FREE CDL General Knowledge Practice Test 2026

The General Knowledge test is required for every CDL applicant regardless of class or endorsement. It covers vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, communicating, space management, seeing hazards, and emergency procedures.

25 questions80% to passExplanations includedRequired for all CDL

Question 1 of 25

What does the term 'tailgating' refer to, and why is it dangerous in a CMV?

Tip: Press 1-4 to select, Enter to submit

About the CDL General Knowledge Test

Every CDL starts here. The General Knowledge test is the one exam no commercial driver can skip, and it sets the foundation for every endorsement that follows. Expect questions on the multi-step pre-trip inspection, controlling a heavy vehicle's speed and space, keeping a following distance that grows with length and weight, scanning far down the road for hazards, and reacting to skids, brake failure, and other emergencies. Master this test and most endorsement material will already feel familiar.

Other CDL Endorsement Tests

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Air Brakes →