INDIANA CDL PRACTICE TEST - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Indiana 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 Indiana 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 IN 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 you get in the vehicle and start the engine, you should:
make sure the parking brake is on before starting the engine.
listen for unusual noises after starting the engine.
put the gearshift in neutral (or park if automatic) before starting the engine.
All of the above.
2. Stab braking cannot be used in vehicles with:
anti-lock brakes.
air brakes.
parking brakes.
spring brakes.
3. If your vehicle catches fire while you are driving, you should:
pull into a service station.
immediately open the van or trailer doors.
increase your speed to put out the fire.
park in an open area.
4. The Individual Vehicle Distance Record (IVDR) must include all of the following except:
Trip origin and destination
Number of stops
Date of trip
Total distance traveled
5. Weaving across the road or drifting from one side to another is typical of:
shoppers.
slow drivers.
confused drivers.
impaired drivers.
6. You should always be looking for hazards to have time to plan a way out of any emergency. This is part of being a:
reasonable driver.
good enough driver.
defensive driver.
modular driver.
7. When inspecting a vehicle's suspension, you should look for broken or missing leaves in the leaf springs.  If ____ or more are missing, it will put the vehicle out of service.
25%
15%
50%
10%
8. When using a fire extinguisher on a fire, you should:
aim the extinguisher at the top of the fire.
get as close to the fire as possible.
stay as far away from the fire as possible.
All of the above.
9. How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Pump the brake pedal three times, then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move.
Pump the brake pedal ten times and see if it holds.
Pull forward against parking brake to make sure the hydraulic brakes holds.
None of the above.
10. If you doubt you have enough space to pass under a bridge, you should:
drive faster.
turn on your headlights.
go slowly.
turn on your 4-way emergency flashers.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

For a learner’s permit, you can apply at the age of 15 if you are enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel training course. Alternatively, if you don’t complete a driver's education course, you must be 16 years of age or older. At the age of 16 years and 90 days, you can obtain a probationary driver's license after you have completed an approved driver education program. For those who have not completed an approved driver education program, the minimum age to obtain a probationary driver's license is 16 years and 270 days. For a standard driver's license, you must be 21 years old.

Generally, you don't schedule an appointment for the BMV written test. Simply choose an Indiana BMV branch and make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time to complete the exam. However, if you require an interpreter for a language not provided by the BMV, you will need to schedule an appointment online.
Ensure you bring the following documents:

  • Proof of identity. Provide legal proof of the name change if your current name is different due to marriage, adoption, etc.
  • One lawful status document (such as a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport).
  • Proof of Social Security Number.
  • Two proofs of residency. If you cannot provide two residency documents, you have the option to submit an Indiana Residency Affidavit.
  • Certificate of driver education course (if applicable).
  • If you are a minor, an adult must sign the back of the application for the Agreement of Financial Liability.


The BMV written test in Indiana is available in various languages, including American Sign Language, French, Korean, Serbian, Arabic, German, Mandarin, Spanish, Burmese, Haitian Creole, Polish, Swahili, Chin, Hindi, Punjabi, Tagalog, Croatian, Japanese, Russian, and Vietnamese. If you speak a language not offered by the BMV, you should arrange for an interpreter yourself and make an appointment online for the exam.

You should read the Indiana Driver’s License Handbook to familiarize yourself with the most common road rules and safe driving practices. Evaluate your knowledge with our free practice tests, or sign up for DMV Premium to unlock exclusive PDF Cheat Sheets!

The Indiana BMV test comprises 50 questions divided into two parts. The first part covers 34 questions about traffic rules and laws, while the second part includes 16 questions about road signs. All questions are multiple-choice, so be sure to read them carefully before providing your answers.

To pass, you are allowed to miss up to 8 questions (6 general questions and 2 traffic sign questions). Stay focused during the exam and take the time to review your answers to minimize errors and pass the test on the first attempt.

Learner's permit restrictions:
  • The use of any telecommunications device is prohibited, unless for calling 911.
  • If you are under 16 years of age and enrolled in a driver education program, you are allowed to drive only under the supervision of a driving instructor seated next to you. Additionally, you may drive with a licensed driver aged 25 or older who is a member of your family or with your spouse who must be at least 21 years old.

Probationary driver's license restrictions:
  • The use of any telecommunications device is prohibited, unless for calling 911.
  • During the first 180 days after obtaining your probationary driver’s license, you are not allowed to drive with passengers unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old, your spouse who must be at least 21 years old, or a driver instructor.
  • During the first 180 days after obtaining your probationary driver’s license, driving is forbidden between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. After this period, further restrictions apply:
- from Sunday to Thursday after 11 p.m.
- from Monday to Friday before 5 a.m.
- during the weekend between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Exceptions to these restrictions include situations related to work, school, or religious events, or if you are accompanied by an adult with a valid driver's license aged 25, or your spouse who must be at least 21.


Learner’s permits are valid for two years. You can renew your permit starting 30 days before the expiration date. If you renew it after more than 180 days since your last knowledge test, you will need to retake the exam.
If you fail your BMV written test, you must wait until the next day to make another attempt. Before trying again, carefully study the rules of the road and memorize road signs.

IN CDL Practice Test

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