OHIO CDL PRACTICE TEST - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Ohio 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 Ohio 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 OH 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. Backing is dangerous because:
you cannot see everything behind your vehicle.
cargo may fall out.
you have to turn the steering wheel toward the direction you want to go.
2. If you must drive slowly, how should you alert following drivers?
Turn on your taillights
Flash your brake lights
Use your emergency flashers if it is legal
3. When looking ahead of your vehicle while you are driving, you should:
look as far as your peripheral vision can see.
shift your attention back and forth, near and far.
look to the left side of the road.
4. In a convex mirror everything appears:
darker.
larger.
smaller.
5. During a pre-trip inspection, to check your lights you should:
with the engine running, put the vehicle in a forward gear and turn on the headlights.
check the yellow malfunction lamps on the instrument panel.
turn off the engine, turn on the headlights and 4-way emergency flashers, and get out of the vehicle.
6. When checking the steering system during your pre-trip inspection you should look for:
mismatched lock rings.
steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees.
cracked drums.
7. While driving, you should use your mirrors to:
check where the rear of your vehicle is while you make turns.
know where other vehicles are around you.
All of the above.
8. The tire load for each tire is stated:
on the side of the tire.
on the tread of the tire.
on the inside of the tire.
9. After beginning a trip, you should inspect your cargo:
within the first 50 miles.
during your first rest stop.
within the first 100 miles.
10. Why should you check your mirrors regularly to know where other vehicles are around you?
To flash the brake lights if you are being tailgated.
To move out of their way if they want to get past.
To know whether you can make a quick lane change in an emergency.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

If you are 15 ½, you can get a TIPIC (temporary instruction permit identification card) within 60 days of passing the knowledge and vision tests. After holding the permit for six months and completing your driving instruction, you can apply for a probationary license within 60 days after passing the driving and skills tests. If you're 18 or older, after obtaining the permit, you can obtain a class D driver license without the six-month waiting period.

You have two options:
  • You can visit an Ohio driver exam office. No appointment is required, but check days and business hours of the chosen office.
  • You can take the test online at KnowTo Drive, the official knowledge testing platform. If you are between 15 ½ and 19 years old, you must be supervised by a driver who is at least 19 years old. After passing the test, you are still required to visit a local Ohio BMV office to validate your identity and pass the vision screening.

Applicants can choose between a compliant and a standard license. Ensure you have proof for the following based on your card preference:
  • Full legal name (and proof of name change, if applicable)
  • Date of birth
  • Legal presence in the U.S.
  • Social Security number (SSN)
  • Ohio street address (you'll need two documents for a compliant card and one document for a standard card)

Refer to the acceptable documents list for more information.


The BMV written test is offered in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian, Somali, and Spanish. If you speak another language or are hearing impaired, you may use an interpreter. 

The BMV written test covers road rules, safe driving practices, and road signs. Studying the official Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws 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!
The Ohio BMV written test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and is based on the information provided in the manual. Remember, you have 60 minutes to complete the online test. Taking numerous practice tests and thoroughly studying the handbook will increase your chances of success.

To pass the Ohio BMV written test, you need to reach a score of 75%. This means that you must correctly answer 30 questions and can miss up to 10 questions. Sign up for DMV Premium to test your preparation and check if you are ready for the real exam.

With a permit in Ohio, the following restrictions apply:
  • You must have your permit while driving.
  • If you are under 16, a parent/guardian, or a licensed driving instructor must be in the passenger seat. If you are 16 or older, driving is allowed with any licensed driver over 21 in the passenger seat, except between midnight and 6 a.m. During this time you must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, custodian, or an approved driver aged 21 years or older (form BMV 2438).
  • Everyone in the vehicle must use safety belts.

With a probationary license, these restrictions apply:
  • Driving is prohibited from midnight to 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or custodian, or an approved driver aged 21 years or older. Exceptions for driving during restricted hours include employment activities and school-sponsored or religious events (form BMV 2826).
  • You can transport only one non-family member unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Everyone in the vehicle must use safety belts.
  • The driver is prohibited from using any mobile devices, including cellular phones.
If you are under 18, during the first 12 months of holding a license, you cannot drive from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or an approved driver aged 21 years or older, authorized by the BMV 2438 form, or for employment activities and school-sponsored or religious events (form BMV 2826).

In Ohio, an instruction permit is valid for a period of one year. If you are under 18, use this time to complete a driver education class (24 hours of instruction and 8 hours of driving time) at a training school and accumulate 50 hours of driving before scheduling the road test to obtain a probationary driver license.

If you don't pass your BMV written test, you'll need to wait for 24 hours before attempting it again. There's no restriction on the number of retests available in person. However, if you opt for the online permit test, you're allowed a maximum of two attempts within a six-month period.

OH CDL Practice Test

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