first take and pass the required knowledge tests to get a CDL learner permit with the class designation and endorsements needed. Skills testing comes after the required knowledge tests.
2Where does DC DMV require CDL knowledge-test applicants to go for testing?
A.Any DC DMV service center that offers regular knowledge tests
B.The Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office with required documentation
C.A private truck stop testing kiosk
D.An online virtual knowledge-test portal
Explanation: DC DMV directs CDL knowledge-test applicants to the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office and requires the appropriate documentation. DC virtual knowledge testing is for non-CDL driver tests, not CDL knowledge tests.
3What language rule applies to DC DMV CDL knowledge tests?
A.They are available in all languages offered for non-commercial tests
B.They are in English only
C.They may be taken through an interpreter
D.They are available only in Spanish and English
Explanation: The DC DMV CDL Knowledge Tests page states that all CDL knowledge tests are in English only. This differs from some non-commercial knowledge tests, which DC offers in multiple languages.
4What is the DC DMV time limit for the CDL General Knowledge test?
A.60 minutes
B.75 minutes
C.90 minutes
D.No published time limit
Explanation: DC DMV lists the Commercial, General Knowledge test time limit as 90 minutes. Endorsement knowledge tests use a 60-minute limit.
5Under federal CDL standards, what score is needed to pass a knowledge test?
A.70 percent
B.75 percent
C.80 percent
D.90 percent
Explanation: 49 CFR 383.135 requires a driver applicant to correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions on each CDL knowledge test. States administer the test, but the federal minimum passing standard applies.
6What fee does DC DMV publish for each CDL knowledge test?
A.No fee if the applicant fails
B.10 dollars per test
C.39.95 dollars for every CDL test
D.117 dollars per knowledge-test attempt
Explanation: DC DMV lists the Commercial Driver License Knowledge Test fee as $10 per test. The fee is charged whether the applicant passes or fails.
7If an applicant fails a DC DMV CDL knowledge test, when may the applicant retest?
A.The same day
B.After three calendar days, on the fourth day
C.After 30 days for every failure
D.Only after completing a road test
Explanation: DC DMV states that a failed CDL knowledge-test applicant must wait three calendar days and is eligible to retest on the fourth day. Repeated failures also trigger a longer restriction after six failures in 12 months.
8What happens if a DC CDL applicant fails the CDL knowledge test six times within a 12-month period?
A.The seventh attempt is free
B.The applicant must wait 12 months after the first failure before taking the seventh test
C.The applicant may continue retesting every fourth day indefinitely
D.The applicant must take only the road test
Explanation: DC DMV states that if an applicant fails the CDL knowledge test six times within a 12-month period, the seventh test is not allowed until 12 months after the first failure.
9For a DC Class A CDL without endorsements, which knowledge tests are listed as required?
A.General Commercial, Combination, and Airbrakes
B.General Commercial only
C.Passenger and School Bus only
D.Tank and Hazardous Material only
Explanation: DC DMV lists General Commercial, Combination, and Airbrakes as required knowledge tests for Class A. Endorsement tests are additional only when the applicant seeks those endorsements.
10For a DC Class B CDL without endorsements, which knowledge tests are listed as required?
A.General Commercial and Airbrakes
B.General Commercial and Combination
C.Passenger, School Bus, and Tank
D.Hazardous Materials only
Explanation: DC DMV lists General Commercial and Airbrakes for Class B. Combination is a Class A knowledge-test requirement, and endorsements require separate tests only when requested.

About the DC CDL General Knowledge Exam

The DC CDL General Knowledge test is the General Commercial knowledge exam required before DC DMV issues a commercial learner permit for Class A, B, or C applicants. DC DMV requires applicants to test at the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office, take CDL knowledge tests in English, and study the DC DMV CDL Manual. Federal FMCSA rules require CDL knowledge tests to measure the knowledge areas in 49 CFR Part 383 and require at least 80% correct to pass. DC DMV publishes a 90-minute time limit for Commercial, General Knowledge and a $10 fee per CDL knowledge test.

