CCDL Permit Prep

General Knowledge · page 4 of 19

General Knowledge questions 61–80

Part of the 376-question General Knowledge pool. Each answer cites the FMCSA CDL Manual or the federal rule it comes from.

Practise these as a timed set

  1. A CDL must be issued by:

    • AAny state you choose
    • BYour employer
    • CThe federal government
    • DThe state where you have legal residenceCorrect

    You must obtain your CDL from the state where you have legal residence. You can only hold one CDL at a time.

    49 CFR Part 383 · One driver license and state-issued CDL requirements · verified 2026-09-08

  2. After establishing domicile in a different state, a CDL holder must apply to transfer the CDL within:

    • A30 daysCorrect
    • B60 days
    • C90 days
    • D1 year

    Federal CDL rules require a driver who changes state of domicile to apply for a transfer CDL within 30 days of establishing the new domicile.

    49 CFR § 383.71 · Driver application and certification procedures - CDL transfer after domicile change · verified 2026-09-08

  3. Who must directly supervise a commercial learner's permit (CLP) holder while driving?

    • ANo one — they can drive alone
    • BA CDL holder with the proper class and endorsements, seated beside the driver or in the allowed first-row position for a passenger vehicleCorrect
    • CAny licensed driver
    • DA mechanic, who is not required to hold a CDL of the proper class or endorsements

    A CLP holder must be directly supervised by a CDL holder with the proper class and endorsements. The supervisor sits beside the driver; in a passenger vehicle, the rule also permits the supervisor directly behind or in the first row behind the driver.

    49 CFR § 383.25 · Commercial learner permit holder supervision requirements · verified 2026-09-08

  4. Which of these will result in a lifetime CDL disqualification?

    • AUsing a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substancesCorrect
    • BA parking violation in a restricted zone
    • CFirst speeding ticket
    • DFailure to submit a medical card on time

    Using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances is listed as a lifetime CDL disqualification under 49 CFR §383.51.

    49 CFR § 383.51 · Lifetime CDL disqualification rules · verified 2026-09-08

  5. The X endorsement on a CDL combines which two endorsements?

    • AP and S (Passenger and School Bus)
    • BH and P (HazMat and Passenger)
    • CT and N (Doubles/Triples and Tank)
    • DH and N (HazMat and Tank)Correct

    The X endorsement combines both the H (Hazardous Materials) and N (Tank Vehicle) endorsements into a single designation. It is required when a driver hauls hazardous materials in a tank vehicle — the combination is common in fuel transport and chemical delivery.

    49 CFR § 383.93 · 49 CFR 383.93(c): Tank vehicle and hazardous materials (X) endorsement · verified 2026-09-08

  6. When driving a CMV through a work zone, which action is recommended?

    • AMaintain highway speed through the work zone.
    • BSlow down, maintain extra space ahead, and watch for workers.Correct
    • CMove to the shoulder to avoid delays.
    • DTurn on your high beams.

    Slow down, maintain extra space ahead, and stay alert for workers, lane closures, and traffic pattern shifts. Follow posted signs and speed limits.

    FMCSA Work Zones Safety Tips · Slow Down; Keep Your Distance; Pay Attention · verified 2026-09-08

  7. Which situation creates a rollover risk for a CMV?

    • ADriving straight at highway speed.
    • BEntering a curve or ramp too fast.Correct
    • CBacking up.
    • DStopping at a red light.

    Driving too fast for conditions or failing to slow for curves and ramps can cause a rollover. Large vehicles with a high center of gravity need lower speeds on curves and ramps.

    FMCSA CMV Driving Tips — Too Fast for Conditions · TIP #2: Enter a Curve Slowly; TIP #3: Reduce Your Speed Before Entering an Exit/Entrance Ramp · verified 2026-09-08

  8. You should avoid driving beside other vehicles on multi-lane roads because:

    • AIt's illegal in most states regardless of visibility
    • BIt increases fuel use from air turbulence between the vehicles
    • CAnother driver may change lanes into you, or you may be trapped when you need to change lanesCorrect
    • DIt makes it harder to judge your following distance

    The manual names two dangers of traveling alongside other vehicles: another driver may change lanes suddenly and turn into you, and you may be trapped when you need to change lanes. Find an open spot away from other traffic.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 2.7.3: Space to the sides (Traveling next to others) · verified 2026-09-29

  9. You can move weight off the steer axle by moving cargo:

    • ATo the rear of the trailerCorrect
    • BTo the front of the trailer
    • CAll to one side
    • DWeight cannot be redistributed

    Moving cargo toward the rear of the trailer shifts weight off the steer axle. But don't put too much weight on the rear — balance is key.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely · verified 2026-09-08

  10. If your trailer wheels start to skid, you should:

    • ABrake harder
    • BUse the trailer hand brake to straighten the rig
    • CAccelerate to regain traction
    • DRelease the brakes to regain tractionCorrect

    For a trailer skid, release the brakes to regain traction. Do not use the trailer hand brake to straighten the rig; once the trailer wheels grip the road, the trailer should follow the tractor.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 6.1.5: Prevent trailer skids · verified 2026-09-08

  11. During inspection, leaf springs should be checked for:

    • AColor
    • BOil leaks
    • CBroken or missing leavesCorrect
    • DElectrical connections

    Inspect leaf springs for cracked, broken, or missing leaves. Shifted spring assemblies can affect vehicle handling.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 2.1.6: Suspension system defects · verified 2026-09-08

  12. What does CDL stand for?

    • ACommercial Driver's LicenseCorrect
    • BCommercial Driving Law
    • CCertified Driver's License
    • DCommercial Delivery License

    CDL stands for Commercial Driver’s License. The exact CDL requirement depends on the vehicle class and intended operation.

