MARYLAND CDL PRACTICE TEST - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Maryland 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 Maryland 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 MD 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. ABS:
makes it easier to turn.
allows the wheels to lock up.
helps you avoid wheel lock up.
makes it easier to break.
2. When backing, it is important to use a helper whenever possible. Why?
Because you cannot see everything behind your vehicle.
Because it's required by law.
All the above.
To make sure you don't damage your truck.
3. When checking the engine compartment in a vehicle inspection, you should check all of the following except:
Windshield washer fluid level
Coolant level in radiator
Shock absorbers
Engine oil level
4. Which of the following can cause vehicle fires?
Improper fueling
Short circuits and loose connections
Improperly sealed cargo
All of the above.
5. Truck tractors with air brakes built after March 1, 1997, are required to be equipped with:
anti-lock brakes.
a rear backup camera.
hydraulic brakes.
GPS
6. Which of the following statements about retarders is NOT correct?
Retarders help slow a vehicle, reducing the need for using brakes.
Retarders help you avoid skids.
Retarders reduce reduce brake wear.
You should turn the retarder off whenever the road is wet, icy, or snow covered.
7. Regrooved tires:
cannot be used on the front wheels of buses.
cannot be used on the rear wheels of buses.
cannot be used on the wheels of buses.
None of the above.
8. Class 1 hazardous materials include:
Flammable liquids
Flammable solids
Radioactive materials
Explosives
9. Front-end header boards:
protect your from glare and eyestrain.
can cause your vehicle to hydroplane.
protect you from your cargo in case of an accident.
protect the cargo from weather.
10. To determine how much space you should keep in front of you, one good says you need at least ______ for each 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph.
3 seconds
2 seconds
1 second
4 seconds
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

The age requirements to obtain a class C driver's license in Maryland are established by the three-steps of the Rookie Driver Program:
  • Learner’s instructional permit ? you must be at least 15 years and 9 months.
  • Provisional license ? you must be at least 16 years and 6 months.
  • Driver’s license ? you must be at least 18 years old and have held a provisional license for at least 18 months.

To schedule the MVA written test for a learner’s permit, complete the pre-application. You can visit any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, and upon successful completion of your exam, the permit will be mailed to you.

You must bring the following documents:
  • Proof of identity.
  • Proof of Social Security Number or proof of ineligibility.
  • Two Maryland residency documents. If you are under 18, provide one document and bring your parents/guardians with acceptable proof of your relationship.
  • For applicants under 16, a certificate of school attendance must be provided either by the applicant's school or by a parent or guardian.
For a complete list of acceptable documents, refer to the official Maryland Document Guide.


The MVA written test in Maryland is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, French, and Traditional Chinese. You also have the option to schedule an oral exam. Foreign language interpreters are allowed, but applicants must pay their fee. For those who are hearing impaired, the MVD offers assistance free of charge.

You should read the Maryland Driver's 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 Maryland MVA written test comprises 25 questions, and you have 20 minutes to complete it. You should study the manual carefully to ensure your success on the first attempt.
A score of 88% or better is required to pass the MVA written test, so you can miss up to 3 questions. Be cautious and read thoroughly the questions.
For new drivers in Maryland, there are specific restrictions based on their age and licensing stage.

Learner’s permit holders:
  • Are not allowed to use a cell phone, including hands-free devices, except for emergency calls.
  • Must be accompanied by a driver aged 21 or older, with a minimum of 3 years of driving experience, seated in the front passenger seat.
Provisional license holders (Under 18):
  • Cannot drive with passengers under 18, except siblings, for the first 151 days, unless accompanied by a supervising driver.
  • Cannot drive between midnight and 5 am unless supervised by a licensed driver aged 21 or older with at least 3 years of driving experience, or for work, school, volunteer, or sports activities.
  • Are not allowed to use a cell phone, including hands-free devices, except for emergency calls.
  • Must wear safety belts and ensure that other passengers use them.
For all drivers under 21, it's illegal to drive after drinking any amount of alcohol.  

A Maryland learner’s permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. If the permit expires before you can complete or pass the skill test, you will need to reapply for a new permit and retake the knowledge test.

If you fail your MVA written test, you need to schedule another appointment at an MVA office. You can retake the exam the next business day after the first failure. However, if you fail two or more times, you must wait seven days before retaking the permit test.

MD CDL Practice Test

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