300+ Free ID CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions
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Key Facts: ID 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 to apply for an Idaho CDL
ITD
1 year
Licensed driving experience needed to obtain an Idaho CDL
ITD
$5
Idaho written CDL knowledge test fee
ITD
$29
Idaho CLP fee
ITD
14 days
Minimum CLP holding period before skills testing
ITD/FMCSA
Idaho states that the General Knowledge test is required for all new CDL applicants. ITD lists written CDL tests at $5.00 each, an Idaho CLP at $29 and valid for one year, a three-day wait to retest after a failed written test, and a 14-day minimum CLP holding period before skills testing. FMCSA requires basic CDL knowledge tests to cover the 20 areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a), contain at least 30 items, and use an 80% passing standard.
Sample ID CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your ID 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.
1When beginning a pre-trip inspection, what should an Idaho CDL applicant do first?
2Which group of items belongs in an engine-compartment inspection?
3What minimum tread depth is required on front steering-axle tires?
4What minimum tread depth is required on most non-steering axle tires?
5Which emergency equipment should a CMV carry for roadside emergencies?
6During a vehicle inspection, which lights should be checked?
7What does excessive brake pushrod travel usually indicate on an air-brake vehicle?
8For an air-brake vehicle, why is the air pressure buildup test important?
9What should a driver do with a defect that affects safe operation?
10After starting a trip, when should cargo securement first be rechecked?
About the ID CDL General Knowledge Exam
The Idaho CDL General Knowledge test is the base written knowledge exam for new Idaho CDL applicants. It is administered through Idaho DMV offices under federal CDL standards and should be studied with the Idaho Commercial Driver's License Manual. The general knowledge scope includes safe operation regulations, vehicle control systems, inspections, basic control, shifting, backing, visual search, communication, speed and space management, adverse conditions, hazards, emergencies, skid recovery, cargo control, fatigue, alcohol/drug effects, and Idaho CDL licensing basics.
Assessment
FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items; Idaho administers the state General Knowledge test for CDL applicants.
Time Limit
Set by Idaho testing administration; no separate public time limit found in official sources
Passing Score
80% minimum on CDL knowledge tests
Exam Fee
$5 per written knowledge test; $29 CLP; $10 county skills-test fee plus examiner fee up to $190 (Idaho Transportation Department Division of Motor Vehicles (ITD DMV))
ID CDL General Knowledge Exam Content Outline
Idaho CDL Basics
Idaho CDL classes, who needs a CDL, age 18 minimum, one year licensed driving experience, medical certification, ELDT, CLP rules, fees, and retesting
Vehicle Inspection
Pre-trip, enroute, and post-trip inspections; brakes, tires, lights, steering, suspension, coupling, leaks, mirrors, emergency equipment, and defect reporting
Basic Control, Shifting, and Backing
Starting, stopping, backing, turning, off-tracking, shifting procedures, speed control, and large-vehicle maneuvering
Seeing, Communication, Speed, and Space
Visual search, mirror use, signaling, blind spots, stopping distance, following distance, traffic gaps, lane changes, and work zones
Adverse Conditions and Emergencies
Night driving, fog, rain, snow, mountain grades, railroad crossings, hazard perception, evasive steering, brake failure, blowouts, fires, skids, and crash procedures
Cargo, Wellness, Alcohol, Drugs, and Regulations
Cargo securement, weight distribution, driver responsibilities, fatigue, health, alcohol/drug effects, Idaho licensing logistics, and FMCSA test standards
How to Pass the ID 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; Idaho administers the state General Knowledge test for CDL applicants.
- Time limit: Set by Idaho testing administration; no separate public time limit found in official sources
- Exam fee: $5 per written knowledge test; $29 CLP; $10 county skills-test fee plus examiner fee up to $190
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
ID CDL General Knowledge Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must take the Idaho CDL General Knowledge test?
ITD states that the General Knowledge test is required of all new Idaho CDL applicants. Depending on the vehicle, applicants may also need other knowledge tests such as Air Brakes or Combination Vehicles.
What score do I need to pass the Idaho CDL General Knowledge test?
FMCSA requires applicants to answer at least 80 percent of CDL knowledge-test questions correctly. Idaho CDL testing must meet that federal standard.
How many questions are on the Idaho CDL General Knowledge test?
FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items. The official Idaho sources reviewed do not publish a separate Idaho-specific public item count for the General Knowledge test.
How much does Idaho CDL written testing cost?
ITD states that written CDL tests are $5.00 each. Idaho also lists a $29 CLP fee, a $10 county skills-test fee, and a separate CDL examiner fee that cannot exceed $190.
Can I retake a failed Idaho CDL written test?
Yes. ITD states that if you fail a written test, you can retest in three days and pay another five dollars.
Does Idaho require ELDT before the CDL skills test?
For covered applicants, yes. Idaho states that as of February 7, 2022, CDL applicants subject to Entry-Level Driver Training must complete training from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before required skills tests.