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300+ Free FL CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions

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What is the federal maximum weight limit for a single axle on interstate highways?

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: FL CDL General Knowledge Exam

80%

Minimum CDL knowledge-test passing score

FMCSA

At least 30

Minimum items on each basic knowledge test

FMCSA

18

Minimum age for Florida CDL applicants

FLHSMV

Under 21

Intrastate-only restriction

FLHSMV

$75

Original/renewal CDL fee

FLHSMV

$10

Knowledge retest fee

FLHSMV

Florida CDL applicants must pass the General Knowledge test before moving toward the CDL skills test. FLHSMV requires applicants to hold an operator license, meet vision requirements, be Florida residents, and be at least 18; drivers under 21 are restricted to intrastate operation only. FMCSA requires basic CDL knowledge tests to cover the 20 general areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a), contain at least 30 items, and use an 80% passing standard. FLHSMV lists a $75 original/renewal CDL fee and a $10 knowledge retest fee.

Sample FL CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FL 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.

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 FL CDL General Knowledge Exam

The Florida CDL General Knowledge test is the base knowledge exam for Florida Class A, Class B, and commercial Class C CDL applicants. It is administered through FLHSMV and is based on Florida's Commercial Driver's License Manual plus federal CDL minimum standards. The exam covers safe operation regulations, vehicle control systems, basic control, shifting, backing, visual search, communication, speed and space management, adverse conditions, hazards, emergencies, skid recovery, cargo control, vehicle inspections, fatigue, alcohol and drug effects, and Florida CDL licensing requirements.

Assessment

FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items; Florida administers the state General Knowledge test for CDL applicants.

Time Limit

Set by FLHSMV testing administration; no separate public time limit found in official sources

Passing Score

80% minimum on CDL knowledge tests

Exam Fee

$75 original/renewal CDL; $10 knowledge retest; $7 endorsement fee (Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV))

FL CDL General Knowledge Exam Content Outline

FLHSMV Section 1

Florida CDL Basics

Florida CDL classes, required tests, residency proof, minimum age, intrastate restriction under 21, ELDT, and fee schedule

49 CFR 383.111(a)(17)

Vehicle Inspection

Pre-trip, enroute, and post-trip inspections; brakes, tires, lights, steering, suspension, leaks, mirrors, and defect reporting

49 CFR 383.111(a)(4)-(6)

Basic Control, Shifting, and Backing

Starting, stopping, backing, turning, off-tracking, shifting procedures, speed control, and maneuvering large vehicles

49 CFR 383.111(a)(7)-(10)

Seeing, Communication, Speed, and Space

Visual search, mirror use, signaling, communicating presence, stopping distance, following distance, traffic gaps, and overhead clearance

49 CFR 383.111(a)(11)-(15), (19)-(20)

Adverse Conditions and Emergencies

Night driving, fog, rain, heat, mountain grades, hazard perception, evasive steering, brake failure, blowouts, fires, skids, and fatigue

49 CFR 383.111(a)(1), (16), (18)

Cargo, Alcohol, Drugs, and Regulations

Cargo securement, weight distribution, driver responsibilities, general hazmat awareness, fatigue, health, and alcohol/drug effects

How to Pass the FL CDL General Knowledge Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% minimum on CDL knowledge tests
  • Assessment: FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items; Florida administers the state General Knowledge test for CDL applicants.
  • Time limit: Set by FLHSMV testing administration; no separate public time limit found in official sources
  • Exam fee: $75 original/renewal CDL; $10 knowledge retest; $7 endorsement fee

Keys to Passing

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

FL CDL General Knowledge Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read FLHSMV Commercial Driver's License Manual sections 1, 2, and 3 first; those sections anchor general knowledge for all CDL classes.
2Memorize Florida CDL basics: age 18 minimum, under-21 intrastate-only restriction, Florida residency proof, $75 CDL fee, and $10 knowledge retest fee.
3Use 49 CFR 383.111(a) as a checklist: inspection, basic control, shifting, backing, seeing, communication, speed, space, night, weather, hazards, emergencies, skids, cargo, mountain driving, and fatigue all matter.
4Practice inspection questions by naming the defect, the risk, and whether the vehicle should be driven before repair.
5For speed and space questions, think stopping distance first: large vehicles need more room, and poor traction or visibility requires slower speeds and larger gaps.
6Do not over-study endorsement-only topics before General Knowledge unless they overlap with the general scope, such as basic hazardous-materials awareness or air-brake inspection concepts for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who must take the Florida CDL General Knowledge test?

FLHSMV lists the General Knowledge test as required for Florida Class A, Class B, and commercial Class C CDL applicants. Depending on the vehicle and endorsements, applicants may also need Combination Vehicles, Air Brakes, Passenger, School Bus, Tank, Doubles/Triples, or Hazmat tests.

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

FMCSA requires applicants to correctly answer at least 80 percent of questions on CDL knowledge tests. Florida's CDL program must meet those federal minimum testing standards.

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

FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items. FLHSMV administers Florida's state CDL knowledge tests; the official public sources reviewed do not publish a separate Florida-specific General Knowledge item count on the FLHSMV CDL page.

How much does the Florida CDL knowledge test cost?

FLHSMV lists the original or renewal Commercial Driver License fee as $75 and the knowledge retest fee as $10. Endorsements are listed at $7 each, and a $6.25 tax collector service fee may apply to some credential transactions.

What should I study for the Florida CDL General Knowledge test?

Study the Florida Commercial Driver's License Manual, especially the general knowledge material on inspections, basic control, shifting, seeing, communication, speed and space management, adverse conditions, emergencies, cargo, fatigue, alcohol/drugs, and Florida CDL licensing requirements.

Can I get a Florida CDL if I am under 21?

Yes, FLHSMV states applicants must be at least 18, but drivers under 21 are restricted to intrastate operation only. Interstate operation generally requires age 21 or older.

Does Florida require ELDT before the CDL skills test?

Yes for covered applicants. FLHSMV states Entry-Level Driver Training applies to first-time Class A or Class B CDL applicants, Class B-to-Class A upgrades, and first-time School Bus, Passenger, or Hazmat endorsements, and that ELDT requirements must be met before taking the skills test.