CDL & commercial driving · timed practice test · free 25-question / 31-minute diagnostic · State DMV / FMCSA
CDL General Knowledge Practice Test — 60 Questions (Free 25-Question Version)
Free 25-question diagnostic, then $5 for 5 full attempts · no signup
UniPrep2Go's free CDL General Knowledge practice test is a 25-question, 31-minute timed diagnostic with a free topic report and answer review — no email, no account. The full mock is 60 questions / 75 minutes on the $5 UniPrep2Go Mock Pass (5 attempts on any mock).
The CDL General Knowledge exam is the written knowledge test required before you can get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and later a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for Class A or Class B vehicles. It covers vehicle systems, safe driving, cargo, and hours-of-service style…
Official-source aligned. Topic weights, timing, and pass rules follow published State DMV / FMCSA outlines. Questions are original UniPrep2Go study aids — not leaked official items. Verify on the official site ↗
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- Questions
- 25 free · 60 full
- Time
- 31 min free · 75 min full
- UniPrep2Go readiness target
- 70%
- Domains
- 4
- Exam body
- State DMV / FMCSA
- Status
- Live · free 25-question / 31-minute diagnostic
Exam version & sources
CDL General Knowledge (Commercial Learner’s Permit / CDL knowledge test)— what this product is (and isn't)
- Exam version
- Current FMCSA / state CDL manual cycle — download your state’s handbook
- Official source
- FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License
- Last reviewed
- July 16, 2026
- What this covers
- 60-question timed diagnostic (75 min; free 25-question / 31-min version) across 4 topic areas, with topic scoring and answer review. Official form: Typically ~50 questions in most states (verify your state CDL manual).
- Pass rule
- Official exam: Typically 80% (40 of 50 correct) in most states — confirm with your DMV. UniPrep2Go mock: 70% readiness target (not an official pass score).
- Does not replace
- Independent study aid — it does not replace official State DMV / licensing agency (FMCSA Commercial Driver’s Manual topics) materials, practice exams, or required training.
CDL & commercial driving · State DMV / FMCSA
CDL General Knowledge practice test
Free 25-question diagnostic · 31 min · full 60Q on Mock Pass
Sample CDL General Knowledge practice questions
These sample items mirror the domains in the timed CDL General Knowledge mock. Correct answers and explanations unlock inside the practice session.
Sample 1
While driving, the oil-pressure warning activates and the gauge falls near zero. What should the driver do?
- A. Increase engine speed to raise the reading
- B. Add oil at the next stop and continue if the light goes out
- C. Stop safely as soon as possible and shut down the engine
- D. Keep driving if coolant temperature stays in the normal range
Sample 2
When making a right turn in a long combination vehicle, what helps prevent off-tracking into other lanes or the curb?
- A. Swing left into the adjacent lane before starting the turn
- B. Swing wide as needed while keeping the rear clear of hazards
- C. Cut the corner tightly to stay in one lane
- D. Begin turning early so the trailer follows the tractor's path
Sample 3
If you must stop on the shoulder due to a breakdown at night, you should
- A. Use flashers and set one triangle 10 feet behind the truck
- B. Set triangles only if the stop lasts over 10 minutes
- C. Park without warnings if you will fix it in under an hour
- D. Use flashers and place triangles at required distances
Sample 4
When covering a load with a tarp, a key securement principle is?
- A. Secure tarp edges so wind cannot get under and tear the cover
- B. Use the tarp as a substitute for required tiedowns
- C. Leave the front edge loose so air can escape underneath
- D. Attach the cover only to movable cargo rather than the vehicle
Sample 5
A driver smells burning brakes and notices reduced braking on a long downgrade. What is the safest response?
- A. Press harder on the brakes to make up for the fade
- B. Shift into a higher gear to reduce engine load on the grade
- C. Move to a safe stopping place and allow the brakes to cool
- D. Pour water on the hot brake drums to cool them quickly
What is the CDL General Knowledge exam?
The CDL General Knowledge exam is the written knowledge test required before you can get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and later a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for Class A or Class B vehicles. It covers vehicle systems, safe driving, cargo, and hours-of-service style rules from the FMCSA Commercial Driver’s Manual — not the skills/road test. States administer the test through their DMV or equivalent; you typically must pass General Knowledge (and any required endorsement knowledge tests) before scheduling skills testing.
