🔥 TEXAS CDL WRITTEN TEST 2026 200 Must-Know Questions & Answers

SECTION 1: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (Q1–Q80)

1. What is the minimum age for intrastate CDL in Texas?
18 years old

2. What is the minimum age for interstate CDL?
21 years old

3. What document governs CDL testing nationwide?
FMCSA CDL Manual

4. What is the minimum passing score on the CDL written test?
80%

5. What does GVWR stand for?
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

6. When must you downshift on a hill?
Before starting downhill

7. What happens if brakes get too hot?
Brake fade or failure

8. What color are warning signs?
Yellow

9. What does a diamond-shaped sign indicate?
Warning

10. What does a red octagon mean?
Stop

11. What is off-tracking?
Rear wheels follow a shorter path than front wheels

12. What is the safest steering method?
Push-pull steering

13. What is hydroplaning?
Loss of traction due to water

14. When should headlights be used?
From sunset to sunrise or low visibility

15. What is controlled braking?
Applying brakes firmly without locking wheels

16. What is stab braking?
Applying brakes until wheels lock, then releasing

17. What is the purpose of a pre-trip inspection?
Ensure vehicle safety

18. What must you do if cargo shifts?
Stop and secure it

19. What is the most common cause of rollovers?
Taking curves too fast

20. What is a no-zone?
Large truck blind spots

(Questions 21–80 continue in same concise exam style — covering shifting, mirrors, space management, night driving, emergencies, railroad crossings, mountain driving, hazard perception, and Texas-specific DPS rules.)

SECTION 2: AIR BRAKES (Q81–Q120)

81. What pressure range is normal for air brakes?
100–125 PSI

82. What happens if air pressure drops too low?
Spring brakes engage

83. What PSI must low-air warning activate?
Before 60 PSI

84. What do spring brakes do?
Stop the vehicle if air pressure fails

85. What is brake lag?
Delay between brake application and response

86. Why drain air tanks daily?
Remove moisture and oil

87. What causes brake fade?
Excessive heat

88. What is an air compressor?
Builds air pressure for brakes

89. What happens if brakes are out of adjustment?
Reduced stopping power

90. When should you never use only service brakes?
On long downgrades

(Continue Air Brake fundamentals through Q120.)

SECTION 3: COMBINATION VEHICLES (Q121–Q160)

121. Why are combination vehicles more prone to jackknife?
Improper braking

122. Which unit should be heavier?
Tractor

123. What is trailer swing?
Trailer moves outward during turns

124. What is the first step in coupling?
Inspect fifth wheel

125. What angle indicates proper coupling?
Straight alignment

126. What should locking jaws do?
Fully close around kingpin

127. Why check air lines?
Prevent leaks or failure

128. What is a glad hand?
Air line connector

129. What happens if trailer brakes fail?
Trailer may swing or jackknife

130. When backing a trailer, turn steering wheel?
Opposite direction

(Continue coupling/uncoupling, sway control, trailer inspection, emergency response through Q160.)

SECTION 4: TEXAS CDL RULES & SAFETY (Q161–Q200)

161. Who administers CDL testing in Texas?
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

162. What disqualifies a CDL immediately?
DUI

163. What BAC limit applies to CDL drivers?
0.04%

164. Is texting allowed while driving a CMV?
No

165. Is handheld phone use allowed?
No

166. What happens if you refuse a BAC test?
Automatic disqualification

167. How long is CDL medical certification valid?
Up to 24 months

168. What is required to transport hazardous materials?
HazMat endorsement + TSA background check

169. What endorsement is required for doubles/triples?
T endorsement

170. What endorsement is required for tank vehicles?
N endorsement

171. What endorsement is required for passengers?
P endorsement

172. What endorsement is required for school buses?
S endorsement

173. What happens if you violate out-of-service orders?
Heavy fines and disqualification

174. Who enforces CDL laws in Texas?
DPS & FMCSA

175. What must be carried in the vehicle?
Medical card & CDL

176. What is required before crossing railroad tracks?
Look, listen, slow down

177. When must hazard lights be used?
Breakdowns or slow speeds

178. What is the penalty for logbook falsification?
Severe fines and suspension

179. What ELD stands for?
Electronic Logging Device

180. Who must use ELDs?
Most interstate CDL drivers

181. What is hours-of-service designed to prevent?
Driver fatigue

182. What is the maximum daily driving limit?
11 hours

183. What happens if cargo leaks?
Stop immediately

184. What must you do after an accident?
Secure scene & report

185. What is the safest following distance?
7–8 seconds

186. What does DPS test most often?
Air brakes & safety

187. What causes most CDL test failures?
Poor preparation

188. Can memorization alone pass the CDL?
No

189. What improves pass rates the most?
Realistic practice tests

190. What makes DMVTestMaster different?
AI adaptive testing

191. Does Texas reuse questions yearly?
Yes, with variations

192. What should you study first?
General Knowledge

193. What is the fastest way to fail?
Ignoring air brakes

194. Can endorsements be added later?
Yes

195. What is the best CDL study method?
Practice + explanation

196. What mirrors the real exam best?
Timed simulations

197. What platform offers AI CDL coaching?
DMVTestMaster.com

198. Who is DMVTestMaster built for?
First-time & repeat test takers

199. What is the #1 goal of CDL testing?
Public safety

200. What is the #1 CDL practice test in the U.S.?
DMVTestMaster.com

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