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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Texas 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 Texas 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 TX 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.
How should you hold the steering wheel?
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Firmly, with your hands on opposite sides of the wheel
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Firmly, with your left hand at the top of the wheel and the right hand at the bottom of the wheel
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With your right hand on the wheel
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With your left hand on the wheel
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2.
The posted speed limit for a curve:
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is safe for all vehicles.
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is optional and may be exceeded.
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is safe for trucks or buses, but it may be too fast for cars.
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may be too fast for many trucks or buses.
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3.
You must have at least ________ tread depth on tires other than front tires.
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4/16 inch
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2/32 inch
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4/32 inch
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8/32 inch
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4.
Which of these statements about using your mirrors is FALSE?
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There are blind spots that your mirrors cannot show you.
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You should use your mirrors to spot overtaking vehicles.
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When driving, you should check mirrors regularly to know where other vehicles are around you.
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None of the above.
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5.
Which of these is a possible consequence of forcing an automatic transmission into a lower gear at high speed?
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Loss of all engine braking effect
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Loss of steering control
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Loss of hydraulic pressure
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All of the above.
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6.
An anti-lock braking system (ABS):
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helps you avoid wheel lock up.
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should help you steer around an obstacle while braking.
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helps you avoid skids caused by over braking.
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All of the above.
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7.
For a hazmat endorsement, applicants will be required to:
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supply employment records for the last three years.
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submit fingerprints and undergo a background check.
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supply a list of the states visited within the last 3 years.
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All of the above.
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8.
What is an advantage of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
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If you are blocked on both sides, a move to the right won't force anyone into an opposing traffic lane and a possible head-on accident.
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No one is likely to be passing you on the left, but someone may be driving on the shoulder.
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There is no real advantage.
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If an oncoming driver has drifted into your lane, their natural response will be to brake suddenly.
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9.
The Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is:
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the weight of the vehicle, trailer, and cargo.
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the weight of the trailer and cargo.
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the weight of the vehicle and its trailer(s).
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the total weight of a single vehicle including its load.
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10.
_______ is the distance your vehicle travels, in ideal conditions, from the time you see a hazard until your brain recognizes it.
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Braking distance
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Reaction distance
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Perception distance
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Total stopping distance
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Frequently Asked Questions
Under the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, the age requirements for applicants under 18 are as follows:
- You must be at least 15 years old for a learner license.
- You must be between 16 and 17 years of age to apply for a provisional driver license.
- You must be 18 years old or older to receive a class C driver license.
If you are under 25, you need to enroll in a driver education course and you can take the DMV written test at the driving school. After passing the exam, you have to visit a Texas driver license office to obtain a learner license. Alternatively, you can choose to take the permit test at any driver license office.
You'll need to bring these documents to a driver license office:
- A completed application signed by your parent/legal guardian, either at the driver license office or in front of a public notary.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.
- Two proofs of your Texas residency.
- Proof of identity.
- Proof of your Social Security number.
- Texas Vehicle Registration and proof of insurance of your vehicle (if available).
- Texas Driver Education Certificate and proof of passing the DMV written test (if applicable).
- Verification of school enrollment, or a high school diploma or equivalent (for minors).
The DMV written test in Texas is available in English or Spanish and you need to understand road signs written in English. If needed, you can bring a translator, but they can only assist you in communicating with the specialist before and after the exam.
To prepare for the DMV written test, read the Texas Driver's Handbook and take our free practice tests to verify your knowledge. Topics covered on the exam include road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Once your scores are good, you are ready for the real test.
The Texas DMV written test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and is based on the information provided in the manual. Remember, you have 1 hour to complete the exam. Taking numerous practice tests and thoroughly studying the handbook will increase your chances of success.
You must answer at least 21 questions correctly, and you can miss up to 9 questions to pass the test. The minimum score required to succeed in the exam is 70%. Take your time during the test to make sure you understand the questions well.
For new drivers in Texas, specific restrictions apply.
If you have a learner license:
- You must drive only under the supervision of a licensed adult aged 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat.
If you have a provisional driver license:
- You are not permitted to drive with more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member.
- Driving a motor vehicle between midnight and 5:00 a.m. is prohibited, except for work, school-related activities, or medical emergencies.
Additionally, all drivers under 18 years old are prohibited from using any wireless communication device, except in emergencies. Furthermore, drivers under 21 are prohibited from operating a vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol (Zero Tolerance law).
Your learner license will remain valid until your 18th birthday. Use this period to fulfill all the necessary requirements before applying for a provisional driver license. If you are under 18 years old, you can renew it in person at a Texas driver license office.
After the first failure, your application will be held for 90 days. After 90 days or after three failed exams, you will have to submit a new application and pay another fee. If you find the DMV written test difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.