Administered by: State DMV / licensing agency, using FMCSA Commercial Driver’s Manual topics (official site ↗)
Official format: Written (or computer-based) multiple-choice knowledge test. Most states use ~50 questions with an 80% pass (40 correct); confirm length, time, and cut score with your state DMV CDL manual. Skills/road testing is separate after you hold a CLP. Endorsement knowledge tests (Air Brakes, Combination, HazMat, etc.) are additional sittings.
Official resources: FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License · Find your state CDL resources
Who this exam is for
CLP / Class A–B applicants who want a free timed General Knowledge baseline before studying their state CDL manual and booking the DMV knowledge test.
How to prepare
Start with this free timed diagnostic to see which CDL General Knowledge domains are weak, then review the published State DMV / FMCSA outline on the official site and drill missed topics with the linked Anki deck before exam day.
Confirm current fees, eligibility, and scheduling with State DMV / FMCSA before you book the real exam.
Topic outline
Core domains candidates usually study for CDL General Knowledge: Vehicle systems & inspection, Safe driving & space management, Cargo securement & weight, Emergencies, hours & rules.
Vehicle systems & inspection
Safe driving & space management
Cargo securement & weight
Emergencies, hours & rules
About this free CDL General Knowledge practice test
A timed FMCSA-handbook-topic diagnostic across vehicle systems & inspection, safe driving & space management, cargo securement & weight, and emergencies/hours/rules — then join the planned 60-card Anki waitlist. Typical state General Knowledge sittings are ~50 questions / 80% (40 correct); this check is a longer 60Q / 75 min diagnostic (free 25-question version) — not a DMV form, not the skills/road test, and not endorsement knowledge tests (Air Brakes, Combination, HazMat, etc.).
Built for: CLP / Class A–B applicants who want a free timed General Knowledge baseline before studying their state CDL manual and booking the DMV knowledge test.
Topics on this practice test: Vehicle systems & inspection, Safe driving & space management, Cargo securement & weight, Emergencies, hours & rules.
- 60 timed multiple-choice questions
- 75-minute pacing target
- UniPrep2Go readiness target: 70% with topic breakdown
- Full answer review after you submit
Your first UniPrep2Go attempt is free: a 25-question timed diagnostic on any exam (Exam or Learn mode, no signup) with the full topic report. Full-length mocks and retakes run on a $5 UniPrep2Go Mock Pass (Gumroad license key): 5 attempts on any mock. After your score, join the linked Anki deck waitlist for the .apkg when it ships.
Join the CDL General Knowledge Anki waitlistOfficial CDL General Knowledge (Commercial Learner’s Permit / CDL knowledge test) facts
Structure and domain weights candidates verify against the certifying body before exam day.
CDL General Knowledge is the core written knowledge test for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and later a Commercial Driver’s License. States administer the exam from FMCSA Commercial Driver’s Manual topics; UniPrep2Go products are independent prep (not a DMV or FMCSA exam). Skills/road testing and endorsement knowledge tests are separate.
- Questions
- Typically ~50 questions in most states (verify your state CDL manual)
- Time
- Often about 60 minutes where published — many states do not publish a hard limit; verify locally
- Passing score
- Typically 80% (40 of 50 correct) in most states — confirm with your DMV
- Delivery
- Written or computer-based at state licensing offices / approved vendors
- Administered by
- State DMV / licensing agency (FMCSA Commercial Driver’s Manual topics)
Knowledge domains and weights
| Domain | Official weight |
|---|---|
| Vehicle systems & inspection | Handbook section — state manuals vary |
| Safe driving & space management | Handbook section — state manuals vary |
| Cargo securement & weight | Handbook section — state manuals vary |
| Emergencies, hours & rules | Handbook section — state manuals vary |
What changed in the current exam cycle
- Most states still use ~50 General Knowledge questions with an 80% pass — a minority differ; always check your state CDL manual.
- ELDT theory/behind-the-wheel training rules apply before skills testing for many first-time CDL applicants — separate from this knowledge mock.
- Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, and endorsements (HazMat, Passenger, School Bus, Tank, Doubles/Triples) are separate knowledge tests.
High-yield facts (commonly tested)
- Typical General Knowledge form: ~50 questions / 80% (40 correct) — verify your state.
- UniPrep2Go’s check is a longer 60-question / 75-minute diagnostic (free 25-question version) with four topic buckets — not a DMV form.
- General Knowledge is not the skills/road test (vehicle inspection, basic controls, road).
- Class A applicants usually also need Combination Vehicles knowledge; air-brake vehicles need the Air Brakes knowledge test.
