300+ Free Missouri CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions
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Key Facts: Missouri CDL General Knowledge Exam
80%
Minimum passing score for CDL knowledge tests
49 CFR 383.135
At least 30
Minimum basic CDL knowledge-test items
FMCSA States CDL Knowledge & Skills Test
$19
Missouri commercial learner's permit fee
Missouri DOR Driver Guide
14 days
Minimum Missouri CLP holding period before CDL skills testing
Missouri DOR CDL Testing and CLP FAQs
180 days
Maximum age of Missouri written test results at CDL application
Missouri DOR Commercial Drivers page
Missouri CDL applicants must pass the General Knowledge test for all commercial vehicles. Under FMCSA standards, the basic CDL knowledge test covers the general areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a), includes at least 30 multiple-choice items, and requires at least 80% correct. Missouri DOR lists a $19 one-year nonrenewable commercial learner's permit and says written test results must be no more than 6 months (180 days) old at application. First-time CDL applicants must apply for and carry a CLP for at least 14 days before skills testing.
Sample Missouri CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Missouri 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 purpose of the first walk-around during a commercial vehicle inspection?
2During the engine-compartment check, which group of items should be inspected?
3What minimum tread depth is required on front steering-axle tires of a commercial motor vehicle?
4What minimum tread depth is required on most tires other than front steering-axle tires?
5Which emergency equipment should be in a commercial motor vehicle?
6Why should brake hoses and air lines be checked during inspection?
7Which lights must be checked during a pre-trip inspection?
8A driver finds a cracked brake drum during pre-trip inspection. What should the driver do?
9What should you do if a tire has a sidewall bulge?
10When starting a CMV from a stopped position, what should you do before moving?
About the Missouri CDL General Knowledge Exam
The Missouri CDL General Knowledge Test is the written knowledge exam required for Missouri commercial learner permit and commercial driver license applicants. Missouri DOR publishes CDL requirements and the Missouri CDL Manual, while Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination stations administer CDL written examinations. FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to cover the general knowledge areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a), contain at least 30 items, and require at least 80% correct to pass. The exam focuses on safe commercial motor vehicle operation: inspection, basic control, shifting, speed and space, seeing and communication, adverse conditions, emergencies and skids, railroad crossings, cargo securement, driver wellness, alcohol and drug rules, and CDL licensing basics.
Assessment
Multiple-choice CDL knowledge test covering the basic general-knowledge areas required for commercial motor vehicle operators; air brakes, combination vehicles, and endorsements require separate tests when applicable.
Time Limit
Not published by Missouri DOR or FMCSA for the General Knowledge test
Passing Score
At least 80% correct on CDL knowledge tests
Exam Fee
$19 commercial learner's permit; $22.50 CDL for 0-3 years or $45 CDL for 0-6 years; CDL knowledge and skills test fees are not included in Missouri DOR permit/license fees (Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) and Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP))
Missouri CDL General Knowledge Exam Content Outline
Vehicle Inspection
Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspection; emergency equipment; tires, brakes, lights, mirrors, suspension, steering, and safety defects.
Basic Vehicle Control and Mountain Driving
Starting, stopping, steering, backing, turning, off-tracking, shifting, downgrades, escape ramps, and rollover prevention.
Speed, Space, Seeing, and Communication
Stopping distance, following distance, traffic gaps, mirror use, signaling, blind spots, work zones, and hazard recognition.
Adverse Conditions, Emergencies, and Skids
Night driving, fog, rain, hydroplaning, winter driving, tire failure, ABS, controlled braking, crash procedures, and vehicle fires.
Railroad Crossings and Cargo Securement
Safe railroad-highway crossing decisions, stalled-on-track response, cargo inspection intervals, blocking, bracing, tie-downs, and weight distribution.
Driver Wellness, Alcohol/Drug Rules, and Missouri CDL Basics
Fatigue, medical fitness, distraction, alcohol and drug prohibitions, Missouri CLP/CDL steps, fees, MSHP testing, ELDT, and FMCSA standards.
How to Pass the Missouri CDL General Knowledge Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: At least 80% correct on CDL knowledge tests
- Assessment: Multiple-choice CDL knowledge test covering the basic general-knowledge areas required for commercial motor vehicle operators; air brakes, combination vehicles, and endorsements require separate tests when applicable.
- Time limit: Not published by Missouri DOR or FMCSA for the General Knowledge test
- Exam fee: $19 commercial learner's permit; $22.50 CDL for 0-3 years or $45 CDL for 0-6 years; CDL knowledge and skills test fees are not included in Missouri DOR permit/license fees
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Missouri CDL General Knowledge Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the Missouri CDL General Knowledge Test?
Missouri DOR publishes CDL requirements and licensing information, while Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination stations administer the required CDL written examinations.
How many questions are on the Missouri CDL General Knowledge Test?
FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items. Missouri DOR identifies the General Knowledge test as required for all CDL applicants but does not publish a separate public item count on the cited pages.
What score do I need to pass?
FMCSA requires applicants to correctly answer at least 80% of the questions on each CDL knowledge test under 49 CFR 383.135.
How much does the Missouri CLP or CDL cost?
Missouri DOR Driver Guide fee tables list a $19 commercial learner's permit, $22.50 for a CDL valid 0-3 years, and $45 for a CDL valid 0-6 years. DOR notes that CDL knowledge and skills test fees are not included in those permit/license fees.
How long do Missouri CDL written test results stay valid?
Missouri DOR states written test results must not be more than 6 months, or 180 days, old at the time of CDL application.
Do I need a Missouri CLP before taking the CDL skills test?
Yes. Missouri DOR says first-time CDL applicants must complete the required written tests, apply for a CLP, carry the CLP, and hold it for at least 14 days before skills testing.