    FMCSA CDL Manual · Introduction to CDL · verified 2026-09-08

  13. Under the federal interstate driver-qualification rule, what minimum age generally applies to a CMV driver?

    • A18
    • B21Correct
    • C25
    • D16

    Federal qualification rules generally require a CMV driver to be at least 21. State intrastate exceptions and other regulatory exceptions are outside this national interstate rule, so do not treat the answer as a universal CDL-issuance age.

    49 CFR § 391.11 · § 391.11(b)(1): General qualifications of drivers · verified 2026-09-08

  14. A vehicle label lists its GVWR. What does that abbreviation mean?

    • AGross Vehicle Wheel Ratio
    • BGross Vehicle Weight Restriction
    • CGeneral Vehicle Weight Regulation
    • DGross Vehicle Weight RatingCorrect

    GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum weight a vehicle is rated to carry, including its own weight plus cargo and all passengers. It is set by the manufacturer.

    FMCSA CDL Manual · Commercial Motor Vehicle Requirements · verified 2026-09-08

  15. Before starting a trip, a CMV driver must inspect the vehicle. The pre-trip inspection is required:

    • ABefore every tripCorrect
    • BOnly at the beginning of each workday
    • COnce per week
    • DOnly when a defect was noted on the previous trip

    FMCSA regulations require a pre-trip inspection before every trip. The driver must report any defects and ensure they are corrected before operating the vehicle.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual (2005 CDL Testing System) · 49 CFR 396.13; FMCSA Manual Section 2.1.1: Vehicle inspection before driving · verified 2026-09-08

  16. Under 49 CFR 396.11, when must a driver prepare a written Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)?

    • AWhen a defect or deficiency is found or reported that would affect safe operation or cause a mechanical breakdown.Correct
    • BAt the end of every day, even if no defects are found.
    • COnce a week.
    • DOnly for trips over 150 miles.

    A driver must prepare a written DVIR at the end of the day when a defect or deficiency is found or reported that would affect safe operation or result in a mechanical breakdown.

    49 CFR § 396.11 · Driver vehicle inspection report(s) · verified 2026-09-08

  17. A CMV driver is on duty with a measured alcohol concentration below 0.04. Under 49 CFR § 392.5, what can happen?

    • ANothing, because every alcohol rule starts at 0.04
    • BThe driver may finish the shift before reporting it
    • CThe driver can be placed out of service for 24 hoursCorrect
    • DThe driver is automatically disqualified for life

    Section 392.5 bars any measured alcohol concentration or detected presence while a driver is on duty or operating or controlling a CMV. A violation produces an immediate 24-hour out-of-service order. The separate 0.04 concentration rule can trigger CDL disqualification consequences.

    Electronic Code of Federal Regulations · 49 CFR § 392.5(a)(2), (c) — on-duty alcohol prohibition and 24-hour out-of-service order · verified 2026-09-07

  18. When driving in fog, a CMV driver should:

    • AUse hazard lights instead of headlights
    • BUse high beams to see farther
    • CMaintain normal speed to clear the fog zone quickly
    • DUse low beams and slow enough to stop within visible distanceCorrect

    In fog, slow before entering, use low-beam headlights (and fog lights when available), and turn on four-way flashers as the FMCSA manual advises.

    FMCSA CDL Manual · Driving Safely · verified 2026-09-08

  19. What is the primary purpose of retarders (engine brake, jake brake) on a CMV?

    • ATo hold the vehicle in place when parked on level ground
    • BTo provide additional stopping power in emergency stops
    • CTo assist steering on slippery roads
    • DTo slow the vehicle using engine compression, reducing brake wear on long gradesCorrect

    Retarders (engine brakes, exhaust brakes, hydraulic retarders) slow the vehicle using engine resistance rather than friction brakes. They are most useful on long downgrades to prevent brake fade. Turn them off on slippery roads.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 2.3.4: Retarders · verified 2026-09-08

  20. What does 'off-tracking' mean for large trucks?

    • AThe truck drifts outside its lane on curves
    • BThe trailer slides sideways during braking
    • CThe rear wheels follow a shorter path than the frontCorrect
    • DThe steering wheels lose traction during sharp turns

    Off-tracking (also called 'cheating') occurs when the rear wheels of a long vehicle take a tighter, shorter path than the front wheels when turning. Drivers must swing wide to prevent the rear from hitting curbs or pedestrians.

    FMCSA CDL Manual · Driving Safely · verified 2026-09-08