Assessment

DC DMV administers CDL knowledge tests by class and endorsement. General Commercial is required for Class A, Class B, and Class C applicants; Class A also requires Combination and Airbrakes, and Class B requires Airbrakes.

Time Limit

90 minutes for Commercial, General Knowledge

Passing Score

80% minimum under 49 CFR 383.135

Exam Fee

$10 per CDL knowledge test; $78 Commercial Driver Learner Permit; $117 Commercial Driver License first-time or renewal (District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV))

DC CDL General Knowledge Exam Content Outline

Core

DC DMV CDL Basics and Federal Standards

CLP testing sequence, class requirements, Deanwood testing, fees, time limits, retake rules, ELDT, and federal passing standards

Core

Vehicle Inspection and Safety Systems

Pre-trip inspections, tires, steering, lights, mirrors, emergency equipment, gauges, defects, and maintenance awareness

Core

Basic Control, Speed, and Space

Backing, turning, off-tracking, stopping distance, following distance, curves, traffic gaps, and clearances

Core

Seeing, Communication, and Hazard Perception

Visual search, mirror checks, signaling, horn use, blind spots, work zones, and clues from road users

Core

Adverse Conditions and Emergencies

Night driving, rain, fog, snow, ice, hot weather, mountain driving, blowouts, brake failure, and skid control

Core

Cargo, Crossings, Wellness, and Impairment

Cargo securement, weight distribution, railroad crossings, fatigue, health, alcohol, drugs, and medication effects

How to Pass the DC CDL General Knowledge Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% minimum under 49 CFR 383.135
  • Assessment: DC DMV administers CDL knowledge tests by class and endorsement. General Commercial is required for Class A, Class B, and Class C applicants; Class A also requires Combination and Airbrakes, and Class B requires Airbrakes.
  • Time limit: 90 minutes for Commercial, General Knowledge
  • Exam fee: $10 per CDL knowledge test; $78 Commercial Driver Learner Permit; $117 Commercial Driver License first-time or renewal

Keys to Passing

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

DC CDL General Knowledge Study Tips from Top Performers

1Download and read the official DC DMV CDL Manual before using practice questions
2Memorize DC logistics: Deanwood testing, English-only CDL tests, 90-minute General Knowledge time limit, $10 per knowledge test, and the three-calendar-day retest wait
3Use FMCSA required knowledge areas as a checklist: inspection, control systems, safe operation, space, night/weather, hazards, emergencies, skids, cargo, wellness, and impairment
4Practice mixed-question sets until you consistently score above 85%, giving yourself a buffer above the 80% federal passing standard
5Keep endorsement-only details separate unless your DC CDL class or endorsement requires an additional knowledge test

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the DC CDL General Knowledge test?

DC DMV publishes a 90-minute time limit for Commercial, General Knowledge. CDL endorsement knowledge tests use a 60-minute limit.

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

Federal CDL rules in 49 CFR 383.135 require at least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test. DC DMV administers the test under those FMCSA standards.

How much does the DC CDL knowledge test cost?

DC DMV lists the Commercial Driver License Knowledge Test fee as $10 per test. DC DMV also lists a $78 Commercial Driver Learner Permit fee and $117 for a first-time or renewal Commercial Driver License.

Where do I take the DC CDL knowledge test?

DC DMV directs CDL applicants to the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office with all required documentation. CDL knowledge tests are not part of DC DMV virtual knowledge testing.

What happens if I fail the DC CDL knowledge test?

DC DMV requires a three-calendar-day wait after a failed CDL knowledge test; the applicant is eligible to test again on the fourth day. If an applicant fails six times in 12 months, the seventh test is delayed until 12 months after the first failure.

Is the DC CDL knowledge test available in languages other than English?

No. DC DMV states that all CDL knowledge tests are in English only.