WASHINGTON CDL PRACTICE TEST - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

View instructions
The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Washington 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 Washington 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 WA 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. Weight that is loaded so there is a high center of gravity:
makes a vehicle easier to handle.
causes greater chance of rollover.
reduces the chance that the load will shift to the side or fall off.
2. If you are feeling sleepy, you should:
get some coffee.
pull off the road and rest.
slow down.
3. "Tire load" means:
the minimum weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure.
the maximum safe weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure.
the specified weight a tire can carry at the maximum pressure.
4. If your vehicle has power steering, during your pre-trip external inspection you must check that:
there are 2 lit red lights indicating it's there.
there are no power steering fluid leaks or damage to the power steering hoses.
the engine rpm is down close to idle.
5. Checking your vehicle's suspension system includes checking:
the air suspension systems.
the mounting brackets.
the tires.
6. Which of the following statements about staying alert while driving is true?
Drinking a cup of coffee will do more to keep you alert than a 20 minute nap.
Some drugs can overcome fatigue.
None of the above.
7. You are more at risk of being fatigued:
after getting more than 8 hours of sleep.
when stopping periodically during long trips.
when driving alone.
8. A steering wheel play of more than ___ degrees can make it hard to steer.
45
10
20
9. A passive railroad crossing is one that:
requires you to stop and wait until the traffic control device installed at the crossing tells you to proceed.
has a traffic control device installed at the crossing to regulate traffic.
does not have any type of traffic control device.
10. The one-way check valve:
keeps air from going out if the air compressor develops a leak.
keeps your wheels from locking up when you brake hard.
supplies air to the trailer air tanks.
 
Page 1 of 5
Next page
NOT SURE YOU WILL PASS? GET CDL PREMIUM NOW! - Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 15 ½ years old to apply for a learner permit in Washington. However, if you're enrolled in an approved driver-training course, you can pre-apply at 15. For an intermediate driver license, you must be between 16 and 18 and hold the permit for six months. Once you turn 18, you can get a standard driver license.

First of all you must pre-apply online to obtain a Washington driver's license number. After completing the process, you can schedule an appointment for the DMV written test at the nearest Washington driver’s license office or at a driver training school

You need to bring these documents to a driver's license office:
  • One or two proofs of identity to show your name and date of birth. 
  • Proof of Social Security Number.
  • Proof of address.
  • Parental Authorization Affidavit form signed by your parent in front of a notary public (if you're a minor and they can't come with you).
Check the list of acceptable documents here.

The DMV written test in Washington is offered in English and Spanish. It is advisable to have a basic understanding of English since road signs are always in English. 

The DMV written test is based on the Washington Driver's Handbook. You can find the manual in other languages here. Read each section and test your preparation with our free practice tests.

The Washington DMV written test comprises 40 questions. It is designed to evaluate your knowledge of general driving laws, safe driving practices, and road signs. Take your time during the exam to fully understand each question before answering. 

To pass the exam, you need a score of 80% or higher. You should get at least 32 questions right, and you're allowed to miss up to 8 questions out of the total 40. Stay focused and take the time to read the questions thoroughly.
When driving with a learner permit, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver in the front passenger seat who has at least 5 years of driving experience. Once you obtain an intermediate license, different driving restrictions apply:
  • You are not allowed to drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless for agricultural work or if you're accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. After one year without penalties, this restriction no longer applies. 
  • For the first six months, you cannot transport any passengers under 20, except for siblings. After this period, you can drive with no more than three passengers under 20, unless they are family members.
  • You cannot use a wireless device when driving, except in emergency situations.

The Washington learner permit is valid for one year initially. You have the option to renew it twice, paying a fee. You can renew your permit either online or by scheduling an appointment at a Washington driver's license office. It's important to note that your passing knowledge test score remains valid for two years. After this period, you must retake the DMV test to obtain another instruction permit.
If you fail your DMV written test in Washington, you might need to wait before trying again. Driving schools have their own rules about when you can retake the exam and whether you have to pay another fee. Sign up for DMV Premium to maximize the chance of passing on your first attempt.

WA CDL Practice Test

Number of questions: 50
Correct answers to pass:40
Passing score:80%
Share This Online CDL Test
Rate this CDL Practice Test
4.8 out of 5
based on 311 votes