CDL General Knowledge Test
Licensing rules: practice questions
Our CDL General Knowledge bank has 23 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
What is the 14-hour rule for property-carrying drivers?
- You must rest 14 hours each day
- You must drive 14 hours a day
- You may not drive after the 14th hour after coming on duty, following 10 hours off
- You can drive 14 hours in a row
Show the answer
C. You may not drive after the 14th hour after coming on duty, following 10 hours off — Off-duty time does not extend the 14-hour window.
Question 2
Since February 2022, what must most first-time Class A or B CDL applicants complete before the skills test?
- A college degree
- Entry-level driver training (ELDT) from a registered provider
- Nothing extra
- A full year riding as a passenger with a licensed CDL holder
Show the answer
B. Entry-level driver training (ELDT) from a registered provider — Training providers must be listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Question 3
Under the hours-of-service rules for property-carrying drivers, how many hours may you drive after 10 consecutive hours off duty?
- 16 hours
- 11 hours
- 8 hours
- 14 hours
Show the answer
B. 11 hours — You may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
Question 4
How many licenses may a commercial driver have?
- One per state
- Only one
- As many as needed
- Two
Show the answer
B. Only one — Having more than one license is illegal and can lead to a fine or jail.
Question 5
A vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver, below Class A or B weights, requires which license class?
- A regular driver's license
- Class B with a tank vehicle (N) endorsement added
- Class C, with a passenger (P) endorsement
- Class A only
Show the answer
C. Class C, with a passenger (P) endorsement — Class C also covers vehicles placarded for hazardous materials.