DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CDL PRACTICE TEST - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia 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 DC 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.
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1.
When driving on slippery surfaces, a lack of spray from other vehicles indicates that:
the pavement is dry.
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the road hasn't started to ice up yet.
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ice has formed on the road.
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there is no ice on the road surface.
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2.
Using a helper when backing up is:
illegal.
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not recommended.
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dangerous.
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encouraged.
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3.
The parking brake should be tested while the vehicle is:
moving back slowly.
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moving forward slowly.
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moving at highway speeds.
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None of the above.
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4.
When backing your vehicle, it's not recommended to:
back as slow as possible.
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back and turn towards the driver's side.
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use the lowest reverse gear.
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back towards the right side.
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5.
Tar in the road pavement:
frequently rises to the surface in very hot weather.
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increases the ability to maintain traction on a vehicle.
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does not affect the road surface.
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can slow down your vehicle.
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6.
Name 2 causes of tire fires.
Driver smoking and bleeding tar.
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Over-inflated tires and duals that touch.
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Loose connections and poor ventilation.
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Under-inflated tires and duals that touch.
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7.
Placards are:
a type of safety equipment.
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signs put inside a vehicle used to warn others of hazardous materials.
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devices placed below a vehicle to improve traction.
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signs placed on a vehicle to identify the hazard class of the cargo.
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8.
Which of the following statements about backing heavy vehicles is true?
The helper should stand where you cannot see the helper.
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Back to the right side so that you can see better.
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Always back as quickly as possible.
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You should avoid backing whenever you can.
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9.
Your safety equipment must include:
an inter-axle differential lock.
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a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.
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spare electrical fuses (only if your vehicle is equipped with circuit breakers).
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a dimmer switch.
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10.
Weaving across the road or drifting from one side to another is typical of:
shoppers.
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slow drivers.
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confused drivers.
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impaired drivers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a driver's license in the District of Columbia, teens between 16 to 20 are enrolled in the Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers (GRAD) Program:
- If you are at least 16 years old, you can obtain a learner permit.
- If you are 16 ½ and have held a learner permit for at least 6 months without traffic violations, you are ready for the provisional driver license.
- If you are 17 years old and have held a provisional driver license for at least 6 months, you can obtain a full license with conditions (until you turn 18).
At 21 years old, you are released from the GRAD program, and you may immediately schedule a road test.
To schedule and take the DMV written test in the District of Columbia, you have three options:
- Select a DC DMV Service Center and schedule an appointment in person at takemydrivingtest.com/dc. Choose a location, date, and time for your exam.
- Select a Test Proctoring Center.
- If you are between 16 and 20 years old you can choose to take the exam online at home. Upon completing the virtual knowledge test, you'll promptly receive your test results. If you pass, simply visit any DC DMV Office within 14 business days to obtain your learner permit.
DC DMV requires you to bring specific documents to verify your eligibility for a class D driver's license:
- Proof of identity and age.
- Proof of lawful presence.
- Proof of Social Security Number.
- Two proofs of district residency.
- Parental Consent Form (if you are under 18 years old).
- Medical/Eye Form (If you have a particular condition or if you're above 70 years).
Refer to the official DC Document Verification Guide for the complete list of acceptable documents.
The DMV written test in the District of Columbia is available in multiple languages, including English, Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. Additionally, audio-assisted tests are provided for individuals who require assistance with reading.
To prepare for the DMV written test, you can refer to the official DC Driver's Handbook. The manual covers various information about road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. Study carefully the different sections and test your knowledge with our free practice tests!
Learner permit:
- Driving only with an instructor aged 21 or older (no passengers allowed).
- Specific driving hour restrictions (from 6 am to 9 pm).
- All occupants must wear seat belts.
- Mobile phones cannot be used while driving.
Provisional license (16 ½ - 20 years old):
- Driving alone with a maximum of one passenger aged 21 or older in the front seat, or with siblings/child.
- Specific time restrictions:
- September to June (Sunday to Thursday from 6 am to 10:59 pm; Friday and Saturday from 6 am to 11:59 pm)
- July and August (from 6 am to 11:59 pm).
- No driving for compensation (if under 18).
- All occupants must wear seat belts.
Full license with conditions (under 18):
- Same restrictions as the provisional license if you are a minor, but you are allowed to transport two passengers under 21.
Driving hour restrictions don't apply if you are accompanied by a holder of a valid driver's license aged 21 or older or for job, school, religious, or sport activities.
The DC instruction permit is valid for a period of two years for U.S. citizens and cannot be renewed. After its expiration, you will need to retake and pass the knowledge test again. During this period, practice to enhance your driving skills before the road test.
If you don't pass the DMV written test, you must wait 72 hours for a second try. If you fail six consecutive attempts, you will have to wait twelve months from the date of your initial test before retaking it. Sign up for DMV Premium and practice with extra tests to maximize the chance of passing!
DC CDL Practice Test
Number of questions: | 50 |
Correct answers to pass: | 40 |
Passing score: | 80% |
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