In Partnership with Howard County Library System

View instructions
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. Driving without a CDL, or with a suspended CDL, incurs:
a civil penalty or, in aggravated cases, criminal penalties.
prison time.
a large fine.
All of the above.
2. Railroad crossings with steep approaches:
require drivers to shift gears while crossing the tracks.
require drivers to increase their speed before crossing the tracks.
are the safest type of railroad crossing.
can cause your unit to hang up on the tracks.
3. Enough tread is especially important in winter conditions. You need at least ________ tread depth on steering axle tires.
2/8 inch
8/32 inch
4/32 inch
6/24 inch
4. You should downshift:
before exiting a curve.
before starting up a hill.
before starting down a hill or entering a curve.
None of the above.
5. Retarders:
help slow a vehicle.
reduce brake wear.
reduce the need for using your brakes.
All of the above.
6. If you doubt you have enough space to pass under a bridge, you should:
go slowly.
turn on your headlights.
drive faster.
turn on your 4-way emergency flashers.
7. When a combination vehicle goes around a corner:
the driver must keep the rear of your vehicle far away from the curb.
the rear wheels of the trailer will never off-track.
the front and rear wheels follow a different path.
All of the above.
8. When faced with an emergency, drivers should:
make a U-turn and go in the opposite direction.
drive away as quickly as possible.
come to a stop if it is safe to do so.
immediately drive to the nearest police station.
9. A steering wheel play of more than ___ degrees can make it hard to steer.
45
10
60
20
10. If you need to make a large steering adjustment while using controlled braking, you should:
downshift and keep braking.
release the brakes.
keep braking as hard as you can while steering.
pump the brakes and keep the wheels locked up.
 
Page 1 of 5
Next page

MD CDL Knowledge Test

Number of questions: 50
Correct answers to pass:40
Passing score:80%
Share This Online CDL Test
Rate this CDL Knowledge Test
4.8 out of 5
based on 255 votes