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300+ Free NJ CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions

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What is the proper technique for shifting gears in a commercial motor vehicle with a manual transmission (double clutching)?

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NJ CDL General Knowledge Exam

50

NJ CDL General Knowledge questions

NJ MVC CDL Tests

80%

minimum passing score

NJ MVC CDL Tests and 49 CFR 383.135

$125

NJ MVC CDL test fee

NJ MVC CDL Tests

7 days

knowledge retake wait after failure

NJ MVC CDL Tests

14 days

CLP practice period before skills test unless waived

NJ MVC CDL Tests

18

minimum qualifying age for a New Jersey commercial license

NJ MVC Commercial Driver License Manual

New Jersey MVC lists the CDL General Knowledge test as a 50-question exam with an 80% passing standard and a $125 test fee. Applicants must first obtain an Examination Test Receipt with 6 Points of ID, and failed knowledge-test attempts require a seven-day wait before retesting. After passing knowledge tests, applicants generally practice with a validated CLP for 14 days before the skills test unless waived. FMCSA sets the required knowledge areas and state testing standards in 49 CFR Part 383, while MVC administers and issues the New Jersey CDL.

Sample NJ CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NJ 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 NJ CDL General Knowledge Exam

The New Jersey CDL General Knowledge test is the base CDL knowledge exam for New Jersey commercial driver applicants. MVC requires applicants to obtain an Examination Test Receipt before testing, bring 6 Points of ID, identify the vehicle type and endorsements needed, and pass the 50-question general test with at least 80% correct. The content is based on the New Jersey Commercial Driver License Manual and federal CDL standards covering vehicle inspection, safe vehicle control, seeing and communication, speed and space management, adverse conditions, emergency response, cargo, fatigue, alcohol/drug effects, and state/federal CDL basics.

Assessment

New Jersey MVC publishes a 50-question CDL General Knowledge test with additional separate tests for endorsements. FMCSA requires state knowledge tests to use pre-approved/comparable question pools and cover the required knowledge areas for the vehicle group or endorsement.

Time Limit

Computer-based MVC knowledge testing; no separate public time limit found in official sources

Passing Score

80% minimum on CDL knowledge tests

Exam Fee

$125 CDL test fee (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC))

NJ CDL General Knowledge Exam Content Outline

NJ MVC CDL process

New Jersey CDL Basics

Examination Test Receipt, 6 Points of ID, citizenship/status proof, $125 test fee, 50-question General Knowledge test, 80% passing score, seven-day retake wait, 14-day CLP practice rule, and ELDT timing

49 CFR 383.111(a)(17)

Vehicle Inspection

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

49 CFR 383.111(a)(4)-(10)

Basic Control, Shifting, Speed, and Space

Starting, stopping, shifting, backing, turning, off-tracking, braking technique, speed control, stopping distance, following distance, side space, traffic gaps, and overhead clearance

49 CFR 383.111(a)(7), (10), (13)

Seeing, Communication, and Hazards

Visual search, mirror use, signaling, communicating presence, railroad crossings, intersections, work zones, and recognition of road-user hazards

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

Adverse Conditions and Emergencies

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

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

Cargo, Alcohol, Drugs, and Regulations

Cargo securement, weight distribution, driver responsibility, general hazardous-materials awareness, alcohol and drug effects, medical/fitness topics, and FMCSA/state CDL roles

How to Pass the NJ CDL General Knowledge Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% minimum on CDL knowledge tests
  • Assessment: New Jersey MVC publishes a 50-question CDL General Knowledge test with additional separate tests for endorsements. FMCSA requires state knowledge tests to use pre-approved/comparable question pools and cover the required knowledge areas for the vehicle group or endorsement.
  • Time limit: Computer-based MVC knowledge testing; no separate public time limit found in official sources
  • Exam fee: $125 CDL test 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

NJ CDL General Knowledge Study Tips from Top Performers

1Start with Section 1 and Section 2 of the New Jersey CDL manual so MVC process facts and core safe-driving rules are fresh before practicing questions.
2Memorize the New Jersey logistics that are easy to miss: 50 questions, 80% passing score, $125 test fee, seven-day knowledge retake wait, and the 14-day CLP practice period before skills testing unless waived.
3Practice inspection questions by grouping defects by system: tires/wheels, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, mirrors, leaks, emergency equipment, and cargo.
4For driving-scenario questions, identify the safest action first: slow early, increase space, communicate clearly, avoid sudden steering or braking, and maintain control.
5Review cargo securement and weight distribution after safe-driving topics; shifted or overweight cargo often turns into rollover, braking, or steering-control questions.
6Do mixed timed sets after topic review so railroad crossings, mountain driving, fatigue, alcohol/drug rules, and emergency procedures stay in rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the New Jersey CDL General Knowledge test?

New Jersey MVC publishes the CDL knowledge test as a 50-question general test. Separate endorsement tests apply when the applicant needs endorsements.

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

MVC states that applicants must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly. Federal CDL regulations in 49 CFR 383.135 also require at least 80% correct on knowledge tests.

How much does the New Jersey CDL knowledge-test process cost?

New Jersey MVC lists the CDL test fee as $125. Applicants should verify current MVC fee pages for any license, endorsement, medical, training, or renewal costs beyond the test fee.

What do I need before taking New Jersey CDL knowledge tests?

MVC says applicants must obtain an Examination Test Receipt before taking knowledge tests. To get it, applicants make an appointment, bring 6 Points of ID, and identify the commercial vehicle type and endorsements needed.

What happens if I fail the New Jersey CDL knowledge test?

MVC says applicants who fail the knowledge test must wait seven days before retaking it. Retakes are allowed, but if the applicant has not passed after 180 days, the Test Receipt must be renewed.

When can I take the New Jersey CDL skills test after passing knowledge tests?

MVC states that applicants can take the CDL skills test 14 days after passing the knowledge test unless the requirement is waived. MVC also says applicants should practice with a current validated CLP and an accompanying qualified CDL licensed person.

Does ELDT apply in New Jersey?

Yes. MVC states that, effective February 7, 2022, applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before taking the CDL skills test for a CDL or any endorsements when ELDT applies.