300+ Free OR CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions

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When driving a commercial vehicle below 40 mph, what is the recommended following distance rule?

1 second for every 5 feet of vehicle length

1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length

2 seconds for every 10 feet of vehicle length

3 seconds regardless of vehicle length

to track

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: OR CDL General Knowledge Exam

80%

Minimum CDL knowledge-test passing score

FMCSA / 49 CFR 383.135

At least 30

Minimum items on each basic knowledge test

FMCSA / 49 CFR 383.133

6 months

Oregon knowledge-test result validity

Oregon DMV

$10

Oregon CDL knowledge test fee

Oregon DMV Commercial Driver License Fees

$40

Original Oregon CLP fee

Oregon DMV Commercial Driver License Fees

English only

Oregon commercial knowledge-test language

Oregon DMV

Oregon CLP applicants must pass the CDL General Knowledge Test in English, pay the required test fee before testing, and complete CLP application requirements while passed knowledge-test results are valid for six months. Oregon lists age 21 for interstate commercial operation and 18 for intrastate operation, plus identity, residency, Social Security, vision, medical-certification, and non-disqualification requirements. FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items and requires at least 80 percent correct to pass.

Sample OR CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your OR 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.

3Which 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.

4During 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.

5What 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.

6What is the minimum tread depth required for tires on drive and trailer axle positions?

A.4/32 of an inch

B.2/32 of an inch

C.6/32 of an inch

D.1/32 of an inch

Explanation: Tires on drive axles and trailer axles must have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch in every major tread groove. This is less than the 4/32-inch requirement for steer axle tires because drive and trailer tires, while important for traction and braking, are not as critical for directional control as steer tires. However, insufficient tread on any axle reduces traction, increases stopping distance, and raises the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads.

7During a tire inspection, you notice a bulge on the sidewall of one of the steer tires. What should you do?

A.Continue driving but avoid high speeds

B.Have the tire replaced before driving the vehicle

C.Rotate the tire to a non-steer position

D.Reduce air pressure to alleviate the bulge

Explanation: A sidewall bulge indicates internal structural damage to the tire, meaning the reinforcing plies inside the tire have broken. This is extremely dangerous because the tire can blow out without warning. The tire must be replaced before the vehicle is driven. This is especially critical on steer tires, where a blowout can cause the driver to lose directional control. Reducing air pressure will not fix the problem, and rotating the tire to another position still leaves a dangerously damaged tire on the vehicle.

8How should you adjust your mirrors on a commercial motor vehicle?

A.So you can see only the road behind you

B.So you can see just a small portion of the trailer body along with the road behind and to the sides

C.So you can see only the trailer doors

D.Mirrors only need adjustment when pulling a new trailer

Explanation: Mirrors should be adjusted so that you can see the edge of the trailer body (a small sliver) along the inside edge of the mirror, with the rest of the mirror showing the road behind and to the sides. This gives you a reference point for judging the position of other vehicles relative to your vehicle. Both flat (plane) mirrors and convex mirrors should be properly adjusted. Mirrors should be checked and readjusted anytime you hook up to a different trailer or if they are bumped out of adjustment.

9Which types of lights must be checked during a pre-trip inspection?

A.Only headlights and tail lights

B.Headlights (high and low beam), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, four-way flashers, clearance/marker lights, and identification lights

C.Only the lights that face forward

D.Only brake lights and turn signals

Explanation: A complete light inspection must include all lights required on the vehicle: headlights (both high and low beams), tail lights, brake lights (stop lights), turn signals, four-way flashers (hazard lights), clearance lights, side marker lights, and identification lights (the three lights at the top center of the front and rear of large vehicles). All of these lights serve specific safety functions for visibility and communication with other drivers. A burned-out light reduces the driver's ability to see or be seen, increasing the risk of an accident.

10Clearance lights on a commercial motor vehicle serve what primary purpose?

A.To illuminate the road directly in front of the vehicle

B.To indicate the overall width and height of the vehicle to other drivers, especially at night

C.To signal lane changes

D.To provide lighting inside the cargo area

Explanation: Clearance lights are required on vehicles over 80 inches wide and over 30 feet long. Their purpose is to make other drivers aware of the overall width, height, and length of the vehicle, especially in darkness or low-visibility conditions. These amber (front) and red (rear) lights are placed at the extreme edges of the vehicle to outline its dimensions. This helps other drivers judge the size of the commercial vehicle and maintain safe clearance when passing or approaching.

About the OR CDL General Knowledge Exam

The Oregon CDL General Knowledge Test is the base commercial knowledge exam for Oregon commercial learner permit applicants. Oregon DMV administers commercial knowledge testing using the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual and federal FMCSA standards. Oregon requires the General Knowledge Test for CLP applicants, offers commercial knowledge tests in English only, and does not permit translators. FMCSA requires the basic CDL knowledge test to cover the general areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a), contain at least 30 items, and use an 80 percent passing standard. The test covers vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, seeing, communication, speed and space management, hazards, night and adverse-weather driving, railroad crossings, mountain driving, emergencies, skids, cargo securement, fatigue, alcohol and drug rules, and Oregon CLP/CDL procedures.

