Free tool
CDL practice test (general knowledge)
This free CDL practice test has 30 multiple-choice questions on the general knowledge topics every CDL applicant is tested on: inspection, speed and space, hazards, emergencies, alcohol and cargo. Each answer shows the reason and the section of the California Commercial Driver Handbook it comes from; it is practice, not the official test.
Ready?
30 questions, shown one at a time in a random order. After each answer you see whether it is right, why, and the handbook section to reread.
Score so far: 0 of 0 answered
Practice questions written for this site, not the official test. Your state's CDL manual and knowledge test decide.
Source: California DMV, California Commercial Driver Handbook, 2019 to 2021 edition, Sections 2 and 3 (dmv.ca.gov/web/eng_pdf/comlhdbk.pdf). Questions written by High Point GPS from the handbook text. Checked November 5, 2026.
Study the manual, then test yourself
Every CDL applicant takes the general knowledge test. The California Commercial Driver Handbook, like the manuals of most states, follows the AAMVA model CDL manual, and its Section 2 says it holds the knowledge and safe driving information all CDL holders should know, and that you must pass a test on it to get a CDL. These questions were written for this site from passages of Sections 2 and 3, so a wrong answer points you to the exact section to reread. Your own state's manual and knowledge test decide.
After the CDL: tools that help new drivers
High Point GPS provides ELD hours of service logs and electronic DVIR inspections for drivers, and GPS tracking that records trips, distance, idle time and engine hours for the fleet, so a new driver starts with clean logs and inspections from day one.
Get a quoteFour tips for the CDL knowledge test
Read your state's CDL manual first: these questions follow the California edition, and states add their own rules.
Reread the section shown under every question you miss, not only the answer.
Retake the test in a new order until you get every question right twice.
Check which endorsement tests you need too (air brakes, combination, hazmat, tank, passenger): each has its own section.
Questions about the CDL practice test
- Is this the official CDL knowledge test?
- No. It is a practice test written for this site from passages of the California Commercial Driver Handbook. It does not reuse an official question bank, and passing it does not count for anything. Your state's licensing agency writes and scores the real knowledge test, and its CDL manual is the reference to study.
- Which manual are the questions based on?
- The California Commercial Driver Handbook, 2019 to 2021 edition, published by the California DMV at dmv.ca.gov. Most states base their CDL manual on the AAMVA model manual, so the general knowledge topics are much the same, but each state adds its own laws and test rules. Study the current manual from your own state.
- What does the CDL general knowledge test cover?
- The California handbook says Section 2, Driving Safely, holds the knowledge all CDL holders should know and that you must pass a test on it to get a CDL. It covers vehicle inspection, basic control, seeing, speed and space, hazards, night, winter and mountain driving, emergencies, skids, crashes, fires and alcohol. Section 3 covers cargo.
- Is my score saved or sent anywhere?
- No. The test runs entirely in your browser, and your answers are not sent to us or stored. Reloading the page or pressing the shuffle button starts a new attempt with the questions in a new order, so you can repeat it as often as you like until the sections you missed feel familiar.
- How does High Point GPS help new CDL drivers?
- Once you drive, the rules become daily work: hours of service logs, inspections and trip records. High Point GPS provides ELD hours of service logs and electronic DVIR inspections, and GPS tracking that records trips, distance, idle time and engine hours for the fleet. We support drivers and fleet managers in English and French.