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Exam Review

Key Facts: TX CDL General Knowledge Exam

80%

Passing Score

49 CFR 383.135 / FMCSA States page

30+

Minimum Basic Knowledge-Test Items

FMCSA States page / 49 CFR 383.133

$25

Texas Original CLP Fee

Texas DPS Driver License Fees

14 days

Minimum CLP Hold Before Skills Test

Texas DPS CDL application page / CDL FAQ

180 days

Texas CLP Validity

Texas DPS CDL application page / Texas CMV Driver Handbook

Texas CLP applicants must pass Texas Commercial Rules first, then General Knowledge and any required class, air-brake, or endorsement knowledge tests. FMCSA requires basic CDL knowledge tests to include at least 30 items, cover the 20 general areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a), and use an 80% passing standard. Texas DPS lists an original CLP fee of $25 and a standard new CDL fee of $97 for ages 18 to 84.

Sample TX CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the TX CDL General Knowledge exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 310+ 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.

5A 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.

6During 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.

7Which 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.

8During 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.

9What 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.

10What 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.

About the TX CDL General Knowledge Exam

Texas CDL General Knowledge practice for CLP applicants covering the Texas CMV Driver Handbook, FMCSA general knowledge areas, safe driving, inspections, cargo, and CDL basics.

Exam sponsor: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) under FMCSA CDL standards. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items and cover the 20 general knowledge areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a). Texas DPS requires General Knowledge after Texas Commercial Rules for CLP applicants.

Time Limit

Texas DPS does not publish a fixed time limit for the General Knowledge test

Passing Score

80%

Exam / Certification Fees

$25 original CLP; $97 standard new CDL for ages 18 to 84 when issued

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. Texas DPS and FMCSA do not publish an official pass rate for the Texas CDL General Knowledge test. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Vehicle Inspection and Control Systems

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

20%

Basic Control, Shifting, Speed, and Space

Starting, stopping, backing, turning, off-tracking, shifting, following distance, braking distance, curves, ramps, grades, and overhead clearance.

15%

Seeing, Communication, and Hazard Perception

Scanning, mirror use, signaling, traffic conflicts, railroad crossings, work zones, pedestrians, cyclists, and defensive response to aggressive or distracted road users.

20%

Adverse Conditions, Emergencies, and Skid Recovery

Night driving, fog, rain, snow, ice, hydroplaning, hot weather, mountain driving, brake failure, tire blowouts, off-road recovery, fires, emergency stops, and skid control.

15%

Cargo, Weight, and Securement

Cargo inspection timing, tie-down requirements, blocking and bracing, tarps, working load limits, weight distribution, axle limits, and bridge formula basics.

10%

Driver Wellness and Texas CDL Rules

Fatigue, alcohol/drug testing, CDL disqualifications, medical certification, Texas CLP requirements, fees, ELDT, and DPS testing logistics.

Preparing for the TX CDL General Knowledge Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 80%
Assessment: FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items and cover the 20 general knowledge areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a). Texas DPS requires General Knowledge after Texas Commercial Rules for CLP applicants.
Time limit: Texas DPS does not publish a fixed time limit for the General Knowledge test
Exam / certification fees: $25 original CLP; $97 standard new CDL for ages 18 to 84 when issued Official sources

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TX CDL General Knowledge: Suggested Study Strategy

1Use the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook as the primary study source before taking any Texas DPS knowledge test.

2Start with inspection defects and control systems because 49 CFR 383.111 explicitly includes vehicle inspection and safety-control knowledge.

3Practice following-distance, stopping-distance, turning, backing, and railroad-crossing scenarios until the safe action is automatic.

4Review night, fog, rain, snow, ice, hot weather, mountain driving, skids, blowouts, and brake-failure procedures as separate hazard groups.

5Memorize cargo inspection intervals, securement principles, axle-weight concepts, and how shifting cargo affects vehicle control.

6Know Texas logistics: Texas Commercial Rules comes before General Knowledge, the original CLP fee is $25, and the CLP is valid for 180 days or until the base license expires.

7Confirm whether you need additional tests such as air brakes, combination vehicles, tanker, passenger, school bus, hazmat, or doubles/triples before visiting DPS.

8Plan CLP timing around the 14-day minimum holding period and ELDT requirements before scheduling a skills test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who must take the Texas CDL General Knowledge test?

Texas DPS requires General Knowledge as part of the CLP knowledge-testing sequence for CDL applicants, along with Texas Commercial Rules and any class, air-brake, or endorsement tests that apply.

What score do I need to pass?

FMCSA requires applicants to answer at least 80% of each CDL knowledge test correctly. This standard applies to general and endorsement knowledge tests.

How many questions are on the official test?

FMCSA states each basic knowledge test must contain at least 30 items. Texas uses CDL knowledge tests through DPS that must meet federal standards.

What order are Texas CDL knowledge tests taken in?

Texas DPS lists the order as Texas Commercial Rules, General Knowledge, Combination for Class A only, Air Brake if applicable, and then endorsements.

What does it cost to start with a Texas CLP?

Texas DPS lists the original Commercial Learners Permit fee as $25. A standard new CDL for ages 18 to 84 is listed at $97 when the CDL is issued.

When can I take the CDL skills test after getting a CLP?

Texas DPS states a CLP must be held for at least 14 days before the CDL skills test. Covered applicants must also complete applicable FMCSA-approved ELDT before the skills test.

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