Assessment

FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items covering the general areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a). Oregon requires the CDL General Knowledge Test for commercial learner permit applicants and may require separate Combination Vehicles, Air Brakes, or endorsement tests depending on the license sought.

Time Limit

Not published by Oregon DMV or FMCSA for the CDL General Knowledge test

Passing Score

80% minimum on CDL knowledge tests under FMCSA standards

Exam Fee

$10 CDL knowledge test; $40 original Commercial Learner Permit on or after January 1, 2024 (Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV))

OR CDL General Knowledge Exam Content Outline

Oregon DMV Section i / Section 1

Oregon CDL and CLP Basics

Oregon CLP eligibility, English-only testing, six-month knowledge-test validity, commercial test waivers, medical certification, and DMV licensing steps.

49 CFR 383.111(a)(17)

Vehicle Inspection

Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip checks; emergency equipment; tires, brakes, lights, steering, suspension, wheels, leaks, and defect reporting.

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

Basic Control, Shifting, and Backing

Starting, accelerating, stopping, steering, backing, off-tracking, turns, gear selection, shifting, traction, and smooth control.

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

Seeing, Communication, Speed, and Space

Visual search, mirrors, signaling, communicating presence, following distance, stopping distance, traffic gaps, overhead clearance, work zones, and road hazards.

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

Adverse Conditions and Emergencies

Night driving, fog, rain, winter driving, hot weather, railroad crossings, mountain grades, brake fade, blowouts, fires, emergency braking, skids, and crash procedures.

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

Cargo, Wellness, Alcohol, Drugs, and Rules

Cargo inspection intervals, weight and balance, securement, fatigue prevention, medical qualification, alcohol/drug effects, basic HazMat awareness, and FMCSA/Oregon CDL requirements.

How to Pass the OR CDL General Knowledge Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 80% minimum on CDL knowledge tests under FMCSA standards
Assessment: FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items covering the general areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a). Oregon requires the CDL General Knowledge Test for commercial learner permit applicants and may require separate Combination Vehicles, Air Brakes, or endorsement tests depending on the license sought.
Time limit: Not published by Oregon DMV or FMCSA for the CDL General Knowledge test
Exam fee: $10 CDL knowledge test; $40 original Commercial Learner Permit on or after January 1, 2024

Keys to Passing

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

OR CDL General Knowledge Study Tips from Top Performers

1Use the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual as the primary source, especially Sections 1, 2, and 3 for General Knowledge.

2Memorize Oregon logistics: English-only tests, $10 CDL knowledge test fee, six-month knowledge-test result validity, CLP before skills testing, and Oregon medical-certification requirements.

3Treat inspection questions as safety decisions: identify the defect, the risk, and whether the vehicle should be operated before repair.

4For speed and space questions, start with stopping distance and visibility; large vehicles need more room and slower speeds in poor conditions.

5Review cargo rules by interval: inspect before starting, within the first 50 miles, then after three hours or 150 miles and after each driving break.

6Keep endorsement-specific study separate unless it overlaps with General Knowledge, such as basic HazMat awareness, air-brake inspection concepts, or combination-vehicle control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Oregon CDL General Knowledge Test?

Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services administers Oregon commercial knowledge testing. FMCSA sets minimum CDL testing standards, while Oregon DMV issues CLPs and CDLs and publishes the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual.

What score do I need to pass?

FMCSA requires CDL applicants to answer at least 80 percent of knowledge-test questions correctly. Oregon CDL knowledge testing must meet that federal minimum standard.

How many questions are on the Oregon CDL General Knowledge Test?

FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items. Oregon DMV identifies the General Knowledge Test as required for CLP applicants, but the official Oregon pages reviewed do not publish a separate Oregon-specific public item count.

How long are passed Oregon CDL knowledge-test results valid?

Oregon DMV states knowledge test results are valid for six months from the date passed. If CLP application requirements are not completed within those six months, the applicant must take and pass the knowledge test or tests again.

What does Oregon CDL testing cost?

Oregon DMV fee materials list a $10 CDL knowledge test fee and a $40 original Commercial Learner Permit fee on or after January 1, 2024. Verify current CDL license, endorsement, and skills-test fees with Oregon DMV before visiting.

Are Oregon CDL knowledge tests available with a translator?

No. Oregon DMV states commercial knowledge tests are offered in English only and translators are not permitted.

Do I need separate tests besides General Knowledge?

Maybe. Oregon DMV lists separate tests for Class A combination vehicles, air-brake-equipped vehicles, passenger, school bus, tanker, hazardous materials, and doubles/triples. General Knowledge is the base test, not a substitute for those additional tests.

300+ Free OR CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions

Oregon CDL General Knowledge Test

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