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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The California 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 California 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 CA 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.
When approaching a traffic light that has been green for a long time, you should:
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speed up to get through the light.
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maintain your current speed.
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start slowing down and be ready to stop.
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2.
Glad hands are:
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warning devices.
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coupling devices.
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securement devices.
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3.
When you have to back, you should always try to back toward the driver's side because:
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backing toward the left side is more dangerous.
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you can see better and watch the rear of your vehicle out the side window.
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None of the above.
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4.
If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30 foot vehicle, how many seconds of following distance should you have?
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3 seconds
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4 seconds
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5 seconds
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5.
Road surfaces where water collects can create conditions that cause a vehicle to hydroplane. Which of the following is an indication of standing water?
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Clear reflections
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Tire splashes
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All of the above.
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6.
When a tire fails, do NOT:
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stay off the brake until the vehicle has slowed down.
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keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
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brake, unless you're about to run into something.
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7.
Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Brake Lag Distance + Braking Distance = ?
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Stopping Distance - (minus) Brake Fade Distance
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Total Stopping Distance
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Total Air Pressure
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8.
When the spring brakes are on, you should:
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pump the brakes.
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not push the brake pedal down.
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press the accelerator.
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9.
How can you determine your following distance?
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When the vehicle ahead of you passes a stationary object on the side of road, start counting the seconds it takes you to reach that same object.
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Pass a stationary object and count how many seconds it takes the vehicle ahead of you to reach that same object.
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When the vehicle ahead of you passes a stationary object such as a sign along the road, use the stopwatch on your smartphone to determine how long it takes you to reach that same object.
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10.
What should you do at an accident scene, among other things, to help prevent another accident?
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Stay in your vehicle and file an accident report.
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If you are stopping to help, park in the area immediately around the accident.
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Put on your 4-way emergency flashers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In California, the minimum age to apply for a DMV test is 15½ years old. If you are at least 17½ years old, you have the option to obtain a permit without completing driver training. When you turn 16, you can obtain a minor's driver license, and the provisional aspect of your class C driver's license comes to an end when you reach 18.
You can schedule an appointment through the official California DMV website to take the DMV written test in person. Alternatively, you can take the exam online during specific hours. You can select this option after filling out your application. If you are under 18, parental or guardian permission is necessary before taking the test. Additionally, this test requires a webcam and cannot be completed on a smartphone/tablet.
You'll need to bring specific documents:
- Application Form. You can fill out this form online or choose the paper version available at any California DMV office. If you're under 18, ensure that your parents/guardians sign the application.
- Proof of identity.
- Full name document.
- Two proofs of residency.
- Social Security Number (SSN).
- If you are under 18, you must also have a Certificate of Completion/Enrollment of Driver Education.
The online version of the DMV written test in California is offered in 35 languages. Although language options are provided, it is advisable to have a basic understanding of English since road signs are always in English.
The DMV written test covers various topics, such as road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Studying the official California Driver’s Handbook is the first step to pass the exam because it contains all of this information. Once you've read it, you can take our free practice tests to test your preparation!
For new drivers in California, there are specific restrictions based on their age and licensing stage. With an instruction permit, you can drive accompanied by a licensed California aged at least 18 (or 25 for minors). After obtaining a provisional license, driving alone is permitted if there are no collisions or traffic violations on your record. In the first 12 months:
- Driving alone is prohibited between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for medical emergencies, school or employment activities, or when accompanied by a family member. A written note is required.
- Transporting passengers under 20 years old is not allowed, except when accompanied by a California-licensed parent or guardian, a driver aged 25 or older, or a certified driving instructor.
- Until you turn 18, the use of a cell phone or electronic wireless device is forbidden, except in emergencies when you need to contact law enforcement or the hospital.
At 18, the restrictions end and you may request a duplicate DL without the term "provisional", after paying a fee.
The driver’s license application remains valid for 12 months. Since you are required to hold the permit for 6 months before taking the road test, if your application expires, you must reapply at a DMV office. The time spent with the instruction permit counts towards the six-month requirement. Bring both the expired and current permits on the day of the driving test to demonstrate the accumulated credit.
If you do not pass your written test, you must wait for 7 days, excluding the day you failed the test, before retaking it. You are allowed three attempts to pass the exam. However, if you fail it three times, your application will no longer be valid, and you must start the application process again.