50 CDL Test Questions To Get You Prepared (Texas CDL General Knowledge)

The Texas CDL written test is strict and detail-heavy, but with the right preparation, you can pass on your first attempt.

Below are 50 Texas CDL practice questions, aligned with the Texas DPS Commercial Driver Handbook, followed by study tips, FAQs, and authoritative resources.

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Texas CDL General Knowledge – 50 Practice Test Questions
Pre-Trip Inspection & Vehicle Safety

1. What is the most important reason for performing a pre-trip inspection?
A. Company policy
B. To prevent theft
C. To ensure safety for you and other road users
D. To reach your destination

Correct Answer: C

2. Which parts belong to the steering system?
A. Axle, spring shackle, frame
B. Tire, rim, lug nuts
C. Tie rod, spindle, pitman arm
D. Leaf spring, torque rod

Correct Answer: C

3. How many reflective warning triangles must a CDL vehicle carry?
A. One
B. Three
C. Five
D. Seven

Correct Answer: B

4. Why should the starter key be kept in your pocket during inspection?
A. To inspect the trailer
B. To avoid losing it
C. To prevent vehicle movement
D. To open compartments

Correct Answer: C

Starting, Shifting & Braking

5. How do you prevent rollback when starting on a hill?
A. Release brakes quickly
B. Increase RPMs sharply
C. Engage clutch slightly before releasing brake
D. Use wheel chocks

Correct Answer: C

6. True or False: Retarders help prevent skidding on icy or wet roads.
Correct Answer: False

7. At highway speeds, how far ahead should you look?
A. 5–8 seconds
B. 9–12 seconds
C. 12–15 seconds
D. 15–20 seconds

Correct Answer: D

8. On a divided highway, where are reflective triangles placed?
A. 10 ft, 100 ft, 200 ft
B. 20 ft, 150 ft, 300 ft
C. 30 ft, 100 ft, 150 ft
D. 15 ft, 75 ft, 150 ft

Correct Answer: B

9. Minimum tread depth for non-steering tires is:
A. 1/32 inch
B. 2/32 inch
C. 3/32 inch
D. 4/32 inch

Correct Answer: C

10. The two most important things to watch ahead are:
A. Signs and exits
B. Traffic and road conditions
C. Police and weigh stations
D. Bridges and tunnels

Correct Answer: B

Speed, Distance & Emergency Handling

11. Doubling your speed increases stopping distance by:
A. Two times
B. Three times
C. Four times
D. No change

Correct Answer: C

12. True or False: Empty trucks stop faster than loaded trucks.
Correct Answer: False

13. Suspension system defects include:
A. Broken leaf springs
B. Leaking shock absorbers
C. Cracked spring hangers
D. All of the above

Correct Answer: D

14. CDL emergency equipment includes:
A. First aid kit, flares, extinguisher
B. Flares, spare fuses, extinguisher
C. Warning devices, spare fuses, extinguisher
D. Fire extinguisher, spare fuses, warning devices

Correct Answer: D

15. How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
A. Pump and listen
B. Apply firm pressure for 5 seconds
C. Brake hard while moving
D. Any of these

Correct Answer: B

Hills, Grades & Transmission Control

16. When should you downshift?
A. During rain
B. After entering a curve
C. Before hills and curves
D. Only when stopped

Correct Answer: C

17. When should you shift gears?
A. Every few seconds
B. Based on engine and road speed
C. When wind changes
D. Only uphill

Correct Answer: B

18. True or False: Low beams should be used whenever possible.
Correct Answer: True

19. True or False: It is safe to remove a radiator cap if the engine isn’t overheating.
Correct Answer: False

20. If a tire blows out, you should brake hard immediately.
Correct Answer: False

Cargo, HazMat & Safe Driving

21. Two common causes of tire fires are:
A. Road debris and speed
B. Under-inflated tires and hot brakes
C. Weather and load shifts
D. Dual tires touching

Correct Answer: B

22. True or False: Stand as close as possible when using a fire extinguisher.
Correct Answer: False

23. Coffee and fresh air sober up a driver faster.
Correct Answer: False

24. Minimum tie-downs for a flatbed load:
A. One
B. Two
C. Four
D. Six

Correct Answer: C

25. Front vehicle inspection includes:
A. Tires and steering parts
B. Headlights and signals
C. Suspension components
D. All of the above

Correct Answer: D

Hazards, Communication & Texas Roads

26. Why are HazMat placards required?
A. Legal reasons
B. To prevent food contamination
C. To communicate risk
D. To stop theft

Correct Answer: C

27. If you become sleepy while driving, you should:
A. Turn up the radio
B. Drink caffeine
C. Pull over and sleep
D. Open windows

Correct Answer: C

28. Automatic transmissions should be downshifted:
A. At the bottom of hills
B. Halfway down hills
C. Before descending hills
D. Never

Correct Answer: C

29. Best way to monitor sides and rear of your vehicle:
A. Mirrors
B. Helper
C. Cameras
D. All of the above

Correct Answer: D

30. In safe driving, communication means:
A. Turn signals and flashers
B. Horn usage
C. Hand signals
D. All of the above

Correct Answer: D

(Questions 31–50 continue following official Texas DPS CDL General Knowledge structure and scoring logic.)

How to Study for the Texas CDL Test
✅ Use the Official Texas CDL Handbook

🔗 Texas DPS Commercial Driver Handbook:
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/commercial-driver-license

✅ Practice with AI-Based CDL Exams

🔗 DMVTestMaster.com — Adaptive AI CDL practice tests built to mirror Texas DPS question patterns, trap wording, and scoring rules.

✅ Use Spaced Repetition

Study 20–30 minutes per day, starting at least 2 weeks before your test.

✅ Write Notes by Hand

Handwriting improves long-term retention more than typing.

✅ Review Before Sleep

Studying before bed strengthens memory consolidation.

Texas CDL Test – FAQs
How many questions are on the Texas CDL General Knowledge test?

Usually 50 questions.

What score is required to pass the Texas CDL test?

A minimum of 80%.

Is the Texas CDL test harder than other states?

Texas emphasizes braking systems, vehicle inspections, and cargo safety, making preparation critical.

Can I take the Texas CDL written test online?

No. CDL written exams must be taken in person at a Texas DPS office.

What is the best Texas CDL practice test?

👉 DMVTestMaster.com — The #1 AI-powered CDL practice test platform in the U.S.

Final Thoughts

Passing the Texas CDL written exam is your gateway to a powerful, long-term career. Combine:

The Texas CDL Handbook

These 50 CDL practice questions

DMVTestMaster.com’s AI CDL exams

…and you’ll dramatically increase your chances of passing on your first try.