ALABAMA CDL PRACTICE TEST - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Alabama CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the Alabama CDL Manual. All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual AL general knowledge test! To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
1. Whether or not you load and secure your load yourself, you are responsible for:
recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight.
knowing your cargo is properly secured.
inspecting your cargo.
All of the above.
2. When you see a hazard that will require slowing down, you should:
speed up to pass the obstacle as quickly as possible.
warn the drivers behind by flashing your brake lights.
alert the drivers behind by pointing and sounding your horn.
immediately come to a compolete stop.
3. Fully loaded trucks require greater stopping distances than empty vehicles. True or False?
True.
False.
True, but only if the truck was built after 1998.
True, but only on wet surfaces.
4. Dollies with ABS are required to have a malfunction lamp:
on the rear.
on the front.
on the left side.
on the right side.
5. At highway speeds, good drivers look at least _______ ahead.
150 feet
1/4 mile
1/2 feet
1 mile
6. Which of the following is not a braking system on a truck?
Steering brake
Service brake
Emergency brake
Parking brake
7. _________ is operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others.
Road rage
Passive driving
Aggressive driving
Angry driving
8. Headlights:
should be out of adjustment.
can blind other drivers.
should not be used when driving at night.
must be turned on a half hour before sunset to a half hour after sunrise.
9. Hydroplaning:
is more likely when tire pressure is low.
is more likely to occur when tire tread is in good condition.
causes your vehicle to go faster.
only occurs at speeds above 55 mph.
10. Before entering a curve, drivers should:
put the transmission in Neutral.
speed up.
downshift to the right gear.
drive on the shoulder.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Make sure you've got all you need when applying. Ensure you bring the following documents to fulfill the necessary requirements:

  • Proof of identity, such as a passport or a certified birth certificate
  • Proof of Social Security Number
  • Proof of residency (at least two documents)
  • Proof of school enrollment (if you are younger than 19)

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will also need a valid passport and a proof of your legal presence in the U.S.

To obtain a class D driver's license in Alabama, teens must follow the three steps of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) system. Here are the age requirements:
  • For a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old.
  • For a restricted license, you must be 16 years old or older.
  • For an unrestricted or regular license, you must be at least 17 years old. However, individuals aged 17 must hold a restricted license for at least six months before applying for a regular license. If you are 18 years old or older, you may apply for a driver’s license immediately (the road skills exam is required).

Individuals who are 18 or older, those aged 17 or older with valid licenses for six months or more, individuals 16 or older who are married and the head of the household, and emancipated individuals are exempt from the GDL program.




After completing a pre-application online for your first license or permit, you can check where the nearest Alabama DMV office is located and its business hours. Call the office or go in person to take your knowledge test.

Alabama provides the option to take the DMV written test in several foreign languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese. For those who are hearing impaired, exams are offered also in American Sign Language at certain driver license offices.

The DMV written test test is based on the Alabama Driver's Manual. Focus on road signs, safe driving practices and road rules. Take our free practice tests to prepare for the test, or sign up for DMV Premium to unlock more resources and prepare for your exam faster!
After passing the required examination, new drivers receive a driver's license with the 'Y' restriction. This allows them to drive accompanied by a driver aged 21 or older or a certified driving instructor seated beside them. For drivers who are 16 years old or 17 with a license of less than 6 months, specific restrictions apply:
  • No more than 1 non-family passenger, excluding parents, guardians, or supervising licensed drivers at least 21 years old.
  • No driving between 12 midnight and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or under certain exceptions like work, school events, religious events, or emergencies.
  • It is unlawful to use handheld communication devices while driving.

Upon passing the road test, a regular license is issued, and the 'Y' restriction is removed.


In Alabama, the learner's license is valid for four years, with the option to renew it once. This waiting period ensures you have ample time to gain valuable driving experience and feel confident before the road exam.

AL CDL Practice Test

Number of questions: 50
Correct answers to pass:40
Passing score:80%
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