- Study your state’s official CDL manual first — free third-party banks (CristCDL, US Permit Prep, state DMV practice) win on volume; UniPrep wins on a no-signup timed diagnostic + planned Anki waitlist.
Verify current exam fees, scheduling, and administrative details at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license. Independent study aid — not official exam material.
CDL General Knowledge practice test — quick answers
What is the CDL General Knowledge exam?
It is the core written knowledge test for a Commercial Learner’s Permit / CDL. It checks whether you understand commercial vehicle operation, safety, and cargo rules before you take the skills test.
How many questions are on the CDL General Knowledge test?
Most states use about 50 questions with an 80% pass (40 correct). Some states differ — always verify in your state’s official CDL manual / DMV page. UniPrep’s check is a longer 60-question / 75-minute diagnostic (free 25-question version), not a DMV form.
Is CDL General Knowledge the same as the skills test?
No. General Knowledge is a knowledge (written) exam. The CDL skills test (vehicle inspection, basic controls, and road test) is a separate step after you get a CLP and practice.
Do I need HazMat or passenger endorsements for General Knowledge?
General Knowledge is the base test. Endorsements such as HazMat (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) — and often Air Brakes / Combination for Class A — have their own knowledge tests if your job requires them.
Is there a free CDL General Knowledge practice test?
Yes — your first UniPrep2Go attempt is free, and it can be this one: a 25-question / 31-minute timed diagnostic drawn by the same topic weights, a 70% readiness target, topic scoring, and a full answer review report. No signup, Exam or Learn mode. The full 60-question / 75-minute mock runs on the $5 UniPrep2Go Mock Pass (5 attempts on any mock).
How many free attempts do I get on this CDL General Knowledge practice test?
One. Your first UniPrep2Go attempt is free: a 25-question timed diagnostic on any exam (Exam or Learn mode, no signup) with the full topic report. Full-length mocks and retakes run on a $5 UniPrep2Go Mock Pass (Gumroad license key): 5 attempts on any mock. Every attempt ends with the full topic report and answer review — the report itself is never paywalled.
More FAQAdditional format, scoring, and disclaimer questions
- How many questions are on this free CDL General Knowledge practice test?
- This UniPrep2Go practice test has 60 multiple-choice questions timed against a 75-minute target. The free first attempt is a 25-question / 31-minute diagnostic with the same topic weights; the full session runs on Mock Pass. Most state CDL General Knowledge sittings are ~50 questions / 80% (40 correct) from the FMCSA Commercial Driver’s Manual — verify your state DMV. This UniPrep check is a longer 60Q / 75 min diagnostic. Skills/road testing and endorsement knowledge tests (Air Brakes, Combination, HazMat, etc.) are separate.
- Why is the free CDL General Knowledge practice test 25 questions?
- It is a diagnostic: 25 questions drawn by the same topic weights as the full 60-question mock — enough to rank your weakest topics, short enough to finish in 31 minutes in one sitting. With 1–6 questions per topic it is a quick read, not a verdict; for a full-length timed score, run the 60-question / 75-minute mock.
- What do I get for $5?
- The UniPrep2Go Mock Pass: 5 full timed attempts on any UniPrep2Go mock, including the 60-question CDL General Knowledge session, in Exam or Learn mode. It is a one-time Gumroad license key that works on any device — no subscription. Every attempt ends with the full topic report and answer review.
- What score do you need on this CDL General Knowledge practice test?
- The pass target on this practice test is 70%. Your report also breaks down performance by topic so you can see weak areas before the real exam.
- Who should take this CDL General Knowledge practice test?
- CLP / Class A–B applicants who want a free timed General Knowledge baseline before studying their state CDL manual and booking the DMV knowledge test.
- Where can I take a CDL General Knowledge practice test online?
- UniPrep2Go hosts the CDL General Knowledge Practice Test — 60 Questions (Free 25-Question Version) at https://uniprep2go.study/mock-exams/cdl-general-knowledge-readiness-check with a timed runner and full readiness report.
- Is this official exam material?
- No. This is an independent readiness diagnostic from UniPrep2Go. It is not official exam-board material and does not award certification or guarantee a passing score.
- What does the report show after the mock?
- Your report shows a pass/no-pass verdict with explanation, topic diagnosis, pacing notes, full question review with explanations, and a repair plan that links to the Anki deck waitlist for spaced-repetition practice when the .apkg ships.
- Where do the questions come from?
- Original UniPrep2Go local bank aligned to FMCSA handbook topics.
Guides for this exam
State rules, test-day logistics, and study plans that point back to this practice path.